DETECTION OF AUJESZKY’S (PSEUDORABIES) DISEASE VIRUS IN WILD BOARS AND DOMESTIC LOCAL ANIMALS BY POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION (PCR)

Abstract

Aujeszky’s disease of swine is caused by a herpesvirus that was been classified within the subfamily Alphaherepevirinae of the family Herpesviridae. The disease characterized by causing respiratory and nervous signs in domestic swine and wild boars. The neurological signs were similar to that of rabies, accordingly it was also known as pseudorabies. The virus can be transmitted to other domestic animals causing the same neurological signs in addition to mad itch. In Iraq there was no study concerning the swine as there was no swine industry. Recently, wild boars appeared in increasing number in Iraq and along the rivers of Tigris, Euphrates, and Diyala. To point out the possibility of presence of pseudorabies virus (PrV) in wild boars and local domestic ruminants, this study was designed. Accordingly, 100 blood samples were collected from cows (51), sheep (34), and killed wild boars (15). Furthermore, tissues from cervical lymph nodes trigeminal ganglion and tonsils also were collected from wild boars. All samples were processed, DNA extracted, and subjected to PCR using specific primers for glycoprotein gene (gII). The results showed that all the tested samples were negative for PrV. The DNA of the virus was detected by PCR in the cervical lymph nodes and blood 24 to 48 hrs post experimental inoculation of mice with killed vaccine of Aujeszky’s disease virus. Further wide epidemiological study might be required to be sure that animals in Iraq are free of PrV.