A guide to quickly identify and differentiate 4 common red skin diseases in pigs for timely intervention.
Red skin syndromes in pigs can progress rapidly and have a high transmission rate if not detected early. To avoid confusion between dangerous infectious diseases, the following content highlights the key distinguishing symptoms of each disease.
1. CLASSICAL SWINE FEVER
– Caused by Pestivirus of the Flaviviridae family.
– Occurs at all ages.
– Small, evenly distributed petechial hemorrhages, mainly appearing on areas with thin skin: the base of the ears, snout, base of the tail, tail tip, limbs, and lower abdominal skin.
– Persistent high fever (above 40ºC).
– Diarrhea or constipation with goat-like feces covered externally by a white mucous membrane.
– Very high mortality rate (up to 100%).
– Prevention: Fully vaccinate sows and piglets against Classical Swine Fever (vaccinate piglets at 3–4 weeks of age and give a booster 2–3 weeks later). Strictly implement biosecurity measures.
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2 SWINE ERYSIPELAS
– Caused by the bacterium Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae (the causative agent of swine erysipelas). This is an infectious disease that can be transmitted to humans.
– Usually occurs in pigs over 2 months of age.
– Numerous red, hemorrhagic skin lesions that are square, rectangular, triangular, hexagonal, or diamond-shaped; round or crescent-shaped lesions are uncommon, and the lesions vary in size.
– Fever, reduced appetite or anorexia.
– Affected pigs often sit due to arthritis.
– Cutaneous form: numerous erythematous skin lesions appear.
– Prevention: Regularly vaccinate pigs aged 2 months and older against swine erysipelas.
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3. PASTEURELLOSIS
– Caused by the bacterium Pasteurella multocida. The bacteria are normally present in the respiratory tract and can cause disease outbreaks under unfavorable conditions (weather changes, stress).
– Usually occurs in pigs over 2 months of age.
– Generalized skin redness (due to congestion of peripheral blood vessels): when pressure is applied to the reddened skin, the redness disappears; after releasing the pressure, the skin becomes red again after a short period (diffuse redness without the formation of lesions).
– Edema and subcutaneous hemorrhage along the pharyngeal region.
– Occurs suddenly in a few individuals or affects multiple pigs during hot weather with poor ventilation, or when heavy rain is followed by intense sunshine.
– Affected pigs have fever, anorexia, and may have abdominal distension.
– Some cases develop pneumonia and dyspnea.
– Prevention: Regularly vaccinate against pasteurellosis; keep housing cool and well-ventilated and avoid sudden temperature changes.
4. SALMONELLOSIS
– Caused by the bacteria Salmonella choleraesuis or Salmonella typhimurium.
– Usually occurs in pigs 1–4 months of age.
– Small, evenly distributed petechial hemorrhages, mainly appearing on areas with thin skin: the edges and tips of the ears, base of the tail, tail tip, lower abdomen, limbs, and skin around the lower neck.
– The entire herd develops diarrhea with foul-smelling, mucus-containing feces.
– Affected pigs have reduced appetite or anorexia.
– Intermittent high fever.
– Conjunctivitis with ocular discharge.
– Surviving pigs become emaciated and have poor growth.
– Prevention: Vaccinate piglets against salmonellosis at 3–4 weeks of age; maintain feed hygiene and ensure drinking water is not contaminated with feces.
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Maintaining good housing hygiene, proactively implementing regular vaccination, and detecting early signs of red skin are the most sustainable measures for effective control and prevention of infectious diseases in pigs.