It is important to realize that in the respiratory system there is contact between a huge respiratory surface and huge volumes of air, which contains not only vital oxygen, but also potentially harmful gases, solid and liquid particles (dust, toxic substances) and pathogenic microorganisms, such as bacteria or viruses. The pig’s body has defense mechanisms to eliminate or inactivate germs and prevent infection or disease development. However, when these are weakened, the risk of health disorders in animals increases.
Knowing the risk factors that determine the occurrence of respiratory diseases in pigs is the basis for their control. Mere treatment or use of vaccines is not enough to achieve a long-term effect and improve health in pig herds. Therefore, below I would like to describe the role of non-infectious factors in the occurrence of respiratory health disorders in pigs.
Air quality and ventilation
One of the most important factors that can contribute to the development of respiratory diseases is poor air quality. As numerous scientific studies have shown, the level of air pollutants, including the content of dust, ammonia and microorganisms, affects the incidence of pneumonia and pleuritis in pigs.
