PIGS EATING LESS, REFUSING FEED, AND HAVING FEVER OF UNKNOWN CAUSE: HOW TO TREAT IT?
Pigs eating less, refusing feed, and developing a fever of unknown origin are common abnormal signs in pig farming. These symptoms may be a temporary physiological response to environmental changes or an early indication of serious infectious diseases. If not detected and managed promptly, this condition can significantly affect herd health, reduce productivity, and cause economic losses for farmers.
Causes of Reduced Feed Intake, Feed Refusal, and Fever in Pigs
Physiological Causes
Sudden Weather Changes
When environmental temperatures change rapidly, especially during seasonal transitions or prolonged hot weather, pigs may experience heat stress. This can cause fatigue, reduced appetite, and sometimes mild fever.
Sows After Weaning
After weaning, some sows may show reduced feed intake as their bodies adjust their metabolism and hormonal balance. This condition is usually temporary and resolves within a few days.
Poor Feed Quality
Moldy, spoiled, or suddenly changed feed can cause pigs to lose interest in eating and consume less feed than usual. In such cases, pigs typically do not have a fever or other signs of illness.
Overstocking
Overcrowded pens, poor ventilation, and excessive stocking density can cause stress in pigs, negatively affecting feed intake and growth performance.
Disease-Related Causes
If pigs stop eating and develop a fever, farmers should pay close attention, as this may indicate serious health problems.
Respiratory Diseases
Conditions such as pharyngitis, rhinitis, common cold, or upper respiratory tract infections can cause fever, coughing, sneezing, and temporary loss of appetite.
Serious Infectious Diseases
Pigs suffering from infectious diseases often exhibit the following symptoms:
Persistent high fever
Complete or partial loss of appetite
Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
Watery eyes and nasal discharge
Red skin or skin hemorrhages
Lethargy and excessive lying down
Several infectious diseases affecting the respiratory system, digestive system, or those caused by bacteria and viruses can produce these symptoms.
How to Manage Pigs with Reduced Appetite, Feed Refusal, and Fever
Isolate Affected Pigs
As soon as pigs show signs of reduced appetite or fever, they should be separated from the healthy herd. This allows closer monitoring and helps reduce the risk of disease transmission.
Monitor Body Temperature Regularly
Checking body temperature helps assess the animal's health status accurately. If the fever persists for several days, farmers should consult a veterinarian for further evaluation and guidance.
Provide Water and Electrolytes
Fever causes pigs to lose fluids more rapidly than normal. Therefore, it is important to ensure a constant supply of clean drinking water and electrolyte supplementation to maintain hydration and electrolyte balance.
Improve Housing Conditions
Keep pens clean and dry.
Improve ventilation.
Reduce stocking density if overcrowded.
Minimize stress factors affecting the animals.
Adjust the Feeding Program
During illness, pigs should be offered soft, easily digestible feed. Feeding smaller meals several times a day can help stimulate appetite and improve feed intake.
Strengthen the Immune System
Providing adequate vitamins, minerals, and immune-support supplements can help improve disease resistance and support a faster recovery.
When Should a Veterinarian Be Called?
Farmers should contact a veterinarian immediately if pigs show any of the following signs:
High fever lasting more than two days
Complete refusal to eat
Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
Severe diarrhea
Skin hemorrhages
Rapid increase in the number of affected pigs within the herd
Accurate diagnosis is essential for selecting the appropriate treatment and minimizing losses within the herd.
Caring for Pigs After Recovery
Once pigs begin to recover, they should not be allowed to consume large amounts of feed immediately. Start with soft, easily digestible feed and gradually increase the ration according to the animal's digestive capacity.
In addition, continue monitoring their health, maintain proper pen hygiene, and provide balanced nutrition to ensure full recovery.
Reduced feed intake, feed refusal, and fever of unknown origin in pigs can result from a variety of causes, ranging from environmental changes to serious infectious diseases. Early detection, timely isolation, proper care, and close health monitoring are crucial for minimizing risks and improving farming efficiency.
To prevent disease effectively, farmers should focus on maintaining good housing hygiene, following vaccination programs, providing balanced nutrition, and routinely monitoring the health of the herd.
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