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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Ames, Iowa » National Animal Disease Center » Virus and Prion Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #383092
Research Project: Intervention Strategies to Control Endemic and New and Emerging Viral Diseases of Swine

Location: Virus and Prion Research

Title: Senecavirus A: Frequently asked questions

Author
item Buckley, Alexandra
item Lager, Kelly

Submitted to: Swine Health and Production
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/8/2021
Publication Date: 5/2/2022
Citation: Devries, A.C., Lager, K.M. 2022. Senecavirus A: Frequently asked questions. Swine Health and Production. 30(3):149-159. https://doi.org/10.54846/jshap/1270.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54846/jshap/1270

Interpretive Summary: Senecavirus A (SVA) has been demonstrated to be a causative agent for vesicular disease in swine. It is clinically indistinguishable from other agents that cause vesicular disease such foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV). FMDV is a foreign animal disease (FAD), thus every time a vesicle is observed an investigation is initiated to rule out FMDV. SVA has now been reported across the Americas and Asia, and it appears the ecology of this virus has changed from sporadic infections to an endemic disease in some areas. In addition to vesicular disease there have also been reports of increased neonatal mortality on affected sow farms. Knowledge about the pathogenesis of SVA in swine can provide many benefits to the swine industry. Understanding how long the virus can be detected in various sample types after infection can aide in choosing the correct samples to collect for diagnosis. In addition, the duration of virus shedding can help determine measures to control virus spread between animals. Prevention of SVA infection and disease with an efficacious vaccine could improve swine welfare, minimize SVA transmission, and reduce the burden of FAD investigations.

Technical Abstract: Senecavirus A (SVA) has been demonstrated to be a causative agent for vesicular disease in swine. It is clinically indistinguishable from other agents that cause vesicular disease such foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV). FMDV is a foreign animal disease (FAD), thus every time a vesicle is observed an investigation is initiated to rule out FMDV. SVA has now been reported across the Americas and Asia, and it appears the ecology of this virus has changed from sporadic infections to an endemic disease in some areas. In addition to vesicular disease there have also been reports of increased neonatal mortality on affected sow farms. Knowledge about the pathogenesis of SVA in swine can provide many benefits to the swine industry. Understanding how long the virus can be detected in various sample types after infection can aide in choosing the correct samples to collect for diagnosis. In addition, the duration of virus shedding can help determine measures to control virus spread between animals. Prevention of SVA infection and disease with an efficacious vaccine could improve swine welfare, minimize SVA transmission, and reduce the burden of FAD investigations.