Swine flu - Signs of recognition, effective treatment methods

In pig farming, understanding infectious diseases is extremely important to minimize losses in both livestock numbers and economic value. When signs such as high fever, dry cough, nasal discharge, difficulty breathing, and sudden loss of appetite appear, the herd may very likely be affected by swine flu. Vemedim would like to share with farmers how to recognize it early, handle it properly, and build an effective disease-prevention system to keep pigs healthy.

Causes of swine flu

Swine flu is caused by type A swine influenza virus, with many dangerous strains such as H1N1, H1N2, and H3N2. This is an RNA virus that can mutate rapidly and easily generate new strains, increasing the risk of outbreaks.

The disease commonly occurs in piglets from 1-5 weeks old due to weak resistance, but it can also occur in adult pigs. The virus spreads mainly through the respiratory route, when sick pigs cough, sneeze, or have nasal discharge, making healthy pigs easy to infect. In addition, the virus can survive in leftover feed, waste, and farming equipment, posing a risk of reinfection if the barn is not properly cleaned.

*Swine flu originates from many dangerous type A influenza virus strains such as H1N1, H1N2, and H3N2*

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Clinical symptoms of swine flu

Early recognition of symptoms and applying appropriate treatment measures is the most effective way to protect the herd. The incubation period is usually 2-5 days. When pigs become ill, symptoms appear quickly and directly affect growth and health, including:

High fever: 40-42°C, causing pigs to become tired and less active
Fatigue, lethargy, loss of appetite: pigs lose interest in eating and drinking, leading to rapid weight loss
Coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing: clearly seen when the virus attacks the respiratory tract
Red skin and mucous membranes: reflects inflammation and acute infection

+ Dangerous feature: High mortality in piglets (1-5 weeks old) due to severe pneumonia, bronchitis, or secondary diseases. Adult pigs have a lower mortality rate (4-5%) but still serve as a source of infection for the herd.

+ Pregnant sows infected with the virus: may easily lead to miscarriage or the birth of stunted, slow-growing piglets, causing long-term effects on the breeding herd.

*Pigs with flu are often tired, lethargic, off feed, feverish, short of breath, wheezing, ...*

Typical lesions when pigs are infected

When necropsying sick pigs, lesions in the respiratory system and related organs are very clear as follows:

The bronchi and lungs contain a lot of exudative mucus and foam, causing airway obstruction
The bronchial mucosa shows red congestion, reflecting severe inflammation
Lung lymph nodes and bronchial lymph nodes are swollen, hindering blood and air circulation
Bronchioles are obstructed by fluid and fibrin, causing difficulty breathing
Severely affected pigs: gray-red congested pulmonary lobules, swollen red nasal mucosa, and heavy discharge

How to handle when swine flu is detected

Swine flu has no specific treatment, but losses can be reduced through supportive care and prevention of secondary infections. Specifically:

Step 1: Clean the barn

Inside the barn: spray G-OMNICIDE (2-3 ml/1 liter of water) or G-ALDEKOL DES FF (15 ml/1 liter of water), once daily
Outside the barn: spread lime powder and create barriers to keep other animals out
Sick pigs: strictly isolate them, and caregivers should wear protective gear
Waste: use MEN Ủ VI SINH (1 kg/100 m²) to sprinkle directly on manure and waste

Step 2: Treat symptoms

Reduce fever: inject ANALGIN+C (1 ml/10 kg), ANTIPAIN (1 ml/20-25 kg) or KETO 1000 (1 ml/33 kg)
Reduce coughing and loosen phlegm: inject BROM MAX (1 ml/10 kg)

Step 3: Prevent secondary infections and boost resistance

Protocol 1-4: inject preventive antibiotics, combined with Gluco K-C and Gatosal to increase resistance
In addition, mix feed with β-GLUCAN 50 + Gluco K+C to help the herd stay healthy, reduce stress, and lower the risk of infection.

*There is still no definitive treatment for swine flu; the main approach is supportive care and preventing spread*

How to prevent swine flu

Prevention is always the top priority because swine flu spreads quickly and is difficult to treat specifically. Below are effective methods:

Hygiene and biosecurity

Isolate new pigs for at least 3 weeks before introducing them into the herd for disease monitoring.
Do not keep pigs of different ages in the same pen; prevent contact with poultry, birds, and rats.
Thoroughly handle waste and leftover feed.
Clear bushes, and spread lime powder around the barn and walkways.
Disinfect regularly with Vemedim Altacid, once a week.

Use vaccines

Periodic swine flu vaccination helps the herd develop active immunity and reduces the risk of outbreaks.

Boost resistance

Herbal electrolyte Vemedim Vime-Electrolyte helps cool the body, replenish electrolytes, and boost resistance.
Use Sorbitol B12: detoxifies the liver and kidneys, protecting liver and kidney function.
Use the enzyme Celzym or Vemedim Bactozyme to improve digestion, balance intestinal microflora, and reduce barn odor.

*One effective way to prevent swine flu is to vaccinate the herd regularly against flu*

Swine flu is a potential and difficult-to-control risk in livestock farming. Early recognition of symptoms, along with hygiene, isolation, vaccination, and boosting resistance, is the most effective way to protect the herd. When these measures are applied synchronously, farmers can minimize losses, maintain a healthy herd, and improve productivity. Farmers should keep barns clean, isolate sick pigs, and consult Vemedim to build a comprehensive management and disease-prevention strategy.