Greasy Pig Disease(Exudative epidermitis) is a generalized staphylococcal infection that affects young pigs. The disease is also called exudative epidermitis which describes the oozing of fluid from the inflamed skin.

1. Chapter#10
Greasy Pig Disease
1

2. Introduction
Greasy Pig Disease(Exudative epidermitis) is a
generalized staphylococcal infection that
affects young pigs.
The disease is also called exudative
epidermitis which describes the oozing of
fluid from the inflamed skin.
2

3. Historical information
Exudative epidermitis was described over
150 years ago. Subsequently, it was
reported under a variety of
names. Staphylococcus hyicus, the
etiologic agent, was first identified as a
staphylococcus in 1965 and differentiated
from nonpathogenic staphylococci in
1978. Despite research, the complete
etiology of EE is unclear.
3

4. Causative agent
 This is caused by the bacterium Staphylococcus
hyicus which invades abraded skin causing infection.
The Staphylococcus produces toxins which are
absorbed into the system and damage the liver and
kidneys.
 Lack of competing bacterial flora on the skin, poor
hygiene, poor ventilation, high humidity, initial
abrasions of the skin from trauma, and genetic
susceptibility.
4

5. Causes
 The sharp teeth cut the skin around the mouth
during competition for a teat.
 Badly clipped teeth at birth.
 Abnormal behaviour: tail biting, ear biting,
navel sucking, flank biting.
 Fighting and skin trauma at weaning.
 Mange giving rise to skin damage.
5

6. Epidemiology
 The epidemiology is unclear. S. hyicus is present in
many herds and yet causes no disease.
 Although acute EE usually occurs in pigs less than eight
weeks old, including nursery pigs, the disease also
occurs in a less severe form in older pigs.
 Some outbreaks have followed the introduction of
swine from other herds. Others have not, so that other
risk factors (trauma, environmental irritation) are likely
involved.
 Exudative epidermitis (EE) occurs in most major swine-
raising countries.
6

7. Clinical signs
 These usually commence with small, dark, localised areas
of infection around the face or on the legs, where the skin
has been damaged.
 In weaned pigs disease may appear two to three days after
weaning with a slight browning of the skin that
progresses to a dark greasy texture and in severe cases the
skin turns black. Such cases usually die due to the toxins
produce by the staphylococci organisms. In nurseries up
to 15 percent of the population may be involved.
7

8. Pathogenesis
 Lesions extend into hair follicles and lead to a suppurative
folliculitis. Sebaceous glands secrete excessively and there is
accumulation of greasy exudate over lesions.
 Exudate on the surface dries and deep cracks and fissures
develop.
 Deaths are related to dehydration, loss of serum proteins and
electrolytes.
8

9. Transmission
 Transmission of infection is by pig to pig contact,
usually from piglet to piglet. In some cases,
infection can come from the sow at birth. Indirect
infection can take place when infection survives
on the rough surfaces of pen furniture.
The Staphylococcus produces toxins which are
absorbed into the system and damage the liver
and kidneys.
9

10. Lab diagnosis
 This is based on the characteristic skin lesions. In an outbreak
it is important to culture the organism and carry out an
antibiotic sensitivity test. A moist wet area should be
identified, the overlying scab removed and a swab rubbed well
into the infected area. This should be returned to the laboratory
in transport medium to arrive as soon as possible, certainly
within 24 hours. Diagnosis is based on clinical signs and
confirmed by bacterial culture of lesions.
10

11. Prevention
 Examine the pigs to see where abrasions are taking
place. For example, these may be arising from new
concrete surfaces or rough metal floors.
 Check the procedures for removing tails and teeth.
Edges of teeth can damage the gums leading to
infection around the cheeks particularly when piglets
fight for teat access
 Make sure that sharp needles are used for iron
injections and change these regularly between litters.
11

12. Vaccine
 In severe outbreaks an autogenous vaccine can be
prepared from the organism injected twice, four and
two weeks prior to farrowing to raise immunity . This
has proved successful on a number of farms
where disease has appeared in both the sucking and
weaned pigs.
12

13. Treatment
 Antibiotics include: amoxycillin, OTC, ceftiofur,
cephalexin, gentamycin, lincomycin or penicillin.
 Topical application of antibiotics can also be of use.
Novobiocin, an antibiotic used for treating mastitis in
dairy cows, can be mixed with mineral oil and sprayed
onto the skin or the piglets dipped into a solution of it.
 Piglets become very dehydrated and should be offered
electrolytes by mouth.
13

14. Control
 Affected litters or individual pigs should be isolated
immediately. Mingling of pigs should be avoided if an
outbreak has occurred.
 In general, treatment has not been very satisfactory.
Injectable antimicrobials may be of some benefit.
 Prevention starts with providing a high standard of
sanitation for pregnant sows, especially in housing, and
washing of sows may be of value.
14

15. Complications
 Infections by Staphylococcus hyicus, also known
as exudative epidermitis (EE) or greasy pig disease
cause extensive seborrheic dermatitis with side effects
involving slower growth rate, dehydration and
possibly death if left untreated. It typically affects
young piglets up to about 8 weeks of age.
15

16. Risk factors
 Trauma often due to feed competition and fighting, is
the main risk factor, as S. hyicus infects
the pigs through damaged areas on the skin.
16

17. 17