Glasser's Disease

Signalment

The disease usually affects weanlings 6-10 weeks old but 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 disease is endemic in most herds and has been associated with PRRS, Circovirus and Swine Influenza.

Diagnosis

Clinical signs

• Pyrexia
• Dyspneoa with abdominal effort
• Cough
• Swollen joints and arthritis
• CNS signs, Trembling and paddling
• Sudden death

References

• Caused by Haemophilus parasuis
• May cause suppurative bronchopneumonia and pleuritis (as part of polyserositis)
• Stress of mixing, weaning and adverse environmental conditions are predisposing to the disease
• Glasser's disease
  • Septicaemia
  • Acute inflammation affecting pleua, peritoneum, mediastinum, pericardium, joints and meninges
  • Causes a polyserositis - pericarditis, peritonitis, pleurisy and meningitis - in pigs 3-10 weeks old
  • Also causes suppurative bronchopneumonia, pleuritis, polyarthritis (also H. suis)
  • Expressed lesions vary between animals - meningitis is most consistent, arthritis in 20% of cases
  • Fever, general malaise, repsiratory and abdominal signs, lameness, paralysis or convulsions
  • Sporadic outbreaks in the UK
  • Morbidity and mortality often low due to widespread acquired resistance
  • Mortality up to 50% in some outbreaks e.g. specific pathogen-free herds
  • Can be fatal in 2-5 days
  • Chronic arthritis, meningitis and intestinal obstruction due to adhesions in some surviving pigs
  • Due to transport, environmental stresses, dietary and managemental factors
• Fibrinous pneumonia secondary to enzootic pneumonia or virus infection e.g. swine influenza

Also known as:

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