The information that is given regarding these questions are for an education basis only. You should consult your veterinarian before any action is taken. We appreciate your continued support for this program.

Q: Is atrophic rhinitis contagious?

A: Atrophic Rhinitis is a broad term used by swine producers that usually encompasses acute and chronic rhinitis. In the acute form that may be caused by a combination of bacteria, sneezing and various types of nasal discharges are present. It is most contagious during this phase (about 7-14 days). After that it is not as contagious but the permanent damage such as a crooked or shortened snout may show up with intermittent nose bleed. Once the nasal distortions show up, they only get worse. Show pigs with even minor nasal distortions of atrophic rhinitis will be sifted and not make the show. There is a fact sheet under the publications link of this website that has a more thorough explanation of atrophic rhinitis.

Q: We found a sick wild hog around our place. Who do we need to contact and what do we need to do?

A: If at all possible, kill the hog and have a local veterinarian examine for clinical diagnosis and collect laboratory samples for laboratory diagnosis or confirmation; before killing the hog for him to call TAHC at 800-550-8242 to report unusual signs for FAD concerns and hear their consideration for response investigation.

Q: I recently went hog hunting and upon harvesting the feral hog I noticed black streaks in the front and hind leg areas on the meat as well as nodules under the skin that resemble musk glands in deer. What can cause this and is the meat safe for consumption?

A: The only way to determine exactly what is causing this is to send tissue samples in formalin to TVMDL (979-845-3414) for histopath diagnosis. Your local veterinarian can help you collect the samples. The possible cause of this might me liver flukes which can produce these black streaks in the lining of the abdominal cavity and lymph nodes as well as trauma from fighting or from hog dogs. The only way to clearly know what is causing this is to have the tissue looked at. I would have to say though that the meat is unfit for human consumption.

Q: How much belly should my pot-bellied pig eat a day and is there such thing as obesity in pot-bellied pigs?

A: Obesity is a considerable foe to pot-bellied pigs. Any feeding strategy for pot-bellied pigs (PBP) should furnish adequate nutrition in a balanced ration and prevent excess weight gain. PBPs should have a mature weight around 125 to 150 pounds. When a PBP is so heavy that walking is difficult, the eyelids are forced closed by facial fat and the tailhead is buried in its behind, the animal is obviously obese. Frame size of the pig is a factor so take into consideration of how much your pig should weight. If your pig is overweight and needs to slim down, it may be hard but recommendations from your veterinarian may help with the caloric intake.

Q: What is paylean?

A: Paylean (ractopamine hydorcholride) is a new swine feed ingredient that directs nutrients to increase the amount of quality meat in high value cuts and improves production efficiency. Paylean is called a repartitioning agent because of it directs nutrients away from fat to increase the amount of quality lean pork. It is the only product approved by the FDA for use in swine. It improves dressing percentage by 1.6%, 8.7% improvement in boneless ham yields, and 4.7% improvement in bone-in loin yields; there was no affect in meat color, firmness, marbling and belly thickness and yields.

Q: Is there a time limit on how long paylean can be fed?

A: They concept for the use of Paylean is to feed it for the last 90 pounds of gain prior to slaughter (150 to 240 pounds). It is to be fed at an approved level of 4.5-18 gm/ton for 4 to 6 weeks, but no longer than 6 weeks. Extended use of Paylean will not improve growth performance and carcass leanness. It is also illegal to feed Paylean longer than 6 weeks. There is no withdrawal times if Paylean is used as directed prior to slaughter.

Q: What is the normal rectal temperature of Pot bellied pigs (PBPs)?

A: Temperature ranges from 101.5 to 103.5 degrees F in commercial swine. PBP’s should range from 99.7 degrees F +/- 1.5 degrees.

Q: Should I vaccinate my pet pot-bellied pig?

A: Owners need to realize is that a pot-bellied pig is still a pig, and like other pigs they do come into contact and transmit infectious diseases. Many time these diseases are transferred from sow to piglets to littermates or any other close proximity pigs. There are many organisms that reside in the lymphatic systems in areas such as the tonsils, lymph nodes and gastrointestinal tract of the animal. Pigs under stress are more likely have suppressed immune system making them more susceptible to infectious organisms. Pigs can transmit diseases to humans as well.

Q: What vaccines should I use in a minimal vaccination program?

A: You should consult your veterinarian to set up a vaccination program for your operation.

Q: We found a sick wild hog around our place. Who do we need to contact and what do we need to do?

A: If at all possible, kill the hog and have a local veterinarian examine for clinical diagnosis and collect laboratory samples for laboratory diagnosis or confirmation; before killing the hog for him to call TAHC at 800-550-8242 to report unusual signs for FAD concerns and hear their consideration for response investigation.

Q: Should I vaccinate my pet pot-bellied pig?

A: Owners need to realize is that a pot-bellied pig is still a pig, and like other pigs they do come into contact and transmit infectious diseases. Many time these diseases are transferred from sow to piglets to littermates or any other close proximity pigs. There are many organisms that reside in the lymphatic systems in areas such as the tonsils, lymph nodes and gastrointestinal tract of the animal.   Pigs under stress are more likely have suppressed immune system making them more susceptible to infectious organisms. Pigs can transmit diseases to humans as well.           

Q: What vaccines should I use in a minimal vaccination program?

A: You should consult your veterinarian to set up a vaccination program for your operation.