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sudden death of whole bunch

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lotsofpiggies

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I'm posting this to try to help a friend. (who does not speak English)

She lost two piggies recently from different causes, that was just bad luck.
But on Thursday all of her piggies died within hours.
She had put them outside on the grass. They heard a squeeking noise and one was dead, blood from his nose and foam on the mouth. Within hours, all died one by one. Only one was left, she died the next day.

My friend posted all this on the forum we visit and of course lots of opinions occur. She made sure that autopsy was not an option due to the cost and the actions involved (my friend has a 1 month old babyboy)

So as I know in other countries there is far more knowledge, I registered here in order to try to get to know the cause. I won't bring her piggies back, but it could give her some peace knowing what was wrong.

Any questions I'm willing to answer. Thanks
 
I was just thinking the same thing. To have such a sudden reaction and for all the piggies to react it must have been chemical poisoning. I am very sorry for your friends loss.
 
thanks for such quick replies, they didn't use any chemicals, but it could be that they got into their garden by the wind from somewhere else maybe. Not sure if that is possible
 
Did they go on the grass regularly?

Poisons used to kill rodents (like rats, and other pests) can sometimes be excreeted in their urine, so if an animal that had ingested poison peed on the grass, they may have been poisoned that way?
 
the blood and froth does indicate sudden hemorrhaging which could as connie suggested be from a poison from bait left down like rat poison that could have come into contact with the grass.

Things I would ask are, has the grass come into contact with any chemicals - this could be for instance if they back onto a field and the field was sprayed by the council or farmer (the owner), chances are the chemicals would have been highly toxic and could if too close to the property be an airborne hazzard to her grass. If she isnt near a field or paddock then a neighbour might have been spraying chemicals in their garden if the lands are close enough and this could have sprayed onto her garden with the winds, I know we are able to purchase round up weedkiller in the Uk easily enough, but I doubt enough of you actually realise this weed killer is an organophosphate and highly toxic (and effective), which is a controlled susbtance in farming, the over the counter version is watered down but still very harmful, you can still get hold of the harsher version that is licenced for farming use only (but I know if you know the right people you can buy it and use it without the protection and licensing - scarey huh? )

Other than chemicals and poisons I would only suggest a ant hill? or some kind of hidden insect that might have caused them to be bitten or infected and all died due to not being able to get away from the source of insect. But pure guessing I am afraid as not sure what would insect could cause this reaction.
 
In addition to that list, both moss & daises are poisonous. It does sound like they have been poisoned, the symptoms are typical, poor little piggies I am sorry.
 
I agree with what others have said. It sounds as if they have somehow ingested poison, which has unfortunately killed them. What a sad situation you and your friend are in.
 
I am really sorry for your friends loss, it must have been awful. Please give her my love xx
 
I'm just wondering where you are (or she is) in the world?

There were several cases of mass, unexplained deaths in the UK in January, but none of those had blood or foaming at the mouth. It does sound like a very toxic poison, and something that would have an immediate effect. I think the only way you'll find out what it was, is if post-mortems are done, with full tox screening...but I expect it's too late for that now...are there any pigs left alive?
 
She is in the Netherlands.
All piggies have died, she is living a nightmare now.
She is trying to get the soil and grass examined.
Thank you all for thinking along.
 
I am so sorry for your friends loss. I am not sure of what has killed them but I think it is a posion.
 
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