Blisters seen around the mouth, nose and hoofs of pigs can — and should — raise instant reactions from hog producers.
The fear is that these blisters indicate foot and mouth disease, with its related health and trade implications, but it might also be symptomatic of the less dangerous Seneca Valley Virus.
Dr. Julia Keenliside, veterinary epidemiologist with Alberta Agriculture, said Dec. 16 that no cases of SVV have been found in Canada, but 70 premises in the United States have identified cases.
As well, three sows exported from two locations in Canada tested positive for SVV when they arrived at slaughter in the U.S. No symptoms or positive tests were found at the source farms.
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“We really are still trying to puzzle out what happened there,” said Keenliside.
SVV is not a reportable disease, but its similarities to reportable and more deadly illnesses require producers to contact their herd veterinarians immediately should they see symptoms.
“You can’t distinguish it from the really scary reportable foreign animal diseases such as foot and mouth without doing lab testing,” Keenliside said during an Alberta Pork conference call.
“Just by looking at the animal, you can’t tell what virus caused those blisters. There are three other reportable diseases that also cause blisters in swine. All that you have to know is that blisters around the hoofs and the mouth and the nose of pigs is really a cause for concern and must be reported immediately.”
SVV is not as severe or deadly as porcine epidemic diarrhea virus, though it can kill pigs younger then seven days old. Sows and gilts may show only blisters, but Keenliside noted those blisters rupture after a day or two, leaving only visible sores.
The first sign in growing and slaughter pigs is often a sudden onset of lameness because the blisters make feet sensitive.
Veterinarians are obligated to report suspected cases of SVV to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, which will then take samples and have them tested to confirm the type of illness.
Photos of pigs infected with SVV can be found at nationalhogfarmer.com under the “animal well-being” tab, for those who want to see how it presents in pigs.
More info on SVV can be found here. (Manitobapork.com, PDF format)
Contact barb.glen@producer.com
