It is an acute infectious disease of pigs characterized by fibrinous polyserositis.
Aetiology
The disease is caused by Haemophilus suis or Haemophilus para-suis. Certain stress factors like transportation, weaning etc, act as predisposing factors.
Clinical Findings
The disease may appear as acute or chronic problem. The acute form is observed following an incubation period of 1-5 days. This characterized by anorexia, depression, dyspnoea, swollen joints and lameness. All the joints may be affected. There is severe pain in the joints. Affected pigs remain lame for a long period of time. Chronic form is characterized by signs of chronic arthritis.
There is sero-fibrinious pr purulent exudation in the pleura, pericardium and peritoneum. Signs of polyarthritis and meningo-encephalitis are seen in some cases.
Diagnosis
- Organisms can be isolated from the joint fluid and pleural exudate.
- Complement fixation test may be done to demonstrate the presence of antibodies.
Treatment
- Drugs like sodium sulphadimidine or streptomycin are used.
- Tetracycline may be given through parenteral route.
