Effects of blue-eared pig disease on a breeding and fattening unit
Gordon, S.C.
Veterinary Record 130(23): 513-514
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4900 PMID: 1641968 Document Number: 389128
In a 400-sow unit, a group of sows in the farrowing house became anorexic 28 days after the arrival of gilts from a source later found to be infected by blue-eared pig disease (BEPD); the gilts showed no evidence of the disease. Within a week, over 10% of sows in different houses had been anorexic, usually for only 24 to 48 h. After one sow aborted and one had a prolonged farrowing with dead piglets, paired blood samples were collected; the presence of the BEPD agent in the unit was confirmed by seroconversions. In the next few weeks the number of sows farrowing prematurely rose from the normal level of 20% to 76%, the number and percentages of piglets born dead rose slightly, but the pre-weaning mortality increased markedly. At birth litters contained from 10 to 100% small, weak piglets many of which were clinically abnormal with a hunched-up posture, laboured respiration, hindlimb paresis or 'splay legs'; a mild scour affected many litters. Typically affected piglets had a slightly domed forehead with ears held back and down. Many affected, as well as apparently normal piglets, died within the first week of life. Sows were lethargic, occasionally pyrexic and many showed 2 anorexic incidents; 2 sows died. Returns to service rose significantly, the conception rate indicator dropped and the number of mummified piglets born rose. Four months after the first signs of the disease the after effects of BEPD were still identifiable. Treatment with salicylic acid, flunixin, oral electrolytes and prophylactic antibiotics were considered to have been beneficial.