Pseudorabies in Pigs

Pseudorabies, caused by a DNA herpesvirus, primarily affects swine but can also incidentally infect other species. The virus spreads through direct contact, such as nose-to-nose or fecal-oral transmission, and indirectly through aerosolized particles. It can survive in various environments, including nonchlorinated water, soil, and feces. Clinically, young piglets often present with central nervous system (CNS) disease and have high mortality rates, while weaned pigs typically show respiratory disease. General signs across affected pigs include fever, anorexia, weight loss, sneezing, and dyspnea. In nonporcine species, the infection can cause sudden death, pruritus, CNS signs, and fever. The virus replicates in the nasal, pharyngeal, or tonsillar epithelium and spreads to the brain via lymphatics and nervous tissue. Diagnosis is based on reproductive failure and CNS signs in piglets, confirmed through serology, PCR, or virus isolation. Although there is no specific treatment, vaccination is highly effective and critical for control, contributing to the successful eradication of pseudorabies in the USA’s commercial pig industry.

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References: 

Merck Veterinary Manual. Pseudorabies in Pigs.