Porcine circovirus associated disease (PCVAD) encompasses a number of disorders, including PCV2—a newly “recognizedî” virus. It is formerly known as postweaning multi-systemic wasting syndrome or PMWS. Dr. George Charbonneau with Swine Services Group out of Canada spoke at the Congress about using PCV2 vaccines to control PCVAD. As a veterinarian in private practice, Charbonneau has worked with clients to minimize the damage of PCVAD, and also serves as a committee member with the Ontario Pork Industry Council’s swine health advisory board.

“Beginning in the late fall of 2004, there has been a significant increase in the number of herds affected and the severity of PCVAD in eastern Canada,”î Charbonneau told Farm News. “Although some believe that the increase in PCVAD is due to an as yet unidentified agent ‘X’ that is either causing the disease outright or setting off PCVAD as a ‘triggering agent,’ the more common theory is that the increased spread of PCV2 virus that more closely related to the problematic European strains is responsible for the more widespread and severe disease.î”

Iowa State University has documented several hundred cases of the virus dating back to the late 1990s. Dr. Hans Rotto, a private practitioner, also does production consulting for all sizes of swine operations across the U.S. with his Ames-based business, Innovative Agricultural Solutions. Rotto, who also spoke at the Congress, said this disease has become more important and problematic in herds throughout Iowa in the last 18 months.

Source: Farm News