The most dangerous mistake in backyard pig farming is ignoring early signs of illness. By the time a pig is visibly very sick — lying down, refusing water, covered in sores — you have already lost days of treatment time and possibly the animal.
"Hilom na kaayo ang baboy, basin nasakit." (The pig is very quiet, it might be sick.)
Experienced farmers know that the first sign is almost always a change in behavior, not a dramatic symptom. The Merck Veterinary Manual emphasizes that behavioral changes are the earliest and most reliable clinical indicators across all swine diseases. Here is what to watch for.
The First Warning Signs
1. Loss of appetite
This is the single most reliable early indicator. A healthy pig is eager to eat — if your pig shows no interest in feed, or eats significantly less than usual, something is wrong. For a deeper look at diagnosing and resolving feed refusal, see why your pig stopped eating.
Possible causes: fever (from almost any infection), dental problems, digestive issues, heat stress, or internal parasites.
2. Changes in behavior
- Separating from the group — sick pigs isolate themselves
- Lying down more than usual — especially if the pig does not stand when feed arrives
- Restlessness or unusual vocalization — can indicate pain
3. Limp tail
A healthy pig's tail curls. A straight, limp, hanging tail is one of the earliest signs of illness. Filipino farmers often notice this before anything else.
4. Droopy ears
Ears that point downward instead of being alert and upright suggest the pig is not feeling well.
Specific Symptoms and What They Mean
Skin changes
For a detailed guide on diagnosing and treating skin conditions, see pig skin problems and treatment in the Philippines.
| Symptom | Likely Cause |
|---|---|
| Reddening of ears, belly, legs | Fever, erysipelas, or ASF (very serious) |
| Crusty, thickened, rough skin (starts at ears) | Sarcoptic mange |
| Pimples or raised bumps | Greasy pig disease (Staphylococcus) |
| Diamond-shaped red patches | Erysipelas |
| Dull, rough hair coat | Poor nutrition, chronic parasites |
Diarrhea
The color and consistency tell you a lot:
| Appearance | Likely Cause |
|---|---|
| Yellowish watery (piglets 7–14 days) | Coccidiosis (Isospora suis) |
| Yellowish-grey liquid | Bacterial scours (E. coli) |
| Bloody or dark red | Dysentery, or possibly ASF |
| Grey-brown, chronic | Chronic dysentery, Salmonella |
Any diarrhea in piglets is an emergency — they dehydrate and die within 24–48 hours.
Breathing problems
- Coughing — respiratory infection, lungworms, or dust irritation
- Rapid, labored breathing — pneumonia or high fever
- Blue coloring at ear tips or snout — severe pneumonia, poor oxygen (critical)
- Bloody froth from mouth/nose — internal hemorrhage (emergency)
Eyes
- Dull, sunken eyes — dehydration or chronic illness
- Eye discharge — respiratory infection or irritation
- Red, bloodshot eyes — could indicate internal bleeding (ASF sign)
When to Suspect ASF (African Swine Fever)
ASF remains a threat in the Philippines. If you see multiple of these signs together, suspect ASF and report immediately to your municipal veterinarian or the BAI:
- High fever (pig feels very hot to touch)
- Reddening of ears, belly, and legs
- Bloody diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Sudden death of multiple pigs
- Mortality near 100% of affected animals
Do not move sick pigs. Do not slaughter and sell. Isolate immediately and contact authorities. ASF has no cure — but early reporting protects your neighbors and your future herd.
What Farmers Often Say
"Kung gamay kaayo mokaon ang baboy, naa gyud problema." (If the pig eats very little, there is definitely a problem.)
This observation is always correct. A pig that is not eating should be examined immediately. Check temperature (normal is 38.5–39.5°C), look at stool consistency, check skin, and observe breathing.
What to Do When You Spot Something
- Isolate the sick pig from the rest of the herd immediately.
- Check temperature if you have a thermometer. Above 40°C = fever.
- Provide clean water. A sick pig that keeps drinking has a much better chance.
- Contact your municipal veterinarian. Many LGUs provide free or subsidized veterinary consultations for registered backyard farmers.
- Do not self-medicate with antibiotics unless directed by a veterinarian. Incorrect antibiotic use promotes resistance and can make things worse.
Bisaya / Cebuano
Para sa mga mag-uuma
Mga senyales nga nasakit ang baboy:
- Dili mokaon — pinaka-una nga senyales sa hapit tanan nga sakit
- Nagtul-id ang ikog — ang himsog nga baboy kurbado ang ikog
- Nagtunob ang dalunggan — nagpakita nga dili maayo ang pamatyag
- Lain-lain ang panit — pula, galis, hubag
- Nagkahak o naglisod og ginhawa — problema sa baga
- Kalibanga — tan-awa ang kolor: pula = delikado, dalag = bacteria
Kung makakita ka og pula nga panit + kalibanga nga dugo + hilanat = posibleng ASF. Ayaw ibalhin ang baboy. Tawagi dayon ang veterinarian sa munisipyo.
Learn More
- Complete guide to pig diseases in the Philippines — detailed disease profiles with treatment protocols
- ASF recovery era pig farming — living with ASF in the Philippines
- How to build a backyard piggery — biosecurity design features
Sources: FAO Farmer's Handbook on Pig Production (disease recognition), ThePigSite health management guides, BAI ASF advisory circulars, UPLB College of Veterinary Medicine diagnostic guidelines, pig333.com disease identification resources.
