Atrophic Rhinitis –is a debilitating disease of pigs characterized by sneezing followed by deformity of the turbinate bones, and nasal septum which results in twisting and deformity of the snout. The cause of the disease is complex and is thought to involve at least 2 bacteria ( Bordetella bronchisptica and Pasteurella multocida) that invade the upper respiratory system.

How is the disease transmitted? Crowding, inadequate ventilation, mixing and moving of pigs, and other concurrent diseases increase the severity and spread of the disease once infected pigs are introduced to the herd.

What are the signs in Pigs: Atrophic rhinitis (AR) occurs most commonly in pigs 1-2 months of age and starts with sneezing, coughing and tearing. Some pigs may sneeze a bloody exudate. Severely affected pigs develop distortion of the snout after a period of weeks. Affected animals tend to do poorly and are more susceptible to other respiratory diseases. Atrophic rhinitis resembles another disease called Necrotic Rhinitis which is caused by a different bacterium (Fusobacterium necrophorum) that is usually a result of injury to the roof of the mouth resulting from cutting the needle teeth too short.