Surveillance of Porcine RVC in Commercial Swine Herd from Ohio

Abstract

Rotavirus C (RVC) causes severe diarrhea in young piglets, often resulting in death. We aimed to identify the prevalence and quantity of RVC in samples from nursing piglets from a commercial swine herd in Ohio. Rectal swabs from nursing piglets with and without scours were collected. Using RT-qPCR, we demonstrated that 86 out of 113 samples (76.1%) were RVC positive, indicating high RVC prevalence as reported previously. There was a significant positive relationship (p=0.018) between the quantity of RVC RNA detected in piglets with scours compared to healthy piglets. We also noted a significantly higher number (p=0.0009) of litters with scours born to gilts (sows of 1st parity) than to higher parity sows. Thus, our results suggest that piglets born to gilts are at higher risk of developing symptomatic or more severe RVC gastroenteritis. Future studies will determine whether it's associated with insufficient lactogenic protection provided by gilts or other factors.