How to spot swine vesicular disease
The clinical signs of swine vesicular disease can be confused with foot and mouth disease, so it’s essential you report any suspicion of swine vesicular disease in your pigs.
The main sign of the disease is blisters (vesicles). These appear:
- at the top of the hooves
- between the toes
- occasionally on the snout, tongue and lips
Other clinical signs include:
- lameness due to foot blisters
- loss of appetite
- fever
Some infected pigs may not show any signs of the disease.
How swine vesicular disease is spread
The disease can be spread by:
- contact with infected pigs or their faeces or body fluids
- pigs eating infectious meat or meat products
- contact with anything contaminated with the virus including:
- people and their clothing
- vehicles and equipment
Preventing and controlling swine vesicular disease
You can help prevent disease by practising strict biosecurity on your farm
If you report suspicion of swine vesicular disease APHA vets will investigate.
If swine vesicular disease is confirmed the outbreak will be controlled in line with the contingency plan for exotic notifiable diseases.