RESUMO
In February 2020, a fourth parity sow gave birth to a litter of piglets with four piglets presenting pox-like skin lesions. Lesions were distributed over the whole skin surface and ulcerative lesions were also observed on the mucosa of the oral cavity. The skin lesions were described as looking like pox lesions. Virological and histopathological investigations confirmed congenital suipoxvirus infection. Since there is no effective treatment available, the farmer was recommended to improve hygiene. No further cases occurred after this single event. In the past, suipoxvirus infections were mainly related to improper hygiene conditions and to pig lice as vectors. Today, conventional pigs are usually kept under good hygienic conditions and pig lice are not reported anymore to occur in Austrian conventional pig farming systems. Therefore, we speculate, that other living vectors, such as the stable fly, may play a role in the transmission of suipoxvirus between and within farms and in the occurrence of congenital suipoxvirus infections in neonatal piglets.
RESUMO
The aim of this study was to test the intranasal administration of different anaesthetics in piglets less than seven days of age undergoing castration for their suitability for providing good-quality sedation and short induction and recovery time with minimal stress. Azaperone alone at a high (5 mg/kg), medium (3 mg/kg) and low dosage (2 mg/kg) and in two combinations with either alfaxalone or midazolam were applied intramuscularly (i.m.) or intranasally (i.n.) to 120 healthy piglets. Compared to intramuscular application, intranasal application showed longer induction times, shorter recovery times and higher scores for defence and vocalisation. In conclusion, the intranasal protocols did not meet the requirements in all groups and their use can therefore not be recommended. A rapid induction phase and good quality of sedation could not be guaranteed.