Porcine circovirus

Porcine circovirus-2 (PCV-2) is the major circovirus associated with disease in pigs. It causes multiple disease conditions in infected animals, including postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome and reproductive disorders, such as late-term abortions and stillbirths. The virus is ubiquitous across pig-keeping countries, and has a profound impact if not controlled effectively. Estimates using a modest 5% mortality rate are £50,000 for a 500 sow unit. Applied to the total UK breeding sow population, this translates to a cost for the UK pig industry of approximately £25 million annually.

Control of PCV-2 is by vaccination, which reduces mortality and pathology. However, none of the vaccines currently available prevent infection.