Tomasz Stadejek

PCR can detect the virus in virtually any material but, does it mean the sample contains the virus and it is infectious? Is any PCR test valid for any strain?

Currently, no single RT-PCR assay could be recommended as a universal method allowing for detection of all PRRSV strains with optimal sensitivity.

The great genetic diversity of East European strains has practical implications, the sensitivity of some of the diagnostic PCR methods can be compromised and the efficacy of the current PRRSV vaccines against the East European genetic variants still needs to be elucidated.

The ASF situation in Poland (19 cases and 2 outbreaks in 4 municipalities) seems to be very different from the countries east from Poland: it can be concluded that among wild boar in 4 municipalities the course of the disease is endemic rather than epidemic.

A comprehensive picture of viral variation at the beginning of control and elimination projects is critical for effective monitoring of progress and effectiveness of implementation procedures, and for identification of new virus introductions to farms and to the region.

After the clinical and serological evaluation it is decided to vaccinate against PRRSV, with which we achieve a gradual improvement in the health status on the farm. Some months later, a severe cough appears in the fattening pigs that later also appears in the nursery and in the sows.

One month after the beginning of the outbreak of reproductive failure in sows, acute respiratory disorder and diarrhoea that was non-responsive to antibiotics started in weaned pigs aged 6-8 weeks...