The association between tail lesions and abscesses recorded at slaughter

However, the location of abscesses associated with tail lesions has been described in only one published paper (4), which describes significant correlations between tail lesions and abscesses in the spine, peritoneum, pelvis, legs, ribs and lungs. Abscesses are costly to the pig producer because of partial or total condemnations at slaughter. In addition, it is most likely that the disease process leading to abscesses causes reduced pig welfare and productivity, increased mortality and higher expenses for medical treatment (5, 6).

 

The aim of the present study was to investigate the degree to which abscesses, including embolic pneumonia and osteomyelitis, could be attributed to tail lesions and to investigate the location of the abscesses associated with tail lesions. This would help the pig producer assess whether different kinds of abscesses recorded at slaughter are likely.