Infectious abortion disease in pigs is one of the major challenges in breeding pig production, as the cause can stem from many environmental factors. Let’s explore with Vemedim how to recognize early signs, implement appropriate preventive measures, and manage the sow herd to minimize the risk of abortion and economic losses for farmers right away.
Causes of infectious abortion disease in pigs
Infectious abortion in pigs is a dangerous disease caused by the bacterium Brucella suis, mainly affecting the reproduction and growth performance of the pig herd. Brucella suis has 5 strains, each causing disease in different animal species, of which strains 1 and 3 commonly cause disease in farm pigs, accounting for the majority of cases worldwide.
Causes of the disease
- Although it does not spread rapidly, the disease causes serious reproductive and economic consequences.
- Infected boars can transmit the bacteria through semen, causing artificially inseminated sows to abort.
- The disease can spread to humans, affecting the nervous and reproductive systems, and there is no definitive treatment in humans.
Transmission mechanism
Understanding the transmission mechanism helps control the disease effectively and prevent outbreaks from spreading.
- Brucella suis spreads through direct contact between sick and healthy pigs.
- It spreads from boars to sows through mating or artificial insemination.
- It spreads through secretions and contaminated equipment.
- It is not airborne; transmission is mainly through direct contact.
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Clinical symptoms of infectious abortion disease
Symptoms in pigs usually appear sporadically and are difficult to detect, especially in outdoor free-range systems.
In sows
These signs are early warnings of the risk of spread within the herd, with symptoms in sows as follows:
- Early or late abortion, stillbirth, premature farrowing, weak piglets.
- Abnormal vaginal discharge, mixed with blood or pus.
- Uterine inflammation.
In boars
Boars are an important source of infection because the bacteria reside in semen, with symptoms including:
- Swollen, inflamed testes, which may atrophy after 18 weeks.
- Bones and joints are affected, causing pigs to walk lame or become paralyzed in the hindquarters.
Diagnosis and treatment of infectious abortion disease
Clinical observation should be combined with laboratory testing to help diagnose the disease accurately and promptly:
- Suspicious signs: abortion, swollen testes, lameness, paralysis.
- Test samples: fetus, semen, testes, lymph nodes, joint fluid, blood.
- Serological tests: complement fixation test, ELISA, culture.
Note:
- It is advisable to test multiple animals in the herd (at least 10) to reduce result bias.
- Do not necropsy pigs that died from the disease to avoid transmission to humans.
Infectious abortion disease caused by Brucella suis is difficult to treat with antibiotics, so control and prevention should be prioritized. Early detection and culling of infected animals is the most effective method.
Prevention solutions for infectious abortion disease
Currently, there is no effective vaccine for pigs, so prevention is the most effective way to protect the herd and limit the spread of Brucella suis because the disease is difficult to eradicate completely. Preventive measures include herd management, reproductive control, hygiene, and personal protection.
Herd management and biosecurity
- Strictly disinfect barns with Vemedim Altacid.
- Isolate pigs suspected of infection.
- Screen boars before mating or artificial insemination.
- Remove secretions, dead piglets, feed, and contaminated equipment.
- Limit direct contact between sick and healthy pigs.
Prevention for people
People directly caring for infected pigs need strict preventive measures to avoid infection:
- Wear protective clothing and wash hands after leaving the farm.
- Wear gloves when handling sick pigs or secretions.
- Protect the eyes and any open wounds.
Medication and local treatment
These measures help reduce secondary infections and improve hygiene but do not replace disease control. Measures include:
- Broad-spectrum antibiotics (amoxicillin, tiamulin, spectinomycin...) such as Vemedim Anagin C to reduce fever, relieve pain, and reduce inflammation, and support mixed infections with Doxyflor 20-20 - used to treat respiratory and digestive infections, but it does not kill Brucella suis.
- Disinfect the uterus with iodine solution or administer local antibiotics if there is vaginal discharge mixed with blood/pus.
To effectively control infectious abortion disease in pigs, farmers need to implement synchronized measures: early diagnostic monitoring, reproductive management, and regular barn sanitation and disinfection. When these steps are carried out seriously, the ability to protect the sow herd from the risk of abortion will be significantly improved, while also increasing productivity and the economic efficiency of the pig house. Don’t forget to contact Vemedim to receive technical support from Vemedim experts when needed!
