Symptoms and Treatment of Swine Fever Disease
Swine Fever Disease, also known as Porcine High Fever Disease, is characterized by persistently high fever in pigs, with temperatures reaching 41-42°C, and in some cases even 43°C. Here’s a detailed look at the symptoms and treatment methods for this disease.
I. Symptoms of Swine Fever Disease
The symptoms of Swine Fever Disease include:
-
Skin Redness: Infected pigs exhibit varying degrees of redness on the skin, which fades upon pressure.
-
Behavioral Changes: Pigs show signs of lethargy, reduced or complete loss of appetite, and tend to lie down frequently.
-
Respiratory Issues: Some pigs may experience rapid breathing and redness in the eyes.
-
Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Feces often resemble small, hard pellets.
-
Septicemia Development: As the disease progresses, most pigs develop septicemia, with the skin on the limbs, abdomen, and tail turning purple and not fading upon pressure.
-
Organ Failure: Ultimately, the disease leads to organ failure and death.
II. Treatment Methods
1. Improved Feeding Management
Maintain a clean and odor-free pigsty with appropriate temperature and humidity levels. Enhance ventilation to ensure air circulation and keep the environment dry. Additionally, reduce stocking density to provide pigs with sufficient space for activity, which helps in alleviating stress and improving overall health.
2. Strict Disinfection
In the presence of an outbreak, disinfect the pigsty twice a week with pigs inside. Thoroughly disinfect vehicles, tools, and other equipment after use. During empty pen periods, conduct a comprehensive disinfection of the pigsty. Regular rodent control and deworming are also essential to prevent the spread of various diseases.
3. Vaccination
High fever disease is often caused by mixed infections of multiple pathogens. Therefore, it is crucial for pig farmers to implement proper vaccination protocols to reduce the incidence of diseases and prevent cross-infection.
4. Medication
Swine Fever Disease usually results from a combination of viral infections, including classical swine fever, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), and porcine circovirus. Using comprehensive antiviral treatments, such as administering heavy-duty antiviral injections for three consecutive days, can be effective. However, it is important to note that due to the complex nature of mixed infections, a 100% cure rate cannot be guaranteed.
Conclusion
Swine Fever Disease is a high morbidity and mortality disease that requires timely prevention and treatment. By implementing the above measures, pig farmers can minimize losses and ensure the health of their herds.
