Aujeszky disease
Disease Name:- Aujeszky disease
Species Affected: Porcine, Bovine, Caprine, Ovine and Canine
About the Disease:
Aujeszky’s disease is a highly contagious and acute viral infectious disease that primarily affects
pigs and considered to be the most economically important viral disease of swine and the disease
may also affect other species. The disease causes high mortality in young animals but low in
adult animals and exhibit respiratory problems. Aujeszky’s disease is also known as
Pseudorabies. It is highly contagious in pigs and rapidly spread throughout the entire herd up to
100% of the pigs in a herd may become infected. Aujeszky’s disease is an OIE Reportable
Disease as the Multiple Species Disease Category. This disease can wipe out entire herds.
Animals Affected:
Pigs are the natural host for Aujeszky’s disease virus and the other species of animals may
become latent carriers. It occurs in pigs of all ages. Mortality is highest in young
piglets.However; the virus can infect nearly all domesticated and wild mammals including cattle,
sheep, goats, cats, dogs and rats.
Cause:
Aujeszky’s disease is caused by Aujeszky’s disease virus (ADV), also known as Pseudorabies
virus. In most cases, this disease is transmitted through aerosols, contaminated feed and water,
directly in closed contact because the virus is mostly present in nasal and oral areas. Pigs and
rodents appear to be the primary hosts for Pseudorabies.
Source of infection:
Infected as well as recovered Pigs may remain as carrier and thus may act as a source of
infection to other species of animals. They are able to transmit the virus to susceptible pigs and
may transmit virus to their offspring either in utero or after birth (vertical Transmission). The
virus is transmitted by contact with infected animals, contaminated people or equipment as well
as through the air.
Symptoms:
The clinical signs depend on the age of the affected animal and younger animals may die of high
body temperature and die of respiratory failure. Adult pigs may also exhibit respiratory distress;
however, mortality is low as compare to young piglets. The following symptoms may be seen in
classical cases;
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Fever up to 107◦F
Nervous signs ( incoordination)
Muscle tremors and Paddling movement
Convulsion
Snoring respiration
Depression
Excess salivation
Abortion
Death
Control and Management: Control measures and Management should be followed.
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Immediate isolation and treatment of infected pigs should be done mandatory.
Pigs should be reared away from cattle, sheep, dog and cat.
Avoid rodent population in the farm premises.
Regular disinfection of premises should be practiced.
Quarantine of animals imported.
Good housing and management of farm animals with adequate climate control system.
All-In All-Out management systems
Strict Biosecurity.
Vaccines:
Mass vaccination of all pigs on the farm with a modified live virus vaccine or killed vaccine is
recommended. Intranasal vaccination of sows and neonatal piglets one to seven days old,
followed by intramuscular (IM) vaccination of all other swine on the premises, helps reduce viral
shedding and will improve survival of piglets.
Meteorological Occurrence:
It is prevalent all over the world.
Prepared by:
Dr. Peter N
JRF, NADRS, Manipur.
Disease Investigatory Laboratory
Directorate of Veterinary, & A.H. Services,
Manipur