Examination of the porcine fetus

The primary purpose of necropsy of the porcine fetus is the collection of tissues to be submitted to the laboratory to assist in identification of the causative agent(s). Proper collection and handling of tissues are critical for optimum identification of infectious agents. Gross examination is an aid in differentiating stillbirth and neonatal death, determining relative time of fetal death, and identifying congenital defects.