Serological detection of transmissible gastroenteritis virus in pigs in Ogun and Oyo States, Nigeria

Abstract

Transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) is an important enteric pathogen in pigs of all ages. Transmissible gastroenteritis is considered to be a significant cause of economic loss in breeding herds, primarily because of its very high mortality in piglets. TGEV infection has been reported in many swine-raising countries; however there is currently no information on its status in Nigeria. Therefore, this study was carried out to determine the prevalence of TGEV infection in pigs in Ogun and Oyo states, southwest Nigeria. Using a commercial ELISA kit, 184 pig sera from farms (n=4) and abattoirs (n=3) were screened for antibodies against TGEV. A higher antibody prevalence was obtained in abattoir (33.3%) compared to farm (27.7%) pigs. Since there is no vaccination against this swine disease in the country, the antibodies detected in the pig sera indicated a natural exposure to the virus. The absence of clinical disease in the pigs also suggests the possibility of a carrier status for these animals and shows that they could serve as hosts for the maintenance of the disease. This first report of TGEV in pigs in Nigeria highlights the need and importance of continuous monitoring of pigs for diseases of economic significance in the country. This will facilitate early detection and ensure development of appropriate control measures against the disease.