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.
