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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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Suffolk Ewe ADOPTS Dorset Lamb! | Sheep Farming at Ewetopia Farms

Video: Suffolk Ewe ADOPTS Dorset Lamb! | Sheep Farming at Ewetopia Farms

Suffolk ewe adopts Dorset lamb, lamb races, and moving sheep are all happening at Ewetopia Farms as we move more Dorset ewes and lambs to the Coverall. One special story today—a Suffolk ewe has adopted a Dorset lamb, showing incredible motherly love! We also check on all the growing lambs, refresh bedding to reduce condensation, and enjoy the lamb races! Plus, an update on the remaining sheep in the family groups as we await the second wave of lambing. Join us for another day of real-life sheep farming!