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According to the report by researchers at the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA, United Kingdom) presented during the past edition of ESPHM, in mid-2011, three pig units in England reported wide hind-limb stance with hind legs splaying outwards, straight hocks and a mild body tremor in 4-11 week old pigs. Limb movements were poorly coordinated and sometimes exaggerated with occasional fetlock knuckling. Pigs remained alert. Neuropathology identified a combination of ganglionitis and diffuse hypomyelinating radiculitis and peripheral neuritis, leading to both proprioceptive and motor deficits. Morbidity is low (maximum 2%) and mortality is due to culling of pigs too incoordinate to feed and drink. No virus was detected by microarray or electron microscopy. The pathology has been characterised in detail to help determine possible causes. An immune-mediated aetiology remains possible, as in humans with similar pathology (Guillain-Barre).
This is a novel peripheral neuropathy in pigs, as yet of uncertain aetiology. Pig veterinarians in GB have been made aware and, as the clinical signs are unusual, the fact that no further cases have been submitted and no other affected units have been reported suggests the condition is not widespread and, at this stage, is of low impact. Prompt communication and investigation of unusual presentations that could represent the first cases of an emerging syndrome is desirable, although such investigations are demanding of limited resources emphasising the importance of collaborative efforts where disease is identified on multiple units.
Williamson S., Scholes S., Jeffrey M., Dastjerdi A. Unusual peripheral hypomyelinating neuritis in growing pigs causing incoordination - A novel disease? 4th European Symposium of Porcine Health Management. 2012.