Transmissible gastroenteritis in pigs is a viral disease that can often lead to death, especially in piglets. Humans cannot contract it.

Worldwide

Pigs; dogs, cats and foxes can become infected but do not contract the disease.

Directly from animal to animal; indirect transmission through feed containers, stable equipment, etc. is possible.

1-2 days

tremors, vomiting, severe diarrhea

There is no therapy

Prevention of the introduction of the virus into a holding

The virus (family Coronaviridae, genus Coronavirus) TGE is the Transmissible gasteroenteritis virus (TGEV, = Suid corona virus 1), related to the Feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIP). TGE was first described in 1946. Since then it has been observed in many countries with significant pig production. A respiratory variant of TGEV, porcine respiratory coronavirus (PRCoV), has also been known since 1986. The main host is the pig; clinically inapparent infections may occur in dogs, cats and foxes. Especially in piglets, TGE can often develop a high morbidity and mortality. Transmission of TGEV is primarily direct from animal to animal, usually by oral contact or aerogenically. Indirect transmission through feed containers, housing equipment, etc. or by iatrogenic means has also been demonstrated. The incubation period is usually 1-2 days maximum. Newborns and suckling piglets contract the disease with a particularly high mortality rate (almost 100 %). First clinical symptoms in piglets are trembling, vomiting without restriction of milk intake, thirst. Soon there is severe diarrhea with a very foul, characteristic odor. Fever is rare and short-lived. Dehydration, electrolyte losses and acidosis lead to death of sick animals after 3-6 days. In older animals, the severity decreases. Mortality is lower but may be affected by stress, such as cold, dampness, or secondary bacterial infections. Lactating sows may become ill with mild fever, agalactia and inappetence, diarrhea, and feed refusal.

Detection of TGEV:

• IF (immunofluorescence technique) of organ sections (jejunum, ileum).
• virus cultivation in cell culture
• molecular biological methods (PCR)
• detection of antibodies by serum neutralization test (SNT)
• TGE/PRCV- AK differentiation ELISA