Prevalence and Consequences of Swine Inflammation and Necrosis Syndrome (SINS) in French Herds.

Abstract

A new, primarily endogenous syndrome affecting pigs from birth to fattening is associated with inflammation and necrosis of the tail, ears, teats, coronary band, heels, and claws. This disease negatively impacts the health, performance, and welfare of the animals. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of the syndrome in typical herds in France and to investigate the associations between SINS, age and sex of the piglets and parameters of reproductive performance of the herds. Data from 2377 suckling piglets aged 1 to 4 days from 16 French farms were evaluated. SINS signs were found in 85.5% of the piglets. There were striking differences between farms, ranging from 68.5% to 95.6% affected piglets. The heels and coronary bands were the most commonly affected areas, at 61.4% and 58.6%, respectively. Alterations at the tail, ears, face, or teats were observed in 46% of the piglets. At least 3 body parts were affected per litter, and all examined body parts were affected on farms. The number of piglets born was significantly reduced in SINS. Screening was easy to implement and required only reasonable time management. It was also integrated into the zootechnical measures on the farms. The SINS lesion scoring system for piglets at birth appears to be a relevant indicator of animal health and welfare, as well as farm economic efficiency.