Aujeszky’s disease (pseudorabies) is a disease primarily of pigs, which can be passed on to other species. It is a notifiable disease.
Great Britain was declared free of this disease in 1991.
Suspicion and confirmation
Contact your local Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) office immediately on 0300 303 8268 if you suspect Aujeszky’s disease.
APHA vets will investigate suspected cases.
Clinical signs
The following clinical signs may be present:
- shivering (in new born piglets)
- loss of co-ordination (in new born piglets)
- hind-leg weakness (in new born piglets)
- sneezing, coughing and laboured breathing
- fever and weight loss
- abortion, stillbirth and mummified foetuses
Transmission and prevention
Aujeszky’s disease is mainly spread by infected pigs. The virus can also become airborne and travel long distances.
Pig herds can be vaccinated against Aujeszky’s disease.