ARS | Publication request: IMMUNOLOGY AND EPIDEMIOLOGY OF PORCINE REPRODUCTIVE AND RESPIRATORY SYNDROME, PSEUDORABIES, AND POSTWEANING MULTISYSTEMIC WASTING SYNDROME

Submitted to: Societa Italiana Veterinari Per Animali De Reddito National Meeting
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: June 2, 2000
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: A great deal of attention is currently focused on the immunology and epidemiology of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), pseudorabies (PR), and postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PWMS). These 3 diseases, caused by PRRS virus (PRRSV), PR virus (PRV), and porcine circovirus (PCV), respectively, have all received what might be considered a disproportionate amount of emphasis relative to other infectious diseases of swine, but for completely different reasons; namely, better control in the case of PRRS, a desire for eradication in the case of PR, and a better understanding of clinical relevance in the case of PWMS. Our knowledge about PR has progressed to the point that the current eradication program for this disease in North America now seems destined for success. In contrast there is still some uncertainty about whether we have enough information to effectively control PRRS, much less eradicate it from areas of intensive swine production. And in the case of PMWS there is still a lack of agreement as to the magnitude of its clinical impact. This review covers some of what is currently known about the immunology and epidemiology of these 3 diseases with the hope that the information contained herein will be useful to veterinarians who are responsible for controlling and preventing infectious diseases of swine.