Clinical signs/Symptoms
These are seen at a herd level when new infections first enter. There is wide spread coughing and up to 20% or more severely ill animals. The respiratory rate is elevated with some sows showing acute respiratory distress.
In herd breakdowns with enzootic pneumonia or actinobacillus pleuropneumonia mortality can be as high as 10 to 15% if prompt treatment is not undertaken. If a clinical picture of widespread, sudden and progressive respiratory disease develops, then suspect a herd breakdown with one of the above organisms.
Weaners and growers
Coughing.
Rapid breathing.
Dehydration.
Inappetence.
Discharges from the eyes – conjunctivitis.
Poor circulation.
Blue discoloration of the skin.
Loss of condition.
Huddling.
Fever.
Sows
Widespread coughing.
Some sows obviously very ill.
Respiratory rate is elevated, some showing acute respiratory distress.
Piglets
Coughing.
Heavy breathing.
Loss of condition.
Dehydration.
Diagnosis
This is based on the clinical signs of coughing, rapid breathing a high temperature and post-mortem examinations. At an individual level sows may develop pneumonia due to infectious agents already in the herd. The introduction of swine influenza into a herd is usually dramatic, with large numbers of sows off their food over a period of 3 to 7 days. Wide spread coughing and depression may be seen. In the case of a breakdown with enzootic pneumonia (in a herd that was previously free) the onset may be insidious with some inappetence but a gradual spreading cough over a period of 2 to 3 weeks. It may also appear to develop rapidly affecting sows more severely. There is likely to be severe pneumonia and some mortality if the disease is not controlled. Laboratory tests involving serology and microbiology are necessary to identify the possible causes.
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