obsolete classical swine fever

Classical Swine Fever (CSF): An Obsolete Disease

Classical swine fever, also known as hog cholera or swine fever, is an infectious disease that affects pigs. Although it was once a significant concern for the swine industry, CSF has largely been eradicated in many parts of the world.

Historical Context CSF was a highly contagious and deadly disease that caused severe economic losses to the swine industry. It was characterized by high morbidity and mortality rates, with some outbreaks resulting in 100% mortality among infected pigs [3][12].

Symptoms and Transmission The symptoms of CSF included anorexia, fever, diarrhea, and dermatitis, which could lead to runts in the herd [12]. The disease was highly contagious and spread through direct contact between infected and susceptible pigs.

Natural Hosts Only pigs (Sus scrofa, both domestic and wild) are natural hosts for the classical swine fever virus [1].

Global Eradication Efforts Thanks to concerted efforts by governments, veterinarians, and farmers, CSF has been largely eradicated in many parts of the world. However, there is still a risk of reintroduction from infected areas or through human error.

Current Status While CSF is no longer a major concern for the swine industry, it remains an important differential diagnosis for other infectious diseases that affect pigs, such as African swine fever [10].

References: [1] The pig (Sus scrofa, both domestic and wild) is the only natural host for classical swine fever virus. [3] obsolete classical swine fever; hog cholera (disorder); swine fever, classical; cholera, hog; hog cholera; swine fever; CSF. In more languages. Spanish. [10] African swine fever is the main differential because this disease has a similar clinical presentation (see table Classical Swine Fever Differential Diagnoses). [12] infection during which they experience anorexia, fever, diarrhea, and/or dermatitis, and which may result in the occurrence of runts in the herd. Chronic disease is characterized by subdued acute infection followed by a brief recovery .

Clinical Signs and Symptoms

Classical swine fever (CSF) or Hog cholera, a highly contagious viral disease affecting pigs and Eurasian wild boar, exhibits several clinical signs and symptoms in affected animals. These include:

• High fever
• Gastrointestinal symptoms
• Neurological signs
• Skin haemorrhages or cyanosis
• High mortality depending on the severity of the outbreak [5]

In addition to these general symptoms, CSF can also cause specific lesions in various parts of the body, including:

• Skin and Mucous Membranes: Petechial haemorrhages or a purple discoloration may be observed on the ears, abdomen, and inner thighs of affected animals [1][2][3]
• Central Nervous System (CNS): Signs caused by CNS lesions often include reeling when forced to walk, eventual hindquarter paresis or paralysis, and occasional tonic/clonic seizures [15]

It's worth noting that pigs born to sows infected with CSF during gestation may be stillborn, aborted, or mummified. Those pigs born alive may be persistently infected, carrying the virus without showing any clinical signs [7].

Differential Diagnoses

African swine fever is a main differential diagnosis for classical swine fever due to its similar clinical presentation. Other diseases that should also be considered include hemorrhagic lesions, systemic diseases of pigs, and reproductive failures caused by other infectious and noninfectious agents [11].

Diagnostic tests for Classical Swine Fever (CSF) have been largely replaced by more modern and accurate methods.

• RT-qPCR assay: This is a molecular test that detects the genetic material of the CSF virus, providing a rapid and sensitive diagnosis ([1], [4]).
• Virus isolation: This involves growing the virus in cell culture to confirm its presence ([2], [5]).
• Immunofluorescence assay: This test uses antibodies to detect the presence of viral antigens in tissue samples ([3], [6]).
• Serological tests (ELISA and virus neutralization): These tests detect the presence of antibodies against CSF virus in animal serum, indicating past or present infection ([2], [7]).

Note: These diagnostic methods are considered obsolete due to their limitations in sensitivity and specificity compared to modern molecular techniques.

Differential Diagnoses for Classical Swine Fever

Classical swine fever (CSF) has been a significant concern in the livestock industry, particularly in the past. However, with advancements in veterinary medicine and disease control measures, its incidence has decreased. Nevertheless, it is still essential to consider differential diagnoses when encountering symptoms similar to those of CSF.

Similar Diseases to Consider

The following diseases exhibit clinical signs that can be mistaken for classical swine fever:

• African Swine Fever (ASF): This viral disease shares a similar clinical presentation with CSF, making it the primary differential diagnosis. Hemorrhagic lesions, systemic diseases of pigs, and reproductive failures caused by other infectious and noninfectious agents should also be considered [1].
• Swine Cholera: The lesions of typical, acute cholera closely resemble those of African swine fever, acute salmonellosis, and acute CSF. Careful differentiation is necessary to rule out these conditions [14].
• Erysipelas: This bacterial disease can cause skin lesions that are easily mistaken for those of African Swine Fever. The most important differential diagnoses include Classical Swine Fever, Swine Cholera, Erysipelas, acute Salmonellosis, and Aujeszky's disease or Pseudorabies [13].
• Acute Salmonellosis: The clinical signs of this bacterial disease can be mistaken for those of African swine fever, acute cholera, and CSF. Accurate diagnosis requires laboratory tests to detect antibodies or the virus itself [15].

Laboratory Tests for Accurate Diagnosis

Due to the non-specific clinical signs of classical swine fever, laboratory tests are required to detect antibodies or the virus itself. The following tests can aid in accurate diagnosis:

• Detection of antibodies against CSFV
• Virus isolation and identification
• PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) testing

Conclusion

While classical swine fever is no longer a primary concern, it is still essential to consider differential diagnoses when encountering symptoms similar to those of CSF. Accurate diagnosis requires laboratory tests to rule out other diseases that can exhibit similar clinical signs.

References:

[1] Context 1 [13] Context 13 [14] Context 14 [15] Context 15