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==Introduction==

 

==Description==

'''Glasser's disease''' is caused by the bacteria ''[[Haemophilus parasuis]]''.  

'''Glasser's disease''' is caused by the bacteria ''[[Haemophilus parasuis]]''.  

It is a systemic condition affecting young pigs characterised by polyserositis, arthritis and meningitis. It is rapidly fatal in the acute form, in some cases animals die before the development of obvious lesions. In older pigs respiratory signs are most common such as bronchitis, other syndromes may also occur.  

It is a systemic condition affecting young pigs characterised by '''polyserositis, arthritis''' and '''meningitis'''. It is rapidly fatal in the acute form, in some cases animals die before the development of obvious lesions. In older pigs respiratory signs are most common such as bronchitis. Other syndromes may also occur.

==Signalment==

==Signalment==

The disease usually affects weanlings '''6-10 weeks old''' when maternal antibodies wane but it can affect pigs of any age, particularly naive pigs introduced into a herd or through exposure to a strain to which there is little immunity. The stress of mixing, weaning and adverse environmental conditions are predisposing factors.

The disease usually affects weanlings '''6-10 weeks old''' when maternal antibodies wane but it can affect pigs of any age, particularly naive pigs introduced into a herd or through exposure to a strain to which there is little immunity. The stress of mixing, weaning and adverse environmental conditions are predisposing factors.

The disease occurs '''worldwide''', it is endemic in most herds but incidence of clinical disease in the UK is sporadic due to widespread acquired resistance. Increased prevelance has been associated with [[Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome|PRRS]], [[Porcine Circoviruses|Circovirus]] and [[Swine Influenza|Swine Influenza.]]  

The disease occurs '''worldwide''', it is endemic in most herds but incidence of clinical disease in the UK is sporadic due to widespread acquired resistance. Increased prevalence has been associated with [[Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome|PRRS]], [[Porcine Circoviruses|Circovirus]] and [[Swine Influenza|Swine Influenza.]]  

Mortality is high where there is no immunity, for example outbreaks in specific pathogen-free herds.   

Mortality is high where there is no immunity, for example outbreaks in specific pathogen-free herds.   

===Clinical signs===

===Clinical signs===

*Pyrexia

*Pyrexia

*Dyspneoa with abdominal effort

*Dyspnoea with abdominal effort

*Anorexia

*Anorexia

*Cough  

*Cough  

*Sudden death

*Sudden death

Clinical signs develop rapidly, the disease is often fatal within 2-5 days. The skin becomes discoloured, turning red to blue before death. Expressed lesions vary between animals.

Clinical signs develop rapidly; the disease is often fatal within 2-5 days. The skin becomes discoloured, turning red to blue before death. Expressed lesions vary between animals.

Survivors or those affected by the chronic form of the disease show less severe clinical signs of weight loss and depression, they become lame with arthritis, develop congestive heart failure, pericarditis or intestinal obstruction due to formation of adhesions. Pregnant sows may abort their fetuses.  

Survivors or those affected by the chronic form of the disease show less severe clinical signs of weight loss and depression, they become lame with arthritis, develop congestive [[:Category:Heart Failure|heart failure]], [[Pericarditis|pericarditis]] or intestinal obstruction due to formation of adhesions. Pregnant sows may abort their fetuses.

===Pathology===

===Pathology===

On post mortem examination there is obvious pericarditis, [[Peritonitis|peritonitis]] and [[Pleural Cavity & Membranes Inflammatory - Pathology|pleuritis]] The lesions may be fibrinous with adhesions and thrombi.  

On post mortem examination there is obvious pericarditis, [[Peritonitis|peritonitis]] and [[Pleuritis|pleuritis]] The lesions may be fibrinous with adhesions and thrombi.  

In cases of fibrinous pericarditis there will also be signs of congestive heart failure such as pulmonary oedema, cardiomegally and hepatomegally.   

In cases of fibrinous pericarditis there will also be signs of congestive heart failure such as pulmonary oedema, cardiomegally and hepatomegally.   

   

   

The lungs show signs of suppurative bronchopneumonia and pleuritis.

The lungs show signs of suppurative bronchopneumonia and pleuritis.

There is also polyarthritis of the joints, they are inflammed with turbid yellow joint fluid and fibrin deposits in the joint cavity.

 

There is also polyarthritis of the joints, they are inflamed with turbid yellow joint fluid and fibrin deposits in the joint cavity.

==Treatment==

==Treatment==

An inactivated vaccine is available for protection against Glasser's disease, two doses should be given by IM injection 2-3 weeks apart before 10 weeks of age.  

An inactivated vaccine is available for protection against Glasser's disease, two doses should be given by IM injection 2-3 weeks apart before 10 weeks of age.  

Other preventative measures include good management practice, minimising stress, avouiding mixing of age groups and the appropriate vaccination and isolation of naive stock being introduced to the herd.  

Other preventative measures include good management practice, minimising stress, avoiding mixing of age groups and the appropriate vaccination and isolation of naive stock being introduced to the herd.  

==Prognosis==

==Prognosis==

The prognosis is poor. Treatment must be early if it is to be effective. In many cases the disease is too severe to treat and euthansia is recommended on welfare grounds.

The prognosis is poor. Treatment must be early if it is to be effective. In many cases the disease is too severe to treat and euthanasia is recommended on welfare grounds.

 

 

 

==References==

==References==

* Taylor, D.J. (2006) '''Pig Diseases''' (Eighth edition) ''St Edmunsdbury Press  ltd''

* Taylor, D.J. (2006) '''Pig Diseases''' (Eighth edition) ''St Edmunsdbury Press  ltd''

[[Category:Respiratory_Bacterial_Infections]]

[[Category:Respiratory_Bacterial_Infections]]

[[Category:To_Do_-_lizzyk]]

 

[[Category:Brian Aldridge reviewing]]