Porcine Pseudorabies Study Guide

Overview and Clinical Importance

Pseudorabies (PR), also known as Aujeszky's disease (AD), is a highly contagious viral disease caused by Suid alphaherpesvirus 1 (SuHV-1), a member of the family Herpesviridae, subfamily Alphaherpesvirinae. Pigs are the ONLY natural reservoir host capable of surviving infection and establishing latency. The disease was eradicated from US commercial swine herds in 2004 but remains endemic in feral swine populations and many developing countries. Highly virulent variant strains emerged in China in 2011, creating new concerns about foreign animal disease introduction.

Etiology

Viral Characteristics

Pseudorabies virus (PRV) is an enveloped, double-stranded DNA virus with a genome of approximately 143 kb encoding over 70 proteins. The viral envelope contains 11 glycoproteins critical for pathogenesis and immunity.

Key Glycoproteins and Their Functions

Epidemiology and Transmission

Host Range

Pigs (domestic and feral) are the ONLY natural reservoir host. All other susceptible mammals are dead-end hosts that die rapidly without transmitting virus. Susceptible species include: cattle, sheep, goats, dogs, cats, raccoons, rodents, bears, and wildlife. Horses, higher primates, and birds are resistant.