Exploration of the Connection Between Porcine Necrotic Ear Syndrome and PCV2 Infection

Abstract

This study provides an overview of current knowledge relating to porcine necrotic ear syndrome (or ear tip necrosis) associated with PCV2 infection. It is believed that Porcine Circovirus type 2 (PCV2) may be involved in etiology of porcine necrotic ear syndrome. PCV2 is the primary causative agent for Porcine Circovirus Associated Diseases (PCVAD). In cases when clinical signs of PCVAD (mainly PMWS) are present on a farm, the porcine necrotic ear syndrome is more often. Initially, the lesions of ear tip necrosis appeared at the margin of the pinna(e) as asuperficial vesicular dermatitis associated with superficial auricular trauma. These lesions are characterized by systemic necrotizing vasculitis accompanied by epidermal necrosis/ulceration and dermal haemorrhage. The purpose of this study is to investigate the connection between clinical signs of porcine necrotic ear syndrome and of PCV2.