Rabies
Background and history
This is relatively rare in the pig. It occurs when a carnivorous rabid animal such as a dog, wolf, fox, coyote, jackal or skunk with the furious form of rabies gains access to pigs and manages to bite them. In Argentina certain species of cave-dwelling vampire bats transmit rabies to cattle but they are most unlikely to gain access to pigs.
Importance of Rabies
Remember that rabies is a fatal disease communicable to man.
Clinical signs
Piglets
- Rare.
- As for sows.
Sows, weaners and growers
Onset is sudden with:
- Nervous twitching of the face muscles.
- Fits and convulsions.
- Rapid chewing.
- Salivation.
- The muscles may also go into spasm.
- Posterior paralysis may occur.
- Aggression.
- Death usually takes place within three days.
Diagnosis
Accurate diagnosis is essential and requires a specialised laboratory.
Causes
Rabies virus is spread by contact with infected animals.
Prevention
- People are highly susceptible to the disease so unless you have been properly vaccinated barricade the affected pig away from the others and keep right away from it yourself.
- The saliva of the pig is highly infectious and can exist as an aerosol which you might inhale. Call your veterinarian quickly and let him deal with the situation.
- Beware that other pigs may be incubating the disease. Inspect them all frequently and if any behave suspiciously separate them and keep away from them yourself.
- In regions where rabies is common farm staff and the farm dogs should be vaccinated.
Treatment
- There is no treatment or method of control suitable for pigs.