Abortion and fetal death in sows

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Reproductive Biology
• Animal Science

Background:

• Abortion in sows between days 35-109 of gestation causes substantial economic losses in swine production.
• Pregnancy failure results from maternal factors (endocrine disruption, endometrial damage) or fetal factors (pathogen infections).
• Both non-infectious (temperature, stress, toxins) and infectious agents (viruses, bacteria) contribute to sow abortion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the diverse causes of abortion in sows.
• To highlight diagnostic challenges and approaches for identifying abortion etiologies.
• To outline key strategies for preventing pregnancy loss in swine herds.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of infectious and non-infectious causes of sow abortion.
• Analysis of diagnostic approaches for fetal death and abortion.
• Synthesis of current knowledge on abortion prevention strategies in pigs.

Main Results:

• Abortion causes are multifactorial, involving maternal health, environmental stressors, and specific pathogens.
• Diagnosing abortion is complex due to varied etiologies and delayed onset of fetal death.
• Pathogens like Aujeszky's disease virus, parvovirus, Leptospira, swine influenza, and Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae are implicated.
• Facultative pathogens can cause abortion under compromised immunity or predisposing conditions.

Conclusions:

• Effective sow abortion management requires a comprehensive understanding of contributing factors.
• Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for targeted interventions.
• Prevention strategies emphasize robust management practices, biosecurity, hygiene, and vaccination where applicable.