Sunburn - Atlas of swine pathology

Where:

Possible causes: Exudative EpidermitisMangeSunburnOther

This sow has been left outdoors without shade to protect her for the sun. The white parts of the body become reddened, oedematous and irritable and the animals appear to be in pain.

It tends to occur more commonly during the summer months as a result of exposure to strong sunlight in white pigs or pigs with white patches.

Apart from the obvious pain and discomfort that sunburn produces, it can lead to pregnancy loss (returns to service or abortion) due to ultra violet radiation.