Pseudorabies

After almost three decades of working to reduce, control, and eradicate pseudorabies from Minnesota swine herds, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) declared Minnesota as Pseudorabies-free (Pseudorabies Stage V Status) in 2003. Minnesota continues to be PRV-free.

Pseudorabies, also known as Aujeszky's Disease, is a viral disease of swine that is caused by a herpes virus. Swine that are infected with the virus are infected for life and may shed the virus intermittently. Mortality rates in swine vary, but when cattle, sheep, goats, dogs or cats become infected, the disease is always fatal.

Pseudorabies does not infect humans or horses and is not a human food safety concern.

Pseudorabies is primarily spread by direct animal-to-animal (or nose-to-nose) contact with an infected and shedding pig.The virus can also spread to other herds or farms on boots, clothing, vehicles and equipment, or in feed. Pseudorabies can be prevented through good biosecurity, a sound vaccination program, and disease control management.