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Researchers discover new ‘shaking piglets’ pathogen
So-called “shaking piglets” have symptoms that resemble those of classical swine fever.

Pestivirus related to virus that causes swine fever

Researchers in Austria have identified a new pestivirus that attacks the nervous system of pigs.

The pathogen was discovered in so-called “shaking pigs” and is related to both Australian Bungowannah virus and, more distantly, classical swine fever.

Because of the symptoms it causes, researchers have named the disease LINDA virus (Lateral shaking Inducing NeuroDegenerative Agent). However, it is not yet known how widespread the disease is, or how much of a danger it poses to pig breeding.

The findings have been published in the journal, Emerging Infectious Diseases.

“We are currently developing a serological test to learn more about the prevalence of the Linda virus in Austria, i.e. about the number of piglets it infects,” explains Benjamin Lamp of the Institute of Virology.

“The test will be important because analysis of the virus has shown that it is distantly related to the virus that causes classical swine fever. We cannot exclude the possibility that it might interfere with the official tests for swine fever.”

So-called “shaking piglets” have symptoms that resemble those of classical swine fever, with extensive damage to the brain and the spinal cord. The disease is believed to be caused be an atypical porcine pestivirus (APPV), which was only recently discovered.

In 2015, an Austrian pig breeder observed a number of newborn “shaking piglets” on his farm. As such, experts at Vetmeduni Vienna checked whether the animals were infected with the recently described APPV.

Despite comprehensive testing, neither APPV nor another pathogen known to cause the disease could be found. However, the symptoms and the results suggested that a pestivirus was somehow involved, so the team designed a new type of diagnostic test that ultimately led to the discovery of the new pestivirus.

“The new PCR assay our team developed recognised all known pestiviruses and so enabled us to detect a virus that was previously unknown,” explains Lamp.

“Pestiviruses are known to infect foetuses of pigs, sheep and cattle, often targeting the central nervous system.  But pestiviral infections are widespread only in hoofed animals and so not at all dangerous to humans."

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.