The pattern of enteroviral infections in a herd of swine

Twenty-six pigs from four litters in a healthy herd of swine were examined periodically for the fecal excretion of viruses by the use of porcine kidney cell cultures. Viruses were initially isolated from all pigs between 34 to 64 days of age. The pigs within each litter began shedding virus in their feces approximately at the same time, usually within one week, and the type of virus initially recovered was usually the same. Subsequently, waves of infection with different enteroviruses appeared to occur during the observation period of six months. At least six antigenically different viruses were isolated from this herd over a 26-month period. Most, if not all, of these viruses were considered to belong to the enterovirus group. No disease was associated with these enteroviral infections. The colostrum and milk of sows contained significant amounts of enteroviral antibodies. Prior to nursing, the serum of new-born pig contained no enteroviral antibodies but, shortly after nursing, high titers of such antibodies were present in the serum. Antibodies were detected in the feces of suckling pigs.