Outbreaks of porcine parvovirus disease in Panama.

The first recorded isolation of porcine parvovirus (PPV) in Panama is described. The outbreaks of PPV disease were characterised by a high prevalence of mummified foetuses, stillborn and weak pigs and a common source of exposure. Diagnosis was based on virus isolation and by demonstrating viral antigen in lungs of affected foetuses. Six farms in four different provinces were involved. Rapid control of the epizootic was achieved through the use of an inactivated PPV vaccine in the affected farms.