Pseudorabies or Aujesky's disease, is a viral infection of swine. The virus, a herpes virus, is easily spread between farms and also has the ability to produce latent infections. Evidence indicates that the pig is the only primary host of pseudorabies. Most other species are considered "dead end hosts" (i.e., the virus dies within the host without passing infection to other animals). In fact, pseudorabies causes an acutely fatal infection in most non-porcine species. An infectious dose of virus is required before infection takes place. This dose varies with species and age. Basically, transmission of infection is by ingestion or inhalation of the virus particles. Most virus is shed via oral discharges and this results in pig-to-pig spread. Once infected, swine may develop clinical infection and shed virus. Even if no clinical infection develops, the swine still have latent infections. Any stress could cause the latent infection to go clinical. The key to preventing this disease is biosecurity. As producers, it is important to have security measures in place to prevent the introduction of disease onto your farm. Below are some guidelines to help keep disease off your farm.

BIOSECURITY

• Have an isolation area for incoming breeding stock.

• Retest (Bleed) incoming breeding stock before allowing them to enter the herd. PRV test required (OAC) 21 - 45 days after entry from sources other than Ohio.

• Locate your herd away from potential sources of infection.

• Use fences to keep out pests and visitors.

• Bird and rodent proof facilities.

• Clean and disinfect transport vehicles thoroughly prior to re-entry onto the farm.

• Design your loadout facilities to keep swine from going back into the building once they have

• been exposed to the trucks.

• DO NOT allow truck drivers inside your building under any circumstances.

• Exclude dogs and cats from the swine complex.

• Require all people to shower before entering the farm and then have them wear the clothing provided.

• Wear clean clothes to the unit.

• Exclude all nonessential people from the operation.

• Make sure all farm personnel have no contact with swine outside the herd.

• Clean outside feed spills to avoid attracting rodents and birds.

• Promptly dispose of dead animals.

• Evaluate the herd that is the source of replacements for the presence of disease.

• Use high health technologies to introduce new genetic stock

AI
MMEW
SEW
Embryo Transfer

• Medicate/vaccinate new stock prior to herd entry for specific known agents in the herd.

• Monitor disease ( slaughter checks, records) routinely over time.

• Restrict the use of manure disposal equipment.

• Ensure a clean source of feed and water.

• Take precautions when visiting other farms or markets. When you return to your farm, do not go into your buildings without first showering and changing clothes.