Veterinary Services

Influenza infection in pigs results in clinical signs of respiratory disease including coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, fever, lethargy and reddening of eyes. Disease usually spreads rapidly in susceptible groups of pigs and the mortality rate is generally low if general health status is good. However, if underlying health problems are present, clinical signs can be more severe with a longer recovery period and mortality rates can be higher.

Testing for influenza in pigs is performed free of charge.

If you suspect swine influenza in your pig herd it is important to consult your veterinary surgeon who will advise on the best course of action and organise for diagnostic investigations to be carried out. This will involve a combination of postmortem examinations, virus isolation and serological testing.

It is especially important to consult your veterinary surgeon in the following situations:

You, or anyone else in contact with your pigs, develop clinical signs of influenza and the pigs show signs of influenza at a similar time.

A farm with which you have contact (through personnel, pigs or equipment) is known to have cases of influenza in pigs and your pigs are showing clinical signs of influenza.

The more quickly influenza is identified in pigs, the better chance of preventing onward spread.