Pol Llonch, Eva Mainau, Gerard Martín-Valls, Déborah Temple, Xavier Manteca
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November 2025
Respiratory diseases are highly prevalent in pig farming, having major consequences for animal welfare. Respiratory diseases affect the upper respiratory tract (nasal cavity, oral cavity, and trachea) as well as the lungs. These diseases are common in pigs, particularly during the weaning and fattening phases, potentially affecting more than 70% of animals throughout their productive life. Their origin can be multifactorial, involving various infectious agents, including viruses and/or bacteria, and can be exacerbated by adverse environmental conditions, such as poor air quality. They have multiple negative effects over the welfare of pigs, including pain, change in normal behaviour and facilitate the appearance of aberrant behaviour. Also, they negatively affect productive performance, thereby reducing economic profitability.
