Diagnosis And Management Of Porcine Respiratory Disease Complex (PRDC)

Porcine respiratory disease complex (PRDC) is the clinical manifestation of multiple disease agents working in concert with each other and associated deficiencies in environmental conditions and management strategies. The etiology of porcine respiratory disease complex (PRDC) varies between and within production systems and over time within the same system. In most farms with PRDC problems, one or two viruses, Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, and several opportunistic bacteria work in combination to induce losses associated with respiratory disease. Most diagnostic laboratories with a swine emphasis have the tools to assist veterinarians and producers in defining the specific cause(s) of PRDC. The veterinarian and diagnostician then work together to prioritize the pathogens identified and determine which of the pathogens in the complex are the primary pathogens and which are opportunists. Once the primary pathogens are identified an appropriate vaccination and/or medication intervention strategy can be developed. It is equally important to identify and remedy environmental and production problems that enhance respiratory disease. This manuscript is an attempt to summarize current information on the infectious components of PRDC.