PRCV first appeared in pigs in the 1980s in Europe. It is related to but distinct from transmissable gastroenteritis virus (TGE), which is another coronavirus.
PRCV is respiratory-spread and believed to travel long distances, and because of this, it is extremely difficult to maintain herds free from it. Very few countries have not been exposed.
Clinically, it is almost non-pathogenic and field experiences have shown that herds exposed for the first time have few (if any) signs of disease.
It has been suggested however that it may have an effect on lung tissue when other respiratory disease complexes.
PRCV does however cross react with the serological test for TGE and it can therefore confuse diagnosis.
A differential test is available.
Sows
Piglets
Weaners and growers
Blood tests completed in a diagnostic laboratory capable of carrying out the differential test.