Swine Veterinary Care: A Complete Guide for Pig Farmers

Types of Pig Operations

Swine veterinary care varies considerably depending on your production model. Understanding which category you fall into helps your vet tailor their recommendations:

Commercial Confinement Operations

Large-scale barns with slatted floors and total confinement. These operations typically have a formal herd health program with a veterinarian, defined vaccination protocols, biosecurity SOPs, and routine PRRS/Mycoplasma monitoring. Veterinary involvement is high — often monthly barn visits, regular diagnostic submissions, and formal Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) relationships for medicated feed.

Farrow-to-Finish Operations

Breeding sows through farrowing, nursery, and grow-finish, all on one site. These operations face the widest range of age-specific health challenges: neonatal scours, nursery PRRS, grow-finish respiratory disease, and sow reproductive failure. Biosecurity between phases is critical.

Feeder Pig Operations

Purchasing weaned or feeder pigs and growing them to market weight. These operations face significant commingling risk — pigs arriving from multiple sources may bring PRRS, PED, Mycoplasma, and other pathogens simultaneously. A 30-day isolation and acclimation protocol is essential.

Pastured and Heritage Breed Farms

Outdoor pig production on pasture or woodland. Lower respiratory disease pressure than confinement, but different risks: parasite exposure (Ascaris, Trichinella), sunburn in pink-skinned breeds, rooting injuries, and predation stress. Rotational grazing and regular parasite monitoring are key.

4-H and FFA Show Pigs

Market hogs raised for county and state fair competition. High biosecurity risk from show exposure — multiple operations mixing pigs at fairs creates ideal conditions for swine influenza and PRRS transmission. Post-show quarantine and isolation before returning to the main herd is strongly advised.

Pet Pigs (Potbellied and Mini Pigs)

Kept as companion animals, often in suburban or urban settings. These pigs need the same core vaccinations (erysipelas at minimum), dental care, and hoof trims as production pigs — but their veterinary care typically comes from exotic or small animal practitioners familiar with potbellied pig medicine rather than food animal vets.

Why Swine Vets Are Different

Swine medicine is a distinct specialty within veterinary practice. Here is what makes it unique:

Herd-Level Thinking

Unlike small animal vets who focus on individual patients, swine vets think at the population level. They interpret barn-level morbidity and mortality data, production records, and diagnostic submissions to identify trends — not just individual sick animals. If 12% of nursery pigs are coughing this week versus 4% last week, that pattern matters as much as any single pig's examination.

Foreign Animal Disease Awareness

Swine vets must maintain current knowledge of foreign animal disease (FAD) threats — Classical Swine Fever, African Swine Fever, Foot and Mouth Disease — that are not currently present in the US but represent catastrophic risks if introduced. They are trained to recognize clinical signs that should trigger immediate state veterinarian notification.

State Reporting Requirements

Several swine diseases are reportable to state veterinarians. Pseudorabies (PRV) is a federally monitored disease under the national eradication program. Certain other conditions require notification. Your swine vet understands these regulatory obligations and will guide you through them if a reportable condition is suspected.

Veterinary Feed Directives (VFD)

Since 2017, antibiotics used in animal feed for disease prevention or treatment require a Veterinary Feed Directive — essentially a prescription from a licensed veterinarian with a valid Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR). Swine producers using any medicated feed containing VFD drugs must work with a licensed vet. This is another reason an established veterinary relationship is not optional for commercial pig farms.

Diagnostic Laboratory Relationships

Swine vets work closely with state veterinary diagnostic labs (like Iowa State's VDL, the South Dakota Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory, or the Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory) for PCR panels, serology, and necropsies. Knowing which tests to run, when, and how to interpret results in the context of your herd's history is a core swine vet skill.

Swine Vital Signs and Normal Values

Knowing normal values lets you recognize when something is wrong before your pigs are visibly distressed. Check vitals when pigs are calm — stress alone will elevate heart rate and respiratory rate significantly.

Signs of a Sick Pig

• Off feed or reduced water intake
• Separation from pen mates — pigs are highly social; isolating from the group is a red flag
• Huddling in corners or piling — indicates cold stress or illness
• Abnormal gait, reluctance to rise, paddling (neurologic)
• Coughing, labored breathing, nasal discharge
• Diarrhea — especially watery in neonates, which is immediately life-threatening
• Skin discoloration: blotchy red (erysipelas diamond lesions), cyanotic ears/belly (circulatory failure), jaundice
• Vomiting — unusual in pigs, more significant than in dogs or cats

Taking a Pig's Temperature

Use a flexible digital thermometer with a lubricated probe. Insert 2–3 inches into the rectum. Restrain the pig by straddling it or using a snare. Note that pigs squeal loudly when restrained — this is normal. A reading above 104°F warrants a call to your vet. Above 106°F is a medical emergency.

Common Swine Diseases

The following diseases cause the most economic impact in US swine production. Familiarity with their presentation helps you catch outbreaks early and communicate effectively with your vet.

Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS)

PRRS is the single most economically costly swine disease in the United States, estimated to cost the US pork industry over $600 million annually. It is caused by a RNA arterivirus with two major lineages (North American NADC-30 and European), and the virus mutates rapidly, complicating vaccine protection.

Clinical signs: In sows — late-term abortions, mummified fetuses, stillbirths, and weak-born piglets. In nursery and finishing pigs — respiratory disease ranging from mild to severe, fever, anorexia, and blue discoloration of ears (the original European name was "blue ear disease"). Secondary bacterial infections (Streptococcus suis, Haemophilus parasuis) are very common following PRRS immunosuppression.

Transmission: Airborne (up to 3 miles under ideal conditions), pig movement, contaminated needles and equipment, boar semen, and fomites. Once introduced to a naive herd, PRRS spreads rapidly.

PRRS Status Levels (AASV): Herds are classified from PRRS-negative (PRRS-free with monitoring) through active-outbreak status. Breeding herds target PRRS stability — meaning all sows have been exposed and developed immunity, new gilts are properly acclimated, and virus is no longer circulating.

Vaccines: Both modified-live (MLV) and killed vaccines are available. MLV vaccines provide better immune response but introduce replicating virus — they should not be used in PRRS-negative herds without veterinary guidance. Killed vaccines are safer for PRRS-negative operations considering controlled exposure. No vaccine provides complete protection against all field strains.

Management: PRRS elimination requires whole-herd depopulation-repopulation or a rigorous test-and-removal program over 6–12 months. Many farms choose to manage PRRS to stability rather than eliminate it. Work with your vet to define the right strategy for your operation size and risk tolerance.

Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED)

PED virus (PEDV) emerged in the United States in 2013 and caused catastrophic losses in the first two years. The virus causes severe watery diarrhea and vomiting across all ages of pigs, but neonatal piglets under 7 days of age experience near 100% mortality in naive herds.

Clinical signs: Profuse watery yellow diarrhea, vomiting, and rapid dehydration. In a fully susceptible sow herd with neonatal piglets, you may lose entire litters within 24–48 hours. Older pigs experience diarrhea and significant production loss but typically survive.

Biosecurity: PEDV is transmitted via the fecal-oral route and is devastatingly contagious — a tiny amount of infected feces can spread disease to an entire barn. Biosecurity failures (contaminated feed delivery trucks, boots, clothing) are the primary introduction route.

Feedback and Gilt Acclimation: A controversial but widely used practice in commercial swine is controlled feedback of intestinal material from affected pigs to gestating sows prior to farrowing, timing sow immunity to peak at farrowing when piglets are most vulnerable. This should only be done under veterinary supervision.

PEDV vs. TGE: Transmissible gastroenteritis (TGE, caused by TGEV) produces nearly identical clinical signs and is distinguished only by laboratory testing (PCR). TGE has lower prevalence than PEDV in the US today but remains present.

Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (Enzootic Pneumonia)

Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (Mhp) is the primary pathogen in swine enzootic pneumonia — a chronic, progressive respiratory disease affecting growing pigs globally. It is present on the vast majority of commercial pig farms.

Clinical signs: Chronic dry, non-productive cough in growers and finishers, often most noticeable in the morning or during pig activity. Affected pigs have reduced daily gain and worsening feed conversion but may not appear dramatically ill. The real damage is predisposing pigs to secondary bacterial pneumonias from Pasteurella multocida, Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, and others.

Diagnosis: Lung lesions at slaughter (gray-tan consolidation in the ventral cranial lobes) are characteristic. PCR on deep nasal swabs or bronchial swabs, ELISA serology, and necropsy confirm the diagnosis.

Vaccination: Bacterin vaccines (multiple killed-whole-cell products available) reduce the severity of lung lesions and improve production performance. They do not eliminate infection. Vaccination timing — early nursery for maximum protection through the grow-finish phase — is important.

Mhp-Free Herds: Some high-health commercial herds maintain Mhp-free status through SPF (specific pathogen-free) derivation, air filtration, and strict isolation. These herds often have significantly better grow-finish performance.

Swine Influenza (IAV-S)

Swine influenza A virus (IAV-S) causes acute, explosive respiratory disease across all age groups in a barn simultaneously — distinguishing it from Mycoplasma, which is chronic and affects pigs progressively.

Subtypes: H1N1, H1N2, H3N2 are the most common lineages in US swine. The 2009 pandemic H1N1 virus originated from a combination of human, avian, and swine influenza gene segments. IAV-S continues to evolve rapidly through reassortment.

Clinical signs: Sudden onset of fever (105–107°F), coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, and anorexia — simultaneously across the entire barn or pen. Most pigs recover in 5–7 days without treatment, but secondary bacterial pneumonia is common. Mortality in uncomplicated IAV-S is low; morbidity is near 100% in naive herds.

Zoonotic risk: Swine influenza can transmit to humans in close contact with infected pigs. People working in or visiting sick pig barns should use respiratory protection. Immunocompromised individuals, young children, and elderly people should avoid contact with flu-sick pigs. Report suspected human cases to your local health department.

Vaccines: Autogenous (farm-specific) and commercial inactivated vaccines are available. Because IAV-S evolves so rapidly, autogenous vaccines tailored to current circulating strains often outperform commercial products. USDA APHIS maintains surveillance through the USDA NAHSS swine influenza monitoring program.

Porcine Circovirus 2 (PCV2)

PCV2 was identified as the cause of post-weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) in the late 1990s and early 2000s, when it caused severe production losses globally. The introduction of PCV2 vaccines in 2006 was one of the most significant advances in swine medicine in recent decades.

Clinical signs: PMWS/PCVD: progressive wasting, weight loss, enlarged lymph nodes, and respiratory signs in post-weaning pigs (6–16 weeks). Severely affected pigs look like "ratty, jaundiced, runty" animals that fail to thrive despite eating. Porcine dermatitis and nephropathy syndrome (PDNS) causes kidney lesions and skin hemorrhages.

Vaccination: Highly effective. PCV2 vaccination dramatically reduced PMWS-related losses industry-wide. Multiple killed-virus vaccines are available; vaccination of sows and/or piglets is standard on virtually all commercial farms.

Streptococcus suis

Streptococcus suis is a gram-positive bacterium that colonizes the upper respiratory tract of healthy pigs but can cause life-threatening meningitis, septicemia, and arthritis — particularly in weaned pigs stressed by mixing and dietary changes.

Clinical signs: Sudden death, staggering, circling, paddling (inability to right oneself), and seizures in weaned pigs 1–5 weeks post-weaning. Survivors may have permanent neurologic deficits. Arthritis with hot, swollen joints is common in subacute cases.

Treatment: Penicillin is the first-line treatment if caught early (many strains remain susceptible). Culture and sensitivity testing is important given rising antimicrobial resistance. Water or feed medication through the entire pen is needed — individual sick pigs are often too ill to eat or drink.

Zoonotic risk: S. suis is a rare but serious cause of bacterial meningitis in humans, primarily among people with direct contact with pig blood (slaughterhouse workers, farmers performing necropsies). Use gloves and eye protection when handling sick or dead pigs.

Haemophilus parasuis (Glässer's Disease)

Glässer's disease causes fibrinous polyserositis — inflammation of multiple body cavities (peritoneum, pericardium, pleura, joint capsules, and meninges) — in nursery-age pigs, typically within 2–3 weeks of weaning or commingling.

Clinical signs: Sudden death in highly susceptible naive pigs; chronic cases show labored breathing, joint swelling, reluctance to move, and central nervous system signs. At necropsy, a thick fibrinous exudate lines the body cavities.

Management: Bacterin vaccines are available but serotype-specific — H. parasuis has 15 serotypes, and cross-protection is limited. Autogenous bacterins from the farm's own isolate are often more effective. Antimicrobial treatment (penicillin, ampicillin) is effective if started early.

Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (APP)

APP causes peracute, often fatal hemorrhagic pleuropneumonia in growing and finishing pigs. It is one of the most dramatic presentations in swine medicine — finding pigs dead with blood-stained froth from the nose and mouth.

Clinical signs: Peracute: sudden death with blood-tinged foam from nostrils. Acute: high fever (105–107°F), labored open-mouth breathing, reluctance to move, cyanosis. Pigs may be found dead within hours of appearing normal. Subacute cases show persistent coughing and reduced performance.

Diagnosis: Necropsy reveals bilateral hemorrhagic, fibrinous pleuropneumonia with characteristic dark-red necrotic lesions. PCR and culture confirm diagnosis.

Treatment and prevention: Enrofloxacin, ceftiofur, and tulathromycin are used for treatment; antimicrobial sensitivity testing is essential. Bacterin vaccines reduce clinical severity. Biosecurity (keeping herds APP-free) is achievable and worth maintaining.

Lawsonia intracellularis (Proliferative Enteropathy / Ileitis)

Lawsonia intracellularis causes ileitis (proliferative enteropathy), a common cause of diarrhea in growers and finishers. It presents in two forms: the chronic form (reduced gain, soft feces) and the acute hemorrhagic form (bloody diarrhea, sudden death in apparently well-conditioned pigs).

Clinical signs: Chronic: reduced ADG, soft to watery feces, poor uniformity in grow-finish pens — often confused with nutrition or other enteric issues. Acute hemorrhagic form: dark tarry to frankly bloody diarrhea, sudden death in older finishing pigs that appeared healthy. Pale, well-muscled pigs found dead is a classic presentation.

Treatment: Tiamulin and tylosin are effective antimicrobials. Oral live attenuated vaccine (Enterisol Ileitis) is available and used by many commercial operations. Vaccination timing — 2–3 weeks before expected exposure — is critical to efficacy.

Swine Dysentery (Brachyspira hyodysenteriae)

Swine dysentery is a serious mucohemorrhagic colitis caused by the anaerobic spirochete Brachyspira hyodysenteriae. It targets growing and finishing pigs and causes significant morbidity and mortality if uncontrolled.

Clinical signs: Bloody, mucoid diarrhea in grower-finisher pigs. Unlike ileitis, swine dysentery consistently produces blood-tinged, mucous-coated feces. Affected pigs continue eating for 1–2 days before becoming severely ill. The large intestine (spiral colon) is the primary target, unlike ileitis which affects the small intestine.

Treatment: Tiamulin is the most effective treatment. Lincospectinomycin and tylosin have been used but resistance is increasing. Elimination from a herd requires total depopulation, thorough disinfection, and restocking with clean pigs — tiamulin treatment alone rarely eliminates the organism from a herd.

Clostridium perfringens Type C (Neonatal Enteritis)

Clostridial enteritis caused by C. perfringens Type C causes peracute hemorrhagic diarrhea and death in piglets under 5 days of age. It can kill entire litters within 24 hours of birth.

Clinical signs: Bloody reddish-brown diarrhea in neonatal piglets (first 24–72 hours of life), rapidly progressing to death. Some piglets are found dead without prior clinical signs. Survivors are severely weakened.

Prevention: Sow vaccination with toxoid 2–3 weeks before farrowing provides colostral immunity to piglets. This is the primary control strategy — treatment of affected piglets is rarely successful due to the speed of disease progression. Penicillin can be given to high-risk piglets at birth as a preventive measure.

Erysipelas (Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae)

Erysipelas is a bacterial disease causing the classic "diamond skin lesions" — raised, diamond or rhomboid-shaped urticarial plaques on the skin — as well as peracute septicemic death and chronic arthritis.

Clinical signs: Acute: high fever (105–107°F), sudden death, or characteristic diamond-shaped skin lesions (red to purple, 2–5 cm, raised) on the flanks and back. Chronic: progressive arthritis with hot, swollen joints leading to permanent lameness. Endocarditis (heart valve vegetations) may cause sudden death in apparently recovered pigs.

Vaccination: Highly effective killed bacterin vaccines are available. Primary series: 2 doses 3–4 weeks apart. Sows and boars: booster every 6 months. Vaccination is cost-effective and strongly recommended for all breeding animals. Gilt vaccination before first breeding is particularly important.

Treatment: Penicillin remains highly effective for acute erysipelas. Early treatment dramatically improves outcomes. Treatment of the chronic arthritic form is less successful — prevention through vaccination is far preferable.

Zoonotic note: E. rhusiopathiae causes erysipeloid in humans — a localized skin infection typically on the hands from contact with infected pig tissue. Use gloves when handling sick pigs or performing necropsies.

Mange (Sarcoptes scabiei var. suis)

Sarcoptic mange is the most economically significant external parasite of swine and is present on many pig farms worldwide. It causes intense pruritus (itching) and significant production losses.

Clinical signs: Intense rubbing and scratching against pen walls and feeders, leaving telltale rub marks. Skin lesions begin on the ears and face (greyish-white crusty lesions in ear canal — "mange ears"), then spread to the body. Heavily infested pigs show thick, crusty, hyperkeratotic skin lesions. Severe infestations cause significant reduction in daily gain.

Treatment and eradication: Ivermectin (injectable or in-feed) and doramectin are highly effective. Eradication from a herd requires treating all animals simultaneously, repeating treatment 14–21 days later (to kill mites that hatched after initial treatment), and disinfecting the environment. A two-treatment whole-herd protocol with a mite-free interval is achievable on most farms.

Hog Lice (Haematopinus suis)

Hog lice are the largest sucking lice of any domestic animal — easily visible to the naked eye at 4–6 mm. They cause anemia in heavily infested piglets and significant irritation across all ages.

Clinical signs: Intense rubbing and scratching (similar to mange), visible lice concentrated at skin folds (behind ears, flank folds, inner thighs), and in heavily infested neonatal piglets, frank anemia. Lice can transmit some pathogens.

Treatment: Same products used for mange (ivermectin, doramectin, permethrin sprays) are effective against lice. Treatment of the entire herd is required — lice spread quickly through direct pig contact. Environmental treatment is less critical than for mange since lice do not survive long off the host.

Foreign Animal Disease Threats: Know These Signs

Foreign animal diseases (FADs) are diseases not currently present in the United States that could cause catastrophic losses if introduced. All pig producers should be familiar with these conditions and know to call the state veterinarian immediately if any are suspected. Do not wait — early reporting is essential for containment.

Classical Swine Fever (CSF / Hog Cholera)

Classical swine fever has been eradicated from the United States since 1978, but it remains endemic in parts of Asia, the Caribbean, Central and South America, and parts of Europe. CSF is caused by a Pestivirus closely related to bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) virus.

Clinical signs: High fever (104–107°F), huddling, weakness, reddening of the skin (especially ears and abdomen — "blueish" appearance), neurologic signs (staggering, seizures), and hemorrhages visible at necropsy. Reproductive failure in sows. High mortality in naive herds. Distinguishing CSF from PRRS or other causes of reproductive failure requires laboratory confirmation.

Who to call: Your state veterinarian. USDA APHIS CEAH. Do not wait for laboratory confirmation if you have multiple dead pigs with neurologic signs and skin hemorrhages.

African Swine Fever (ASF)

African Swine Fever is perhaps the most feared disease threat to the US swine industry today. ASF has spread across Europe, Asia, the Pacific, and the Caribbean (detected in Haiti and the Dominican Republic in 2021–2022). It is caused by a large DNA virus with no treatment and no commercially available vaccine in the United States.

Clinical signs: Acute form: high fever, blotchy red-to-purple skin (particularly ears, abdomen, legs), vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, and near 100% mortality within 4–10 days. The clinical presentation is almost indistinguishable from Classical Swine Fever without laboratory testing.

Wild boar risk: Wild boar (feral hogs) are reservoir hosts for ASF in Europe. The extensive feral hog population in the United States (estimated 6–9 million animals in 35+ states) represents a catastrophic risk factor if ASF reaches North America. Producers near wild pig habitat should take this risk extremely seriously.

If ASF is suspected: Do not move any animals. Do not enter or exit the premises without decontamination. Call your state veterinarian immediately. ASF is a foreign animal disease emergency.

Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)

Foot and Mouth Disease is the most contagious known viral disease of cloven-hoofed animals. It affects cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and deer. Pigs are highly susceptible and amplify airborne FMD virus to an extraordinary degree — an infected pig barn can spread the virus miles downwind.

Clinical signs: Vesicles (fluid-filled blisters) on the snout, tongue, mouth, and feet. Severe lameness (pigs may walk on their knees). Drooling and reluctance to eat. Fever preceding vesicle formation. Very high morbidity, low mortality in adults — but devastating economic consequences from trade bans even in a limited outbreak.

Know the difference from porcine vesicular disease: FMD and Vesicular Stomatitis (VS, which is present in the US) produce clinically similar lesions in pigs. Any vesicular disease in pigs MUST be reported immediately as a potential FAD emergency. Do not wait for confirmation — report first.

Swine Vaccination Programs

Vaccination protocols in swine are operation-specific. There is no universal protocol — the right program depends on your disease history, herd size, biosecurity level, and geographic risk. Work with your swine veterinarian to build a written herd health program. The following are the core vaccines typically considered:

Core Vaccines (Nearly All Operations)

PCV2 (Porcine Circovirus 2)

Considered a core vaccine for virtually all commercial pig operations. Options include piglet vaccination (3–4 weeks of age, depending on product), sow vaccination (immunity transferred to piglets via colostrum), or both (combination programs). The improvement in production performance after PCV2 vaccination was so dramatic that it is now a standard of care.

Erysipelas Bacterin

Highly recommended for all breeding animals (sows, gilts, boars). Primary series: 2 doses 3–4 weeks apart. Booster every 6 months for sows and boars. Gilt vaccination at least 4 weeks before first breeding. For finisher operations, vaccination is less consistent but may be warranted in endemic herds.

Clostridium perfringens Type C and D Toxoid

Sow vaccination 2–4 weeks before farrowing to provide colostral protection to neonatal piglets against clostridial enteritis. Two doses for gilts on their first farrowing; annual booster for experienced sows. Critical for farrow-to-finish operations.

Parvovirus Bacterin

Prevents mummified fetuses and reproductive failure caused by porcine parvovirus. Gilt vaccination before first breeding (2 doses, 4 weeks apart) is the priority. Sow annual booster. Parvovirus is ubiquitous — vaccination of naive gilts before exposure to herd virus is important.

Conditional Vaccines (Based on Herd History and Risk)

PRRS Vaccine

Modified-live (MLV) vaccines provide better immunity than killed vaccines but introduce replicating virus — they shed and can spread to unvaccinated pigs. Never use MLV in a PRRS-negative herd without a deliberate controlled acclimation plan designed by your vet. Killed vaccines are safer for negative herds considering controlled exposure. PRRS MLV vaccination of sows and gilts is standard in PRRS-endemic operations.

Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae Bacterin

Reduces severity of Mhp-associated pneumonia and improves production performance in positive herds. Vaccination timing (early nursery, often 3–4 weeks, depending on maternal antibody interference) and whether to vaccinate piglets, sows, or both depends on farm history. Some farms vaccinate sows to reduce shedding to piglets.

Swine Influenza (IAV-S) Autogenous Vaccine

Commercial inactivated vaccines are available but often fail to match circulating strains due to rapid IAV-S evolution. Autogenous vaccines produced from the farm's own current circulating strain are frequently used in endemic operations. Your vet will submit isolates to a licensed biologics manufacturer for autogenous production.

Leptospirosis Bacterin (5-way)

Leptospirosis causes reproductive failure (abortions, stillbirths, weak-born piglets) in swine. Five-serovar vaccines (Pomona, Bratislava, Canicola, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Grippotyphosa) are used in breeding herds. Sow and gilt vaccination 4–6 weeks before breeding. Risk is higher near wildlife (deer, rodents are reservoirs).

Haemophilus parasuis Bacterin

Consider if Glässer's disease is a problem on your farm. Autogenous bacterins from your farm's specific serotype are often more effective than commercial products (which cover only a subset of the 15 serotypes). Vaccinate sows for colostral transfer plus piglets at 3–4 weeks.

Pseudorabies (PRV) — Monitoring, Not Vaccination

Pseudorabies (Aujeszky's disease) has been eradicated from US commercial swine since 2004. Commercial pigs are not vaccinated — vaccination interferes with the differential test used to distinguish vaccinated from infected animals. Commercial swine operations must comply with state PRV monitoring programs, particularly for interstate movement. Feral hogs remain a reservoir — feral pig contact with commercial swine is a biosecurity concern for PRV re-introduction.

Biosecurity for Small and Hobby Farms

Biosecurity is the set of practices that prevent disease from entering or spreading within your operation. Small farms are often more vulnerable than large commercial farms because they lack the infrastructure (shower-in/shower-out facilities, dedicated clothing, air filtration) of modern commercial operations.

All-In/All-Out (AIAO) Production

The single most effective disease management tool in swine production. AIAO means filling a pen or barn with pigs of the same age at the same time, and emptying it completely before refilling. This breaks the continuous chain of transmission from older pigs to younger, naive pigs.

On a small farm, even a crude version of AIAO — letting a pen sit empty for 5–7 days between groups, then cleaning and disinfecting — provides significant benefit compared to continuous flow where pigs of all ages are always present.

New Animal Quarantine

Any pig entering your farm is a biosecurity risk. Commercial farms quarantine new arrivals for a minimum of 30 days in a separate facility. For small farms, target a 60-day quarantine in a facility with no shared air space with your main herd. During quarantine:

• Test new animals for PRV (required for interstate movement)
• Observe for respiratory disease, diarrhea, skin lesions
• Treat for mange and lice
• Begin appropriate vaccinations
• Acclimate to your farm's endemic pathogens through controlled exposure (manure, fresh-killed pigs from your herd, or direct exposure to your oldest, most immune animals — under veterinary guidance)

Showpig Biosecurity

County and state fairs are high-risk events for swine influenza, PRRS, and other pathogen transmission. Best practices after returning from a show:

• Shower before returning home; change clothes and shoes before entering your barn
• Do not share waterers, feed buckets, or equipment with other exhibitors at the show
• Isolate returning show pigs for at least 2 weeks before reintegration with your main herd
• Do not bring show pigs back to a farm with young piglets if there is any respiratory illness present

Visitors and Traffic

Limit non-essential visitors. Require anyone entering pig areas to wear farm-dedicated coveralls and boots or disposable boot covers. Implement a downtime policy — many commercial farms require visitors to have had no pig contact for 48–72 hours before entering. Keep a visitor log.

Wild Pig Hazard

Feral hogs present in the southern and southeastern US carry PRRS, PRV, and potentially ASF (if it reaches the US). Maintain fences that exclude wild pigs from your pastures and perimeter. Do not compost pig carcasses in accessible areas. Report unusual pig deaths near your property to your state veterinarian.

Feed and Water Biosecurity

Contaminated feed has been implicated in PEDV introduction via feed ingredients. Commercial pigs are at greater risk than small farms eating locally mixed grain. For small farms, the greater risks are contaminated water sources shared with wildlife, and feed storage vulnerable to rodents (which can carry Salmonella and other pathogens). Keep feed in rodent-proof storage. Test well water annually.

Castration and Tail Docking

Castration

Male pigs intended for pork production are typically castrated to prevent boar taint — an off-flavor in meat from intact male pigs caused by androstenone and skatole. Castration is standard practice in North American pork production.

Timing: Under 7 days of age for minimal stress, faster healing, and lower risk of complications. At this age, the procedure is typically performed without anesthesia in commercial settings, though this is increasingly contested on welfare grounds. After 7 days, piglet immune competence improves and healing is slower.

Surgical castration: A 2-cm incision over each testicle, exteriorization and severance of the spermatic cord. Antiseptic application. Keep bedding clean for 24–48 hours post-procedure to reduce infection risk.

Immunocastration (Improvest): A two-dose hormonal vaccine that temporarily suppresses gonadal function. Pigs remain intact (no surgical procedure) until the second dose, then enter a non-reproductive physiologic state before slaughter. Improvest has been shown to improve feed conversion and reduce aggression compared to surgical castrates. It requires a prescription from a veterinarian and strict adherence to injection protocols (accidental human self-injection is an emergency requiring immediate medical attention).

Welfare considerations: The European Union has set targets to significantly reduce or eliminate surgical castration. Pain management (local anesthesia, meloxicam) is increasingly used in commercial and welfare-certified programs. Work with your vet on pain management protocols if castrating pigs older than 7 days.

Tail Docking

Tail docking — removing the distal two-thirds of the tail — reduces the risk of tail biting (caudophagy), which is a serious welfare and production problem in confinement-housed pigs. Tail biting can lead to severe wounds, spinal abscesses, and death if untreated.

Timing: Same as castration — performed under 7 days of age using a cautery iron or sharp scissors. Cautery reduces bleeding risk.

Not universal: Pastured and outdoor pigs with lower stocking density and more environmental enrichment have significantly lower rates of tail biting and may not require routine docking. Some premium and welfare-certified pork programs are moving away from routine tail docking.

Root cause of tail biting: Tail biting is a symptom of sub-optimal conditions — overcrowding, poor ventilation, nutritional deficiencies, pain, or lack of enrichment. Tail docking reduces the severity of damage but does not address the underlying cause. Enrichment (straw, hanging chains, wood, rooting material) significantly reduces biting behavior.

Swine Nutrition Basics

Total Confinement (Commercial) Diet Requirements

Commercial swine diets are typically corn-soybean meal-based, precisely formulated by a swine nutritionist to meet NRC nutrient requirements at each production stage. Key phases:

• Pre-starter/starter (weaning to 15 lbs): High-quality, highly digestible ingredients. Spray-dried plasma, blood meal, fish meal, and lactose sources bridge the dietary shift from milk to solid feed. This is the most expensive phase per unit of weight gain.
• Grower (35–125 lbs): Corn-soy base, 18–20% crude protein (CP). Phytase is standard to improve phosphorus utilization from plant sources. Amino acid balance (lysine is typically first limiting) is critical.
• Finisher (125 lbs to market): Reduced protein (16–18% CP), lower cost per ton. Some operations use distillers dried grains (DDGS) to replace a portion of corn and soybean meal in finisher diets at an economic advantage.
• Gestating sow: Limit-fed to prevent excessive weight gain (2.0–4.5 lbs/day). Flushing (increasing energy before breeding) may improve ovulation rate in gilts.
• Lactating sow: Full feed, energy-dense diet to support milk production and minimize body condition loss during lactation. Limit body weight loss to 10–15 lbs per lactation for optimal subsequent breeding performance.

Outdoor and Pastured Pig Nutrition

Pastured pigs on good-quality pasture will get some vitamins, minerals, and protein from forage — but pasture alone cannot meet the energy requirements of growing pigs. Supplement pastured pigs with:

• A balanced commercial grower diet or locally mixed grain/soybean meal blend
• Fresh water at all times (pigs do not regulate water from pasture as well as ruminants)
• Salt and mineral supplement if not included in the grain mix
• Selenium supplementation in selenium-deficient regions (much of the eastern US) to prevent white muscle disease

Water Requirements

Water is the most critical and often underestimated nutrient for pigs. Pigs drink 2–3 times their dry feed intake by weight. A 200-lb pig consumes 1–1.5 gallons per day; a lactating sow needs 4–6 gallons per day. Water flow rate matters: nipple drinkers should deliver a minimum of 500 ml/min for grow-finish pigs.

Inadequate water intake reduces feed intake, daily gain, and milk production. This is a common and underdiagnosed productivity issue, especially when waterers freeze in winter or water pressure drops in summer.

Zoonotic Disease Risks in Swine Production

Several swine pathogens can infect humans. Understanding these risks helps you protect yourself and your family.

Swine Influenza (IAV-S)

Pigs can transmit influenza A viruses to humans in close contact with sick pigs. Most swine-to-human transmission occurs during direct, close contact (within 3–6 feet of pigs) at farms, fairs, or slaughter facilities. Human cases are typically mild and self-limiting, but some strains can cause severe disease, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.

Protection: When working with flu-sick pigs, wear an N95 respirator or better, eye protection, and gloves. Wash hands thoroughly after pig contact. Immunize yourself against seasonal human influenza annually (swine strains occasionally cross-react with vaccine antigens).

Streptococcus suis

S. suis can cause bacterial meningitis in humans, primarily through contact with pig blood. Slaughterhouse workers, farmers performing necropsies, and those with cuts or abrasions on their hands are at greatest risk. Human S. suis meningitis can cause permanent hearing loss.

Protection: Wear cut-resistant gloves when performing necropsies or slaughter. Cover any cuts or abrasions before pig contact. Seek medical attention immediately if you develop fever and headache after pig blood exposure.

Erysipeloid (Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae)

The bacterium that causes erysipelas in pigs causes erysipeloid in humans — a localized skin infection typically appearing as a red, painful, spreading lesion on the hands and fingers after contact with infected pig tissue. It is not dangerous if treated promptly with penicillin, but can progress to septicemia if ignored.

Yersinia enterocolitica

Pigs are the primary reservoir of Yersinia enterocolitica serotypes that cause gastrointestinal disease in humans. Transmission is primarily through consumption of undercooked pork, not direct pig contact — though good hand hygiene after handling pig feces or pig carcasses is important. Yersinia causes fever, diarrhea, and right lower quadrant abdominal pain that can mimic appendicitis.

Hepatitis E Virus (HEV)

Swine HEV is closely related to human genotype 3 and 4 HEV, which causes acute hepatitis in humans. Transmission is through consumption of undercooked pork (especially liver) or direct fecal-oral contact on farms. Risk to farm workers is generally low; highest risk is from consumption of raw or undercooked pig liver.

General Farm Hygiene

• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after pig contact and before eating or drinking
• Do not eat, drink, or smoke in pig barns
• Wear dedicated farm clothing and boots; change before leaving
• Shower after working with sick pigs, especially those with flu or skin lesions
• Do not bring children under 5 or immunocompromised individuals into pig barns

Finding a Swine Veterinarian

Swine vets are somewhat specialized compared to general cattle or equine practitioners. Not every large animal vet is comfortable with herd-level swine medicine, PRRS diagnostics, and VFD compliance. Here is how to find the right practitioner for your operation:

For Commercial Operations

Large commercial operations typically work with veterinarians who specialize in swine medicine and may be members of the American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV). AASV maintains a member directory at aasv.org. Some veterinary practices serve exclusively swine — particularly in Iowa, North Carolina, Minnesota, and other major pork-producing states. These practices typically offer herd health visits, diagnostic support, VFD services, and written Herd Health Programs.

For Small and Hobby Farms

Small farm pig owners may need to search more broadly. Mixed large animal practices in rural areas often see pigs, especially in the Midwest and Southeast. Your state's land grant university veterinary school often has a swine extension program and may offer farm visits or consultations. Call your state's pork producer association — they often maintain lists of swine-savvy practitioners in each region.

For Pet Pigs

Potbellied and mini pig veterinary care falls outside traditional food animal practice. Look for veterinarians who list exotic or pocket pets among their specialties. The North American Potbellied Pig Association (NAPPA) maintains a vet referral list. Urban and suburban exotic vets are often more accessible than rural swine practitioners for pet pig owners.

Finding a Swine Vet Near You

Use the FarmVetGuide directory to find swine vets near you — searchable by state and county. Our database includes practice type, services offered, and contact information for large animal and mixed animal practices across all 50 states.

Frequently Asked Questions