Meningitis - Atlas of swine pathology

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Possible causes: Aujeszky's diseaseGlässer diseaseSalt poisoningStreptococcal infections

Weaner pig laying on its side unable to walk, making paddling movements, eyes rolling and with opisthotonus. The observed signs were caused by Streptococcus suis, the commonest cause of meningitis in piglets and weaned pigs. The disease is frequently fatal. It could also cause joint-ill and sudden deaths. Other bacteria (e.g. Haemophilus parasuis, E. coli), viruses (e.g. Aujeszky) and water deprivation could cause similar clinical signs. The cause can only be identified by laboratory analysis of swabs collected from the brain of pigs dying without treatment and histological examination of the brain.