Pseudorabies

Abstract

Pseudorabies (Aujeszky’s disease) is an acute infectious disease affecting many species of animals. The disease is caused by a virus belonging to the herpesvirus group. Swine are the natural host in which the virus persists as a latent infection, and they serve as a source of virus for other animal species. The disease is distributed throughout the world. In recent years there has been a dramatic increase in the number of reported cases. Outbreaks of porcine pseudorabies have caused considerable economic losses in Eastern Europe, Scandinavian countries, United States and Mexico. The virus has been introduced into new areas by the movement of carrier swine. There has also been a change in the clinical nature of the disease in swine and cattle. In the past the disease has been considered to be one primarily of the very young pig. The frequency of clinical disease and death losses have increased in feeder pigs and breeding animals. Cases of bovine pseudorabies occur frequently without the classical “mad itch” syndrome. Vaccination of swine has reduced losses but has not eliminated the virus from infected herds. The diagnosis of pseudorabies infection should always be confirmed by laboratory methods.