In autumn, the weather turns cooler, day–night temperature differences are large, and humidity changes noticeably. Pathogens also reproduce readily, making pigs susceptible to environmental stress and pathogen attacks. The following diseases are common and require focused prevention and control.
01 Respiratory diseases (most common in autumn)
In autumn, large temperature differences and the conflict between ventilation and heat retention are pronounced. Ammonia and dust can build up inside pig housing, easily triggering respiratory diseases. Common types include:
1, swine influenza
Caused by influenza viruses, it spreads rapidly and presents with sudden fever (40-42℃), coughing, sneezing, runny nose, lethargy, and reduced appetite. The whole group often becomes ill at the same time or in succession. The mortality rate is low, but secondary bacterial infections (such as pneumonia) are common.
2, Mycoplasma pneumonia (喘气病)
Caused by Mycoplasma infection, it presents with a dry cough (especially noticeable in the early morning and after exercise), panting, and difficulty breathing. Body temperature is generally normal, growth is slow, and the condition tends to recur. It is often aggravated by cold stress.
3, contagious pleuropneumonia
Caused by Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae. Acute cases involve sudden high fever, difficulty breathing, and bloody froth flowing from the nose and mouth, with a high mortality rate; chronic cases involve coughing and weight loss, and are prone to mixed infections with other respiratory diseases.
4, porcine circovirus disease (PCV2/3)
It is easily triggered in autumn. Piglets show post-weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (weight loss, difficulty breathing, and jaundice); growing-finishing pigs may develop respiratory symptoms, and secondary bacterial infections often worsen the condition.
02 Diarrheal diseases (common in piglets)
In autumn, temperatures drop sharply, and piglets (especially those aged 1-3 weeks) are prone to diarrhea caused by cold exposure or pathogen infection. Common conditions include:
1, piglet yellow and white diarrhea
Escherichia coli infection: within 1 weeks after birth, piglets develop “yellow scours” (yellow watery feces); at 1-3 weeks, they develop “white scours” (white, paste-like feces). They are prone to dehydration and death. This is closely related to cold, damp environments and poor sanitation.
2, rotavirus / coronavirus diarrhea
Common in young pigs, with watery diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration. There is no specific medication; management relies on keeping them warm, providing fluids (oral rehydration salts), and preventing secondary infections. Cold stress can worsen symptoms.
3, coccidiosis
Piglets (7-14 days old) develop diarrhea due to coccidial infection. Their feces are yellow and pasty or watery, with mucus. The condition is easily confused with bacterial diarrhea and requires laboratory testing to distinguish it.
03 Parasitic diseases (high prevalence both internally and externally)
Autumn temperatures are suitable for parasite reproduction, making pig herds susceptible to infection:
1, Ectoparasites (Sarcoptes mites, ticks)
Sarcoptes mites cause itchy skin, hair loss, and scabbing in pigs (especially behind the ears and on the abdomen), affecting feed intake and rest; tick bites transmit pathogens and can cause anemia or fever.
2, internal parasites (roundworms, whipworms, nodular worms)
Larval migration damages the intestines and liver, causing pigs to lose weight, develop diarrhea, and grow slowly. Adult pigs may develop a cough (as roundworm larvae migrate to the lungs). Regular deworming is needed in autumn.
04 Other diseases that are common in autumn
1, swine erysipelas
Autumn’s rainy, damp conditions favor the growth of erysipelas bacteria. Affected pigs develop a high fever (above 42°C), diamond- or square-shaped red skin patches that blanch under pressure, or swollen joints and lameness. Treat promptly with penicillin.
2, foot-and-mouth disease
Autumn is a peak season for foot-and-mouth disease. The virus spreads through the air and by contact. Affected pigs develop blisters and ulcers in the mouth and on the feet, along with an elevated temperature. Piglets may die from myocarditis. Vaccination is needed for prevention.
3, aflatoxin poisoning
In autumn, frequent rain can cause feed to become moldy and produce aflatoxins. After consuming it, pigs may show reduced appetite, jaundice, and liver damage; sows may miscarry. Strengthen feed storage practices (keep feed dry and well ventilated) and add a mold inhibitor.
05 Key prevention and control recommendations
Balance heat retention and ventilation to reduce stress from temperature differences;
Disinfect thoroughly ( 1-2 times per week) and keep pig housing dry and clean;
Keep piglets warm (above 30℃) and supplement with probiotics to enhance intestinal resistance;
Vaccinate promptly (against influenza, foot-and-mouth disease, Mycoplasma, etc.) and deworm regularly (albendazole + ivermectin);
Immediately isolate sick pigs and make a rapid diagnosis based on symptoms (for example, distinguish viral from bacterial respiratory infections) to avoid indiscriminate medication.
Autumn is a “high-risk transitional season” for pig diseases. Early prevention, early detection, and early action are key to reducing losses.