AMES, Iowa – Conjunctivitis (sometimes referred to as “pinkeye”) in swine is characterized by inflammation of the conjunctival membranes of the eye. Causes can include common infectious pathogens and non-infectious avenues such as high levels of dust or ammonia, elevated hydrogen sulfide levels, and allergenic bedding material.

A new publication from the Iowa Pork Industry Center, Conjunctivitis in Swine, has information on how to recognize the condition and what to do when it is detected in your animals. Iowa State University extension swine veterinarian Chris Rademacher, who is one of the authors, said many cases are observed during the late nursery to early grow-finish phase. Conjunctivitis also is a common complaint among producers, including those involved in swine exhibition opportunities.

“Both prevalence and severity in a group depend on the route of infection and transmission,” he said. “For example, Chlamydia suis is a common agent, yet other viruses such as PRRS, Influenza A, and pseudorabies should be ruled out with veterinarian assistance.”

Non-infectious agents, including high levels of dust or ammonia, irritant bedding material, and transport events (stressors), may also lead to conjunctivitis.

If conjunctivitis is detected in your animals, Rademacher said commercial and exhibition swine producers should assess the environmental conditions, take swab samples, and work with their veterinarian on the next steps. ISU researchers are also looking for cases from which to collect swab samples as part of a study on which pathogens are most prevalent. Producers with potential affected sites can contact Dr. Megan Hindman by email at mpieters@iastate.edu for more details.

The publication, IPIC 211, is available at no charge from the ISU Extension store.

The other authors of the publication are Megan Hindman, DVM, clinical assistant professor; Maria Clavijo, DVM, PhD, research associate professor; Daniel Linhares, DVM, MBA, PhD, Roy A. Schultz Professor in Swine Medicine;  and Locke Karriker, DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVPM, professor and chair, all from ISU veterinary diagnostic and production animal medicine; and Michele Moncrief, DVM, post-doctoral research associate, Swine Medicine Education Center.
 

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IPIC was established in 1994 as a coordinated effort of the colleges of Agriculture (now Agriculture and Life Sciences) and Veterinary Medicine at ISU. Its mission is to promote efficient pork production technologies in Iowa, maintain Iowa's pork industry leadership and strengthen rural development efforts. IPIC focuses its efforts on programs that are integral and complementary to ISU Extension and Outreach. Through IPIC, Iowa producers receive accurate and timely information to make their operations more efficient and profitable.