Seneca valley virus and vesicular lesions in a pig with idiopathic vesicular disease

Swine Idiopathic Vesicular Disease (SIVD) syndrome is characterized by the formation of ulcers, erosions and vesicles on the skin, coronary bands and in the oral cavity of pigs. The clinical importance of SIVD is its resemblance with vesicular foreign animal diseases. Although the etiology of SIVD remains unknown, Seneca Valley virus, which belongs to the family Picornaviridae, was previously identified in such pigs. Here, we report gross and histopathologic findings in a 6-month-old intact male Chester White boar presented with a history of anorexia, lethargy and lameness. Intact and ruptured vesicles, erosions and ulcers were clinically observed within the oral cavity, around the nares, coronary bands, and all four limbs. Various diagnostic tests were negative for swine vesicular disease virus, footand-mouth disease virus, vesicular exanthema of swine virus and vesicular stomatitis virus infection. However, vesicular scrapings and oral pharyngeal fluid were positive for the presence of Seneca Valley virus by RT-PCR.