Greasy pig disease

Greasy Pig Disease(Exudative epidermitis) is a generalized staphylococcal infection that affects young pigs.
The disease is also called exudative epidermitis which describes the oozing of fluid from the inflamed skin.

1. Chapter#10 Greasy Pig Disease 1

2. Introduction Greasy Pig Disease(Exudative epidermitis) is a generalized staphylococcal infection that affects young pigs. The disease is also called exudative epidermitis which describes the oozing of fluid from the inflamed skin. 2

3. Historical information Exudative epidermitis was described over 150 years ago. Subsequently, it was reported under a variety of names.  Staphylococcus hyicus , the etiologic agent, was first identified as a staphylococcus in 1965 and differentiated from nonpathogenic staphylococci in 1978. Despite research, the complete etiology of EE is unclear. 3

4. Causative agent This is caused by the bacterium Staphylococcus hyicus which invades abraded skin causing infection. The Staphylococcus produces toxins which are absorbed into the system and damage the liver and kidneys. Lack of competing bacterial flora on the skin, poor hygiene, poor ventilation, high humidity, initial abrasions of the skin from trauma, and genetic susceptibility. 4

5. Causes The sharp teeth cut the skin around the mouth during competition for a teat. Badly clipped teeth at birth. Abnormal behaviour: tail biting, ear biting, navel sucking, flank biting. Fighting and skin trauma at weaning. Mange giving rise to skin damage. 5

6. Epidemiology The epidemiology is unclear.  S. hyicus  is present in many herds and yet causes no disease. Although acute EE usually occurs in pigs less than eight weeks old, including nursery pigs, the disease also occurs in a less severe form in older pigs. Some outbreaks have followed the introduction of swine from other herds. Others have not, so that other risk factors (trauma, environmental irritation) are likely involved. Exudative epidermitis (EE) occurs in most major swine-raising countries. 6

7. Clinical signs These usually commence with small, dark, localised areas of infection around the face or on the legs, where the skin has been damaged. In weaned pigs disease may appear two to three days after weaning with a slight browning of the skin that progresses to a dark greasy texture and in severe cases the skin turns black. Such cases usually die due to the toxins produce by the staphylococci organisms. In nurseries up to 15 percent of the population may be involved. 7

8. Pathogenesis Lesions extend into hair follicles and lead to a suppurative folliculitis. Sebaceous glands secrete excessively and there is accumulation of greasy exudate over lesions. Exudate on the surface dries and deep cracks and fissures develop. Deaths are related to dehydration, loss of serum proteins and electrolytes. 8

9. Transmission Transmission of infection is by pig to pig contact, usually from piglet to piglet. In some cases, infection can come from the sow at birth. Indirect infection can take place when infection survives on the rough surfaces of pen furniture. The Staphylococcus produces toxins which are absorbed into the system and damage the liver and kidneys. 9

10. Lab diagnosis This is based on the characteristic skin lesions. In an outbreak it is important to culture the organism and carry out an antibiotic sensitivity test. A moist wet area should be identified, the overlying scab removed and a swab rubbed well into the infected area. This should be returned to the laboratory in transport medium to arrive as soon as possible, certainly within 24 hours. Diagnosis is based on clinical signs and confirmed by bacterial culture of lesions. 10

11. Prevention Examine the pigs to see where abrasions are taking place. For example, these may be arising from new concrete surfaces or rough metal floors. Check the procedures for removing tails and teeth. Edges of teeth can damage the gums leading to infection around the cheeks particularly when piglets fight for teat access Make sure that sharp needles are used for iron injections and change these regularly between litters. 11

12. Vaccine In severe outbreaks an autogenous vaccine can be prepared from the organism injected twice, four and two weeks prior to farrowing to raise immunity . This has proved successful on a number of farms where disease has appeared in both the sucking and weaned pigs . 12

13. Treatment Antibiotics include: amoxycillin, OTC, ceftiofur, cephalexin, gentamycin, lincomycin or penicillin. Topical application of antibiotics can also be of use. Novobiocin, an antibiotic used for treating mastitis in dairy cows, can be mixed with mineral oil and sprayed onto the skin or the piglets dipped into a solution of it. Piglets become very dehydrated and should be offered electrolytes by mouth. 13

14. Control Affected litters or individual pigs should be isolated immediately. Mingling of pigs should be avoided if an outbreak has occurred. In general, treatment has not been very satisfactory. Injectable antimicrobials may be of some benefit. Prevention starts with providing a high standard of sanitation for pregnant sows, especially in housing, and washing of sows may be of value. 14

15. Complications Infections by Staphylococcus hyicus, also known as exudative epidermitis (EE) or greasy pig disease cause extensive seborrheic dermatitis with side effects involving slower growth rate, dehydration and possibly death if left untreated. It typically affects young piglets up to about 8 weeks of age. 15

16. Risk factors Trauma often due to feed competition and fighting, is the main risk factor, as S. hyicus infects the pigs through damaged areas on the skin. 16

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