First detection and clinical presentation of Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) in Serbia
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Date
2017Author
Prodanov-Radulović, Jasna
Petrović, Tamaš
Lupulović, Diana
Marčić, Doroteja
Petrović, Jelena
Grgić, Živoslav
Lazić, Sava
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During 2015/2016, fecal and intestinal samples from live diseased and/or dead pigs
with suspected PEDV and/or TGEV and signs of rotavirus infection were collected
from in total seven different farrow-to-fi nish swine farms located in Northern Serbia
region (Vojvodina Province). A total of 14 samples (2 pools per farm) of small intestine
with fecal content were submitted to laboratory molecular investigation (multiplex RTPCR).
On these farms the clinical signs included the occurrence of diarrhea in suckling
and weaned piglets, with weak or no response to the applied antimicrobial therapy.
The epidemic of severe diarrhea affecting pigs of all ages on one farrow-to fi nish
swine farm was detected in January 2016. Watery diarrhea in all swine categories was
associated with vomiting and a reduction in feed consumption. Diarrheic, gaunt and
dehydrated piglets, covered with feces were found in 90% litters. The disease affected
most severely the suckling piglets, and the mortality in newborn piglets was up to 35%.
In the weaned piglets and fatteners the mortality was up to 2.5% and 1.2%, respectively.
The PEDV RNA was detected in pooled feces and samples of small intestines derived
from diseased and dead suckling piglets from only one investigated farm. The PEDV
positive samples showed to be negative for rotavirus group A and TGEV. The transport
vehicles were identifi ed as the main possible route of PEDV introduction. This is the
fi rst report demonstrating the presence of PEDV in Serbia.