Effective pig health management is essential for successful pig farming. In Nigeria, various diseases can affect pigs, leading to significant economic losses. This article outlines common pig diseases, their symptoms, and practical prevention strategies for Nigerian pig farmers.

1. Common Pig Diseases in Nigeria

1.1 African Swine Fever (ASF)
Symptoms:
High fever
Loss of appetite
Red or blue blotches on the skin
Diarrhea
High mortality rates
Prevention:
Biosecurity: Implement strict biosecurity measures. Control farm access and disinfect vehicles, equipment, and personnel.
Avoid Swill Feeding: Do not feed pigs with potentially contaminated swill or raw pork products.
Quarantine: Isolate new or returning pigs for at least 30 days before integrating them with the herd.

1.2 Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD)
Symptoms:
Blisters in the mouth and on the feet
Lameness
Drooling
Reduced feed intake

Prevention:
Vaccination: Regular vaccination where available.
Movement Control: Restrict the movement of animals and people between farms.
Sanitation: Disinfect equipment and farm structures regularly.

1.3 Swine Dysentery
Symptoms:
Severe diarrhea, often with blood or mucus
Loss of appetite
Dehydration

Prevention:
Cleanliness: Maintain high levels of sanitation in pens and equipment.
Rodent Control: Implement measures to control rodent populations, which can spread the disease.
Antibiotics: Use antibiotics as prescribed by a veterinarian.

1.4 Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS)
Symptoms:
Reproductive failures (abortions, stillbirths)
Respiratory distress in piglets
Poor growth

Prevention:
Isolation: Quarantine new or sick pigs.
Air Filtration: Consider air filtration systems for breeding units.
Vaccination: Use vaccines if available and appropriate.

1.5 Hog Cholera (Classical Swine Fever)
Symptoms:
Fever
Red or purple skin discoloration
Diarrhea
Neurological signs (tremors, paralysis)

Prevention:

Vaccination: Regular vaccination according to veterinary advice.
Biosecurity: Enforce strict biosecurity measures.
1.6 Erysipelas
Symptoms:
Fever
Skin lesions (diamond-shaped red patches)
Lameness

Prevention:

Vaccination: Vaccinate breeding stock and growing pigs.
Sanitation: Maintain cleanliness and proper hygiene on the farm.
1.7 Leptospirosis
Symptoms:
Fever
Jaundice
Reproductive problems (abortions, stillbirths)

Prevention:
Rodent Control: Implement measures to reduce rodent populations.
Vaccination: Where available, vaccinate pigs.
Water Management: Ensure pigs have access to clean water and avoid stagnant water sources.