7 Pig Diseases Affecting African Farms and How to Tackle Them

In November 2011, two outbreaks of African Swine Fever (ASF) hit pig farms in Kiambu and Thika, Kenya. These outbreaks involved a total of 40 pigs, with 3 cases and 2 deaths recorded. One of the toughest challenges in African pig farming is how quickly a single case can turn into a full-blown crisis.

This piece examines seven pig diseases that continue to disrupt farms across the continent and breaks down what farmers can do to reduce risks and keep their herds safe.

1. African Swine Fever (ASF) 

ASF is one of the most destructive pig diseases on the continent. It spreads through direct contact, contaminated feed, or even clothes and tools. Once it enters a farm, it can lead to total loss. There’s no cure or vaccine yet, and infected pigs in most cases always die. 

Symptoms:

• High fever
• Weakness and loss of appetite
• Red or bluish skin patches (especially on ears and abdomen)
• Sudden death with internal hemorrhages

Prevention & Control:

• Strict biosecurity measures such as restricting farm visitors, disinfecting all vehicles and equipment. Also, quarantine new pigs.
• Since there’s no vaccine available, the best approach is preventing infection from entering the farm.
• Report outbreaks to veterinary authorities immediately.

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2. Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS)

PRRS affects pigs of all ages but hits breeding herds and young pigs the hardest. It weakens the immune system and opens the door to other infections. Sows may lose their pregnancies, while piglets often struggle to survive. Infected pigs are the main carriers, and without strict control, it’s hard to contain. 

Symptoms:

• Breeding failure in sows (abortions, stillbirths, weak piglets)
• Coughing and laboured breathing
• Poor growth in young pigs
• Blue discolouration of ears and snout

Prevention & Control:

• Keep new arrivals in quarantine before mixing with the herd.
• Vaccines can reduce severity, but won’t eliminate the virus.
• Good ventilation helps limit respiratory stress and spread.
• Keep sick animals separate. 

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3. Classical Swine Fever (CSF)

This viral disease moves fast and causes high death rates, especially in young pigs. It often spreads through contaminated pork, feed, or contact with infected pigs. A single CSF outbreak can wipe out an entire pen within days. Farmers without strong hygiene systems usually face the worst outcomes.

Symptoms:

• High fever
• Loss of appetite
• Weakness and trembling
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Purple discoloration of ears, abdomen, and inner thighs
• Sudden death in severe cases

Prevention & Control:

• Avoid swill feeding
• Vaccinate the herd
• Enforce strict hygiene
• Report outbreaks quickly.

4. Swine influenza

Swine influenza is a respiratory disease that spreads quickly through herds, especially during cold or crowded conditions. It weakens pigs, slows weight gain, and often leads to secondary infections. Though death rates are usually low, the drop in performance can stretch out recovery time and increase production costs.

Symptoms:

• Sudden coughing and sneezing
• Nasal discharge
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Sluggish movement or lying down for long periods

Prevention & Control:

• Improve ventilation. Fresh air reduces virus buildup in pens.
• Limit crowding.
• Separate infected pigs to stop the cycle.
• Maintain clean environments. Regular cleaning cuts down on virus survival.

5. Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD)

FMD causes painful blisters and severe weakness in pigs, especially around the mouth, feet, and snout. It spreads through direct contact, air, and contaminated materials. Although pigs often recover, the disease damages productivity and leads to heavy culling in serious outbreaks.

Symptoms:

• Blisters on mouth, tongue, snout, and feet
• Limping or refusal to walk
• Excessive drooling
• High fever
• Loss of appetite

Prevention & Control:

• Block farm access by limiting movement of people, vehicles, and animals.
• Disinfect thoroughly. Clean all surfaces and tools regularly.
• Isolate infected pigs immediately.

6. Swine Dysentery 

A bacterial infection that mainly targets the large intestine, swine dysentery causes bloody diarrhea and rapid weight loss. It spreads through faeces, contaminated boots, tools, or even rodents. Infected herds often face long recovery times and rising feed costs due to poor growth.

Symptoms:

• Bloody, foul-smelling diarrhea
• Dehydration
• Weakness and weight loss
• Loss of appetite.

Prevention & Control:

• Keep pens clean
• Pest control such as rodents that spread the bacteria.
• Isolate sick pigs. This prevent healthy pigs from exposure
• Screen incoming pigs before mixing them into the herd.

7. Porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED)

PED hits piglets the hardest, often causing high death rates within a few days. It spreads through infected manure, contaminated equipment, and even workers’ shoes. Older pigs may survive, but young ones lose fluids fast and rarely recover if prompt care is not given. The impact on farrowing units can be devastating.

Symptoms:

• Watery diarrhea (especially in piglets)
• Vomiting
• Dehydration
• Weakness and high mortality in young pigs

Prevention & Control:

• Tighten biosecurity. Do this by blocking all possible routes for contaminated material.
• Clean and disinfect pens. Focus on farrowing areas where piglets are most exposed.
• Keep replacement pigs separate. Quarantine before mixing with the herd.

Read more on How Smart Farming Tools Help Pig Farmers Save Costs and Increase Profits. 

Wrap Up 

Across the continent, pig diseases pose a serious risk to farms every day. Some strike quickly and cause heavy losses, while others slowly reduce growth and health. Most outbreaks can be prevented with good hygiene, careful monitoring, and quick action. Farmers who stay prepared can protect their herds and keep their farms running strong.