Aujeszky’s disease

Aujeszky's disease is also known as pseudorabies. The first case of Aujeszky's disease in Great Britain occurred in 1979. The last confirmed case was in 1989. GB was declared officially free of this disease in 1991.

The disease is not as contagious as Swine Vesicular Disease and is generally spread slowly from pig to pig. However, the consequences of an outbreak of the disease occurring and spreading in GB are potentially serious.

Signs of disease

Pigs are the only natural host for the Aujeszky's virus, although it can infect cattle, sheep, cats, dogs and rats causing fatal disease.

Clinical signs of the disease in pigs vary depending on the age of the pigs involved. The incubation period in new born pigs is 2-4 days and signs of shivering, loss of co-ordination and hind leg weakness are seen. Losses may reach 100% in piglets less than 7 days old.

In weaned pigs, respiratory disease is the predominant problem. Sneezing, coughing and labored breathing is accompanied by fever and weight loss. Signs in gilts and sows include abortion, stillbirth, and mummified foetuses in addition to the respiratory signs and fever seen in growing and finishing pigs.

Mortality rates tend to decrease as the age of the affected pigs rises. Clinical signs can be present for 6-10 days. In uncomplicated cases the animals often recover.

Diagnosis is usually made using a combination of herd history, clinical signs, virus isolation, fluorescent antibody testing and serology (the study of serums). There is no specific treatment for acute infection.

Aujeszky’s disease is a notifiable disease. If you suspect one of your animals has Aujeszky’s disease, it is vital to report it as early as possible. Contact your nearest Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency office immediately.

Legislation

The following legislation has been implemented in order to reduce the risk of introducing or spreading the disease:

• The Diseases of Animals (Seizure) Order 1993 (external link)

This Order provides powers to seize and destroy anything other than a live animal in order to prevent the spread of disease.

• The Aujeszky's Disease (Compensation for Swine) Order 1983.

This Order provides that the compensation shall be the animal's market value immediately before it was slaughtered had it not been affected with or exposed to Aujeszky's disease, subject to a maximum of £300.