Transboundary Emerging and Exotic Animal Disease/ Exotic Animal Disease Practice Exam

Which of the following is a true statement regarding clinical signs in pigs affected by PED?

1. They always include high mortality rates in adult pigs

2. Clinical signs are consistent and easily identified

3. Symptoms may resemble those of other diseases

4. Pigs display no significant clinical signs at all

The correct answer is: Symptoms may resemble those of other diseases

The correct answer is that symptoms may resemble those of other diseases. Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED) is a viral disease caused by the PED virus, primarily affecting neonatal and younger pigs. The clinical signs associated with PED, such as diarrhea and dehydration, can be similar to signs observed in other gastrointestinal diseases in pigs, such as transmissible gastroenteritis (TGE) and other enteric infections. This overlap in clinical presentations can make diagnosis challenging without laboratory confirmation. The variability in clinical signs further emphasizes that while there are certain hallmark symptoms — like severe diarrhea — it is important to remember that the disease may not present the same way in every affected herd or individual, leading to potential confusion with other pathogens. Understanding this resemblance is critical for veterinarians and producers to effectively monitor and manage pig health, implement control measures, and prevent economic losses. Options that suggest the disease always leads to high mortality rates, that clinical signs are consistent and easily identifiable, or that pigs show no significant signs at all do not accurately reflect the complexities and nuances involved in diagnosing and managing PED in pigs. While some adult pigs can be affected, they typically show fewer or milder signs than young pigs, further challenging the notion of high mortality rates universally applying.