While disease transmission is always a concern, vigilance is crucial when the health and history of a pig are unknown. Rescuing pigs poses particular risks that are not encountered in a normal household environment. The pigs that are being rescued may have not been cared for properly, they may have been housed in unsanitary conditions, their immune systems may be compromised, and they may have suffered nutritionally, all of which will put them at higher risk for disease and illness. In addition, some pigs may be rescued from farm homes or from livestock auctions. These settings could put the pig in contact with farm swine that often carry different diseases than our pet pigs.
Always ensure proper quarantine procedures are following when bringing in a new pig (LINK) and watch specifically for signs or symptoms of zoonotic diseases which may be transferred from pig to human. Signs and symptoms of an ill pig are listed here (LINK)
Zoonotic Diseases and parasites contagious from pig to human
Anthrax
Brucellosis
Erysipelas
E Coli
Hepatitis E virus
Leptospirosis
Meningitis
Pasteurellosis
Rabies
Ringworm
Roundworms
Salmonellosis
Sarcoptic Mange
Streptococcus suis (type II)
Swine Influenza
Tuberculosis
In addition, bringing a rescued pig to your home or sanctuary can put your existing herd at risk for disease. Many diseases and parasites may be passed from pig to pig. In addition to standard quarantine procedures, watch for signs or symptoms of contagious diseases.
Diseases and parasites contagious from pig to pig
Actinobacillosis
Atrophic Rhinitis
Bordatella
Brucellosis
Coccidia
Coronavirus
E Coli
Erysipelas
Exudative Dermatitis
Glasser’s Disease
Kidneyworms
Leptospirosis
Lice
Parvovirus
PEDV
Pneumonia
Porcine parvo
Porcine pleuropneumonia
Pseudorabies
Psuedorabies
Rabies
Ringworm
Rotovirus
Roundworms
Salmonellosis
Sarcoptic Mange
Staph infections
Streptococcal infections
Swine influenza
Swine pox
Threadworms
Toxoplasmosis
Upper Respiratory Infections
Whipworms