Species: Porcine 

Specimen: Serum

Container: Plain (red top) or gel tube

Collection protocol: Venepuncture

Special handling/shipping requirements: Standard

General information about the disease:

Porcine parvovirus is a virus disease of pigs associated with reproductive problems, including abortion, small litters, still births, neonatal deaths and weak piglets. Disease occurs when sero-negative dams are infected in the first half of gestation and the virus crosses the placenta killing the feti.

General information about when this test is indicated: 

Disease could be suspected if there is a history of small litters (less than five piglets), irregular returns to service, fetal mummifications and abortion.  Collect serum samples from aborted sows and/or neonatal pigs. Detection of antibodies in piglets means in utero infection as antibodies do not cross the placenta. Interpret positive antibody results in sows with care as infection is widespread.

Comparison with other related tests:  Virus isolation is available through reference laboratory. Necropsy of aborted piglets and histopathology of fetal tissues can be used to investigate other causes of abortion.

NOTE – This test is not performed by Awanui Veterinary and requires referral to an external reference laboratory