Zoetis

Glässers Disease can be found up the nose of most pigs, it’s caused by a bacterium called Haemophilus parasuis (HPS). HPS doesn’t normally cause any problems until the pigs are stressed. The classic stress is a sudden change in temperature, and this is why you often see Glässers Disease in the autumn when you have the first frosts, or in the spring when you get warm days followed by chilly nights.

Spot the signs, act fast

Unfortunately, the first sign of Glässers Disease is often sudden deaths. It can affect pigs of any age but is more often seen in weaners and growers. Pigs found alive affected by Glässers will appear extremely ill; they will be struggling for breath and will often have purple ears. At this point, you may still be able to save the pigs by injecting them with antibiotics as the HPS bacteria are quite sensitive to antimicrobial therapy.

Take action against a Glässers outbreak

A veterinary surgeon should be called if you think you have Glässers Disease and they should be able to provide a diagnosis by post-mortem and provide the appropriate treatment. However, there are a few simple steps you can take to prevent a Glässers outbreak:

• Prepare the housing appropriately for the temperature changes:
• Provide kennelling (+/- curtains and extra insulation depending on weather)
• Consider curtains for open sided buildings to adjust for the weather conditions
• Vaccinate piglets against HPS

There are two Glässers Disease vaccines licensed in the UK, both are two shot. Suvaxyn M.Hyo Parasuis provides protection against enzootic pneumonia and Glässers Disease. Please consult your veterinarian about Glässers Disease therapy and vaccination.

_{For further information, please see the product SPC, or contact your veterinary surgeon, SQP or Zoetis UK Ltd, Walton Oaks, Dorking Road, Walton on the Hill, Tadworth, Surrey, KT20 7NS. Customer Support 0845 3008034. www.zoetis.co.uk . Always seek the advice of your medicines provider. Use medicines responsibly (www.noah.co.uk/responsible). AH244.17}