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Pasteurellosis

(438) Pasteurella multocida bacteria are commonly involved in respiratory disease in pigs and they may be toxin-producing or non-toxin-producing strains. Either can cause pneumonia in their own right but the non toxin ones are common secondary opportunist invaders associated with primary EP or PRRS infections. Pasteurella multocida type A causes pneumonia.

Clinical signs

Acute disease
This is characterised by severe sudden pneumonia affecting all the lung tissue, high temperatures and high mortality. Pigs show rapid breathing, discoloured skin particularly on the extremities of the ears and they are toxic.

Sub acute disease
In this form the pneumonia is less severe but often complicated by pericarditis (heart sac inflammation) and pleurisy. Coughing and emaciation are also common clinical features. The condition usually affects pigs between 10 and 18 weeks of age.

Diagnosis

This is carried out by post-mortem examination and isolation of the organism from the lungs.

Treatment

  • Because the organism is usually secondary to a more specific disease antibiotic treatments should follow as for enzootic pneumonia.
Management control and prevention
  • Carry out procedures as described under respiratory diseases and control strategies.
  • Vaccines are available but are not very effective.
  • EP vaccination often prevents the pasteurella invading the lungs.


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