FAQs

Pseudorabies

Updated: 11/12/08

Background: Several hunting dogs have been infected with pseudorabies and died recently following hog-hunting training at Corbett Wildlife Management Area. Current estimates indicate nine dogs have died from the infection so far, with another six dogs showing signs. Reports indicate the dogs were in the area between trails 1 and 2, behind "N" camp, and south of Corbett's south check. There also are anecdotal reports from areas around Okeechobee and Ft. Pierce of similar dog fatalities this year. Pseudorabies is carried by feral hogs and is present throughout Florida . The virus also has been reported in at least 10 other states.

FWC staff will test some of the animals to identify strain.  However, public education is about the only other measure to deal with the situation.  Moving hogs around to new areas can spread the disease.

There are no plans to cancel the hunt at this time.

What is pseudorabies?

Pseudorabies is a highly contagious infectious disease of swine caused by pseudorabies virus (PRV), a herpes virus. It can cause reproductive problems, including abortion, stillbirths, and even occasional death losses in breeding and finishing hogs. PRV is present in both domestic and feral hogs.

What other names is it commonly known as?

It is also known as mad itch or Aujeszky's disease.

What animals are in danger of contracting the disease?

Animals that could be infected are pigs, dogs, cats, cattle, sheep, raccoons, opossums, rats, mice, horses, goats, panthers, coyotes, bears and minks.

Can people be infected with pseudorabies?

There are no records of humans contracting this disease, not even people working on farms with many PRV-infected animals. Hunters and those handling raw feral hog meat, however, are at risk for swine brucellosis. When handling hogs or raw meat, wear impermeable gloves; do not eat, drink or use tobacco products; avoid direct contact with blood, other fluids, feces and raw meat; wash and disinfect any surfaces contacting meat and blood; and wash hands frequently. More information is available at MyFWC.com/WildlifeDisease.

What is the main host for the disease?

Swine are the main host.

How is it transmitted?

It is transmitted through saliva, nasal discharge, sexual encounters and from eating contaminated feed/carcasses. It is not transmitted through urine or feces.

How is the virus spread?

PRV is spread primarily through direct animal-to-animal (or nose-to-nose) contact between an infected and shedding pig and a noninfected pig. If present on inanimate objects, such as boots, clothing, feed, trucks and equipment, the virus can also spread to domestic swine.

Can horses get it?

Horses are resistant to the disease, and reports of horses contracting pseudorabies are very rare.

Are dogs susceptible to contracting pseudorabies?

Yes, and it is always fatal when they do contract pseudorabies. It is unlikely that dogs or other animals would be in danger of contracting PRV unless there has been direct contact through a bite wound or through consumption of raw feral hog meat.

Is there a vaccine to protect against the disease?

The modified-live vaccine is labeled only for domestic swine and is available only to veterinarians through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.  Consult a licensed veterinarian for further information regarding vaccination and prevention for domestic swine.

Is there a cure for pseudorabies?

No.

How long has it been in the United States?

The first recorded cases in the United States begin at least 150 years ago.

How many wild boars have pseudorabies?

Past studies in South Florida estimate infection rates in wild boars between 40 and 50 percent. A large proportion of feral swine are carriers, but few are actually infectious at any given time. Stress such as overcrowding, high water levels or poor nutrition can increase the percentage of swine that are infectious and thus lead to increased exposure.

Do any domestic pigs have pseudorabies?

There have been no reported cases in domestic pigs in the United States since 2003.

What are the symptoms of pigs when they have the disease?

Young pigs may die, pregnant sows may abort, older hogs may be healthy until they are stressed, then they may develop runny noses and watery eyes.

Do pigs recover from pseudorabies?

Pigs infected are probably carriers of the virus for life.  However, they will likely show symptoms only when they are chronically stressed.

How long can the virus live outside of the hog?

It can live up to four days, although the likelihood of being exposed to enough of the virus through indirect contact is low.

Can you eat infected hogs without harm?

Yes.  However, it is recommended that any animal showing outward signs of being sick (e.g. emaciation, abscesses, runny eyes or nose, etc.) not be consumed as a general precaution, especially considering the potential for other diseases, including brucellosis.  Many hogs will carry the virus but be perfectly healthy.

What are the symptoms of dogs infected with pseudorabies?

Infected dogs will scratch themselves uncontrollably.  The disease progresses to symptoms that mimic rabies, with frothing at the mouth, loss of muscular control and erratic behavior.  Death occurs usually within 48 hours.

How long does it take symptoms to show after exposure?

Symptoms can occur in dogs within hours after exposure.

Can dogs give it to other dogs?

There are no known cases where dogs have infected other dogs. The principal risk of infection in dogs is exposure to hogs that are actively shedding the virus.

What is the reason for the increase in cases in the Corbett Wildlife Management Area this year?

The cause for the higher number of cases this year is unknown, but it may be due to environmental stresses such as severe weather and high water.

Will this go away?

The virus will always be present in wild hogs; impacts to dogs will lessen as this episode runs its course.

How do I protect my dogs from this?

Dog owners can minimize exposure to hogs by keeping dogs on a leash and away from hogs. Consult a licensed veterinarian for information regarding vaccination and prevention.

What should I do if I have further information on the occurrence of this disease?

Report any information you have on this topic to the FWC at 561-625-5122.

PCB/CR