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Eastern equine encephalomyelitis virus infection in swine
F Elvinger1, A D Liggett, K N Tang
1Veterinary Diagnostic and Investigational Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Tifton 31794.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
|October 1, 1994
Summary
Eastern equine encephalomyelitis virus (EEEV) caused high mortality in a swine herd, with brain and heart lesions observed. Survivors showed growth retardation and an EEEV antibody response.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Pathology
- Animal Health
Background:
- Eastern equine encephalomyelitis virus (EEEV) is a significant arboviral pathogen.
- EEEV outbreaks in swine populations are infrequent but can have severe consequences.
- Understanding the clinical and pathological impact of EEEV in swine is crucial for disease management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document the clinical signs, pathological findings, and outcomes of Eastern equine encephalomyelitis virus (EEEV) infection in a commercial swine herd.
- To investigate the serological response in surviving pigs and adult swine following an EEEV outbreak.
- To assess the long-term effects of EEEV infection on growth in surviving pigs.
Main Methods:
- Clinical case description and mortality data collection from affected swine.
- Histopathological examination of brain and cardiac tissues from deceased pigs.
- Serological testing for EEEV antibodies in surviving pigs and adult swine.
- Evaluation of growth rates and post-mortem histopathology in surviving pigs.
Main Results:
- Mortality reached 80% (280/350) in one affected swine herd during an EEEV outbreak.
- Histopathology confirmed EEEV infection with characteristic brain lesions and revealed multifocal myocardial necrosis and inflammation.
- Surviving pigs exhibited growth retardation and developed antibodies to EEEV, as did adult swine in the herd.
- Mild residual brain lesions were observed in surviving pigs upon histological examination.
Conclusions:
- EEEV infection can cause severe mortality and significant pathological changes, including myocarditis, in swine.
- A robust antibody response is mounted by survivors, indicating viral clearance or control.
- Growth retardation in survivors highlights the potential for long-term economic impact in affected swine herds.
- EEEV should be considered in the differential diagnosis of neurological and fatal febrile diseases in swine, particularly in endemic regions.