Erysipelas disease in pigs
Pigs, like all representatives of the animal world, are susceptible to a host of diseases. One of the most dangerous diseases is erysipelas in pigs. Animals that have not been vaccinated at the age of 3-12 months are at risk.
Pig erysipelas
Erysipelas in pigs occurs due to the bacterium erysipelotrix insidion, which is dangerous not only for animals, but also for humans, which should be remembered by everyone who is raising piglets. The causative agent of pig erysipelas does not lend itself to thermal influence, therefore, the meat of infected individuals cannot be eaten. Many farmers compare pig erysipelas with Aujeszky's disease.
Every pig breeder should know what symptoms and treatment should be given to the animal when a disease is detected. First of all, you need to find out what the erysipelas looks like in young pigs by examining a photo or video.
Causes of the disease
Erysipelas is an infectious disease that can be transmitted from other host individuals. In addition to pigs, the bacteria are carried by birds, rodents, insects. The disease is also transmitted through food, manure, and care items previously used for a sick animal.
The bacterium lives in the soil, is activated in the warm season, and therefore the disease is seasonal.
The first symptoms manifest themselves in the form of a significant increase in temperature (up to 42 ° C), problems with movement appear (the infection affects the hind legs of the animal). Less common symptoms include decreased activity, stool problems, refusal to eat, and conjunctivitis. Another of the most striking manifestations of the disease is the appearance of erythema on the skin.
As soon as red spots began to form on the pig's skin, it must be transferred to a separate room, away from relatives. Such skin defects disappear even after a full course of treatment and recovery of the animal. Erysipelas sometimes becomes chronic, gradually causing severe depletion of the pig's body. Endocarditis also appears, skin death occurs.
At the first suspicion of the presence of an ailment, you should contact your veterinarian. The specialist will conduct a series of tests, study the clinical picture of swine erysipelas disease, and make a final diagnosis.
Forms of the disease
The disease manifests itself in several forms.
Active form of the disease
It manifests itself in pigs very rarely, most often piglets, whose age is from 7 to 10 months, are subject to it. Basically, the lightning stage of erysipelas, begins due to improper maintenance: growing a large number of individuals in a small room.
Symptoms of active erysipelas in pigs:
- increased body temperature;
- lack of appetite;
- heart failure.
With this course of the disease, death occurs within 2-4 hours after infection.
Acute form of the disease
The acute form of pig erysipelas is manifested by the following symptoms:
- an increase in body temperature up to 43 ° C;
- chills;
- lack of appetite;
- weakness;
- thirst.
In addition, a sick pig may develop gastrointestinal problems, diarrhea, and constipation.Also, an acute form of infection causes the appearance of conjunctivitis, the pig cannot stand on its feet, buries itself in the litter, its skin takes on a bluish tint, spots of a red-burgundy or pink color appear on it. If left untreated, the pig dies in 2-4 days.
Subacute form of the disease
Signs:
- body temperature 41 ° C;
- the appearance of rashes or spots on the skin;
- decreased appetite;
- thirst;
- vision and stool problems.
If the erysipelas in pigs is confirmed, after infection, after a few days, the spots begin to increase, resembling squares of 1-4 cm in size, they will darken, acquiring a purple color.
Timely treatment of erysipelas in pigs ensures recovery in 7-14 days, the spots become discolored and it is almost impossible to notice them.
Chronic form of the disease
This form is either a result of the previous ones, or is transmitted from a pregnant mother to a cub. The disease affects the work of the heart, joints and causes the death of skin areas
Disease prevention
Erysipelas in small pigs is difficult, and therefore their treatment should be given priority attention.
First of all, all individuals who have not yet become infected with the infection are vaccinated. Vaccination against erysipelas in pigs today is the only effective system for combating this disease. There is even a whole science of epizootology, which studies the manifestation of the epizootic process during which the infection affects a large number of animals.
There is also a live dry graft from the BP-2 strain. The vaccine against swine erysipelas is produced from the production strain BP-2 Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae. It is packaged in ampoules or in special bottles and dried. You can recognize such a vaccine by its characteristic light appearance.
This drug forms resistance to the causative agent of infection and is safe for animals of any age.
It is necessary to use this tool clearly in agreement with the doctor and having previously studied the instructions for use. The vaccine is given intramuscularly. Syringes must be disposable and sterile. An alcoholic lotion is required to administer the drug. Young animals after weaning are immunized twice: the first time, starting from the age of 2 months and again after 25-30 days. The next vaccination is carried out in 5 months.
For individuals older than 4 months, the drug is administered once, and then the procedure is repeated after 5 months. Females are given the vaccine 30-35 days before farrowing. If there is a threat of an epidemic on the farm and the individuals fall ill, the drug is administered regardless of when it was put before. To avoid spreading the infection, infected individuals are isolated. When the animals are completely cured, the next vaccine can be given no earlier than 2 weeks later.
It is very important to monitor the condition of the livestock after the vaccination. In some cases, there are minor ailments.
In order for the cattle to get sick as little as possible, it is necessary to observe preventive measures and cleanliness in the premises. The pen should be treated once a week using bleach and formaldehyde solution.
Drinkers and feeders should be checked daily for contamination. If dirt gets into the feed, it is better to replace it.
Liquid mash should be given in minimal quantities, and if the animal cannot eat them, they are not given again such food. Individuals should be fed so that the necessary elements and vitamins are enough.
When keeping a whole herd of pigs, it is advisable to invite a veterinarian to the farm and immediately vaccinate the necessary individuals, conduct a preventive examination. They do this at least once every 6 months, even if the herd is not worried about anything.
When working with any animal, the farmer is advised to wear protective clothing and gloves. The field of work with an infected individual is completely disinfected.
Treatment of the disease
If laboratory diagnostics have been carried out and the disease has been confirmed, you need to start treatment.How to treat erysipelas in pigs? At home, the signs of erysipelas are removed from the pig, the temperature is lowered, toxins and the pathogen are removed from the body. Basically, veterinarians prescribe antibiotics of the penicillin group, they must be used together with serum against swine erysipelas. One ampoule of the antibiotic is diluted with all known saline and administered to a sick pig during the first days after infection. The next day, 2 more of the same injections are carried out with a difference of 6 hours.
In addition to the usual penicillin, it is allowed to use several of its derivatives: potassium and sodium salt, bicillin 3 and 5.
It is recommended to administer heart medications to the pig in parallel with antibiotics, but it is better to discuss their dosage with your veterinarian. They are also treated with bicillin. On the basis of numerous studies, employees have established that bicillin-3 at a dose of 20,000-40,000 U / kg protects the piglet from the erysipelas pathogen for 72 hours. At home, on the recommendation of a veterinarian, it is used for prophylaxis.
Serum is considered the main means of fighting erysipelas of pigs. The vaccine against swine erysipelas is administered intramuscularly, the volume depends on the weight of the animal. The exact dosage will be prompted by the doctor or the instructions for use issued with the drug. The serum is injected daily for 5-7 days.
It is impossible to independently choose a treatment regimen and prescribe drugs. All medications are selected by the veterinarian individually, taking into account the characteristics of the organism of each individual.