5th Merial Forum focuses on swine reproduction

摘要

The 5th Merial Swine Forum, which focused on swine reproduction, was recently held in Budapest. Here we review a selection of the topics covered. Prof Hans Nauwynck from Ghent University gave an informative overview of viral reproductive problems in the sow. Viruses may affect a normal gestation in one of two ways - indirectly or direcly (viral replication in reproductive tract). He cited swine influenza as a good example of the former. This virus replicates to large numbers in the upper respiratorytract and this generates an acute cytokine burst which leads to inactivity, anorexia and fever. During this stage abortion may occur.