Swine DiseasesPart III of III

Julie ZimmermanAdvanced Swine ProductionSpring 2008

Porcine Circovirus

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What is Circovirus?

There are actually two types of Circovirus:Porcine Circovirus (PCV) 1 – PCV-1Porcine Circovirus (PCV) 2 – PCV-2

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PCV-1

• PCV-1 & PCV-2 were found as far back as 1969, but was not isolated and studied until 1974.

• PCV-1 has not been found to cause any disease in swine and research has not established any clinical significance to PCV-1.

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PCV-2

In 1995 researchers noticed that when PMWS (post-weaning multi-systemic

wasting syndrome) was diagnosed, by association they proposed the idea that

PCV-2 sometimes caused PMWS.

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PCV-2 In 1999, after many studies, research confirmed

that PCV-2 causes PMWS. It also causes PRDC (porcine respiratory

disease complex) and PDNS (porcine dermatitis and nephropathy syndrome). Note: studies have shown that PCV-2 generally must

be combined with extenuating circumstances to turn into Circovirus.

If most herds were tested, PCV-1 & PCV-2 would show up in the blood, but rarely shows clinical signs or manifests into other syndromes.

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If pigs are infected with PCV-2 symptoms generally appear

from 5 -18 weeks of age.

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Symptoms of PCV-2 Poor growth Swollen lymph nodes Diarrhea Stomach ulcers Fever Jaundice Difficulty breathing Weight loss Skin rashes

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Transmission of PCV-2

Much like any other disease PCV-1 & PCV-2 are passed through:BloodUrineFecesMucous

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Reasons for Manifestation of PCV-2

Not completely known, but researchers think it is a combination of the following:Presence of PCV-2 in herdEnvironmental conditions (weather,

cleanliness of barns, etc.)Stress

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Every-day Prevention

Quarantine new hogs Foot dip for humans entering farrowing houses Maintain proper ventilation Stay up to date with vaccinations for other

diseases Promptly treat ill pigs Control rodent, insect and bird population near

the hog pens and barns

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“Current studies suggest that when the immune system

becomes activated fighting off a disease challenge and the pig also is infected with PCV-2, the circovirus infection may become overwhelming and

result in PMWS.” Henry Gauvreau, Porcine Swine Update, 2001

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EM Porcine Circovirus-2Provided by: www.pcvd.org

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Treatment

There are currently 3 vaccines to treat PCV-2 in the United States.

They are all VERY limited in supply. However vaccination is more of a

preventative method, due to the fact that it won’t work as well, once the pig has contracted the virus.

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Administration of Vaccination

Vaccinate sows in the beginning Vaccinate piglets at 4-6 weeks, never

before 4 weeksUse 1 half dose each time A booster vaccination 2-3 weeks after original

vaccination is encouragedKeep vaccine at room temperature

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Miscellaneous Facts

Evidence proves that certain genetic lines are more apt to acquiring PCV-2.

If a herd has a breakout of PCV-2, generally death loss will not be higher than 30%.

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Sources Bush, E., F. Cardinal, M.J. Engle, P. Halbur, F. Madec, T. Opriessnig. “A Producer’s

Guide to Managing PCVAD, Porcine Circovirus Associated Diseases”. California Department of Food and Agriculture & Kansas State University Cooperative Extension – Handout.

http://www.cdfa.ca.gov.ahfss/Animal_Health/ Gauvreau, H., “Porcine Circovirus Update”. Advances in Pork Production. Vol. 12,

pg. 31. 2001. Harp, R., Personal Communication, (Jan. 2008). Neumann, E., P. Halbur, S. Sorden. “Pork Health Fact Sheet – Circovirus Infection in

Swine”. American Association of Swine Veterinarians and National Pork Board. Oct. 2002.

http://www.thepigsite.com/articles/1/health-and-welfare/813/pork-health-fact-sheet-circovirus-infection-in-swine

“Porcine Circovirus (PCV)”, (n.d.), College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Oct. 2006.

www.pork.org/porkscience/documents/circovirus.pdf “Vaccine Developed for Global Swine Disease”, (n.d.), Virginia Tech, Jul. 2006.

http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/521788/

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The End