Porcine Parvovirus Infection (PPV) is the most common and important cause of infectious infertility. Porcine parvovirus is a virus that multiplies normally in the intestine of the pig without causing clinical signs. It is world-wide in its distribution. Vaccination is an effective tool to protect the litter from disease.
Swine erysipelas is caused by a bacterium, Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae that is found in most if not all pig farms. Up to 50% of animals may carry it in their tonsils. It is always present in either the pig or in the environment because it is excreted via saliva, faeces or urine. Disease is relatively uncommon in pigs under 8-12 weeks of age due to protection provided by maternal antibodies from the sow via the colostrum. The most susceptible animals are growing pigs, non vaccinated gilts and up to 4th parity sows.