Actinobacillosis, also known as APP, is a rapidly progressing inflammation of the lungs and pleura. The disease can occur in piglets, fattening pigs, and sows. There are three different forms of the disease, which can vary in severity.

What are the symptoms of Actinobacillosis (APP) in pigs?

There are different forms of actinobacillosis. The very rapidly progressing peracute form can be recognized by very high fever (up to 42°C / 107.6°F) and severe breathing difficulties. In this form, the pig usually dies within the first 24 hours. The acute form mainly shows symptoms such as loss of appetite, disturbed general behavior, fever, and labored but rapid breathing. If the pig is more severely ill, it coughs much more and may have bloody nasal discharge. In addition, the pigs develop a bluish coloration. The consequences of acute APP are either a chronic progression of the disease or death. If the disease develops into a chronic form, there are often hardly any visible symptoms.

How can I treat and prevent Actinobacillosis in pigs?

Treatment of APP should always be carried out by the herd veterinarian. To prevent the spread of the disease, avoid high stocking densities and reintroducing pigs back into the herd. Hygiene is also very important. Barns should always be cleaned and disinfected regularly. Additionally, it is crucial to pay attention to the source of purchased piglets, as pigs from other farms are often the ones introducing the pathogen.

APP - Pigs

Actinobacillosis (APP) in pigs

Actinobacillosis, commonly referred to as APP (Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae), is a rapidly progressing respiratory disease that targets the lungs and pleura. It can strike at any stage of production, affecting piglets, grower-finishers, and sows alike. The disease presents in three distinct clinical forms ranging in severity, with the hyper-acute form developing so quickly that sudden death often occurs. Crucially, APP is not a zoonotic threat and poses no danger to human health.

View recommended product

Contact our expert

What causes APP in pigs?

Actinobacillosis (APP) in pigs is caused by the bacterium Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae. There are different serotypes of this bacterium. Depending on the strain, the course of the disease can vary. Some strains cause sudden death, while others may lead to chronic respiratory diseases.

Take action now to protect your pigs from APP!

3 measures to prevent APP in pigs

How do pigs become infected with Actinobacillosis?

The transmission of the pathogen that causes APP is straightforward.

Droplet infection from infected pigs
Animals with chronic APP also spread the pathogen
Piglets from outside farms are a common source of transmission

Take measures now!

3 measures to prevent APP in pigs

How can I recognize Actinobacillosis in pigs?

There are different forms of actinobacillosis. In the very rapidly progressing peracute form, severe symptoms (1–2) appear, and the pig dies within the first 24 hours. The acute form of actinobacillosis shows milder symptoms (3–6), but they can become more severe (7–9) if the disease worsens. The outcome of acute APP is either a chronic development of the disease or death. If the disease develops into a chronic form, there are often hardly any visible symptoms.

High fever (up to 42°C / 107.6°F)
Severe breathing difficulties
Loss of appetite
General behavioral disturbances
Fever
Labored but rapid breathing
Coughing
Partly bloody nasal discharge
Bluish discoloration (cyanosis)

3 measures to prevent APP in pigs

Follow biosecurity measures

Implement protocols for both visitors and animals entering your stable. Pay close attention to the source of purchased piglets and ensure proper quarantine for new animals. Avoid high stocking density and reintroducing pigs back into the herd.

Maintain hygiene in the stable

Ensure good hygiene in your stable through regular cleaning and disinfection. Clean and disinfect the stable, drinking systems, and feeding equipment.View recommended product

Vaccinate your pigs

Have your pigs vaccinated to protect them from severe cases of APP and reduce the risk of an outbreak on your farm.

Experts recommend

MS MegaDes Novo is a universal disinfectant for use in animal housing and vehicles for animal transport. MS MegaDes Novo has been developed for use in pig, cattle and poultry farming. It is a powerful foaming disinfectant with a broad range of action.

View Product (MS MegaDes Novo)