Aujeszkyʹʹs Disease in Brazil: Eradication and Control Measures

Aujeszkyʹs disease is a viral infectious disease that affects mainly pigs. Other species infection can occur through direct contact with infected pigs. Also known as: pseudorabies, suid- herpesvirus disease, bulbar palsy and scratching plague, the virus has a remarkable characteristic of developing latent infections in the host. The main clinical manifestations of Aujeszkyʹs disease are nervous and respiratory disorders, high mortality in piglets and serious reproductive disorders in pregnant sows, reduced productivity of the matrices in development and decline of animal growth and feed intake rates. The epidemiological situation of the disease is different in each region, what makes necessary different strategies to combat the disease. Some methods such as vaccination with antigenic markers, testing of animals and removal of positives are common in eradication and control programs. Cullin of all animals on the farm, strict desinfection, establishment of sanitary good practices and restocking the herd with healthy animals are the most efficient techniques, despite the costs. The focus of this review is to gather information disposable in the scientific literature about the existent measures for control and elimination of Aujeszkyʹs disease and compare different strategies used worldwide.