Roseolovirus suidbeta2

Roseolovirus suidbeta2, also known as Suid betaherpesvirus 2 is a virus of the family Herpesviridae. It causes a viral disease that is infectious to pigs.

Pathology

The disease is known as Inclusion body rhinitis, or cytomegalic inclusion disease
It is not zoonotic, but the risk to humans that receive pig organ transplants is currently under investigation. It is a notifiable disease that is found worldwide. It is spread both vertically and horizontally and prevalence is high.

Clinical signs

Clinical signs are normally only seen in either piglets less than 3 weeks old or pregnant sows.
Signs in piglets include rhinitis, pneumonia, anaemia, fever and sudden death. Black discoloration around the eyes is often seen and gastrointestinal and neurological signs are also reported.
Signs in pregnant sows include reproductive failure, genital ulceration and agalactia.

Diagnosis

A presumptive diagnosis can be made based on the history and clinical signs. Definitive diagnosis is achieved by direct or indirect fluorescent-antibody testing, PCR, post mortem, histopathology or electron microscopy.

Treatment and control

Often no treatment is required. However, as Suid betaherpesvirus 2 is a member of Herpesviridae it remains latent and sheds at times of stress. Therefore, husbandry measures to minimise stress levels should be in place.