Actinobacillosis - Pig Flashcards

Question	Answer		Article
What causes actinobacillosis in pigs?	Actinobacillus suis - a beta-haemolytic Gram-negative bacterium.		Link to Article
Is actinobacillosis a zoonosis?	It is not considered a zoonosis but there has been a report of human infection after a pig bite		Link to Article
What herds are more susceptible to A.suis?	High health status herds with lower immune challenges.		Link to Article
What environmental factors can exacerbate this disease?	Temperature fluctuation High humidity Mixing of pigs of different ages Overcrowding Genetic make up and immune status can also influence infectivity rate and clinical signs.		Link to Article
What age ranges of pigs are affected by this disease?	The disease affects suckling, weanling and fattening pigs, and adult pigs and it is thought that it colonises piglets within the first three weeks of life.		Link to Article
What clinical signs can be associated with actinobacillosis?	Lethargy, depression, erysipelas-like lesions, abscesses, haemorrhage, vomiting/regurgitation and lameness, multiple joint swelling, dysphagia, lymphadenopathy, anorexia, unthriftiness, pneumonia and sudden death Cardiorespiratory signs -tachycardia, murmurs, changes in heart rate, purulent or serous occulonasal discharges, sneezing, coughing, abnormal lung sounds, dyspnoea, cyanosis and open mouthed breathing Aural purulent mucoid discharge,rubbing and scratching their ears and deafness Neurological signs such as head tilt, circling, temors, paraparesis and ataxia Occular signs such as corneal oedema and ulceration In sows it can cause agalactia, mastitis, abortions, still births or weak piglets.		Link to Article
How can actinobacillus be diagnosed?	By the isolation of A. suis, from culturing infected tissue.		Link to Article
What can be seen on post mortem with this disease?	Serous or fibrinous exudates in the thorax and pericardium Ecchymotic haemorrhages in kidneys, lungs, liver, spleen and other organisms		Link to Article
What are the differential diagnosis for actinobacillosis in pigs?	Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae Erysipelas Glasser's Disease Streptococcus suis Mulberry Heart Disease		Link to Article
How is actinobacillosis in pigs treated?	Ceftioufur, gentamicin and trimethoprim/sulfadiazine (good sensitivity) Ampicillin, neomycin, sulfadimethoxine and tiamulin (moderate sensitivity) Culture and sensitivity is recommended.		Link to Article
How is actinobacillosis in pigs controlled?	Currently there is no commercial vaccine for A. suis. Routine biosecurity and disinfection should be followed and maintained.		Link to Article

Further links

Actinobacillus suis

Actinobacillus suis Flashcards