Mulberry Heart Disease

Occurs in pigs fed a diet deficient in Vitamin E/Selenium. Exact aetiology unknown but the lack of free radical scavenging allows haemorrhage into the myocardium. Characteristic linear and ecchymotic haemorrages are seen under the visceral pericarium and haermorrhage extends between the fibres, leading to myocardial degeneration.

Clinically seen as sudden death in pigs 3-4 months of age. The fastest growing pigs are affected the most so disease is seen in those with the best condition.