by Dr Stan Done and Nigel Woolfenden

Example of PDNS in a growing pig typically, the condition occurs later than PMWS and tends to be characterised by obvious skin blemishes.

Most of the attention on pig diseases associated with the porcine circovirus PCV2 has been devoted to the PMWS wasting syndrome in young pigs. However, recent successes with circovirus vaccines have suggested that they are also helpful in dealing with the later condition known as the porcine dermatitis and nephropathy syndrome.

PDNS was thought originally to occur separately from PMWS, but it is now regarded as part of the same systemic manifestations of a PCV2 infection. An important difference is in the timing of appearance. When they arise together in the same unit, the usual form is for PDNS to occur 12-14 weeks after PMWS, probably as a result of a damaged immune response. However, the later syndrome affects only a small proportion of the pigs, typically those in good condition.

Purple patches around the peritoneal region of the pig's abdomen are from acute epizootic PDNS lesions.

Acute cases occurring in pigs in the wide age range of 7-22 weeks must be treated as involving a notifiable disease, because the signs resemble those of classical swine fever/hog cholera. A rare epizootic form seen in the UK particularly in 1999-2000 needed to be differentiated from both classical swine fever and African swine fever because of the presence of enlarged swollen, oedematous and haemorrhagic lymph nodes. Other differential diagnoses include acute erysipelas, bovine virus diarrhoea (BVD) infection, salmonellosis and similar septicaemias.

Signs on the skin

At post-mortem, the most significant finding is that up to 60% of the kidney may be infiltrated with mononuclear cells. Before the occurrence of PDNS it was very difficult to find any kidneys with any evidence of interstitial nephritis characterised by mononuclear cell infiltration.

As a dermatitis, PDNS is seen as skin lesions. These can vary from small marks to patches particularly over the loins, hind legs and ventral abdomen, but in severe cases they will cover the whole body. Eventually these areas develop a purple-red colour with black centres. The pigs may be pale and lethargic, sometimes they have a fever.

In acutely affected pigs the skin signs are very pronounced. Mortality rates can be as high as 80% and perhaps even 90%. But the morbidity level is low, under 1%. Sporadic cases of PDNS also are observed and can happen at any stage between 5 weeks and 9 months old. The clinical signs of sporadic, enzootic and epizootic forms are shown in the chart on page 18.

Although there is no proof as yet, it is likely that PDNS results from disturbances of the immune system. High levels of the circovirus are thought to become attached to the major antigen-presenting cells in the tissues, which are known as dendritic cells. The infected dendritic cells retain their ability to process and present antigen to lymphocytes even with the PCV2 infection. However, they are less able to recognise the danger signals' presented by foreign antigens.

The effects on these cells may mean no efficient immune response develops against other pathogens. Therefore further infections can occur as they do in PDNS, with 3 different viruses (those of PRRS and swine influenza alongside PV2) being identified in one recently reported case. A further observation has been that PCV2 affects the infected macrophages (defence cells) so the protective system of the pig tries to stimulate both cellular and humoral immunity at the same time. As one will counteract the other, this is hardly likely to lead to a successful immune response.

Lesions of acute epizootic PDNS resembling acute classical swine fever include enlarged haemorrhagic lymph nodes, haemorrhages in the lumen of gut and ulcers in the area of the ileum or caecum.

But there has been some success internationally in controlling PCV2 infections through changes in management and the genetics used by pig units. Some countries report that the really susceptible family lines may have been eliminated from breeding stock, leaving the more resistant families. Such methods appear to have reduced morbidity and mortality by 50% at sites trying to control PCV-associated diseases, even before the recent introduction of vaccines to use either on the sow or on piglets. However, experience in Europe is that these vaccine products have greatly improved the disease situation.

What is more, from practitioner observations in the UK, the considerable reduction in the incidence of PMWS cases has been accompanied by the near-disappearance of PDNS. We can see already that vaccination has reduced the immuno-suppression and therefore the presence of the secondary infections associated with PDNS cases. PIGI

The Preserve Pig:

The Preserve Pig:

Not all pigs are suited for life at The Preserve. The beauty and simplicity of The Preserve Concept calls for The Preserve to exist as part of a partnership and a network of more traditional sanctuaries, which are designed and equipped to handle those pigs for whom life at The Preserve would be a challenge instead of a gift.

The Preserve will accept virtually all breeds of pigs...from Vietnamese Potbellied pigs, other breeds of miniature pigs as well as the larger farm pigs, providing they meet certain physical criteria.

General Criteria for Preserve Candidates:

-Ages 1-12...although other ages may be allowed within family groups on a case-by-case basis.

-Neutered or spayed

-In good overall physical condition: good sight, good hearing and good mobility.

-No known, pre-existing, chronic medical conditions which would affect the pig's ability to enjoy life at The Preserve.

-Previously blood tested for pseudorabies and brucellosis

-Micro chipped prior to arrival

-Vaccinated for basic pig diseases plus rabies and tetanus based on the recommendation of our veterinarian.

-Emotionally suited for life at The Preserve.

The most likely Preserve Candidates will be pigs coming from large rescues and/or abusive backgrounds who have not formed close human bonds. Many of these animals have survived months or years of neglect and abuse at the hands of humans and will be only too happy to live in an environment where humans play a very small role in their lives. They, more than other pigs, will benefit from what The Preserve will offer them. They have no need for belly rubs, bubble baths, hoof pedicures, specially designed “swine finery”, or social outings with humans. What they crave, and what The Preserve can offer them, is 100 acres of freedom, the company of other pigs, a ready supply of nutritious food, ponds and streams to play in, shelter from the elements, safety from predators and minimal human contact.

In short...they will be able to be pigs...living life on their own terms.

The quintessential “pet pig” who has been raised indoors and who has spent his/her life in the constant company of humans instead of other pigs is probably not a good Preserve Candidate. These pigs will do better in the more traditional sanctuary environment. And, without the need of having to cope with the large number of Preserve Pigs, the partnering sanctuaries will have more space, more resources and more time available to cater to the needs of these pigs.

It is a win/win situation for the pigs and for the sanctuaries.

Pathogenesis of Vesicular Diseases Group

Pathogenesis of Vesicular Diseases Group

(FMDV) affects both ruminants and pigs. Some ruminants (but not pigs) become persistently infected with FMDV even though the animals have recovered from the disease. We call these individuals 'carriers'. Such infections can persist for many months or even years. The carriers are a danger because they have the potential to spread live virus to susceptible animals. Consequently, their occurrence significantly constrains trade in live susceptible animals and their products. Unfortunately, a vaccinated ruminant that has had contact with live virus can also become a carrier. If the threat presented by carriers could be reduced or prevented, the reluctance to use vaccine to help control an outbreak of FMD in a previously FMD-free country would no longer be justified, and trade constraints on FMD-infected countries that regularly vaccinate could be reduced.

We focus on the mechanisms of the disease process (pathogenesis), persistence, and transmission of FMDV and swine vesicular disease virus (SVDV). Greater understanding of the fundamentals of these processes will feed through to the development of improved vaccines and better control strategies.

Feeding & Watering Pigs

Pigs, like all animals, must have constant access to clean fresh drinking water. Pigs also like to make a wallow - a muddy hole - to lie in. They may do this by tipping the water out of their water trough. They will also stand in the water trough and wash their dirty faces in it. So it needs to be checked regularly, cleaned out and refilled.

If you are clever and have the right equipment, you can mix your own food for your pigs. But we would recommend investing in a good quality commercial pig food. We use Feeding instructions are on the bag, but basically you feed 1lb of food each day for each month of age, up to a maximum of 6lbs per day. Do not feed more than this - you will waste money and end up with over-fat pigs. Furthermore, weigh the food. Six pounds is probably less than you think. On our course, there was a couple who had successfully raised two Saddleback weaners previously and were about to get their second pair. When we were shown how much six pounds of feed was, they were aghast and said that they had been feeding this amount twice per day. They also admitted that their pigs had killed out with about six inches of back fat!

Split the feeds into at least two per day. Pigs like feeding so give them as much fun as possible. We used a feed trough to start with, but latterly, we just threw the pellets over as wide an area of the pen as possible and let the pigs forage for them. Waste isn't a problem (although our land is quite well drained) and it made feeding time last so much longer.

We also feed our pigs selected scraps from the garden and occasionally the kitchen - things like lettuces which have gone to seed, left-over boiled pasta, over-ripe bananas (with the skins on) and so on. Be aware that it is illegal to feed them any meat at all.

H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu): Information for Concerned Parents and Caregivers

1-What is H1N1 Flu?

H1N1 is a type of influenza (flu) virus that causes respiratory disease that can spread between people. Most people infected with this virus in the United States have had mild disease, but some have had more severe illness, and there has been at least one death. Young children, pregnant women, and people with chronic diseases like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease may be at higher risk for complications from this infection. More information about who may be at higher risk will be available when more is known about the disease. There are steps you can take to protect your family and to know when to seek medical care.

2-What are the symptoms?
-In most children, the symptoms of H1N1 flu are similar to the symptoms of regular flu. They -include:
-Fever
-Cough
-Sore throat
-Body aches
-Headache
-Chills and fatigue
-Occasionally, vomiting and diarrhea

Young children may not have typical symptoms, but may have difficulty breathing and low activity. Little is known about how H1N1 may affect children. However, we think the infection may be similar to other flu infections. Typically, flu infections cause mild disease in children, but children under 5 years old are more likely to have serious illness than older children. Although rare, severe respiratory illness (pneumonia) and deaths have been reported with flu infections in children. Flu infections tend to be more severe in children with chronic medical conditions.

3-How to keep from getting it?
Flu viruses spread from person to person mainly through the coughing or sneezing of a sick person. Flu virus may also be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with the virus and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. We think H1N1 flu spreads the same way as other flu viruses. Right now, there is no vaccine to protect against H1N1 flu, but there are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like H1N1 flu:

1-Teach your children to wash their hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds. Be sure to set a good example by doing this yourself.

2-Teach your children to cough and sneeze into a tissue or into the inside of their elbow. Be sure to set a good example by doing this yourself.
Teach your children to stay at least six feet away from people who are sick.

3-Children who are sick should stay home from school and daycare and stay away from other people until they are better.

4-In communities where H1N1 flu has occurred, stay away from shopping malls, movie theaters, or other places where there are large groups of people.


4-What to do if your child is sick?

1-Unless they need medical attention, keep children who are sick at home. Don’t send them to school or daycare.

2-Have them drink a lot of liquid (juice, water, Pedialyte ®).

3-Keep the sick child comfortable. Rest is important.

4-For fever, sore throat, and muscle aches, you can use fever-reducing medicines that your

doctor recommends based on your child’s age. Do not use aspirin with children or teenagers; it can cause Reye’s syndrome, a life-threatening illness.

5-If someone in your home is sick, keep him or her away from those who are not sick.

6-Keep tissues close to the sick person and have a trash bag within reach for disposing used tissues.

If your child comes in contact with someone with H1N1 flu, ask your doctor if he or she should receive antiviral medicines to prevent getting sick from H1N1 Flu.

If your child experiences any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care:
Fast breathing or trouble breathing
1-Bluish or gray skin color
2-Not drinking enough fluids
3-Not waking up or not interacting
4-Being so irritable that he or she does not want to be held
5-Not urinating or no tears when crying
6-Their symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

Interim Recommendations for Facemask and Respirator Use in Certain Community Settings Where H1N1 Influenza Virus Transmission Has Been Detected

Information on the effectiveness of facemasks and respirators for the control of influenza in community settings is extremely limited. Thus, it is difficult to assess their potential effectiveness in controlling swine influenza A (H1N1) virus transmission in these settings. In the absence of clear scientific data, the interim recommendations below have been developed on the basis of public health judgment and the historical use of facemasks and respirators in other settings.

In areas with confirmed human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection, the risk for infection can be reduced through a combination of actions. No single action will provide complete protection, but an approach combining the following steps can help decrease the likelihood of transmission. These actions include frequent handwashing, covering coughs, and having ill persons stay home, except to seek medical care, and minimize contact with others in the household.Additional measures that can limit transmission of a new influenza strain include voluntary home quarantine of members of households with confirmed or probable swine influenza cases, reduction of unnecessary social contacts, and avoidance whenever possible of crowded settings.

When it is absolutely necessary to enter a crowded setting or to have close contact3 with persons who might be ill, the time spent in that setting should be as short as possible. If used correctly, facemasks and respirators may help reduce the risk of getting influenza, but they should be used along with other preventive measures, such as avoiding close contact and maintaining good hand hygiene. A respirator that fits snugly on your face can filter out small particles that can be inhaled around the edges of a facemask, but compared with a facemask it is harder to breathe through a respirator for long periods of time.

When crowded settings or close contact with others cannot be avoided, the use of facemasks or respirators in areas where transmission of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus has been confirmed should be considered as follows:

1-Whenever possible, rather than relying on the use of facemasks or respirators, close contact with people who might be ill and being in crowded settings should be avoided.

2-Facemasks1 should be considered for use by individuals who enter crowded settings, both to protect their nose and mouth from other people's coughs and to reduce the wearers' likelihood of coughing on others; the time spent in crowded settings should be as short as possible.

3-Respirators should be considered for use by individuals for whom close contact with an infectious person is unavoidable. This can include selected individuals who must care for a sick person (e.g., family member with a respiratory infection) at home.

These interim recommendations will be revised as new information about the use of facemasks and respirators in the current setting becomes available.


1-Unless otherwise specified, the term "facemasks" refers to disposable masks cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as medical devices. This includes facemasks labeled as surgical, dental, medical procedure, isolation, or laser masks. Such facemasks have several designs. One type is affixed to the head with two ties, conforms to the face with the aid of a flexible adjustment for the nose bridge, and may be flat/pleated or duck-billed in shape. Another type of facemask is pre-molded, adheres to the head with a single elastic band, and has a flexible adjustment for the nose bridge. A third type is flat/pleated and affixes to the head with ear loops. Facemasks cleared by the FDA for use as medical devices have been determined to have specific levels of protection from penetration of blood and body fluids.

2-Unless otherwise specified, "respirator" refers to an N95 or higher filtering facepiece respirator certified by the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

3-Three feet has often been used by infection control professionals to define close contact and is based on studies of respiratory infections; however, for practical purposes, this distance may range up to 6 feet. The World Health Organization uses "approximately 1 meter"; the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration uses "within 6 feet." For consistency with these estimates, this document defines close contact as a distance of up to 6 feet.

Interim Guidance for H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu): Taking Care of a Sick Person in Your Home

Swine influenza A virus infection (swine flu) can cause a wide range of symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. People with swine flu also can have vomiting and diarrhea. Like seasonal flu, swine flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe.Severe disease with pneumonia, respiratory failure and even death is possible with swine flu infection. Certain groups might be more likely to develop a severe illness from swine flu infection, such as persons with chronic medical conditions. Sometimes bacterial infections may occur at the same time as or after infection with influenza viruses and lead to pneumonias, ear infections, or sinus infections.

The following information can help you provide safer care at home for sick persons during a flu pandemic.

1-How Flu Spreads?

The main way that influenza viruses are thought to spread is from person to person in respiratory droplets of coughs and sneezes. This can happen when droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person are propelled through the air and deposited on the mouth or nose of people nearby. Influenza viruses may also be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets on another person or an object and then touches their own mouth or nose (or someone else’s mouth or nose) before washing their hands.

People with swine flu who are cared for at home should:
1-check with their health care provider about any special care they might need if they are pregnant or have a health condition such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma, or emphysema
2-check with their health care provider about whether they should take antiviral medications
3-stay home for 7 days after the start of illness and fever is gone
4-get plenty of rest
5-drink clear fluids (such as water, broth, sports drinks, electrolyte beverages for infants) tokeep from being dehydrated
6-cover coughs and sneezes. Clean hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub often and especially after using tissues and after coughing or sneezing into hands.
7-avoid close contact with others – do not go to work or school while ill
8-be watchful for emergency warning signs (see below) that might indicate you need to seek medical attention

(Key Facts about H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu

1-What is H1N1 Influenza?

H1N1 Influenza is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza virus that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza in pigs. H1N1 flu viruses cause high levels of illness and low death rates in pigs. H1N1 viruses may circulate among swine throughout the year, but most outbreaks occur during the late fall and winter months similar to outbreaks in humans. The

classical H1N1 virus (an influenza type A virus) was first isolated from a pig in 1930.

2-How many H1N1 viruses are there?

Like all influenza viruses, H1N1 viruses change constantly. Pigs can be infected by avian influenza and human influenza viruses as well as H1N1 viruses. When influenza viruses from different species infect pigs, the viruses can resort (i.e. swap genes) and new viruses that are a mix of swine, human and/or avian influenza viruses can emerge. Over the years, different variations of H1N1 flu viruses have emerged. At this time, there are four main influenza type A virus subtypes that have been isolated

in pigs: H1N1, H1N2, H3N2, and H3N1. However, most of the recently isolated influenza viruses from pigs have been H1N1 viruses.

3-H1N1 Flu in Humans:

H1N1 Flu in HumansH1N1 viruses do not normally infect humans. However, sporadic human infections with H1N1 flu have occurred. Most commonly, these cases occur in persons with direct exposure to pigs (e.g. children near pigs at a fair or workers in the swine industry). In addition, there have been documented cases of one person spreading H1N1 flu to others. For example, an outbreak of apparent H1N1 flu infection in pigs in Wisconsin in 1988 resulted in multiple human infections, and, although no community outbreak resulted, there was antibody evidence of virus transmission from the patient to health care workers who had close contact with the patient.

4-How common is H1N1 flu infection in humans?

In the past, CDC received reports of approximately one human H1N1 influenza virus infection every one to two years in the U.S., but from December 2005 through February 2009, 12 cases of human infection with H1N1 influenza have been reported

5-What are the symptoms of swine flu in humans?
The symptoms of swine flu in people are expected to be similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

6-Can people catch swine flu from eating pork?
No. Swine influenza viruses are not transmitted by food. You can not get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork and pork products is safe. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 160°F kills the swine flu virus as it does other bacteria and viruses.

6-How does swine flu spread?
Influenza viruses can be directly transmitted from pigs to people and from people to pigs. Human infection with flu viruses from pigs are most likely to occur when people are in close proximity to infected pigs, such as in pig barns and livestock exhibits housing pigs at fairs. Human-to-human transmission of swine flu can also occur. This is thought to occur in the same way as seasonal flu occurs in people, which is mainly person-to-person transmission through coughing or sneezing of people infected with the influenza virus. People may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

7-What do we know about human-to-human spread of swine flu?
In September 1988, a previously healthy 32-year-old pregnant woman was hospitalized for pneumonia and died 8 days later. A swine H1N1 flu virus was detected. Four days before getting sick, the patient visited a county fair swine exhibition where there was widespread influenza-like illness among the swine.
In follow-up studies, 76% of swine exhibitors tested had antibody evidence of swine flu infection but no serious illnesses were detected among this group. Additional studies suggest that one to three health care personnel who had contact with the patient developed mild influenza-like illnesses with antibody evidence of swine flu infection.

8-How can human infections with swine influenza be diagnosed?
To diagnose swine influenza A infection, a respiratory specimen would generally need to be collected within the first 4 to 5 days of illness (when an infected person is most likely to be shedding virus). However, some persons, especially children, may shed virus for 10 days or longer. Identification as a swine flu influenza A virus requires sending the specimen to CDC for laboratory testing.

9-What medications are available to treat swine flu infections in humans?
There are four different antiviral drugs that are licensed for use in the US for the treatment of influenza: amantadine, rimantadine, oseltamivir and zanamivir. While most swine influenza viruses have been susceptible to all four drugs, the most recent swine influenza viruses isolated from humans are resistant to amantadine and rimantadine. At this time, CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with swine influenza viruses.

10-What other examples of swine flu outbreaks are there?
Probably the most well known is an outbreak of swine flu among soldiers in Fort Dix, New Jersey in 1976. The virus caused disease with x-ray evidence of pneumonia in at least 4 soldiers and 1 death; all of these patients had previously been healthy. The virus was transmitted to close contacts in a basic training environment, with limited transmission outside the basic training group. The virus is thought to have circulated for a month and disappeared. The source of the virus, the exact time of its introduction into Fort Dix, and factors limiting its spread and duration are unknown. The Fort Dix outbreak may have been caused by introduction of an animal virus into a stressed human population in close contact in crowded facilities during the winter. The swine influenza A virus collected from a Fort Dix soldier was named A/New Jersey/76 (Hsw1N1).

11-Is the H1N1 swine flu virus the same as human H1N1 viruses?
No. The H1N1 swine flu viruses are antigenically very different from human H1N1 viruses and, therefore, vaccines for human seasonal flu would not provide protection from H1N1 swine flu viruses.
Swine Flu in Pigs

12-How does swine flu spread among pigs?
Swine flu viruses are thought to be spread mostly through close contact among pigs and possibly from contaminated objects moving between infected and uninfected pigs. Herds with continuous swine flu infections and herds that are vaccinated against swine flu may have sporadic disease, or may show only mild or no symptoms of infection.

13-What are signs of swine flu in pigs?
Signs of swine flu in pigs can include sudden onset of fever, depression, coughing (barking), discharge from the nose or eyes, sneezing, breathing difficulties, eye redness or inflammation, and going off feed.

14-How common is swine flu among pigs?
H1N1 and H3N2 swine flu viruses are endemic among pig populations in the United States and something that the industry deals with routinely. Outbreaks among pigs normally occur in colder weather months (late fall and winter) and sometimes with the introduction of new pigs into susceptible herds. Studies have shown that the swine flu H1N1 is common throughout pig populations worldwide, with 25 percent of animals showing antibody evidence of infection. In the U.S. studies have shown that 30 percent of the pig population has antibody evidence of having had H1N1 infection. More specifically, 51 percent of pigs in the north-central U.S. have been shown to have antibody evidence of infection with swine H1N1. Human infections with swine flu H1N1 viruses are rare. There is currently no way to differentiate antibody produced in response to flu vaccination in pigs from antibody made in response to pig infections with swine H1N1 influenza.

While H1N1 swine viruses have been known to circulate among pig populations since at least 1930, H3N2 influenza viruses did not begin circulating among US pigs until 1998. The H3N2 viruses initially were introduced into the pig population from humans. The current swine flu H3N2 viruses are closely related to human H3N2 viruses.

15-Is there a vaccine for swine flu?
Vaccines are available to be given to pigs to prevent swine influenza. There is no vaccine to protect humans from swine flu. The seasonal influenza vaccine will likely help provide partial protection against swine H3N2, but not swine H1N1 viruses.