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Reston Virus Causes Severe Respiratory Disease in Young Domestic Pigs

Reston virus (RESTV), an ebolavirus, causes clinical disease in macaques but has yet only been associated with rare asymptomatic infections in humans. Its 2008 emergence in pigs in the Philippines raised concerns about food safety, pathogenicity, and zoonotic potential, questions that are still unanswered. Until today, the virulence of RESTV for pigs has remained elusive, with unclear pathogenicity in naturally infected animals and only one experimental study demonstrating susceptibility and evidence for shedding but no disease. Here we show that combined oropharyngeal and nasal infection of young (3- to 7-wk-old) Yorkshire cross pigs with RESTV resulted in severe respiratory disease, with most animals reaching humane endpoint within a week. RESTV-infected pigs developed severe cyanosis, tachypnea, and acute interstitial pneumonia, with RESTV shedding from oronasal mucosal membranes. Our studies indicate that RESTV should be considered a livestock pathogen with zoonotic potential.

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Moisture, Temperature, and Extreme Weather – What 2025 Has in Store

Video: Moisture, Temperature, and Extreme Weather – What 2025 Has in Store

Beef cattle farmers and ranchers are preparing for spring 2025 and all that comes with it — calving and planting. Meteorologist Matt Makens once again joins the podcast to highlight the weather challenges in the months ahead, namely dry conditions in many western parts of the country. As beef producers evaluate their ability to retain heifers and build up their herd numbers, much of those decisions are reliant on moisture, so listen in to hear Matt’s thoughts and advice to producers. Plus, we chat with our friends at Farm Credit to hear why creating a relationship with your ag lender is important and what you can do to establish that long-term business partnership that will sustain your operation in the good times and the bad. Learn more at farmcredit.com.