The characterisation and pathogenicity of porcine enteroviruses isolated in Victoria

Approximately 23 viruses were isolated from healthy pigs, pigs with encephalitis, and in cases of reproductive failure. Five viruses were identified as enteroviruses and a total of 10 isolates were shown to cross-react serologically to varying degrees. Twenty viruses were neutralised by a reference antiserum of serotype 8 porcine enterovirus. Intracerebral inoculaton of colostrum-deprived piglets with 2 of the characterised viruses caused lesions of encephalomyelitis which were not induced by oral infection. Intrafoetal inoculation of 2 sows with one characterised faecal isolate caused foetal death and abortion, but no adverse effects followed oral dosage.