Revisiting Porcine Circovirus Infection: Recent Insights and Its Significance in the Piggery Sector

Porcine circovirus (PCV), a member of the Circoviridae family within the genus Circovirus, poses a significant economic risk to the global swine industry. PCV2, which has nine identified genotypes (a-i), has emerged as the predominant genotype worldwide, particularly PCV2d. PCV2 has been commonly found in both domestic pigs and wild boars, and sporadically in non-porcine animals. The virus spreads among swine populations through horizontal and vertical transmission routes. Despite the availability of commercial vaccines for controlling porcine circovirus infections and associated diseases, the continuous genotypic shifts from a to b, and subsequently from b to d, have maintained PCV2 as a significant pathogen with substantial economic implications. This review aims to provide an updated understanding of the biology, genetic variation, distribution, and preventive strategies concerning porcine circoviruses and their associated diseases in swine.

Automated summary

Porcine circovirus (PCV), belonging to Circoviridae family, poses significant economic risk to global swine industry. PCV2, with nine genotypes (a-i), especially PCV2d, has emerged as the predominant genotype worldwide. PCV2 is commonly found in both domestic pigs and wild boars, sporadically in non-porcine animals. The virus spreads among swine populations through horizontal and vertical transmission. Despite available vaccines, genotypic shifts maintain PCV2 as a significant pathogen. This review aims to provide updated understanding of biology, genetic variation, distribution, and preventive strategies of porcine circoviruses and associated diseases in swine.