Suipoxvirus

Suipoxvirus is a genus of the Poxviridae family, in the subfamily Chordopoxvirinae. The genus currently comprises a single recognized species, Swinepox virus (SwPV), which serves as the type species for the genus.

SwPV infects domestic pigs and wild suids. Infection causes swinepox, a typically mild dermatitis characterized by localized papules that crust over. Lesions most often appear on the ventral abdomen, inner thighs, and teats and can be accompanied by mild itching. Systemic illness is uncommon, and the disease mainly manifests as skin lesions that can affect appearance and, in some cases, production.

Transmission and biology follow patterns typical of poxviruses. SwPV is transmitted via skin breaks and through arthropod vectors such as biting flies and lice; direct contact can also spread infection. The virus replicates in the cytoplasm of infected cells, producing viral factories, and has a large double-stranded DNA genome.

Diagnosis is based on clinical signs and epidemiology, with confirmation by laboratory methods such as virus isolation in cell culture, electron microscopy, and molecular assays (for example, PCR). Serology can detect antibodies against SwPV. Differential diagnosis includes infections caused by other pig poxviruses, including parapoxviruses.

Prevention and control rely on good husbandry and management practices. There is no widely used commercial vaccine for swinepox; control measures emphasize hygiene, vector control, and isolation of affected animals. Swinepox is generally not considered a zoonotic threat, and human infection is rare or undocumented.

Geographic distribution is worldwide in pig-raising regions where pigs are kept under varying levels of biosecurity. The disease is typically of limited systemic importance but can impact welfare and production where skin lesions are extensive.