Efficacy of an inactivated Senecavirus A vaccine in weaned pigs and mature sows

Senecavirus A (SVA), commonly known as Seneca Valley virus (SVV) is a causative agent for vesicular dis-ease in swine. It has been found across the globe including the United States, Brazil, and China. Clinical disease caused by this virus is identical to foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV). Since FMDV has the potential to cause severe economic consequences in FMDV-free countries, those countries are on high alert for signs of vesicles in swine and an investigation is performed to rule out the presence of FMDV if observed. In countries where SVA cases have continued to occur, investigations and testing can cause a burden on personnel and resources. The objectives of this study were to test the efficacy of a whole-virus inactivated SVA vaccine against challenge in nursery-aged pigs, mature sows, and to assess the pro-tection of passive maternal immunity generated by immunized dams. Animals were given two doses of the vaccine intramuscularly three weeks apart and challenged intranasally two weeks after the second dose. Non-vaccinated animals challenged with SVA developed clinical signs of disease, replicated virus, and developed a neutralizing antibody response. Vaccinated animals had robust neutralizing titers after two doses; and after challenge, did not develop vesicular disease and had limited rectal shedding. Piglets suckling immunized dams and challenged with SVA at 3-6 days-of-age had neutralizing titers prior to challenge and did not replicate or shed virus. An efficacious vaccine could improve swine welfare and reduce the economic consequences of continued foreign animal disease investigations. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Automated summary

Senecavirus A (SVA), also known as Seneca Valley virus (SVV), is a causative agent for vesicular disease in swine, similar to foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV). A study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of a whole-virus inactivated SVA vaccine in nursery-aged pigs and mature sows, as well as the protection of passive maternal immunity. Vaccinated animals showed robust neutralizing titers and protection against clinical signs and shedding after challenge with SVA. The study suggests that an efficacious vaccine could improve swine welfare and reduce economic consequences of foreign animal disease investigations.