Disease is an impairment of the normal state of an animal that interrupts or modifies its vital functions. This article is under a series of articles that aim to discuss common diseases that affect proper functioning of pigs. Today, we will be talking about Hog Cholera.
Hog cholera
Hog cholera is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus. It affects pigs of all ages. The disease appears suddenly and spreads rapidly through direct or indirect contact with sick animals. Hog cholera virus persists in meat preserved by salting, smoking or freezing. The disease is often spread through uncooked meat. It may persist for up to two years. Death occurs in five to seven days.
Symptoms
Early phase
Learn More- Inactivity.
- Loss or lack of appetite.
Acute phase
- Loss or lack of appetite.
- High fever.
- Constipation then diarrhea.
- Vomiting.
- Difficulty breathing-Convulsions.
- Pigs pile up or huddle together-Skin of ears, neck and abdomen turns purple.
Chronic phase
- Diarrhea.
- High fever.
- Weakness.
- Trembling piglets.
Treatment
If the disease is still in its early stage, inject hog cholera serum. Unfortunately, If the animal has been ill for more than three days, the serum will be ineffective.
Prevention
- Dead animals should be burned and buried with lime.
- Cook kitchen scraps before feeding.
- Practice regular vaccination
- Disinfect pens of infected animals.
- Purchase animals from reputable sources.
- Isolate newly purchased animals for observation for about a month.
VIDEO: What you should know about Hog Cholera
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