Clinical signs of Classical Swine Fever
The acute form results in very high death rates within 4 to 7 days. Whereas the mild and chronic forms may pass undetected and the pigs then die from secondary infections.
Acute Form
- fever (increase in body temperature to 40° C)
- loss of appetite
- dullness
- pigs will huddle together
- convulsions
- constipation (initially), followed by vomiting and diarrhoea
- gummed up eyes
- coughing
- the appearance of red or purplish skin blotching on ears, snout, limbs and abdomen
Chronic Form
- dullness
- poor growth rates
- fluctuating fevers
- constipation followed by diarrhoea
Affected animals may shows periods of normality following these symptoms and can live for more than 100 days after the onset of infection.
Mild Form
- abortion or giving birth to stillborn piglets
- surviving piglets may be born with tremors or deformities
- poor growth rates
With this form of CSF, often the clinical signs are not noticeable. Sometimes short periods of illness, followed by periods of recovery, are seen.
If you suspect Classical Swine Fever you must by law ( The Swine Fever Order 1963) contact your Divisional Veterinary Officer immediately.
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