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Pig Journal Volume: 62
Publication date: June 2009

Case Studies

ATAXIA ASSOCIATED WITH SUNBURN IN OUTDOOR GILTS: A CASE REPORT
S. WILLIAMSON, N. WOODGER, R. HIGGINS and I. HANDS

Abstract
An investigation was made into the cause of ataxia in gilts on an outdoor breeding unit in Norfolk in May 2004. Up to 30% of gilts in each of three paddocks became clinically affected over several days with ataxia, sudden collapse into sternal recumbency, crab-walking and stiffness. They later developed skin lesions and severe photo-dermatitis was the main finding in a gilt which was necropsied. The probable cause was severe sunburn and two predisposing factors were identified. The first was contact with regrowth of the previous parsnip crop; juice in the leafy foliage or stems of parsnips contains furanocoumarins which cause contact photosensitisation if present on skin exposed to sunlight. The second was the unusual weather conditions which would not have stimulated gilts to wallow or seek shade even though at risk of sunburn.

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