POST-WEANING MULTISYSTEMIC WASTING SYNDROME IN THE PIG: A NEW CHALLENGE FOR VETERINARY RESEARCH AND PRACTICE
F. Madec, E. Albina, R. Cariolet, L. Hamon, D. Mahe, C. Truong, A. Jestin, N. Amenna and H. Morvan

Abstract
PMWS (Post-weaning Multi-systemic Wasting Syndrome) is described through a follow-up study carried out in a group of 12 severely affected farrow-to-finish farms. The clinical signs and the lesions found were consistent with those reported elsewhere. The preliminary epidemiology showed a litter effect in the susceptibility to exhibit PMWS. It was also surprising to notice the absence of detrimental consequences on reproductive function in the sows. PMWS was observed on farms that were PRRS negative, thus disproving that PRRS virus plays a major role in the condition. On the other hand, the role of management and husbandry is outlined and strongly suggests a complex aetiology for PMWS. The role of porcine circovirus type 2 in PMWS aetiology and the difficulty in accurately reaching a diagnosis in the field are discussed.

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