CNS Cases

Guidelines for CNS Disease Case Identification and Reporting

The Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) convened a cross-section of experts involved in swine disease diagnostics at the veterinary diagnostic laboratories of Iowa State University, University of Minnesota and South Dakota State University to create specific guidelines to follow for improved accuracy and efficiency in reporting diseases of unknown etiology affecting the central nervous system (CNS).

Among the many possible infectious causes of CNS syndromes are various members of the virus family Picornaviridae, e.g. porcine teschovirus (PTV), porcine enteroviruses (PEV) and porcine sapelovirus (PSV), as well as atypical porcine pestivirus (APPV). Communications continue to suggest a wide range of neurologic signs possibly related to the presence of these viruses in growing pigs. These viruses are not new to the United States. Historically, cases have been reported only sporadically.

There are significant knowledge gaps about the pathogenicity and epidemiology of these viruses. The diagnostic criteria and tests used by veterinary diagnostic labs should strive to be consistent to effectively monitor infection status and disease occurrence with these or other diseases.

The overarching objective of SHIC is to monitor domestic diseases affecting swine health and provide reliable data to practitioners and producers that will support on-farm, prospective producer decision-making.

Cases which meet two of the three of the following criteria will qualify as a case definition for the veterinary diagnostic labs to report to SHIC.

Clinical history includes any of: