Prevalence of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus and porcine parvovirus antibodies in commercial pigs, southwest Nigeria

Abstract

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and porcine parvovirus (PPV) infections cause significant economic losses to the pig industry and are considered the most economically important viral diseases of intensive swine production. Despite numerous reports on both diseases in several countries worldwide, the status of PRRSV and PPV in Nigeria remains largely unknown. Thus, a serological survey was conducted to determine the prevalence of PRRSV and PPV infections in pigs in Southwest Nigeria. Using commercial ELISA kits, 368 pig sera were screened for antibodies against PRRSV (types I and II) and PPV. Significantly higher antibody prevalence was obtained for PRRSV (53.8%) compared to PPV (36.1%). Since there is no vaccination against both diseases in the country, the findings of this study suggest that PRRSV and PPV are present in the pig population in southwest Nigeria. There should be continuous monitoring of pigs for these diseases in Nigeria since both viruses are associated with major economic losses in the swine industry, affecting all stages of production. This will help to ascertain the actual burden and increase awareness of both diseases to facilitate early detection in order to institute appropriate control measures in the country.

Keywords

• Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome
• Porcine parvovirus
• Commercial pigs
• Nigeria
• ELISA