Molecular survey of cytomegalovirus shedding profile in commercial pig herds in Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: Porcine cytomegalovirus (PCMV) causes rhinitis in both young and older pigs. The present study describes the detection and characterization of shedding profiles of PCMV in nine farrow-to-finish Brazilian swine herds. Methodology: Tonsil swabs from sows, nursery and grow-finish pigs of nine farrow-to-finish commercial herds (n = 756) were evaluated for the presence of PCMV by PCR. Results: The virus was detected in all herds. Positive samples were concentrated in piglets of ages varying from 40 to 60 days (nursery phase), while none of the sows were positive for PCMV detection. Conclusions: These findings corroborate the literature regarding PCMV worldwide distribution, and introduce the first report of PCMV shedding profile in Brazilian pig farms.