Blue ear poses threat to pigs

7 February 1997

Blue ear poses threat to pigs

INCREASES in mortality of newly-born piglets may be caused by reoccurrence of blue ear disease (PRRS) on pig units.

Suffolk vet Roger Harvey has seen more cases over the past four months when he had thought outbreaks were stabilising.

Management techniques such as all-in, all-out housing policies must be maintained to keep the disease under control, he claims. Also try to get the weaners moved off-site.

Vet Tony Andrews warns that PRRS may also be the cause of sow infertility.

&#8226 High mortality in piglets.

&#8226 Lameness in outdoor pigs.

&#8226 Enzootic pneumonia.