If you’re raising swine, it’s important to understand that there are diseases at every turn waiting to infect your livestock. Once one pig becomes sick, things can quickly escalate from bad to worse.

With proper biosecurity, as well as pre-purchase health checks on any swine you purchase, you can maintain a healthy living environment for your pigs, whether you have 2 or 200.

But you still need to be ready for what’s out there, should it arise. Arguably a prominent skin disease among pigs is greasy pig disease.

Greasy pig disease, also known as Exudative epidermitis, is caused by bacteria known as Staphylococcus hyicus. This bacterial is actually common on most pigs’ skin. It doesn’t cause any major problems until it gets into a wound.

The bacteria enters through scrapes or worn areas in the pigs, causing infections and skin lesions. This infection then generates toxins that are absorbed by the pig’s body, affecting the liver and kidneys.

If ignored, greasy pig disease can gradually results in death, especially in young piglets. A suckling pig as young as 3-4 days can be infected by greasy pig disease.

Common treatments

If greasy pig disease (or any suspicious wounds or lesions) begins appearing on your swine, contact your vet immediately. They’ll be able to properly diagnose the problem. Should your pig have greasy pig disease, possible solutions include injectable antibiotics for staph infections, dipping in mild disinfectants like Clorox, ointments and more.

Prevention

The best treatment against greasy pig disease is to keep it from happening in the first place. Since the bacteria enters through damaged skin, you need to make sure your pigs are safe and comfortable. Get rid of rough floors and walls, cover sharp corners, lay down proper bedding, etc. It is believed that some pigs immune response is weak making the pig more susceptible.

Also, when purchasing pigs, make sure to check for a history of greasy pig disease. This is not something you want to invite into your pens.

For more information on pig diseases, swine nutrition, and the intricacies of raising pigs, make sure to purchase a copy of Doc Sanders Goes Whole Hog, available now!