Kerala, India
Pigs are vulnerable to infections from lice and mange mites. Mange infestations can lead to wound formation, which may subsequently develop secondary infections and compromise hide quality, making it unsuitable for leather production. Notably, mange infections can also be transmitted to humans.
Pigs may also be infested by ticks.
Pigs are susceptible to erysipelas (diamond skin disease), which produces characteristic diamond-shaped skin discoloration.
Mange in pigs
Mange results from mite infestations and causes the skin to thicken and develop crusty lesions. As mites burrow into the skin layers, they create intense irritation that causes pigs to scratch persistently, and the resulting wounds can become infected with bacteria. Mange initially develops around the head, ears, legs and tail regions but will progressively spread throughout the body without treatment. Mange control involves spraying, dipping or painting affected areas with appropriate acaricidal products. Housing facilities including pens and shelters must be thoroughly cleaned and washed. A second treatment application is necessary after 2 weeks.
Lice and tick infections
Pigs may become infested with dark-colored lice that are visible on the animal’s skin surface. These lice feed by consuming skin material and blood, causing irritation that makes pigs scratch, potentially creating wounds that can become infected. Management involves spraying with coumaphos and sanitizing the housing areas. Pigs are susceptible to certain tick species that feed on blood. These ticks may serve as vectors for other diseases. Treatment options include spraying with appropriate compounds, manual tick removal, or applying kerosene or touching them with a lighted cigarette. Infested pens require thorough cleaning.
Erysipelas (diamond skin disease)
Erysipelas or diamond skin disease in pigs can be fatal. This bacterial infection affects the pig’s entire system and produces distinctive skin discoloration patterns. The characteristic signs include reddish diamond-shaped markings on the skin, or the animal may exhibit purplish discoloration of the head and ears. Affected pigs develop high fever and refuse to eat; they vocalize when touched. The disease may result in death during acute infection, or in chronic situations, the pig may survive but experience swollen joints and lameness.