Zealand Pigs Research Articles

Isolates, Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profiles and Multidrug Resistance of Bacteria Cultured from Pig Submissions in New Zealand.

Simple SummaryData on the bacterial pathogens and the frequency of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in New Zealand’s pork industry are limited. This study describes bacterial isolates, antimicrobial susceptibility data, and multidrug resistance (MDR; resistance to ≥3 antimicrobial classes) from New Zealand pig submissions. Porcine bacterial culture test results from June 2003 to February 2016 were obtained from commercial veterinary pathology laboratory records. In total, 470/477 unique submissions resulted in bacterial growth, yielding 779 isolates. Sample type was recorded for 75.5%; lung (21.9%), faecal (16.9%) and intestinal (12.5%) were most common. The most common isolates were Escherichia coli (23.9%), Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (5.5%), Streptococcus suis (5.5%), unidentified Campylobacter spp. (4.9%), alpha hemolytic Streptococci (4.1%), coagulase negative Staphylococcus spp. (3.3%), and Pasteurella multocida (3.2%). Susceptibility results were available for 141/779 (18.1%) isolates from 62/470 (13.2%) submissions. Most were susceptible to trimethoprim-sulphonamide (92.6%), but fewer were susceptible to penicillin (48.1%), tilmicosin (41.9%), or tetracyclines (36.0%). No susceptibility data were for available Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp., or Yersinia spp. isolates. MDR occurred in 42.6% of tested isolates. Data on sample submission drivers, antimicrobial drug use, and susceptibilities of important porcine bacterial isolates are required to inform guidelines for prudent antimicrobial use, to reduce their prevalence and MDR.Data on the scope of bacterial pathogens present and the frequency of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in New Zealand’s pigs are limited. This study describes bacterial isolates, antimicrobial susceptibility data, and multidrug resistance (MDR; resistance to ≥3 antimicrobial classes) from New Zealand pig submissions. Porcine test data from June 2003 to February 2016 were obtained from commercial veterinary pathology laboratory records. In total, 470/477 unique submissions resulted in bacterial growth, yielding 779 isolates. Sample type was recorded for 360/477 (75.5%); lung (79/360; 21.9%), faecal (61/360; 16.9%) and intestinal (45/360; 12.5%) were most common. The most common isolates were Escherichia coli (186/779, 23.9%), Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (43/779; 5.5%), Streptococcus suis (43/779; 5.5%), unidentified Campylobacter spp. (38/779; 4.9%), alpha haemolytic Streptococci (32/779; 4.1%), coagulase negative Staphylococcus spp. (26/779; 3.3%), and Pasteurella multocida (25/779; 3.2%). Susceptibility results were available for 141/779 (18.1%) isolates from 62/470 (13.2%) submissions. Most were susceptible to trimethoprim-sulphonamide (75/81; 92.6%), but fewer were susceptible to penicillin (37/77; 48.1%), tilmicosin (18/43; 41.9%), or tetracyclines (41/114; 36.0%). No susceptibility data were available for Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp., or Yersinia spp. isolates. MDR was present in 60/141 (42.6%) isolates. More data on sample submission drivers, antimicrobial drug use, and susceptibilities of important porcine bacterial isolates are required to inform guidelines for prudent antimicrobial use, to reduce their prevalence, human transmission, and to minimise AMR and MDR.

Sow and piglet productivity and sow reproductive performance in farrowing pens with temporary crating or farrowing crates on a commercial New Zealand pig farm

The use of a pen during lactation provides sows with more space so they can turn around freely. They are an alternative to the physically and behaviourally more restrictive farrowing crates. Previous studies have compared data from multiple pork production units using different farrowing accommodation types. This study was carried out on one commercial pig farm using two lactation systems. The objective was to examine the effect that the accommodation (pens with temporary crating until 4 days postpartum, or farrowing crates for the duration of lactation) had on the productivity of sows and piglets. Performance data was obtained from 394 sows (4706 live born piglets) in combination pens, and 338 sows (3987 live born piglets) in crates over 14 farrowing batches. Pre-weaning piglet mortality (PWM%) was significantly higher in the pen system (10.23%) than in the crate system (6.10%) (P<0.0001). Penned sows were released from the temporary crate on the fourth day of lactation. A greater proportion of piglets died in the combination pens (38.8%) than in the crates (30.43%) during the period extending from the fourth day of lactation until weaning (P<0.0001). Total pigs weaned per litter differed (P=0.0024) between pen (10.54±0.052) and crate systems (10.76±0.065). The accommodation in which a sow farrowed and lactated had no significant effect on subsequent reproductive performance.

Descriptive and temporal analysis of post-mortem lesions recorded in slaughtered pigs in New Zealand from 2000 to 2010

AIMS: To complete a retrospective analysis of data from a national abattoir-based lesion recording system (PigCheck) in the New Zealand pig industry, in order to establish the prevalence of 20 post-mortem disease lesions, describe long-term trends in the prevalence of these lesions, and identify the proportion of the monthly variation in lesion prevalence that could be attributed to individual farms or abattoirs.METHODS: Slaughter lesion data were collected and reported at the lot level (a cohort of pigs delivered from one farm, at one time). Data on the prevalence of lesions between January 2000 and December 2010 was aggregated by month, and time-series analysis of the data for each lesion was conducted. The time series pattern for each lesion was described with an auto-regressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model; seasonality of lesion occurrence was assessed separately. To determine the proportion of variance in lesion prevalence that could be attributed to farms relative to that attributed to abattoirs, a hierarchical binomial generalised linear mixed model was created incorporating two random effect levels, at the farm (within abattoir) and abattoir levels.RESULTS: A dataset comprised of 124,407 lots (6,220,664 pigs, 279 farms, five abattoirs) was compiled for analysis. The most prevalent conditions across the 11-year time series were antero-ventral pneumonia (7.6%), pleuropneumonia (11.4%), and milk spots (9.2%). Of the 15 lesions shown to have a significant annual change in prevalence, 10 decreased over time and five increased. The variance in prevalence that was observed for pyogenic lesion (92%), mange (73%), and ileitis (62%) was attributed primarily to variation between abattoirs. By contrast, the farm of origin explained the greatest percentage of variance in prevalence for rectal prolapse (98%), pneumonia (97%), and antero-ventral pneumonia (96%).CONCLUSIONS: The overall prevalence of most lesions recorded in PigCheck for the period was low relative to published data from other countries. Common lung pathologies contributing to lesions such as antero-ventral pneumonia and pleuropneumonia were primarily a function of farm management and were not likely due to variability in lesion recording at different abattoirs.CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Based on the low frequency of lesions in pigs at commercial abattoirs, the health status of pigs in the New Zealand pig industry is considered to be very good. Pneumonia, pleurisy, and ascariasis are some of the most prevalent conditions that should be focussed on through development of herd health management plans.

The frequency and distance of movements of pigs and semen between commercial and non-commercial piggeries in New Zealand

AIMS: The study was conducted to identify movement patterns of disease conveyors in the New Zealand pig industry. The principal objective of the study was to identify data relating to the frequency and distance of movements of pigs and semen amongst pig holdings. A secondary objective of the study was to generate criteria suitable for categorisation of different pig breeding or raising operations. METHODS: Prospective data were collected by a census of all known pig holdings in New Zealand using a mailed-out questionnaire. RESULTS: The survey yielded 1,477 responses (114 commercial and 1,363 non-commercial pig holdings) for descriptive analysis. Seven farm-types were created to describe typical pig holdings and were based on pig herd inventory, herd type, and participation in the movement of pigs or semen: Commercial genetic supplier, commercial feeder, commercial weaner producer, para-commercial genetic supplier, para-commercial feeder, para-commercial weaner producer, and non-commercial herd. The farm-type with the highest frequency of movements off the piggery was the para-commercial genetic suppliers with a median of 5.3 movements off per month. Commercial feeders had the second highest off farm movement with a median of 4.6 movements per month; these primarily represented movements to an abattoir. The highest frequencies of movements on to a piggery were experienced by commercial genetic suppliers (3.5 per month) and were due to the delivery of semen or replacement gilt/boars. Para-commercial and non-commercial farm-types reported less frequent movement activities both onto and off the piggery compared to their commercial counterparts. Most movements of pigs and semen occurred over distances of less than 100 km. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that New Zealand has a relatively small but widely dispersed commercial pig industry with a large number of non-commercial pig holdings and there was a substantial geographic overlap between these industry sectors. Knowledge of the frequency of movements of pigs and semen among different pig farm-types and the distance over which these movements occur helps to assess the likely connectivity between piggeries, abattoirs, and sale yards. However, the study also highlighted the knowledge deficiencies that result in the absence of mandatory livestock identification and tracking schemes. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In an industry with substantially more non-commercial pig holdings than commercial pig-holdings, key issues such as biosecurity education, ensuring sufficient veterinary involvement in non-commercial sectors, and building robust systems to ensure border security will remain critical in the effort to keep the pig industry at its current level of high health.

Tusk

Tusk

The Effects of Excluding Animal Products from the Diet on Sensory Properties of Pork from Pigs Grown in New Zealand as Assessed by Singaporean Panelists

Sensory analyses of pork samples from leg muscles of female pigs raised in New Zealand (n = 17) were conducted using trained and untrained Singaporean panelists. The New Zealand pigs included three dietary groups, with one diet including animal products (NZA), and two containing plant products only (NZP & NZP+), with the NZP+ diet containing a supplement (0.614%) containing conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), selenium, and vitamin E. The New Zealand pork was also compared with Indonesian pork as local reference samples (n = 6). Pork samples from the NZA group had the highest score for mutton flavour and aftertaste, and the lowest score for brothy aroma, brothy flavour, meaty flavour, lightness and juiciness by trained sensory panels. Samples from NZP and NZP+ were similar except the NZP+ group had a stronger stale flavour than the NZP group (1.34 vs. 0.57 on a 100-point scale; p<0.05). The first and second functions of a discriminant analysis based on trained-panel scores for 14 attributes accounted for 95.4% of the variance, with function 1 (83.7%) being related mainly to mutton aroma, mutton flavour and aftertaste. Based on a 20-member untrained panel, the NZA pork had the highest mutton aroma and mutton flavour intensities (p<0.01) and aroma and flavour that was less acceptable than that from the NZP group (p<0.05). The acceptability scores of Indonesian pork were not significantly different from those of New Zealand pork, but its scores for mutton aroma and mutton flavour were significantly lower than NZP. Overall acceptability was positively associated with acceptability of aroma (r = 0.906), juiciness (r = 0.888), and tenderness (r = 0.904), but negatively associated with intensities of mutton aroma (r = -0.478) and flavour (r = -0.551).

Industry Watch

Alchemia Collaborates on SK1. Progen Technology Switches On Cancer Fighting Genes. New Australian Drug Holds Hope of Major Breakthrough in Treating Terminal Blood Cancers. Novavax and Cadila Pharmaceuticals Form Alliance. Icon's Singapore, India Labs Get CAP Accreditation. SIRO Clinpharm and Advanced Clinical Trial Solutions Form Strategic Alliance. GVK Forays into Clinical Trials with Chinese Company. iZumi Bio and Kyoto University Collaborate on iPS Cell Technology. Vitrolife Starts a Company in Japan. Otsuka, BMS in an Oncology Collaboration. EnVivo, Mitsubishi to Develop Schizophrenia Drug. PerkinElmer Announces Collaboration with Sangmyung University. Living Cell Technologies's New Zealand Pigs Free of Viruses. A*STAR Joins Forces with Swiss Company, Cytos, to Combat HFMD. IBN Engineers World's First Tri-Continuous Mesoporous Silica. Innogene Kalbiotech Pte Ltd and Info Kinetics Sdn. Bhd. Spearhead Establishment of Internationally Accredited BA/BE Studies in Indonesia.

Salmonella, Escherichia coli O157:H7 and E. coli biotype 1 in a pilot survey of imported and New Zealand pig meats

A pilot survey for the pathogens Salmonella and Escherichia coli O157:H7, and E. coli biotype 1 was conducted on 100 New Zealand-produced (domestic) pig carcasses and 110 imported pig meat samples over an 8-month period to assess the likelihood of introduction of novel pathogen strains into New Zealand (NZ), and as a guide for development of a domestic pork National Microbiological Database programme. Salmonella was not isolated from domestic pig carcasses or from pig meat imported from Canada and the USA. The prevalence of Salmonella in imported pig meat was 3.6% (95% CI 1.0–9.0) with positive samples detected from Australian pig meat. The prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 on domestic pig carcasses was 1% (95% CI 0.03–5.4) while the overall prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 in imported pig meat was 1.8% (95% CI 0.2–6.4), detected mainly from Australian but not from Canadian or US pork. All except three samples have an E. coli biotype 1 count of <100 CFU cm −2 or g −1, indicating good hygiene quality of domestic and imported pig meat. The results demonstrated that importation of uncooked pig meat is a potential route for the introduction of new clones of Salmonella and E. coli O157:H7 into New Zealand.

Descriptive summary of an outbreak of porcine post-weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) in New Zealand

CASE HISTORY: Investigations were conducted to determine the cause of an acute, multi-farm outbreak of porcine respiratory disease that included diarrhoea and subsequent loss of body condition in affected pigs. A definition for post-weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) including both clinical and pathological features, previously developed for the pig industry in New Zealand, was applied to the current outbreak. In addition to self-reporting by owners of affected farms, local veterinarians, disease and epidemiology consultants, and animal health officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) were involved in conducting farm visits and submission of diagnostic specimens. CLINICAL FINDINGS AND DIAGNOSIS: Pathogens known to be endemic in the pig industry in New Zealand as well as likely exotic diseases were excluded as causative agents of the outbreak. Clinical signs including dyspnoea, diarrhoea, and rapid loss of body condition were consistent with the New Zealand case definition for PMWS. Interstitial pneumonia, pulmonary oedema, generalised lymph-node enlargement, and presence of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) inclusion bodies were consistently identified in affected pigs. Classical swine fever virus (CSFv), Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSv), and Influenza virus were ruled out, using molecular and traditional virological techniques. Spread of the disease between farms was hypothesised to be facilitated by locally migrating flocks of black-backed seagulls. The original source of the disease incursion was not identified. DIAGNOSIS: Based on the consistent presence of circovirusassociated lesions in lymphoid tissues in combination with generalised enlargement of lymph nodes, histiocytic interstitial pneumonia, clinical wasting, and poor response to antibiotic therapy, a diagnosis of PMWS was made. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: PMWS should be considered in the differential diagnoses of sudden onset of respiratory dyspnoea, diarrhoea, and rapid loss of body condition in young pigs in New Zealand pig herds.

Identification of pig circovirus type 2 in New Zealand pigs

Interest in porcine circovirus has been stimulated by the recent emergence of postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) in pigs and the potential use of pig organs for xenotransplantation in humans. Porcine circovirus type 1 (PCV1) is considered to be widespread in pigs but nonpathogenic. Circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is a similar virus but has been differentiated only recently as a separate type. High tissue concentrations of PCV2 are associated with lesions in PMWS cases, but the etiological role of this agent in the disease remains unclear. The presence of PCV1 in New Zealand pigs has been previously reported based on serological data. PMWS has been recently recorded in New Zealand pigs. The epidemiology of PCV2 in New Zealand pigs has not been examined. The purpose of the study was to look for evidence of circoviruses in New Zealand pig herds. Pig circovirus DNA was sought in various tissues using the polymerase chain reaction. Circovirus type 2 was found in New Zealand pig herds, without any evidence that PMWS has ever occurred in these herds. Newborn piglets were shown to have infection, suggesting vertical transmission of the virus.

IDENTIFICATION OF PIG CIRCOVIRUS TYPE 2 IN NEW ZEALAND PIGS.

Interest in porcine circovirus has been stimulated by the recent emergence of postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) in pigs and the potential use of pig organs for xenotransplantation in humans. Porcine circovirus type 1 (PCV1) is considered to be widespread in pigs but nonpathogenic. Circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is a similar virus but has been differentiated only recently as a separate type. High tissue concentrations of PCV2 are associated with lesions in PMWS cases, but the etiological role of this agent in the disease remains unclear. The presence of PCV1 in New Zealand pigs has been previously reported based on serological data. PMWS has been recently recorded in New Zealand pigs. The epidemiology of PCV2 in New Zealand pigs has not been examined. The purpose of the study was to look for evidence of circoviruses in New Zealand pig herds. Pig circovirus DNA was sought in various tissues using the polymerase chain reaction. Circovirus type 2 was found in New Zealand pig herds, without any evidence that PMWS has ever occurred in these herds. Newborn piglets were shown to have infection, suggesting vertical transmission of the virus.

Monitoring for potentially xenozoonotic viruses in New Zealand pigs.

Shortage of human donor organs for transplantation has prompted evaluation of animals as an alternative donor source. Pigs are the most acceptable candidate animals but issues of xenozoonozes remain. Despite careful monitoring of high-health-status (HHS) pigs, there is still a risk that their tissues may carry infectious agents. Furthermore, pathogens which are significant in xenotransplantation are not necessarily those of veterinary importance. The detection of these potentially transmissible infectious agents may require the development and application of new surveillance technologies. We present data on monitoring for five potentially xenotic viruses in New Zealand pig herds, namely pig cytomegalovirus (PCMV), pig lymphotropic herpesvirus (PLHV), encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV), pigcircovirus (PCV), and hepatitis E virus (HEV). These five viruses are either potentially oncogenic, establish persistent infection, or are known to be zoonotic. This study has expanded significantly the information on porcine viruses in New Zealand. Using this information, it is now possible to complete protocols for monitoring pig herds and tissues prior to their use in xenotransplantation. The study resulted in selection of a possible source herd for swine-to-human islet transplantation.

Detection and characterisation of swine hepatitis E virus in New Zealand

The objectives of the present study were to establish the presence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) in New Zealand pigs, first by testing for HEV antibody in pig herds throughout New Zealand to measure the herd prevalence, then by attempting to amplify HEV genomic sequences by PCR. Antibody was measured by two independently designed ELISA serology tests. HEV RNA fragments were amplified by RT-PCR of nucleic acid extracted from faeces of 10–12-week-old piglets using primers targeting ORF1, ORF2, and ORF2/3. PCR products were subject to phylogenetic analysis. Antibody to HEV was found throughout New Zealand pig herds as well as in the different age groups within the herds. Twenty herds from 22 tested were positive for HEV antibody (91% herd prevalence). Phylogenetic analysis of the amplified sequences placed this New Zealand strain of HEV closest to the human European strain It-1 (AF 110390) and U.S. swine strain (AF 082843) with 88% and 83% similarity respectively in ORF1. It was concluded that HEV is widely distributed in the New Zealand pig population. Phylogenetic analysis shows that this is a new HEV strain, grouping most closely with the United States/European cluster, which includes HEV strains of both human and swine origin. J. Med. Virol. 65:525–529, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Detection and characterisation of swine hepatitis E virus in New Zealand

The objectives of the present study were to establish the presence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) in New Zealand pigs, first by testing for HEV antibody in pig herds throughout New Zealand to measure the herd prevalence, then by attempting to amplify HEV genomic sequences by PCR. Antibody was measured by two independently designed ELISA serology tests. HEV RNA fragments were amplified by RT-PCR of nucleic acid extracted from faeces of 10-12-week-old piglets using primers targeting ORF1, ORF2, and ORF2/3. PCR products were subject to phylogenetic analysis. Antibody to HEV was found throughout New Zealand pig herds as well as in the different age groups within the herds. Twenty herds from 22 tested were positive for HEV antibody (91% herd prevalence). Phylogenetic analysis of the amplified sequences placed this New Zealand strain of HEV closest to the human European strain It-1 (AF 110390) and U.S. swine strain (AF 082843) with 88% and 83% similarity respectively in ORF1. It was concluded that HEV is widely distributed in the New Zealand pig population. Phylogenetic analysis shows that this is a new HEV strain, grouping most closely with the United States/European cluster, which includes HEV strains of both human and swine origin.

Eradication of Aujeszky's disease from New Zealand pig herds 1976–1997

Aujeszky's disease was first diagnosed in the North Island of New Zealand in 1976. It has never been reported in the South Island. An industry-funded eradication programme was initiated in...

Risk factors for respiratory diseases in New Zealand pig herds

Aims. A survey of lung lesions and risk factors for respiratory diseases was conducted in order to estimate the prevalence of respiratory diseases in the New Zealand pig population and to identify influential management practices. Methods. Eighty-nine New Zealand pig farms with a minimum herd size of 50 sows participated in the survey, and risk factor data were collected using a mailed questionnaire. Abattoir data were recorded once in winter 1995 and once in summer 1996. A total of 6887 lungs was inspected. Results. The prevalence of enzootic pneumonia, pleuropneumonia and pleurisy in winter was 63.4%, 2.7% and 19.1%, respectively. Enzootic pneumonia was significantly less frequent in summer. Pleuropneumonia/pleurisy was found to be more prevalent in the South Island. The univariate risk factor analysis was consistent with earlier published evidence on the importance of environmental factors rela:ed to housing and management of the farm. The multivariate models for enzootic pneumonia and pleuropneumonia or pleurisy had a reasonably good predictive power of 81–91% for farms with high disease prevalence. Conclusion. The results are useful to model the disease process on high-risk farms, which account for a considerable proportion of the New Zealand pig population.

Progress towards the eradication of Aujeszky's disease in New Zealand by vaccination with a subunit vaccine

Attempts to control Aujeszky's disease by vaccination with a glycoprotein-I negative subunit vaccine have been made on nine New Zealand pig farms. Thirty-one to 42 months after the programme of vaccination began, its progress was assessed by measuring the gI-antibody response in pigs from seven of the farms. Three farms had totally eradicated the 'wild' virus infection, one farm was close to achieving complete eradication and the other three farms had made little or no progress. One of the farms which eradicated the 'wild' virus infection achieved this status in two years by combining vaccination with an intensive testing and culling programme; the other two farms had eradicated the 'wild' virus infection by a combination of vaccination and good standards of hygiene without undertaking an intensive culling programme. The farms that had made little or no progress had less satisfactory standards of hygiene and did not practise an intensive testing and culling programme.

A Comparison of Tooth Eruption and Wear and Dental Cementum Techniques in Age Determination of New Zealand Feral Pigs.

This study evaluates dental ageing techniques for feral pigs in northern South I., New Zealand. Ages of pigs were estimated by three techniques: tooth eruption and replacement on criteria calibrated from pen-reared American-bred European wild pigs; tooth eruption, development, and wear calibrated from known-age feral pigs from the study area; and annular growth in cementum of molariform teeth. All age estimations showed strong agreement with each other and with known ages. The eruption and replacement criteria were most useful for ageing pigs less than 30 months old, whereas the other two criteria were more suited to ageing pigs more than 30 months old. All permanent teeth of New Zealand feral pigs erupted 1-2 months earlier than in European and Malayan wild pigs, and permanent premolars erupted up to 4 months earlier than in Japanese wild pigs. Earlier eruption may reflect early onset of maturity in New Zealand pigs. The clarity of annuli observed varied between animals, but generally increased with age. Pigs from unforested habitat had a higher percentage of clearly defined annuli than those from forested habitat. This may be explained by a climatic or dietary factor.

Epidemiology of typical and atypical rotavirus infections in New Zealand pigs

Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were employed to investigate the epidemiology of typical and atypical rotavirus infections in five piggeries. Of 152 faecal samples examined, 46 (30 per cent) were positive by ELISA for group A rotavirus. Rotaviruses with electrophoretic patterns resembling groups A, B and C were detected. At least two and up to five different rotavirus electrophoretypes (typical and/or atypical) were detected in each of the five piggeries. Out of 152 faecal samples examined, 28 (18 per cent) contained rotaviruses with group A electrophoretypes, 9 (6 per cent) with group C but only 1 with Group B. Six samples contained both group A and group C rotaviruses. No common electrophoretypes of group A or C rotaviruses were detected in these five piggeries. The PAGE technique was also used to analyze group A rotavirus isolated sequentially from another piggery over a three year period. A single electrophoretype was found during the first two years, but in the third year a different electrophoretype was detected.

Detection of an atypical (possibly Group C) rotavirus in New Zealand pigs

Abstract Extract Madam:— I wish to report the first detection of an atypical (possible Group C) rotavirus in New Zealand pigs.