Seroprevalence and Risk Factors Investigations of Parvovirus Disease in Tibetan Pigs: First Report from Tibet

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Porcine parvovirus disease is an animal disease with a high infection rate that is wide spread in the world. Its spread and variants have a very serious impact on large-scale livestock economy. So far, there have been no reports on the infection and genetics of pig parvovirus in Tibetan pigs. This study was conducted to investigate and analyze the seroprevalence, regional distribution and risk factors responsible for porcine parvovirus in Tibetan pigs in Tibet. This study also contains an effective response and analysis of strategies made in the areas under investigation through the epidemic, distribution and risk factors inquiry of the virus. A total of 356 serum samples were collected from four counties in Tibet, and the anti-porcine parvovirus antibodies were detected by using the competitive ELISA kit. In this investigation, 324 (91.01%) of 356 serum samples were found to be positive for porcine parvovirus. Porcine parvovirus is also extremely widespread in Tibet, reaching a worrying seroprevalence that requires greater awareness of this disease by the operators in the swine sector. Possible measures to improve surveillance and monitoring of the disease should be considered. ABSTRACT: Porcine parvovirus (PPV) disease is a worldwide spread animal disease with high infection rate and serious impact on meat economy causing significant losses in livestock production. The purpose of this paper is to investigate and analyze the regional seroprevalence of PPV in Tibetan pigs in Tibet and evaluate risk factors related to the disease. A total of 356 serum samples of Tibetan pigs were collected from four counties and districts in Tibet, and anti-PPV antibodies were detected by using a commercial competitive ELISA. Our results show a seroprevalence of 91.01% (324 serum samples were found to be positive for anti-PPV antibodies). The positive rate among different district was 100%, 96.55%, 93.68% and 72.83%, respectively in the Mainling County, in Bayi district, Nang County and Bomê County. We found significant differences between different age and gender groups; particularly female animals show a seroprevalence of 96.03% while the males only 83.46%. From the perspective of the growth stage, our results indicate that subadults show a seroprevalence significative higher than other age groups (100%). This study describes for the first time the PPV seroprevalence among Tibetan pigs characterizing risk factors involved in its transmission and providing information to be taken into account for eventual surveillance or eradication plans.