Bronchopneumonia in Pigs

Bronchopneumonia is a type of lung disease that affects the bronchi and bronchioles along with the surrounding lung tissue. In pigs, it is often part of a broader swine respiratory disease complex, where one infection damages the airways and other germs take advantage of that damage. The result can be coughing, fever, labored breathing, poor growth, and reduced energy.

In many pigs, especially growing pigs, the condition is linked to mycoplasmal pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae. This organism can injure the normal airway defenses, making it easier for bacteria such as Pasteurella multocida to move deeper into the lungs. Viruses like PRRS or influenza can also set the stage for bronchopneumonia or make it much worse.

Some pigs develop mild, chronic disease with a dry cough and slower weight gain. Others become acutely ill and need urgent veterinary care. Pet pigs and mini pigs can also get pneumonia, especially if they are stressed, exposed to poor ventilation, or have contact with infected pigs.

Because several infections can look similar at home, your vet is the right person to sort out what is driving the breathing problem and which treatment options fit your pig and your setting.

Bronchopneumonia in pigs usually has more than one cause. A common primary trigger is Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, which damages the tiny hair-like structures that help clear mucus and germs from the airways. Once those defenses are weakened, secondary bacteria can move in and create deeper lung infection. Pasteurella multocida is a classic secondary invader, and other organisms may be involved depending on the herd or household.

Viruses can also play a major role. PRRS virus and swine influenza can injure the respiratory tract, suppress normal immune defenses, and make bacterial pneumonia more likely. In some pigs, stress-related organisms such as Glaesserella parasuis may contribute to respiratory disease, especially when pigs are crowded or under transport, mixing, or temperature stress.

Environment matters a great deal. Poor ventilation, high ammonia levels, dusty bedding, damp housing, overcrowding, and sudden temperature swings all increase risk. These factors irritate the airways and make it easier for infection to spread.

For pet pigs, exposure to new pigs, recent boarding, transport, or living in enclosed spaces with poor airflow can all raise the chance of illness. Your vet may look at both the infection itself and the housing setup, because treatment works best when both are addressed.

Your vet will usually start with a history and physical exam, including listening to the lungs, checking breathing effort, and taking a temperature. They may ask about recent transport, new pig introductions, coughing in other pigs, appetite changes, and housing conditions such as dust, bedding, and ventilation.

In a pet pig, your vet may recommend bloodwork, nasal or deep oral swabs for PCR testing, and sometimes chest radiographs if the pig can be handled safely. These tests help separate pneumonia from other causes of breathing trouble and may identify whether mycoplasma, influenza, PRRS-related disease, or secondary bacteria are likely contributors.

In farm or herd settings, diagnosis often combines clinical signs with group patterns, response to treatment, and laboratory testing. PCR can help confirm Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae or swine influenza, while culture or necropsy findings may clarify which bacteria are involved. In chronic herd problems, lung lesions seen at slaughter or postmortem can provide useful information.

Because several respiratory diseases overlap, there is not always one single test that gives the full answer. Your vet may build the diagnosis step by step, starting with the most practical options and adding more testing if the pig is not improving.

Prevention focuses on lowering both infection pressure and airway stress. Good ventilation is one of the most important tools. Pigs do best when air is fresh without strong drafts, ammonia buildup, or heavy dust. Clean, dry bedding and enough space also matter because crowding and damp housing make respiratory disease spread more easily.

Quarantine new pigs before introducing them to the group, and avoid mixing age groups whenever possible. In larger operations, all-in/all-out flow can reduce ongoing exposure between groups. Good sanitation, careful movement of pigs, and limiting unnecessary visitors or shared equipment can also help reduce disease spread.

Vaccination may be part of prevention, especially for herd-level problems involving Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae or other respiratory pathogens. Vaccines can reduce clinical signs and lung lesions, but they do not always prevent infection completely. Your vet can help decide whether vaccination fits your pig, your region, and your management style.

If your pig has had pneumonia before, ask your vet for a practical prevention review. Small changes in airflow, stocking density, quarantine habits, and stress reduction can make a meaningful difference over time.