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Aujeszky’s Disease, AK (Viral Infection Caused by a Herpesvirus, Pseudorabies) in Dogs

Occurrence: very rare
Location of illness: General/Whole body

Aujeszky’s disease, also known as pseudorabies, is a viral infection caused by a herpesvirus that can lead to severe neurological symptoms and ultimately death in dogs.

The most important facts at a glance

Aujeszky “’s disease, also known as pseudorabies, is caused by Suid Herpesvirus 1 (SHV-1), which belongs to the herpesvirus family. Pigs are the main hosts and reservoirs of the virus, while dogs and other animals such as cattle and cats are considered dead-end hosts and often become seriously ill. The virus can be transmitted through direct contact with infected animals or materials, consumption of raw pork, or, less frequently, through the air. In dogs, the infection leads to symptoms such as itching, loss of appetite, uncoordinated gait, and increased restlessness. The diagnosis is based on symptoms, exposure history, and laboratory tests such as serological tests and PCR. There is no specific treatment, only supportive measures to relieve the symptoms. The prognosis for infected dogs is poor, as the disease progresses rapidly and often ends fatally. Prevention involves avoiding contact with pigs and pork products. Research is being conducted on the development of vaccines and new diagnostic methods to better control the disease and detect outbreaks early. A multidisciplinary approach is necessary to combat Aujeszky”’s disease in the long term.

Causes

Aujeszky’s disease is caused by Suid herpesvirus 1 (SHV-1), also known as pseudorabies virus (PRV). This virus belongs to the herpesvirus family and is closely related to the virus that primarily affects pigs, which are the main host species. Pigs are the natural hosts and main reservoirs of this virus, while other animals such as cattle, cats, and dogs are considered dead-end hosts, in which the disease often ends fatally.

The virus is typically transmitted through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated materials. Dogs can become infected by consuming raw pork or through contact with infected pigs. The virus can also be transmitted through the air or by contact with contaminated surfaces, although this is less common.

The pseudorabies virus is very resilient and can survive in the environment for several days to weeks, especially in cooler temperatures. This increases the risk of indirect transmission to dogs if they live in or visit agricultural or rural areas.

Symptoms

Very common symptoms:

Common symptoms:

The symptoms of Aujeszky’s disease in dogs usually begin with non-specific signs such as fever, loss of appetite, and lethargy. These symptoms can be easily overlooked because they also occur in many other diseases.

As the disease progresses, more severe neurological symptoms occur. These include excessive salivation, itching (especially in the head and neck area), screaming, confusion, and coordination disorders. The itching can be so intense that the affected dogs injure themselves.

A characteristic symptom is also paralysis, which can develop rapidly. Dogs may show an uneven gait, limb weakness, and eventually complete paralysis. This stage is often accompanied by seizures, which indicate progressive damage to the central nervous system.

The symptoms usually progress rapidly, and the disease usually leads to the death of the animal within a few days.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of Aujeszky’s disease is based on a combination of clinical symptoms, history data, and laboratory tests. Since the symptoms are non-specific and can occur in other neurological diseases, an accurate history, including possible exposure to pigs or pork products, is crucial.

Laboratory tests are required to definitively detect the pseudorabies virus. These include serological tests to detect antibodies against the virus, as well as PCR tests (polymerase chain reaction) that can identify viral DNA in tissues or body fluids such as saliva or cerebrospinal fluid.

In some cases, a pathological examination of brain and nerve tissue can also be performed post mortem to identify typical changes caused by the virus.

Therapy

There is no specific treatment for Aujeszky’s disease in dogs. Therapy is usually supportive and aims to alleviate the symptoms and improve the animal’s well-being. This includes fluid therapy, pain management, and in some cases, the administration of anticonvulsants to control seizures.

Since the disease is almost always fatal in dogs, euthanasia is often considered to prevent unnecessary suffering, especially if the neurological symptoms are rapidly worsening.

Preventing exposure to the virus is the best protection, as there is no cure. This means keeping dogs away from potentially infected pigs or contaminated materials.

Prognosis and follow-up care

The prognosis for dogs with Aujeszky’s disease is very poor. The disease progresses rapidly and in most cases leads to death within a few days. The severe neurological symptoms caused by the infection are usually irreversible.

Due to the rapid progression of the disease and the lack of effective treatment options, the prognosis for infected dogs is extremely unfavorable. Early detection and avoidance of exposure are crucial to minimize the risk of infection.

Prevention

Prevention of Aujeszky’s disease focuses on minimizing the risk of exposure to the virus. This includes preventing dogs from accessing pigs or pork products, especially raw meat that may contain the virus.

In areas where the disease is endemic, pet owners should be especially careful and ensure that their animals do not come into contact with farms where pigs are kept. In addition, vaccination of pigs in affected areas can help reduce the spread of the virus.

Pet owners should also ensure that they are informed about the symptoms and risks of the disease in order to act quickly if an infection is suspected. This can help control the spread of the disease and reduce the risk of infection in other animals.

Outlook on current research

Aujeszky’s disease, also known as pseudorabies, is a viral disease caused by Suid herpesvirus 1 (SHV-1). This disease mainly affects pigs but can also infect other animals, including dogs. Current research is focusing on better understanding the pathogenesis of the virus and its interaction with various host organisms.

A significant part of the research focuses on the molecular biology of the virus. Scientists are studying the genetic structure of SHV-1 to understand how it replicates in host cells and how it bypasses the immune system. These studies are crucial to developing new vaccines that could protect not only pigs but also other animals from infection.

Another important focus is on epidemiological surveillance. Researchers analyze the spread of the virus in agricultural farms and wildlife populations. By using modern techniques such as genome sequencing, they can track the spread patterns of the virus and better understand which factors favor transmission between animals.

The development of diagnostic methods is also an active area of research. New tests that are faster and more accurate could help detect and contain outbreaks early. These diagnostic tests are particularly important for use in regions where the disease has not yet been eradicated.

Another interesting aspect of the research is the study of the immune response in different animal species. While pigs are considered the main hosts of the virus, other animals such as dogs show different symptoms and disease courses. Researchers are trying to find out why certain species are more or less susceptible to the disease and how the immune system of these animals reacts.

The development of therapeutic intervention strategies is also an important area of research. In addition to vaccination, antiviral drugs could play a role in the treatment of infected animals. Studies on cell cultures and animal models help to identify potential active ingredients and evaluate their effectiveness.

In addition, research is being conducted on how environmental factors and agricultural practices influence the spread of the virus. Researchers are working with farmers to develop strategies that minimize the risk of virus transmission, such as improved biosecurity measures and management practices.

Overall, the research shows that a multidisciplinary approach is needed to effectively combat Aujeszky’s disease. Advances in genetic research, epidemiology, immunology, and veterinary medicine are helping to deepen the understanding of the disease and find new ways for prevention and treatment.

A long-term goal of the research is to eradicate Aujeszky’s disease worldwide. Through international cooperation and the exchange of research results, scientists hope to develop strategies that are effective across national borders.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is Aujeszky’s disease? Aujeszky’s disease, also known as pseudorabies, is a viral infection caused by Suid herpesvirus 1. It mainly affects pigs but can also infect other animals such as dogs.
How is Aujeszky’s disease transmitted to dogs? Dogs can become infected through contact with infected pigs or by consuming contaminated pork or pork products. Direct contact with the virus can also cause infection.
What symptoms occur in dogs? In dogs, the disease often manifests as severe itching, behavioral changes, salivation, paralysis, and ultimately the occurrence of seizures. The disease is usually fatal.
Is there a vaccine against Aujeszky’s disease for dogs? Currently, there is no specific vaccine for dogs. Vaccines have mainly been developed for pigs, which are considered the main host of the virus.
How is the disease diagnosed? The diagnosis is based on a combination of clinical symptoms and laboratory tests that can detect the presence of the virus or its antibodies.
Can Aujeszky’s disease be transmitted to humans? No, the disease is not zoonotic. This means that it cannot be transmitted from animals to humans.
What precautions can be taken to prevent infection? Dogs should be kept away from infected pigs and contaminated products. Good hygiene measures and biosecurity practices can help reduce the risk of infection.
How quickly does the disease progress in dogs? In dogs, the disease progresses rapidly. After the onset of the first symptoms, the disease can lead to death within a few days.
What are the differences between Aujeszky’s disease and rabies? Although both diseases cause neurological symptoms, they are different viruses. Rabies is caused by the rabies virus and can also infect humans, while Aujeszky’s disease is not zoonotic.
Is Aujeszky’s disease widespread worldwide? The disease is more common in some regions than in others. In many countries, including those in the EU, strict control measures are in place to prevent or eliminate the spread of the virus.