Pseudorabies 



Pseudorabies is a contagious, infectious, and communicable viral disease of livestock. 

 The pig is the only natural host. However, pseudorabies virus (PRV) can infect 

 most mammals except humans and apes. Cattle, goats, sheep, dogs, cats, and wild 

 animals such as opossums, raccoons, rodents, and skunks are dead-end hosts that 

 can transmit the virus, but these animals usually die 2 or 3 days after infection. 

 Transmission of PRV can occur h\' direct nosc-to-nose or fecal-to-oral contact. 

 Indirect transmission can occur b\' inhalation of aerosolized virus or ingestion of 

 contaminated water or feed. 



In general, the virus infects the central nervous system and respiratory tract in most 

 mammals, except humans. Young swine are very susceptible, and mortalit\- can reach 

 100 percent in piglets. Weaned pigs are often cliiiicalK affected with llie respiratory 

 form of the disease. Pigs of all ages display a generalized febrile response, anorexia, 

 and weight loss. Infected pigs remain latently infected following clinical recovery. 



Because requirements for the five-stage Pseudorabies Eradication Program can 

 vary by State, contact your APHIS-VS Area Office or State animal health official for 

 specific testing instructions. 



Interstate Shipment 



If you are testing for interstate shipment, contact the State animal health official 

 in the State of destination for specific requirements. All swine must be identified 

 for movement in interstate commerce. Swine originating from within the same 

 production system may be identified by lot and by record, provided that the 

 requirements of 9 CFR Sec. 71.19 are met. 



International Export 



When preparing to test and certify an animal for international export, become 

 tainiliar with the reciuirements b\' \isiting the National Cx'nter for Import and Export, 

 Animal Regulations Library at <http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/import export. htm>. 

 As an alternative, you may have the exporter or broker contact the ministry of 

 agriculture oi the importing country for specific regulations and the need for any 

 permits. You should then ccmtact the APHIS-V^S Area Office to confirm the current 

 requirements for the country of destinatic^i and to get additional guidance. 



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