ThePigSite Pig Health
Rabies
(548) This is relatively rare in the pig. It occurs when a carnivorous rabid animal such as a dog, wolf, fox, coyote, jackal or skunk with the furious form of rabies gains access to pigs and manages to bite them. In Argentina certain species of cave-dwelling vampire bats transmit rabies to cattle but they are most unlikely to gain access to pigs.Importance of Rabies
Remember that rabies is a fatal disease communicable to man.
Clinical signs
After a variable incubation stage the bitten pig suddenly shows depression, develops difficulty in walking and becomes prostrated. Nose twitching, rapid chewing movements, excess salivation and muscular spasms which evolve into tremors follow. This sequence of clinical signs is termed dumb rabious. Death ensues in 3-6 days. The furious form of rabies, seen in dogs and foxes, has been reported in pigs but is rare. The pig shows the above signs but in addition becomes aggressive.
Diagnosis
Accurate diagnosis is essential and requires a specialised laboratory.
Treatment
Management control and prevention
