Veterinary Services

Systemic infection with Salmonella Typhimurium phage type 194 was diagnosed in two five-week-old weaners where there was a history of loss of condition and enteritis in the batch. One pig had shown nervous signs and there was fibrinous serositis affecting the spleen and fibrinous pericarditis. There was also evidence of arthritis in the left shoulder and there were thick fibrin deposits in the atlanto-occipital joint and on the cerebellum. Salmonella was isolated in direct culture systemically and from the pericardium, brain and shoulder joint.

Nervous system disorders

Streptococcus suis serotype 2 meningitis was diagnosed in seven-week-old pigs showing nervous signs. On account of previous problems with meningitis, the pigs had been receiving feed medicated with amoxycillin for ten days before changing to feed medicated with chlortetracycline. S. suis serotype 2 was isolated in culture from the meninges and other tissues.
 
Skin diseases

Severe greasy pig disease due to infection with Staphylococcus hyicus was diagnosed in an eight-week-old pig from a batch in which approximately 20% of the pigs were affected. There was extensive scab formation over the body and the pig was in poor body condition. It also had hydrothorax and a pericardial effusion.

Mange due to Sarcoptes scabiei was diagnosed on two units. In one case samples were submitted from two affected boars. Both mites and eggs were seen in skin scrapings. Plans to eradicate mange from the herds are under discussion as part of a wider mange eradication campaign in Scotland.

Porcine dermatitis and nephropathy syndrome (PDNS) was diagnosed in a two year old boar that had become dull and recumbent. The diagnosis is of interest as SACCVS considers it is unusual to get PDNS in adult pigs.