Some Bacterial And Parasitical Pig Diseases

An overview of eperythrozoonosis, Clostridium perfringens Type C, ascariosis and Glasser’s disease.

The following are diseases which often affect piglets

Mycoplasma haemosuis (Eperythrozoonosis) Eperythrozoonosis is caused by Mycoplasma haemosuis, which breaks down red blood cells. It’s mainly found in countries where porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is present, and so is fairly uncommon in South Africa.

Piglets can be infected while in utero, and are thus born with the disease. The most noticeable sign in newborn piglets, up to the age of five days, is a pale white or yellow-coloured appearance due to jaundice. The disease does not only affect piglets, and can also be present in growing swine. Infected sows develop anaemia, as well as fever, which can result in abortions and stillbirths.

The disease can be spread by lice, infected needles or the ingestion of the secretions, such as blood and urine, of affected animals. The disease is diagnosed through a blood smear.

Treatment: Infected animals are treated with antibiotics.

Clostridium perfringens Type C The bacteria colonise the large intestine of newborn piglets within 12 to 24 hours after birth. It damages the cells lining the intestinal wall, and releases toxins that are then absorbed into the rest of the piglet’s body.