Glasser's Disease and Haemophilus Parasuis

Glasser's Disease and Haemophilus Parasuis

Glässer's Disease is a caused by the bacterium Haemophilus parasuis, which resides in the nasal cavity of most pigs and normally doesn't cause illness. However, if the pigs become stressed and natural immunity begins to fade, the bacteria replicates at an enhanced rate resulting in disease.

The disease is a form of blood poisoning (called septicaemia) and ultimately targets the serosal membranes (the lining of the chest, abdomen, brain cavity, heart sac and joints) of the pigs causing massive damage. While presentis present worldwide and its incidence appears to have increased since the introduction of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome. Outbreaks normally result in high mortality, and if complicated by other diseases can reach 15%.

The disease typically presents as outbreaks of sudden deaths within the herd and classically these occur after cold nights following mild days (e.g. temperature stress); however, it may also be seen after animals encounter other 'stressors' such as another disease outbreak. Pigs found alive affected by Glässers will appear extremely ill, will be struggling to breathe, often have purple extremities, and they may display nervous symptoms while mildly affected pigs may present with coughing and swollen joints.

Glässers Disease can affect pig of any age, but is mostly seen in weaners or growers.

Signs & Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of Glasser's Disease are:

  • Fever

  • Loss of appetite

  • Labored breathing

  • Nasal congestion/cough may be observed

  • Lameness/Swollen, Painful joints

  • Paddling and trembling

  • Red to blue discoloration of the skin

  • Death may occur within 2-5 days

Pigs that survive Glassers disease may have issues with:

  • Arthritis

  • Pericarditis/Heart Failure

  • Intestinal Obstruction due to fibrosis

How Glasser's is Transmitted

Exposing pigs to other pigs or boots, clothing, or equipment that have been around other pigs greatly increases the risk for disease transmission.

Pig to pig contact and aerosol are the primary modes of transmission.

Prevention of Glasser's

Vaccination programs need to be modified to each swine operation and should be developed in consultation with your veterinarian.

The following are the current recommend vaccines to utilize...

Parasail HPS Injectable Vaccine
Parasail HPS Injectable Vaccine

Undergone 5 years of research and development to ensure safety and efficacy.

Utilizes patented technology and offers veterinarians and producers H. parasuis protection in a single, convenient 1mL dose.




Ingelvac HP-1
Ingelvac HP-1

Long duration of immunity lasting at least 132 days.

Single, easy intramuscular administration helps protects pigs to market and saves labor.

Convenient 50 and 250 dose presentations.



Treatment of Glasser's Disease

While the disease can have devastating effects upon your profitability, the following have shown to be effective treatments...

Enroflox 100 mg Antibiotic
Enroflox 100 mg Antibiotic

Approved for the treatment and control of Swine Respiratory Disease (SRD) associated with Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (APP), Pasteurella multocida, Haemophilus parasuis and Streptococcus suis.

FDA-approved sterile, ready-to-use injectable antimicrobial solution.

100 mL, 250 mL and 500 mL bottles.




Excede for Swine
Excede for Swine

Offers treatment against Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, Pasteurella multocida, Haemophilus parasuis, Streptococcus suis.

Only single dose injectable antibiotic approved for swine that delivers at least 7 days of therapeutic plasma levels with one injection.



Draxxin Antibiotic
Draxxin Antibiotic

Approved for the treatment of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, Pasteurella multocida, Haemophilus parasuis.

Offers one-dose convenience and ease of administration.




It's important to contact your veterinarian to determine the best vaccination program for your site.

If you have any questions, please contact Pipestone Veterinarian Services by calling 507-562-PIGS(7447).