Porcine Circovirus Type-2 in Asia Last week we discussed
measures being taken in Europe for treatment and control of
porcine circovirus type-2 (PCV-2). This week we will consider
the impact of the disease in Asia as it relates to postweaning
multi-systemic wasting syndrome (PMWS). According to Han Soo
Joo, DVM, a member of the Swine Group at the University of
Minnesota, severe clinical losses due to PMWS were first
observed in the Guangdong province of China in 2001, where swine
production is intensive and large pig companies are located.
"Breeding farms first experienced PMWS, and the syndrome spread
to the multipliers and commercial farms," notes Joo. "Clinical
signs on affected farms were usually observed in grow-finish
barns in the initial stage and extended to the nurseries with
high mortality. Nursery pigs as young as 3 weeks old were
affected during the peak period. "In South Korea, PMWS or PCV-2
associated diseases have been a major problem throughout the
country from about 2001," he continues. "Nurse