Seneca Valley Virus

UK Chief Veterinary Officer has confirmed five cases of Seneca Valley Virus in pigs.

The UK Chief Veterinary Officer has confirmed that the five cases of vesicular disease in pigs identified in farms in England between June and September 2022 were Seneca Valley Virus (SVV).

The confirmation comes following an extensive investigation by the Animal Plant Health Agency (APHA).

Seneca Valley Virus only affects pigs for a short period with infected pigs making a full recovery. There is no risk to human health.

SVV is not a notifiable or reportable disease in the UK nor a listed disease by the World Organisation of Animal Health (WOAH). However, the clinical signs however do resemble notifiable vesicular diseases, in particular Foot-and-Mouth Disease. Defra is therefore calling on pig producers and vets to continue to promptly report any clinical signs of vesicular disease in pigs so that APHA can carry out an official investigation.

This virus had not previously been found in the UK but is known to have caused clinical disease in pigs in a number of countries worldwide including the USA, Canada, Brazil, Colombia, China, Thailand, Vietnam and Chile. The means by which the virus reached pigs in the UK is still under investigation by UK experts. Genetic analysis of the virus isolated in UK shows it is most closely related to previous isolates from North America.

This is another reminder of the importance of biosecurity and the swill feeding ban. Please check for lameness when carrying out daily inspections of your pigs and if you have concerns contact your vet.