October 12, 2011

Aujeszsky's Disease eradicated in Belgium

The European Commission has reportedly declared the eradication of Aujeszky's Disease in Belgium, enabling seamless pork and pig exports to Germany as the price per piglet reduces by about EUR5 (US$7).

The Belgian food agency FAVV requested the official status at the European authorities in May. Belgium now has the same status as surrounding countries.

Aujeszky's Disease, also known as Pseudorabies, is a viral disease in swine that is endemic in most parts of the world. The virus is shed in the saliva and nasal secretions of infected swine that is spread through oral or nasal contact. Aerosolisation of the virus and transmission by fomites may also occur. The virus may potentially survive for seven hours in humid air and spread up to two kilometers. Furthermore, it may survive on well water for up to seven hours, in green grass, soil, and faeces for up to two days, in contaminated feed for up to three days, and in straw bedding for up to four days.

Swine are usually asymptomatic, but PRV can cause abortion, high mortality in piglets, coughing, sneezing, fever, constipation, depression, seizures, ataxia, circling, and excess salivation in piglets and mature pigs. Mortality in piglets less than one month of age is close to 100%, but it is less than 10% in pigs between one and six months of age. Pregnant swine can reabsorb their litter; deliver mummified, stillborn, or weakened piglets. (Wikipedia)