Hepatitis - Atlas of swine pathology

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Possible causes: AscariasisOtherClostridium novyi

Clostridium novyi is characterized by gangrene and / or cellulitis with sudden death. It is usually present in the gut of the pig and is responsible for decomposition of the carcass following death. For reasons that are not clear in some individuals the organism migrates up the bile duct into the liver where it multiplies and produces very powerful toxins which then destroy the liver in the living animal. Death soon ensues.

Any examination of a carcass must take place within a few hours of death as the bacteria could decompose the carcass quickly, particularly in very warm weather or housing.