Pig abortion

List the notifiable infectious causes of abortion in pigs

Brucella suis

Porcine pseudorabies (Aujeszky-herpesvirus)

Classical swine fever

African swine fever

Foot and mouth disease

List non-infectious causes of reproductive failure in pigs (5)

Poor stockmanship/management

Environment/heat stress

Genetic factors - congenital defects

Nutrition and micronutrient deficiencies (vitamin E and A)

Toxins - chemicals and mycotoxins

When should abortion be investigated in pigs?

If abortion rate is over 2.5%

What is the likely cause of this abortion? What is the pathology?

Porcine parvovirus

SMEDI

Mummified foetuses of varying size

Immunity develops if gets infected when not pregnant

How is Porcine Parvovirus diagnosed?

Fluorescent antibody test of affected tissues

IgM antibody in foetal fluids

What are the clinical signs and gross findings associated with PRRSV abortion

Clinical signs:

• late abortions

• SMEDI

• inappetence

• pyrexia

• coughing

• cyanosis of extremities

Interstitial pneumonia in adults

Gross findings:

• paintbrush haemorrhage on placenta

• haemorrhages on umbilical vessels, skin, renal cortex

How is PRRSV diagnosed?

PCR

IHC on formalin fixed tissues