Posted on 09/19/2002 12:24:24 PM PDT by struwwelpeter
From: "John Schiltz" John.Schiltz@idals.state.ia.us>
Content-Length: 949
Colleagues-
I have been informed that the infectious agent Actinobacillus (Hemophilus) pleuropneumoniae (APP) may have been acquired by unauthorized individuals from a laboratory in the United States. This particular strain causes encephalitis and rapid mortality in pigs. The bacteria is not known to cause a threat to human health.
Producers and veterinarians should pay specific attention to swine populations and be alert to any unusual symptoms in pigs such as encephalitis, acute pneumonia, and sudden death. Any APP diagnosis that causes unusual clinical conditions, encephalitis, and sudden death must be reported to the State Veterinarian.
The endemic strain of APP causes outbreaks of respiratory disease in grower and finishing pigs. Clinical signs of the endemic strain of APP are dyspnea, fever, reduced appetite, and rapidly occurring death, with an elevated mortality rate. Cough and, in some cases, frothy and blood-stained nasal discharge can also be seen.
APP can be treated with injectable antibiotics. Vaccines are also available for specific serotypes for use as tools in prevention.
Most cases of infection occur by nose-to-nose contact after the introduction of infected carrier pigs. APP can be found in the tonsil, necrotic tissue, and nasal cavity of recovered carriers or sub-clinical cases. Some reports concerning indirect transmission via contaminated clothing and airborne transmission do exist, but the major mode of transmission of APP infection is by the introduction of a carrier pig.
Please notify my office at (515) 281-8615 if you have any consideration that you may be suspecting the new strain of APP.
Thank you for your help and assistance.
John J. Schiltz, D.V.M. State Veterinarian, Iowa
Warn ROSIE !!
Warn HILLARY !!!
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