Porcine epidemic diarrhoea

Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED) is a highly contagious viral disease affecting swine populations. First recognized in the United Kingdom in 1971, the disease has since spread globally, causing significant economic losses in the swine industry due to high mortality rates in piglets and reduced growth in surviving pigs. The causative agent of PED is the Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV), which belongs to the genus Alphacoronavirus within the family Coronaviridae.

Etiology

PED is caused by the Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV), an enveloped, single-stranded RNA virus. PEDV is highly infectious and is transmitted primarily through the fecal-oral route. The virus can be spread by contaminated feed, equipment, and clothing, as well as by direct contact between pigs. Environmental stability of the virus contributes to its spread and persistence in swine populations.

Clinical Signs and Symptoms

The clinical presentation of PED can vary but typically includes severe diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, and high mortality rates, especially in neonatal piglets. In older pigs, the disease may result in milder symptoms but can still lead to significant weight loss and reduced growth performance. The severity of the disease is influenced by factors such as the age of the pigs, immune status, and the virulence of the PEDV strain.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of PED is based on clinical signs, histopathological examination, and the detection of PEDV in fecal samples using techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Differential diagnosis should consider other causes of diarrhea in pigs, such as transmissible gastroenteritis (TGE) and swine dysentery.

Prevention and Control

Prevention and control measures for PED include strict biosecurity practices, such as the disinfection of facilities and equipment, quarantine and testing of new arrivals, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) by farm personnel. Vaccination against PEDV can also be an effective tool in controlling the spread of the disease. However, the efficacy of vaccines may vary depending on the strain of the virus and the immune status of the herd.

Economic Impact

The economic impact of PED on the swine industry is significant, with outbreaks leading to high mortality rates in piglets, reduced growth rates in surviving pigs, and increased costs associated with disease management and control measures. The global spread of PED has highlighted the need for improved surveillance, biosecurity, and management practices to mitigate the impact of this disease.

See Also

• Swine diseases
• Coronaviridae
• Viral diseases in animals