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Breakthrough in ‘shaking piglets’ puzzle
piglets
Congenital tremors cause mortality of up to 30 per cent in affected piglets.

Tremors in newborns down to viral infection - study

Shaking and tremors in newborn piglets are down to a specific viral infection that could be sexually transmitted, scientists have confirmed for the first time.

‘Shaking piglet’ cases have been reported in Europe and elsewhere since the 1920s, but until now, the cause was unconfirmed.

Scientists at Vetmeduni Vienna were able to detect an atypical porcine pestivirus (APPV) in Austrian piglets with congenital tremors, using a newly developed test. They say it is the first time this correlation has been proved, representing an important breakthrough. The findings were published in the journal Veterinary Research.

The test confirmed high numbers of the virus in diseased piglets, and also in the saliva and semen of adult pigs. Co first author Christiane Riedel from the Institute of Virology, commented: “The presence of the virus in the semen of a mature boar sheds new light on how the pathogen may be spread.

“The virus appears to persist in some animals even without symptoms. We detected the pathogen in the semen of a former shaking piglet, which shows that the disease may be transmitted sexually.”

It is thought likely that the virus is transmitted to piglets at a stage of gestation when the central nervous system is developing.

Congenital tremors cause mortality of up to 30 per cent in affected piglets. Depending on the severity, they can prevent newborns from suckling milk properly, which is particularly significant in the first 24 hours after birth.

Lead author Lukas Schwarz, veterinary clinician at the University Clinic for Swine, explained: “Without the first drink of mother’s milk, piglets have a very low chance of survival.”

For piglets who survive this first phase, symptoms generally recede after three or four weeks. Rarely, a slight tremor may remain in the ears. But it requires huge amounts of care and attention from vets and farmers to get piglets this far.

Image © Michael Bernkopf/Vetmeduni Vienna
 

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.