Blue eye disease is caused by La Piedad Michoacán Mexico virus (LPMV), the only

member virus In biology, a strain is a genetic variant, a subtype or Axenic, a culture within a biological species. Strains are often seen as inherently artificial concepts, characterized by a specific intent for genetic isolation. This is most easily observed ...

of the species ''Porcine orthorubulavirus'' in the ''

Paramyxoviridae ''Paramyxoviridae'' (from Ancient Greek, Greek ''para-'' “by the side of” and ''myxa'' “mucus”) is a family of negative-strand RNA viruses in the order ''Mononegavirales''. Vertebrates serve as natural hosts. Diseases associated with this ...

'' family. Synonyms for the disease include "Blue Eye Syndrome" and "Porcine Paramyxovirus Blue Eye Disease", and "La Piedad Michoacán Paramyxovirus Infection". Blue eye disease is a viral disease that is commonly identified by encephalitis, pneumonia, and respiratory diseases in piglets. It also causes reproductive failure in adult pigs, and rarely identifies with corneal opacity, an eye disorder characterized by scarring of the cornea.

Signs and diagnosis

Blue eye disease typically begins in piglets that are between 2–21 days old; 90 percent of the pigs that become infected with the disease die. It usually begins with a sudden onset of fever, arched back, or depression. The disease then progresses with neurological symptoms including weakness, ataxia, muscle tremors, abnormal posture, and rigidity of the hind legs. Some other symptoms associated with this disease are conjunctivitis, blindness, nystagmus, constipation, and diarrhea. Younger pigs can show neurological and respiratory signs which can be quite severe. Mature pigs may show blueing of the pupils in their eyes and experience reproductive difficulties. Adults of both sexes may become

infertile Infertility is the inability of a person, animal or plant to reproduce by natural means. It is usually not the natural state of a healthy adult, except notably among certain eusocial species (mostly haplodiploid insects). It is the normal state ...

and sows may suffer from

abortion Abortion is the termination of a pregnancy by removal or expulsion of an embryo or fetus. An abortion that occurs without intervention is known as a miscarriage or "spontaneous abortion"; these occur in approximately 30% to 40% of pregn ...

s and

stillbirth Stillbirth is typically defined as fetal death at or after 20 or 28 weeks of pregnancy, depending on the source. It results in a baby born without signs of life. A stillbirth can result in the feeling of guilt or grief in the mother. The term ...

s. * Inappetence * Corneal opacity –

conjunctivitis Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is inflammation of the conjunctiva, outermost layer of the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelid. It makes the eye appear pink or reddish. Pain, burning, scratchiness, or itchiness may ...

* Nervous signs – fits and convulsions * Dog sitting position * Fever * Increased returns * Increased weaning to mating intervals *

Stillbirths Stillbirth is typically defined as fetal death at or after 20 or 28 weeks of pregnancy, depending on the source. It results in a baby born without signs of life. A stillbirth can result in the feeling of guilt or grief in the mother. The term ...

* Mummified piglets * High mortality in piglets * Swollen testicles * Loss of

libido Libido (; colloquial: sex drive) is a person's overall sexual drive or desire for sexual activity. Libido is influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors. Biologically, the sex hormones and associated neurotransmitters that act up ...

Cause

Blue eye disease is caused by the porcine rubulavirus, which first emerged in 1980 throughout parts of Mexico, including La Piedad, Michoacan, Jalisco, and Guanajuato. The virus is transmitted directly and indirectly by

fomites A fomite () or fomes () is any inanimate object that, when contaminated with or exposed to infectious agents (such as pathogenic bacteria, viruses or fungi), can transfer disease to a new host. Transfer of pathogens by fomites A fomite is any inan ...

and birds and can be found throughout the body, including neurons and most soft tissues.

Diagnosis

Blue eye disease outbreaks can happen throughout the year but are most common during spring and summer months of April to July. The mortality rate usually rises and falls and between a two- to nine-week time frame. After the epidemic subsides, no more cases occur unless new susceptible pigs are introduced into the farm. In severe outbreaks of the disease a presumptive diagnosis can be made. Serological testing via virus neutralization and haemagglutination inhibition testing can be performed to diagnose the disease. Virus isolation from tissue samples is also possible.

Necropsy An autopsy (post-mortem examination, obduction, necropsy, or autopsia cadaverum) is a surgical procedure that consists of a thorough examination of a corpse by dissection to determine the cause, mode, and manner of death or to evaluate any di ...

findings can help confirm the diagnosis.

Epidemiology

Blue eye disease in swine has only been reported in Mexico. It can affect not only pigs but also dogs, cats, rats, and rabbits.

Treatment and control

There is no treatment for the disease. Symptomatic treatment for the inflammatory and respiratory signs can be given, but severe cases may require

euthanasia Euthanasia (from el, εὐθανασία 'good death': εὖ, ''eu'' 'well, good' + θάνατος, ''thanatos'' 'death') is the practice of intentionally ending life to eliminate pain and suffering. Different countries have different eut ...

. General

biosecurity Biosecurity refers to measures aimed at preventing the introduction and/or spread of harmful organisms (e.g. viruses, bacteria, etc.) to animals and plants in order to minimize the risk of transmission of infectious disease. In agriculture, thes ...

protocols including adequate

quarantine A quarantine is a restriction on the movement of people, animals and goods which is intended to prevent the spread of disease or pests. It is often used in connection to disease and illness, preventing the movement of those who may have been ...

, testing, and disinfection can help prevent the entry or spread of the disease into a herd.

References

External links

* https://web.archive.org/web/20141215002414/http://www.thepigsite.com/pighealth/article/444/blue-eye-disease-be * Porcine Rubulavirus infection, http://www.cfsph.iastate.edu/Factsheets/pdfs/blue_eye_disease.pdf {{Taxonbar, from=Q18965262 Animal viral diseases Swine diseases Rubulaviruses