Characterization of the Shedding Patterns of Seneca Valley Virus (Seneca Virus A) on One Sow Farm in Minnesota

February 24, 2016 — 

Seneca Valley Virus (or Seneca Virus A (SVA)) has been detected swine farms in the United States with an alarmingly high rate since the summer of 2015. While not a new virus to the US or the world, little was known about the shedding patterns before now. This study was designed to describe the shedding patterns on one sow farm in the South central part of Minnesota. 2 days after the onset of clinical signs, and foreign animal disease investigation, 34 sows were identified in gestation based on presence of vesicular lesions on the snout and feet. From each sow, a tonsil swab, rectal swab, lesion swab, and serum sample were collected at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 9 weeks post outbreak. From these samples, it is suggested that SVA is shed with considerable individual variation from tonsils for 6 – 9 weeks, the feces/rectum for 4 – 6 weeks, and snout lesions for 2 weeks. Additionally, there was a short viremic period of only 1 week. The results of this study shed light on the shedding patterns of SVA and might also suggest the use of tonsil swabs, or rope samples, for herd surveillance after the initial outbreak.

Click here to read the industry summary.

Steve Tousignant, DVM, PhD; Characterization of the Shedding Patterns of Seneca Valley Virus (Seneca Virus A) on One Sow Farm in Minnesota; Swine Health Information Center; 25 Jan 2016.