Sero-prevalence of Aujeszky disease in a swine production group in east Taiwan: Evaluation of Vaccination Programs

Aujeszky disease is still a major pathogen causing respiratory problem and reproduction failure in Taiwanese swine herds. Though eradication program in breeder farms is in progress, no standard vaccination program recommended for commercial farms. Recently Area Regional Control (ARC) became popular for its benefit of diseases control in an area level. In this study, we report a survey on sero-prevalence of Aujeszky disease in a small swine production group in east Taiwan comparing it with their varying vaccination schemes.

This serology survey was taken from 5 farms (330-420 sow level) in a small swine production group located at east side of Taiwan. First survey was performed in November 2014 while a second survey was completed in June 2015. At least five serum samples of each age group (sows in varying parities, nursery, grower; pre-finisher and finisher ) were collected in each farm. The serum samples were tested for gE antibodies using commercial available Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) kits (IDEXX PRV gE Ab test kit).

The farms’ vaccination programs include pre-farrowing 1 shot with variations of 2 shots in gilts, mass vaccination every 3 or 4 months. Four of the five farms in this group used inactivated vaccines in sows, the other used live vaccine of Bucharest strain. Only one farm vaccinated pigs at 71 days of age. Except farm E which had gE negative sow herd in Q1, all farms are positive to gE in sow and pigs during Q1 and Q2. Sero-prevalence in sow herds were increased in two farms (A & E).

No farm in this study is successful in Aujeszky disease control during the period. Four of the five farms vaccinated with inactive vaccine, indicated that the modified live vaccines are more effective than inactive ones [1, 2]. Only farm A vaccinated with live vaccine, but the strain shown less effective in previous study [1]. Poor gilt selection and flow may also help in the persistence of the virus in the herd. Pig vaccination should not be skipped. Taken together, an appropriate vaccination program with effective vaccine is essential for the successful control of Aujeszky disease.

Disclosure of Interest: None Declared.