Respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases in swine are critical topics for veterinary students preparing for the NAVLE (North American Veterinary Licensing Examination), as swine are the 5th most commonly tested species, following dogs, cats, cows, and horses. Understanding these diseases is essential because they represent some of the most common and economically significant health challenges in pig production. Mastering these areas will not only help students succeed on the NAVLE but also equip them with the knowledge to diagnose, manage, and prevent disease outbreaks in swine populations.
The links provided below offer a review of the most impactful respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases affecting swine, providing valuable insights into their causative agents, including bacterial, viral, and parasitic pathogens.
- The reference for diarrheal diseases in swine covers some of the most common diseases and causative agents as well as hallmark clinical signs and best options for diagnosis. Notably, this resource also outlines which groups of pigs are affected, including age demographics which can be key to successfully answering a NAVLE question about pig diarrhea.
- Iowa State University Department of Veterinary Diagnostic & Production Animal Medicine. (2024 September). Diarrheal Diseases. Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine. https://vetmed.iastate.edu/vdpam/FSVD/swine/index-diseases/diarrheal-diseases
- The following resource for pig respiratory diseases outlines key diseases and etiologic agents, as well as key clinical signs and key gross and microscopic lesions, often found in affected pigs. The resource also outlines key samples to obtain and which diagnostic tests to run.
- Iowa State University Department of Veterinary Diagnostic & Production Animal Medicine. (2024 September). Respiratory Diseases. Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine. https://vetmed.iastate.edu/vdpam/FSVD/swine/index-diseases/respiratory-diseases
