New research at University of Saskatchewan identifies cause of pig ear necrosis

Pig ear necrosis was first described in the 1960s, but since then it’s been nearly impossible to identify the cause of the painful animal affliction.

Until now, that is.

New research at the University of Saskatchewan has identified the bacteria that causes pig ear necrosis – a fairly common type known as Fusobacterium necrophorum, which is found in the digestive tracts of many mammals, humans included. Necrosis occurs when the bacteria are transferred through saliva by pigs biting or chewing ears, a common habit of swine.

The university said a team led by Dr. Matheus Costa, an associate professor at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, was able to confirm the findings in a lab setting, and the research was recently published in the journal PLOS One.

“It’s been around for so long and we were unable to effectively control it,” Costa said in a statement.

“I think now we can finally take a step towards controlling the disease and improving the quality of life of these animals.”

While it is not fatal, Costa said necrosis of the ears is painful and damaging for the afflicted animals, calling it an “ugly” condition that leaves pigs with lesions, affecting their growth and producers’ profits.

Costa said he has been exploring the condition ever since his own residency program, and the discovery was very heartening for him.

“It was a light at the end of the tunnel, that we can help improve the welfare of those animals for something that has been around for much longer than 50 years,” he said.