How to diagnose and treat MMA in pig farming

Mastitis, metritis and agalactia (MMA) is a syndrome encountered in pig farming. It is seen in sows 12 hours to three days after farrowing. It is brought about by a bacterial infection of the udder and/or the urogenital tract.

• Mastitis is a bacterial infection of the udder.
• Metritis is an infection of the uterus, that presents with discharge from the vulva
• Agalactia is a reduction, or total loss, of milk production by the sow. It is only noticed when the nursing litter show signs of hunger and/or weight loss

How is this condition transmitted?

The condition is not transmissible directly from sow to sow, but occurs in successive groups of sows exposed to the same predisposing factors.

What are the common clinical signs of this syndrome?

The syndrome occurs within 12 hours – three days after parturition. Lack of appetite, depression, restlessness when being suckled and loss of condition in the litter. Affected sows may have a slight fever, if mastitis is present. In many cases, only a single mammary gland is mastitic. Vulval discharge and constipation are common. Abnormal noises from the hungry piglets. The disease lasts for a minimum of 3 days and then resolves. By this time the litter may have been lost.

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How is MMA in sows diagnosed?

Diagnosis is mostly based on clinical signs, especially lack of appetite in the sow and a reduction in the condition of the litter.

The udder can be palpated (felt) on both sides by running a hand under both lines of glands; individual glands that are affected will feel firm and hot.

The presence of mastitis can be confirmed by testing the milk.

The litter should also be examined, as diarrhea may lead to decreased intake of milk and an excess of milk in the udder, which could trigger the drying-off process.

What are the treatment options for MMA?

Always consult your Veterinarian for advice on treating MMA.

Treatment entails the use of antibiotics and medicines to reduce inflammation, and injecting products to stimulate milk production.

The treatment should be given as soon as MMA is diagnosed or if sow body temperature rises, 12 to 18 hours post-farrowing.

The sow should be encouraged to drink by regularly stimulating her to rise.

Some sows recover without any treatment; however, by the time this happens, the litter will have suffered so it’s important to act fast.

Once problem litters are identified, steps should be taken to avoid piglets becoming dehydrated, to provide an alternative source of energy and to stimulate milk production.

Foster mothering - Small piglets may need to be transferred quickly to another sow with good milk production

What are the measures to prevent this syndrome?

Mastitis Metritis and Agalactia

Good hygiene is the most effective prevention of MMA. The farrowing pen and the sow must be kept clean and dry at all times to lower the bacterial challenge.

Exercising the sow before farrowing and in the early stage of lactation reduces the chances of a sow developing MMA.

Avoid slippery floors, which are one of the main causes of reduced activity in lactating sows.

Fat sows are more disposed to MMA, as are those given excessive feed before farrowing therefore check on their diet.

Frequently hydrate the sows; lactating sows require 15–30 liters per day.

Metritis

Strict hygiene must be practiced to reduce the chances of metritis

Always using protective clothing and equipment, e.g. disposable gloves if you need to intervene.

Consult your vet for him/ her to administer antibiotics after intervening.

Agalactia

• Get advice from your Veterinarian/ nutritionist.
• Feed your sows appropriately.