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Published on: December 4, 2015
Classical swine fever in the pygmy hog
N N Barman1, D P Bora, A K Tiwari
1Department of Microbiology, College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara Campus, Guwahati-781 022, India. nnbarman@gmail.com
Summary
Classical swine fever (CSF) caused by CSF virus (CSFV) has been identified as the cause of death in endangered pygmy hogs in India. This finding highlights a significant threat to pygmy hog conservation efforts.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Wildlife Conservation
- Molecular Virology
Background:
- The pygmy hog, a rare and endangered mammal endemic to Assam, India, faces numerous conservation challenges.
- Classical swine fever (CSF) is a highly infectious disease prevalent in domestic pigs in India.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cause of mortality in pygmy hogs at a conservation center.
- To identify the pathogen responsible for deaths in the pygmy hog population.
- To determine the genetic relationship of the causative agent to circulating strains in domestic pigs.
Main Methods:
- Post-mortem examinations and serum antibody titrations for CSFV.
- Isolation and identification of CSFV from affected pygmy hogs.
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for CSFV E2 and 5' UTR gene amplification.
- Phylogenetic analysis of CSFV sequences.
Main Results:
- CSFV was confirmed as the cause of death in pygmy hogs.
- CSFV isolates from pygmy hogs were phylogenetically related to Indian domestic pig CSFV strains (Genotype 1.1).
- This is the first documented report of CSF in pygmy hogs.
Conclusions:
- Classical swine fever poses a serious threat to the survival of the endangered pygmy hog population.
- Urgent control measures are necessary to prevent further losses.
- The close genetic relationship between pygmy hog and domestic pig CSFV strains suggests potential transmission pathways.
