Epizootical characteristics of Aujeszky's disease in Vojvodina region [Serbia] and biosecurity concernes

Aujeszky's disease (Morbus Aujeszky, pseudorabies) is an acute, contagious viral disease, of wide range of domestic and wild-life species. Morbus Aujeszky (MA) is considered as one of the most important infectious diseases, that affect swine production and became a discriminatory factor at the international pig market. The infection in all other animal species except pigs is acute in course and inevitably fatal. The data for this research were taken from several different sources: Epizootiological Reports of Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, Statistical Year Book of Serbia. Also, historical, clinical and epizootiological data were obtained through questionnaire that was sent to farm owners, practicing veterinarians, veterinary inspectors and regional epizootiologists. Significant information were collected through direct epizootical surveillance on the field that encompassed anamnestic, clinical and pathological investigation as well as laboratory diagnostic by virus isolation and serological testing. The purpose of this investigation was to estimate epizootical status of Vojvodina Province concerning MA occurrence in different domestic and wild life species, the possible routes of infection and spreading the disease. The role of various biosecurity measures in prevention and control of MA outbreaks was also studied. The results of our investigation revealed that swine population in Vojvodina region is enzootically infected with MA, and that infection was detected in six different animal species, sporadically or in enzootic form. The single most important factor for MA occurrence was the localization of the farm in the high density pig population regions. Poor biosecurity measures to prevent entry of the virus, and lack of appropriate measures to stop the spreading of the infection within the herd were also idenifyed. The direct contact with pigs, or ingestion of raw and poorly cooked swine products was the estimated route of infection for all other affected animals except three dogs.