Texas FFA Livestock Judging PracticeTest

Swine dysentery is also known as what?

1. Bloody scours

2. Paratuberculosis

3. Porcine reproductive syndrome

4. Greasy pig disease

The correct answer is: Bloody scours

Swine dysentery is commonly referred to as "bloody scours" because it is characterized by severe diarrhea that may contain blood, indicative of the intestinal damage caused by the disease. This condition primarily affects pigs and is caused by the bacterium *Brachyspira hyodysenteriae*. The term "bloody scours" vividly describes the clinical symptoms as the infected animals will often present with watery, blood-tinged diarrhea. Other terms mentioned in the options denote different diseases affecting swine. For instance, paratuberculosis is a chronic bacterial infection that primarily affects the intestines of ruminants, porcine reproductive syndrome is a viral disease affecting reproductive performance in pigs, and greasy pig disease pertains to a skin condition caused by *Staphylococcus hyicus* that leads to greasy, scabby skin. Thus, each of these terms reflects distinct health issues, further solidifying "bloody scours" as the proper synonym for swine dysentery.