Pseudorabies is a disease caused by pseudorabies virus (PRV), which occurs in a variety of domestic and wild animals, with fever, itching and encephalomyelitis as the main symptoms. Because its symptoms were similar to those of rabies, it was once mistaken for rabies and later renamed pseudorabies.

【Pathogen】

PRV belongs to the Herpesviridae family, a linear double-stranded DNA virus. The virus has strong resistance and can survive in the external environment for several weeks, but it is sensitive to ether, chloroform, formalin and ultraviolet rays.

【Epidemiology】

PRV infects a wide range of animals, including pigs, cattle, sheep, dogs, cats, rats, rabbits, minks, foxes, bears, etc. Studies have shown that pigs and rodents are the main reservoir hosts of viruses in nature, especially pigs. They are not only primary infected animals, but also long-term reservoirs and detoxifiers of viruses, and are the source of disease in dogs, cats and other domestic animals. Canine and feline pseudorabies mainly occurs in areas where porcine pseudorabies is endemic. It is caused by eating the carcasses or meat of rats, pigs and cattle that died from the disease.

【Symptoms】

Typical symptoms of infected dogs include sudden changes in behavior, muscle spasms, itching of the head and limbs, frantic biting of itchy parts and howling, paralysis of the jaw and pharynx, and salivation. The disease progresses rapidly, and death usually occurs within 48 hours after the onset of symptoms, with a mortality rate of 100%.

The incubation period for infected cats is 1 to 9 days. The initial clinical symptoms include discomfort, lethargy, depression, restlessness, aggressive behavior, and resistance to touch. Later, the symptoms develop rapidly, including excessive salivation, excessive swallowing, nausea, vomiting, and aimless barking. In the later stages of the disease, more serious neurological symptoms such as hyperesthesia occur. , rubbing the face, causing itching and causing self-biting. Typical symptoms are mostly acute, and death usually occurs within 36 hours. Atypical feline pseudorabies lacks the classic symptoms of pruritus.

【Pathological changes】

The main histological changes are diffuse pulmonary purulent meningitis, meningeal congestion and increase in cerebrospinal fluid. Intranuclear inclusions can be seen in the brain nerve cells and astrocytes of affected dogs and cats.

【Diagnosis】

Mainly based on contact history and clinical symptoms. Porcine pseudorabies diagnostic kit can also be used for diagnosis.

【Prevention】

The main purpose is to control the epidemic of porcine pseudorabies. At the same time, do not feed raw pork or improperly processed infected pork to dogs and cats. Also pay attention to proper handling after rodent eradication. The disease is oneGenerally, it does not spread horizontally, and people are not susceptible to the virus.