Description

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

Pathology

Treatment

Prognosis

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: b