Overview
Mycoplasmal pneumonia in swine (MPS) is a chronic pneumonia characterized by a dry hacking cough; retarded growth; decreased feed efficiency; low mortality and high morbidity. As one of the most common diseases in the swine industry it is present in 80 percent of U.S herds and is at least that prevalent around the globe. Research at the University of Kentucky in the United States has shown that even mild symptoms disguise inefficiency that costs up to $7.00 (U.S.) or more for every hog.

Causes
Mycoplasmal pneumonia is caused by Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae organisms that have been recognized for almost a century. An important triggering mechanism for the disease is stress which may result from:

• movement from pen to pen
• change in nutrition from pen to pen or building to building
• environmental factors such as dust ammonia temperature and humidity
• crowding
• commingling
• parasites

Clinical Signs and Diagnosis
The first sign of mycoplasmal pneumonia is a dry nonproductive cough. In 3-site production systems it commonly occurs 3-10 weeks after pigs move to finisher. The cough may last 1 to 3 weeks or continue indefinitely. Pigs with mild infections usually don't look sick. Pigs with more severe infections however become stunted and develop rough coats of hair. These pigs are the ones most likely to be your "tail-enders."

A definitive diagnosis should involve a combination of tests that detect the organisms by culture antigens by fluorescent antibody examination (FA) or immunohistochemistry (IHC) nucleic acids by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or serum antibodies by serology. These tests should be performed along with clinical evaluation of the pigs and demonstration of typical gross and microscopic lesions on necropsy. Identifying other disease and production factors that promote mycoplasmal pneumonia is also important.

Management
Adverse environmental conditions coupled with management problems can markedly affect the severity of MPS. The following steps can help in its control:

• Reduce stress caused by frequent moves overcrowding and extremes of temperature.
• Maintain a clean environment with good ventilation and temperature control.
• Disinfect pens before moving pigs into them.
• Provide proper nutrition and keep animals free of worms.
• Choose the proper medication one that penetrates lung tissues and is effective against Mycoplasma.

Treatment
One recommended treatment option is the use of Lincomycin.   Lincomix Injectable contains lincomycin hydrochloride an antibiotic produced by Streptomyces lincolnensis var. lincolnensis which is chemically distinct from all other clinically available antibiotics and is isolated as a white crystalline solid.  When using this product for swine  Lincomix Injectable can effectively treat mycoplasma pneumonia.