Why Monitoring Your Pig's Health Matters
Pigs are naturally stoic animals — they tend to hide illness until symptoms become quite pronounced. This means that as a pig keeper, developing a sharp eye for changes in behaviour, appearance, and appetite is one of the most valuable skills you can build. Catching health problems early dramatically improves the chances of a full recovery and reduces suffering.
Always consult a licensed veterinarian when you suspect your pig is unwell. This guide is educational and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice.
Signs of a Healthy Pig
Before identifying illness, it helps to know what "normal" looks like:
- Bright, alert eyes with no discharge
- Good appetite and enthusiasm at feeding time
- Smooth skin without lesions, redness, or excessive dryness
- Normal temperature: approximately 38–39.5°C (100.5–103°F)
- Active and inquisitive behaviour
- Regular, firm droppings
Common Health Problems in Pigs
1. Respiratory Disease
Respiratory illness is one of the most frequent health issues in pigs of all ages. Causes can include Enzootic Pneumonia, PRRS (Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome), and environmental factors like cold draughts and poor ventilation.
Symptoms: Coughing, laboured breathing, nasal discharge, lethargy, reduced appetite.
Action: Improve ventilation, reduce stocking density, and contact your vet — antibiotics may be required for bacterial infections.
2. Swine Erysipelas
Caused by the bacterium Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, erysipelas can appear in acute or chronic forms. The classic sign is diamond-shaped skin lesions, though sudden death can also occur in acute cases.
Symptoms: Fever, loss of appetite, lameness, raised diamond-shaped skin lesions (reddish-purple patches).
Action: Vaccination is available and highly recommended. Penicillin is the standard treatment — seek veterinary attention promptly.
3. Mange
Sarcoptic mange is caused by a microscopic mite and is highly contagious between pigs. It causes intense itching and skin damage.
Symptoms: Scratching, thickened and crusty skin, hair loss, rubbing against walls and fences.
Action: Your vet can prescribe injectable or topical treatments. All pigs in the group should be treated simultaneously.
4. Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)
FMD is a notifiable disease in most countries, meaning you are legally required to report any suspicion to your national agricultural authority immediately. It is highly contagious and affects cloven-hoofed animals.
Symptoms: Blisters on the mouth, snout, and feet; severe lameness; drooling; reluctance to move.
Action: Do not move animals. Contact your vet and relevant authorities immediately.
5. Diarrhoea (Scours)
Particularly common in piglets, scours can be caused by E. coli, rotavirus, or nutritional changes. Severe cases cause rapid dehydration and can be fatal in young pigs.
Symptoms: Loose or watery faeces, lethargy, dehydration (sunken eyes, dry skin), hunched posture.
Action: Provide electrolyte solutions, keep the pig warm and dry, and contact your vet for diagnosis and treatment.
Preventative Health Measures
- Vaccination: Work with your vet to establish a vaccination programme appropriate for your herd and region.
- Biosecurity: Quarantine new arrivals for at least 4 weeks before introducing them to existing pigs.
- Clean housing: Regular mucking out reduces pathogen build-up and fly pressure.
- Parasite control: Regular worming and mange treatment should be part of your routine care plan.
- Fresh water: Always ensure clean, fresh water is available — dehydration compounds almost every health issue.
When to Call the Vet
Call your vet without delay if a pig: shows a high temperature, refuses food for more than 24 hours, has difficulty breathing, is unable to stand, shows neurological signs (circling, seizures), or if multiple animals fall ill simultaneously. Early intervention saves lives.