Atrophic rhinitis in pigs
Also called Bullnose
A nose infection of young pigs that causes sneezing and, in severe forms, shrinking of the nasal bones and a twisted or shortened snout. It slows growth, but is now much less common.
Cause and spread
- Cause
- Toxigenic Pasteurella multocida (progressive form) and Bordetella bronchiseptica (milder, temporary form).
- How it spreads
- Pigs of any age can be infected; piglets pick it up from sows and each other. Crowding, poor ventilation and mixing pigs make it worse.
Signs to watch for
- Sneezing and coughing in pigs of 3 to 8 weeks
- Tear staining below the eyes
- Nosebleeds in some pigs
- A shortened or twisted upper jaw in severe cases
- Poor growth and feed conversion
Many diseases look alike. Only a laboratory test can tell them apart, so please see a veterinarian for any sick animal.
How it is diagnosed
Often based on the signs and nasal bone damage. PCR can find the bacteria and tell toxigenic Pasteurella multocida from other types.
Prevention and control
- Good housing: all-in all-out batches, good ventilation and low stocking density
- Strict biosecurity and buying from herds free of toxigenic Pasteurella
- Vaccinate sows and piglets with a combined vaccine; ask your veterinarian
Where this information comes from
- Atrophic Rhinitis in Pigs · Merck Veterinary Manual
General information for animal owners and veterinarians, last checked October 2026. It does not replace the advice of your veterinarian, who should decide which tests and treatment your animal needs.