Epidemiological aspects of porcine rotavirus in southwest of Parana state, Brazil

Abstract

A longitudinal study was performed during 18 months to obtain epidemiological data from porcine rotaviruses in a flock from Southwest area of Parana State, Brazil. Electropherogroup A of porcine rotavirus (PRV) was identified by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in 137 (27.8%) of 492 diarrheic fecal samples. The infection was more common in prior and post weaning periods. Fecal samples from four and five weeks old piglets were positive for PRV respectively in 48.4% and 40.8%, of the cases. The virus was identified through out the year. There was no seasonal distribution, showing the endemic character of the infection. Low relative humidity of the air, high population density and concentration of gilt farrow contributed with an increase in the frequency of infection.