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Current Status
PRV has been eradicated from the U.S. commercial swine herd since 2004. A recent detection in a small Iowa herd is a reminder that the disease risk still exists. Feral swine continue to serve as a reservoir and are the primary source of reintroduction. For more information, you can reference a more detailed and thorough factsheet on the Swine Health Information Center website (swinehealth.org).
Human & Food Safety
PRV is not a human health concern, and people are considered resistant. Properly cooked pork is safe to eat, and this does not impact pork safety or consumer confidence.
Transmission
PRV spreads primarily through direct nose-to-nose (oronasal) contact between pigs. It can also be transmitted via aerosols, contaminated equipment or clothing (fomites), and water. In feral swine, venereal transmission is common. Dogs, cats, and wildlife may become infected by consuming contaminated carcasses or raw meat.
Clinical Signs
Clinical signs vary by age and production stage. In neonatal and suckling piglets, sudden death is common, often within 24 to 36 hours, along with neurological signs such as tremors, incoordination, convulsions, and paralysis. Piglets may stop nursing and become lethargic. In nursery and growing pigs, respiratory signs such as coughing, labored breathing, and nasal discharge are more common, especially when co-infections are present. In breeding herds, PRV can cause off-feed, febrile, lethargic sows with subsequent reproductive failure including abortions, stillbirths, weak piglets, failure to conceive, and return to estrus.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made through PCR testing of tissues during active infection or serologic (blood) testing for prior exposure. Any suspicion of PRV should prompt immediate consultation with a veterinarian.
Virus Characteristics
PRV is stable across a wide pH range (4 to 12) and can survive for weeks in cold temperatures. It is inactivated by heat and is susceptible to many common disinfectants.
Disinfection
Effective disinfectants include bleach (hypochlorite), quaternary ammonium compounds, chlorhexidine, sodium hydroxide, peracetic acid, formalin, and iodine-based products.
Prevention & Biosecurity
Prevent contact with feral swine and control access to your operation by people, vehicles, and equipment (more biosecurity resources found at securepork.org). Maintain strict cleaning and disinfection protocols and monitor herd health closely for neurological signs in piglets, respiratory disease, and reproductive issues. Work closely with your herd veterinarian on any concerns.
Key Takeaways
PRV remains a risk due to feral swine. It is not a food safety or human health concern. Early detection, rapid response, and strong biosecurity are essential to protect your herd.
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