Characterization of a moderately pathogenic pseudorabies virus variant isolated in China, 2014

In this study, we reported a moderately pathogenic pseudorabies virus (PRV) variant isolated from one Bartha-K61-vaccinated pig farm in Weifang, Shandong Province, China, 2014. The sick piglets in the farm were characterized by anorexia, weight loss and neurologic symptoms but did not die. Sequence alignment of the gE gene indicated that it belonged to a new mutated PRV strain and about 15% amino acid sites had mutations, deficiencies and insertions compared to the other PRV strains. The gD gene had two amino acid insertions and ten amino acid mutations in comparison with the Bartha-K61 vaccine strain. The TK and gM genes were the same as one highly pathogenic PRV TJ strain. Evidence from virus isolation, laboratory challenge, serological detection and histopathologic examination confirmed that the etiological agent of the disease is PRV SD1404, which is a moderately pathogenic strain and causes piglets to be sick but not to die. PRV SD1404 strain is different from other reports and should be paid more attention to avoid economic losses.