Mycoplasma Pneumonia in Pigs
Another common disease in pigs is Mycoplasma Pneumonia. This chronic respiratory disease causes persistent dry cough and growth retardation in pigs. The disease is caused by Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and forms lesions in your pig’s lungs.
Due to the severity of the disease, your pigs will be susceptible to secondary infections such as Actinobacillus pleuropneumonia. Enzootic pneumonia mainly affects growers and finishers and is spread through nose-to-nose contact with infected pigs.
Aspiration pneumonia also affects the lungs and is caused by inhaling food or water through the airways instead of swallowing it.
Causes of Mycoplasma Pneumonia
This respiratory disease is spread via nose-to-nose contact and from inhaling the bacteria (the microorganism is airborne). One of the leading transmissions of this disease is from the sow to piglets through suckling.
The bacteria can travel over 5 miles as an aerosol. Your pig can be infected with mycoplasma pneumonia for up to 8 weeks before symptoms show.
Symptoms of Mycoplasma Pneumonia
Here are some telltale symptoms to watch out for if your pig has Mycoplasma pneumonia:
- Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
- Sneezing
- Dry cough
- Retarded growth
- Fever
Treating Mycoplasma Pneumonia
The best way to ease the symptoms of an infected pig is by injecting them with long-acting Oxytetracycline, Penicillin, or Streptomycin. Sadly there is no successful treatment to eliminate the disease.
Prevention is always better than cure, so ensure you keep up to date with vaccinations and avoid overcrowding your pig’s living area. As a preventative measure, you can add Tetracyclines to your pig’s feed for extra immunity. Keep your pig’s living environment clean and hygienic.
Mature pigs usually fully recover from Mycoplasma pneumonia. However, it’s important to note that the virus can remain in your pig’s respiratory tract for around 7 months, so quarantine appropriately.
My Most Used Pig Supplies
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Purina Pig Chow will last well (or Mazuri is popular, but I haven’t tried it), and the stainless steel non-skid bowls that will help keep the mess down.
A pig blanket to keep her warm. This one also has bright colors and helps to provide rooting without the destruction.
Pig Harness for walking and handling your pig. There are a lot to choose from, but this one is pretty easy to use. If you want one that has a separate leash, this looks like a good one.
A large crate for keeping her safe in your house at night and when you leave the house. This is essential. You’ll also want a litterbox, and I like mine with a lid for nighttime. Pine shavings are best, and you may be able to find them in larger quantities locally.
When you have accidents, Odoban will help eliminate odors. When you are potty training, these floor pads work great for keeping your house clean while training her to go in certain places.
You’ll also want an outdoor house to keep her warm when she gets outside time, an essential part of her development.
Dewormer- Ivermectin is the primary dewormer I use, although I do rotate with a non-ivermect ingredient once so that the worms don’t get immune to it.