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Diarrhoea in pigs induced by rotavirus
The Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research
|December 1, 1977
Summary
Virus particles resembling rotavirus were found in scouring pig feces. This marks the first identification of this pig diarrhea virus in South Africa.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Animal Pathology
Background:
- Scouring, a common cause of diarrhea in pigs, can lead to significant economic losses in swine farming.
- Rotavirus (reo-like virus) is a known pathogen causing diarrhea in neonatal pigs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the causative agent of scouring in pigs in South Africa.
- To report the first detection of rotavirus in pigs within the Republic of South Africa.
Main Methods:
- Fecal samples from scouring pigs were examined using electron microscopy.
Main Results:
- Virus particles morphologically indistinguishable from rotavirus were identified in the examined fecal samples.
- This finding represents the initial documented occurrence of rotavirus in pigs in South Africa.
Conclusions:
- Rotavirus is present in the pig population in South Africa and is associated with scouring.
- Further research is warranted to understand the epidemiology and impact of this virus on swine health in the region.