Systematic Veterinary Virology

TRANSMISSION

• Outbreaks of TGE are seen commonly following the introduction of infected pigs into susceptible herd. Sub-clinically infected animals can also be a source of infection and recovered pigs often become carriers and can shed the virus for 2-3 weeks in their faeces. Large amounts of virus are excreted in the faeces of infected animals.
• The exact mechanisms of transmission of the disease are still unclear. However, the proposed means are, faeco-oral contamination, through milk from infected sows, contaminated litter, through carriers like dogs cats, foxes, infected swills and through infected husbandry material.
• The virus is relatively fragile and susceptible to disinfectants and drying. However, the virus can survive for few days in the cold temperature, hence the disease is more commonly seen during the winter months. There is no vertical transmission and no vectors are involved in the transmission.