Saiba os perigos da circovirose suína

Summary

Swine circoviral disease, caused by Porcine Circovirus Type 2 (PCV2), significantly impacts pig farming worldwide. This highly contagious virus weakens the immune system of pigs, leading to reduced growth, high mortality, and other serious symptoms like diarrhea and pneumonia. While preventive vaccination is available, strict biosafety measures are essential for effective control. The disease primarily affects pigs after weaning, with economic losses due to reduced performance and higher production costs. New strains, like PCV3, are also emerging. Despite its high economic cost, the disease poses no risk to human health, as it is not zoonotic.

Takeaways

• 😀 PCV2 (Porcine Circovirus Type 2) is a highly contagious and resistant virus that significantly impacts the swine industry worldwide.
• 😀 The disease causes major production losses, including reduced growth rates and increased mortality in pigs, especially after weaning.
• 😀 Circovirosis can lead to various clinical symptoms like diarrhea, pneumonia, abortion, stillbirths, and higher mortality in piglets born to infected sows.
• 😀 The disease is most commonly found in intensive swine farming systems, where management and environmental conditions play a crucial role in its spread.
• 😀 Vaccination is the primary method for controlling PCV2, but good biosecurity practices, including farm hygiene and prevention of viral entry, are also essential.
• 😀 The virus attacks the immune system of pigs, leading to decreased productivity and higher costs for producers.
• 😀 The first diagnosis of PCV2 was made in 1999, and various vaccines are now available to protect pigs from the virus.
• 😀 Vaccination should occur after weaning, as maternal antibodies passed through colostrum provide some early protection, but additional vaccines are necessary for long-term immunity.
• 😀 PCV3, a new strain of the virus, was identified in 2015 and is also capable of causing disease, though it was initially unclear if it was pathogenic.
• 😀 Circovirosis is not a zoonotic disease, meaning it does not pose a risk to human health, and consuming pork remains safe even from infected animals.
• 😀 The economic impact of circovirosis is significant, not only due to increased mortality and poor productivity but also due to the heightened costs of care and management.

Q & A

What is Porcine Circovirus (PCV) and why is it significant in swine farming?

Porcine Circovirus (PCV) is a viral disease that significantly impacts the swine industry. It is caused by the type 2 circovirus (PCV2), which is highly contagious and resistant. The disease leads to various production losses such as reduced growth rates, increased mortality, and lower productivity, making it a major challenge for pork producers.

At what age do pigs typically begin to show symptoms of Porcine Circovirus?

Pigs usually begin showing symptoms of Porcine Circovirus after the fifth week of life, when their immune systems are vulnerable to the virus.

What are the primary symptoms of Porcine Circovirus in infected pigs?

Infected pigs may show a range of symptoms including diarrhea, pneumonia, abortion in pregnant sows, stillbirths, and high mortality rates among piglets. Infected pigs also exhibit poor growth and may have skin lesions, particularly around the lymph nodes.

How does Porcine Circovirus affect piglets born to infected sows?

Piglets born to infected sows are more likely to suffer from higher mortality rates, as they may be born weak and struggle to survive during the lactation period. These piglets may also inherit the virus through colostrum, further increasing their susceptibility.

What is the economic impact of Porcine Circovirus on the swine industry?

The economic impact is significant, with losses of up to 30% of the herd due to high mortality and poor growth. Additionally, the disease increases production costs due to poorer weight gain and reduced feed conversion, leading to decreased profitability for swine producers.

How can Porcine Circovirus be prevented in swine populations?

Prevention primarily involves vaccination, which helps control the spread of PCV2. Additionally, maintaining good farm management practices and implementing strict biosecurity measures are essential in reducing the risk of infection.

What is the role of vaccination in controlling Porcine Circovirus?

Vaccination is key in controlling PCV2. It helps boost immunity in pigs, reducing the chances of infection. However, vaccination doesn't provide permanent immunity, so it must be combined with proper farm management and biosecurity practices.

Why is it important to vaccinate piglets after weaning?

It is important to vaccinate piglets after weaning because they initially acquire immunity from the colostrum of vaccinated sows. However, post-weaning vaccination is necessary to ensure the piglets develop their own immunity to the virus and are protected as they grow.

What is the significance of biosafety measures in preventing Porcine Circovirus?

Biosafety measures are critical in preventing the spread of Porcine Circovirus within farms. These measures include maintaining strict hygiene, isolating sick animals, and ensuring proper handling of equipment and feed to minimize the risk of infection.

Have there been any new developments regarding Porcine Circovirus strains?

Yes, a new strain of Porcine Circovirus, PCV3, was identified in 2015. While its pathogenicity was initially uncertain, it is now known to cause disease in pigs, though it does not pose a zoonotic risk to humans.