Difference between revisions of "Pig Pox"
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''[[Haematopinus suis]]'', is the only louse of pigs and this is the vector for [[African Swine Fever]] and Swinepox. The disease can also be transmitted through skin abrasions or through injuries caused when fighting. | ''[[Haematopinus suis]]'', is the only louse of pigs and this is the vector for [[African Swine Fever]] and Swinepox. The disease can also be transmitted through skin abrasions or through injuries caused when fighting. | ||
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== Signalment == | == Signalment == | ||
Pigs of any age, breed or sex can be affected by the disease, however it is uncommon in piglets. | Pigs of any age, breed or sex can be affected by the disease, however it is uncommon in piglets. | ||
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== Clinical Signs == | == Clinical Signs == | ||
Signs on the skin include small circular red areas around 10-20mm in diameter that commence with lesion containing straw-coloured fluid in the centre. After two to three days the lesion ruptures and a scab is formed which gradually turns black. The lesions may be seen on any part of the body but are common along the flank, abdomen and occasionally the ears. A secondary dermatitis may occur if contaminated by bacteria. | Signs on the skin include small circular red areas around 10-20mm in diameter that commence with lesion containing straw-coloured fluid in the centre. After two to three days the lesion ruptures and a scab is formed which gradually turns black. The lesions may be seen on any part of the body but are common along the flank, abdomen and occasionally the ears. A secondary dermatitis may occur if contaminated by bacteria. | ||
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== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
Revision as of 23:33, 27 March 2011
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Also known as: Swinepox
Introduction
Pig pox is of the family Poxviridae, which is a double stranded DNA virus, which causes cell proliferation followed by a central necrosis, leading to the presence of a typical 'pock' lesion. The virus can survive off the pig or off the louse for long periods of time and is resistant to many environmental changes.
Haematopinus suis, is the only louse of pigs and this is the vector for African Swine Fever and Swinepox. The disease can also be transmitted through skin abrasions or through injuries caused when fighting.
Signalment
Pigs of any age, breed or sex can be affected by the disease, however it is uncommon in piglets.
Clinical Signs
Signs on the skin include small circular red areas around 10-20mm in diameter that commence with lesion containing straw-coloured fluid in the centre. After two to three days the lesion ruptures and a scab is formed which gradually turns black. The lesions may be seen on any part of the body but are common along the flank, abdomen and occasionally the ears. A secondary dermatitis may occur if contaminated by bacteria.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is usually by the presence of characteristic lesions. It can be confused with greasy pig disease or pustular dermatitis, but closer inspection will show evidence of pock lesions.
Treatment and Control
Lice control is an important control mechanism as these are the main vector for the disease. Good hygiene protocols and management systems e.g. preventing mixing of pigs of different ages to prevent fighting etc are useful control measures.
There are no vaccines available as the disease is not considered serious enough to warrant the production of one.
References
Bridger, J and Russel, P (2007) Virology Study Guide, Royal Veterinary College
Cowart, R.P. and Casteel, S.W. (2001) An Outline of Swine diseases: a handbook, Wiley-Blackwell
Straw, B.E. and Taylor, D.J. (2006) Disease of Swine, Wiley-Blackwell
Taylor, D.J. (2006) Pig Diseases (Eighth edition), St Edmundsbury Press ltd