[Detection of porcine Circovirus type 2 and Torque-Teno-Sus-virus 1 and 2 in semen samples of boars from an Austrian artificial insemination centre].

OBJECTIVE

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV-2) and torque-teno-sus- viruses (TTSuV) are ubiquitous in all pig-producing countries. Both pathogens are transmitted horizontally as well as vertically, and semen could be an important means of transmission. Aim of this study was the investigation of the prevalence of these two viruses in boar semen.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Single semen samples from 100 boars from an artificial insemination centre were analysed by quantitative real time PCR for PCV2 and by conventional PCR for TTSuV-1 and TTSuV-2.

RESULTS

Only one Piétrain boar of age of 47months showed a measurable PCV-2 quantity of 7.56x10³/ml semen. Four samples were PCR-positive for TTSuV-1, and five for TTVSu-2, while in a single co-infection both TTSuVs were detected.All TTSuV-positive samples originated from Piétrain boars.

CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This study represents the first description of TTSuV presence in semen in Austria. The prevalence of TTSuV as well as PCV-2 was low. The clinical relevance of a simultaneous contamination of boar semen with both pathogens remains unclear.