Pseudorabies (Aujeszky's disease) is a viral disease of pigs caused by a herpes virus. The disease can cause high death rates in piglets but is relatively mild in older pigs. The virus can be transmitted to other animals including cattle, dogs and cats in which it causes neurological signs including intense scratching and self mutilation, giving the disease the name "Mad Itch." Pseudorabies is rapidly fatal in cattle, sheep, dogs and cats. Pseudorabies is not the same as rabies.

Pseudorabies can spread through direct pig-to-pig contact; contact with contaminated feces or urine; contact with contaminated feed, bedding, equipment or clothing; and through airborne transmission. The Pseudorabies virus can 'hide' in the pig's nerve endings and flare up under conditions of stress such as transport and slaughter. Even seemingly healthy pigs can shed the Pseudorabies virus.

In 1997, the USDA announced guidelines for a Pseudorabies Eradication plan. As part of this plan, Pseudorabies-infected herds were depopulated and/or vaccinated and indemnity paid to the farmers. Today, the US is free of Pseudorabies.

Endemic Areas

Parts of Europe, Asia and South America. The United States and Canada are considered free of Pseudorabies.

Clinical Signs

Piglets

• Sudden death
• Fever
• Weight loss
• Tremors
• Paddling
• 'Goose-stepping'
• Vomiting

Weaned Pigs

• Fever
• Anorexia (poor appetite)
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Difficulty breathing

Cattle,sheep,carnivores

• Intense itching of a patch of skin
• Self mutilation due to scratching
• Weakness
• Convulsions
• Teeth grinding
• Rapid,shallow breathing
• Excessive salivation

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for Pseudorabies. Any animal suspected of having Pseudorabies should be reported to the State Veterinarians or USDA Area Veterinarian in Charge immediately.

Prevention

Vaccination to prevent Pseudorabies is not done in the United States. The best way to prevent the entry and spread of Pseudorabies in the United States is to employ basic farm biosecurity procedures. These procedures should include the quarantine of any pig of unknown health status, following an all-in, all-out movement protocol and discouraging visitors from interacting with the pigs.

Public Health

Pseudorabies is not a public health threat.

Links

Iowa State University-Aujeszky's Disease Fact Sheet

USDA-APHIS Pseudorabies Eradication Plan