Swine Eperythrozoonosis

This microorganism is a hemotropic mycoplasma. It parasitizes the surface of red blood cells by attaching to their membranes, which leads to significant morphological changes and damage to the blood cells.

The parasite cannot survive in the external environment for long periods, which makes infected pigs the primary reservoir of the infection.

The disease affects exclusively domestic and wild pigs. Other species of livestock are not susceptible to this specific pathogen.

Transmission occurs primarily through hematogenous routes: via bites from blood-sucking insects, lice, and ticks, as well as through veterinary procedures performed with non-sterile instruments.

The clinical presentation of the disease varies depending on the severity of the infection and the animal's immune status. Often, the disease manifests in a subclinical or chronic form.

Key symptoms include the development of anemia due to the destruction of red blood cells. The mucous membranes of the eyes and mouth appear pale or jaundiced.

Affected animals show depression, loss of appetite, and in acute phases, they may develop fever, with temperatures reaching 40-41 degrees Celsius.

In sows, swine eperythrozoonosis often triggers reproductive problems, including abortions, infertility, or the birth of weak, non-viable piglets.

• General weakness and lethargy.
• Reduced feed intake and stunted growth.
• Cyanosis of the ears and snout.
• Jaundice of the skin.
• Reproductive failure in sows.

The spread of the disease is favored by poor sanitary conditions where high populations of insect vectors, such as flies, lice, and ticks, are present.

Stress factors, including overcrowding, poor nutrition, and inadequate indoor climate control, significantly weaken the animals' resistance to infection.

The infection spreads rapidly within farms when shared needles are used for injections, or during procedures like castration and tail docking without proper sterilization.

The seasonality of the disease is directly correlated with the activity levels of ectoparasites; therefore, infection peaks typically occur during warmer months.

Chronic carriers within the herd, which show no clear symptoms, represent a constant threat of transmission if strict biosecurity protocols are ignored.

The economic impact of swine eperythrozoonosis is significant, primarily due to reduced daily weight gains in fattening pigs caused by chronic anemia.

High mortality rates among piglets in the first few weeks of life cause substantial financial losses for the breeding sector of the farm.

Costs associated with veterinary care, diagnosis, treatment, and the forced culling of infected animals increase the total cost of pork production.

Damage to the sow herd leads to extended farrowing intervals and the need for frequent herd replacement, which lowers overall capital turnover.

The long recovery period for survivors requires additional expenditures on nutritional supplements and specialized care, without always guaranteeing a return to full productivity.

The cornerstone of protection is strict control over ectoparasites. Regular disinfection of facilities and the application of antiparasitic treatments on animals are essential.

Rigorous adherence to aseptic procedures during all veterinary interventions is critical. The use of individual, sterile needles for each animal is a mandatory requirement.

Quarantining all new additions before introducing them to the main herd allows for the identification of potential carriers and prevents the entry of the pathogen into the farm.

Treatment is conducted using specific antimicrobial agents of the tetracycline group, which are effective against mycoplasma infections, under the guidance of a veterinarian.

Prevention also includes providing a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals to maintain a robust immune system, allowing the pigs to better resist the parasite.