Outbreak of parakeratosis in feeder pigs on an organic farm

On an organic farm with 25 sows and fattening pigs, pigs about 30-60 kg bod y weight showed skin lesions and efflorescences on backs, limbs and heads. During half a year 14 animals died because of the alterations. Four pigs wh ich were examinated in the clinic showed extended and ringshapedly discolou red claw feet horn and extreme skin alterations. Repeated tests of ectopara sites were negative. Mikrobiological examination of skin and secretions dem onstrated facultatively pathogenic bacteria and saprophytes. Histological e xaminations showed an extreme hyper- and parakeratosis of skin and mucous m embranes. Plasma concentrations of zinc were abnormally low. Analysis of fe ed for nursing sows, fattening and mineral feed resulted in zinc deficiency and a narrow calcium-phosphorus-ratio.