Ind. officials urge proper care of 'micro-pigs'

INDIANAPOLIS — State officials are urging Indiana residents indulging in the latest pet craze — so-called "micro pigs" — to make sure the critters avoid the health woes many of them develop from improper care.

The State Board of Animal Health says private veterinarians report that about half of the tiny pet pigs develop significant health or disease problems because their owners forget that they're livestock and not traditional pets.

Indianapolis veterinarian Beth Breitweiser says many of the pigs' health issues are likely due to their owners' lack of knowledge about what to feed the little swine, which as piglets are not yet able to eat solid foods.

Micro pigs are subject to Indiana swine import laws because they can carry the same diseases as their full-sized relatives.