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Greasy Pig Disease is a bacteria caused infection which only affects pigs. It is also referred to by names such as ‘Greasy Skin’ or ‘Exudative Epidermis’. Greasy pig disease may be treated by antibiotics as the disease is ultimately caused by a bacterial infection. Furthermore, in order to successfully prevent the disease, pigs must be sprayed frequently and maintain high levels of sanitation which lowers the risk of catching the disease.

The disease is highly contagious and the bacteria is transmitted through other pigs. In pigs that haven’t been weaned yet, a few piglets or a litter may be affected, in comparison to post-weaned animals through the mixing of litters where a  larger number of pigs show clinical signs. It is not contagious to humans.

Cause
The disease is caused by Staphylococcus hyicus which is a type of bacteria that usually resides on a pig’s skin without causing disease. The disease only takes into effect when the bacteria is granted entry into the pigs skin through ways such as an open wound. Greasy Pig Disease (exudative epidermitis) commonly affects piglets and begins showing as skin lesions on the cheeks, neck, ear tips and body. It also occurs in mature pigs, particularly when pigs fight each other. The causal agent enters through open wounds in the pigs which cause infections and skin lesions quite rapidly. The pigs body then absorbs the toxins which are caused by the infection which may quickly begin affecting the liver and kidneys. Greasy pig disease is commonly caused by fights between pigs where the skin around the mouth is cut and prone to infection by the bacteria Staphylococcus hyicus. It can also be caused by the inappropriate administration of iron injections, removing tails, teeth, and fighting when weaning.

Symptoms
Symptoms of greasy-pig disease include lesions that cover the skin and are greasy looking along with signs of lameness, coughing and dyspnoea. The lesions that begin to appear on the skin exhibit dullness and give the appearance of small brown scales that spread all over the pigs body. They begin developing over greater surface areas at a significantly rapid pace. This results in the skin becoming darker in colour and the release of a chemical that causes the skin to have a ‘greasy’ texture. These lesions are not itchy, but they leave the piglet’s skin prone to other potential secondary infections. Greasy-pig disease is highly contagious and is easily caught off other pigs, especially in hot weather. Symptoms of the disease are mostly detected in piglets up to 2 weeks old however it may also affect pigs up to 6 weeks old. Greasy pig disease can gradually result in death if left untreated, especially in young piglets.

Treatment
As a bacterial infection, Greasy Pig Disease responds well to antibiotic treatment as long as:

- The antibiotic used is effective against the strain of disease involved

- A sufficient dose is given for a sufficient duration.

- The antibiotic used effectively goes through the skin

- Treatment is given early

Lincomycin, the penicillins and cephalosporins are most effective as injectable or orally applied treatments. Topical antibiotics directed onto the skin can also be useful in treating the disease.

The disease is introduced by already-infected pigs so isolation may be an effective mechanism in protecting a herd. The piglets that have not been vaccinated are particularly prone to be affected if introduced to an infected herd and should be observed frequently.

Rehydration solutions and electrolytes are necessary and piglets should be washed in a mild disinfectant solution such as cetrimide. The disinfection should be performed to try to eliminate the risk of further outbreaks.

Prevention
Prevention against greasy pig disease includes ensuring pigs are safe and comfortable at all times. This can be done by removing sharp corners, rough floors, and ensuring there is adequate and clean bedding. It is believed that most pigs have a weak immune system thus making the pig more susceptible to catching the disease.

It would also be beneficial to examine the pigs and observe where the abrasions are taking place. For example the cause of infection entering the pigs body may be due to rough floors or walls. As such, a method of preventing the disease is to replace rough floors and ensure there are no potential hazards to the pigs. Another prevention strategy is to check the procedures for removing tails and teeth. Poorly maintained teeth can lead to an infection around the cheeks. Further, the skin of the udder is prone to infection and should be sprayed daily three days before and after applying a skin antiseptic. Additionally, extremes of humidity and wet pens can trigger the multiplication of bacteria and infection. Humidity levels above 70 percent are not ideal for preventing Greasy-pig-disease.

Sows carry the bacteria for Greasy pig disease usually without showing clinical signs. However when clinical signs are present, it is recommended to wash the pigs with a suitable antiseptic solution in order to decrease the risk of transmitting the disease to her piglets.

Study Of Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns To The Disease
Through the study of 30 herds with sample from around 6 pigs per farm, the antimicrobial resistance patterns of Staphylococcus hyicus demonstrated that 97% of Staphylococcus hyicus isolates were resistant to antibiotics such as penicillin G and ampicillin, and 71% were resistant to ceftiofur. As such, it is evident that antimicrobial resistance has become a prevalent issue in the treatment of Greasy pig disease in Ontario.

The most frequently applied treatment of greasy pig disease amongst farmers was topical therapy, including mixtures of topical antibiotics and antiseptics, most commonly in a spray form. The most commonly used topical antibiotic treatment was made up of 69% procaine penicillinG and novobiocin, 18.7% of penicillin G and 6.2% of cephapirin benzathine plus cloxacillin benzathine. Additionally, approximately 55% of respondents stated that they preferred to administer injectable antibiotics to affected pigs.

The most common resistance patterns of the causal agent were found to be penicillin G-ampicillin-ceftiofur, penicillin G-ampicillin-ceftiofur-spectinomycin-tetracycline-tiamulin,  penicillin G-ampicillin-spectinomycin-tetracycline-tiamulin, and penicillin G-ampicillin-ceftiofur-tetracycline.