Infection of pigs with transmissible gastroenteritis virus from contaminated carcases.
Sixteen 6-month-old pigs were exposed to transmissible gastroenteritis (TGE) virus by placing them in close contact with piglets infected at 1 week of age. Fourteen of the older pigs were slaughtered between 1 and 5 d after exposure to infection and their carcases dressed in simulated abattoir conditions. Samples of muscle, bone marrow and carcase lymph nodes were stored at -25 degrees C for at least 30 d and then homogenised and fed to groups of 1-week-old and 3-week-old pigs. Four of 12 one-week-old pigs died and TGE virus was isolated from intestinal contents of one of these. All pigs of both age groups developed neutralising antibody to TGE virus over the ensuing 4 w. The results indicate that carcases from pigs infected with TGE virus can represent a source of infection for susceptible pigs given access to them.
Forman
A J
AJ
CSIRO Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, Victoria.
D000003:Abattoirs; D000821:Animal Feed; D000818:Animals; D000956:Antigens, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D005516:Food Microbiology; D005761:Gastroenteritis, Transmissible, of Swine / Q000635:transmission*; D007422:Intestines / Q000382:microbiology*; D008460:Meat / Q000009:adverse effects; D013552:Swine; D005760:Transmissible gastroenteritis virus / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification*
D000956:Antigens, Viral