The first case report of PRRSV and PCV2 infection in Albania

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and Porcine-2 (PCV2) infections remain major causes of significant economic losses in pig production worldwide. During the last years, new pig farms were established in Albania, considering the increasing demand of the meat processing industry. No published data exist regarding PRRSV and PCV2 infections in Albania.

The present study reports on a breeding stock of a farrow-to-finish commercial pig farm, located in South Albania (Mursi, coordinates: 39° 42' 17" North, 20° 4' 36" East). The capacity of the farm was 120 sows under production (commercial hybrids of Large White × Landrace), introducing gilts France, and Greece. The farm’s vaccination scheme for breeding stock and weaners did not include immunizations against PRRSV and PCV2.

The farm suffered from increased mortality rate, poor growth performance, severe respiratory signs weaning and growing/finishing stage. The acute respiratory disease in weaners included coughing, sneezing, increased respiratory rates, dyspnea (“thumping”), nasal and eye discharges, lethargic and hairy wasting pigs. The clinical signs of sows were characterized form sporadic premature farrowings with increased number of stillbirth and weak piglets, moderate inappetence and anorexia.

On November 2015 blood samples were obtained from 8 sows (4 lactating and 4 dry period sows), 5 piglets of 15-20 days of age, 20 piglets of 40-70 days of age (4 of 50 days, 4 of 60 days, 4 of 70 days) and 5 of 130-150 days of age. In addition tissues samples were collected from weaners (e.g. lymph nodes lung, kidney, liver) for histopathological exams.

Blood serum samples underwent nucleic acid extraction. Extracts were examined by: real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) for PRRSV (type 1-PRRSV EU and type 2-PRRSV US), and by real-time PCR for PCV2.

Testing of sows was negative for both viruses. Pigs from 15 days to 130-140 days of age were positive for PRRSV. In addition, PCV2 viraemia was detected in pigs from 50 days to 130-140 days of age.

The histopathological findings were compatible with PRRSV and PCV2 infection.

In conclusion, the clinical signs and losses of this clinical case were due to PRRSV and PCV2 co-infection.

This is the first report of PRRSV and PCV2 infection in Albania. The recent introduction of unvaccinated weaned pigs and gilts from other European countries without adequate biosecurity measures (e.g. quarantine), and the absence of vaccination program against PRRSV and PCV2 are the possible causes of this outbreak of PRRSV and PCV2 co-infection.

Disclosure of Interest: None Declared.