Detection of Porcine Circovirus type 2 and Torque-Teno-Sus-virus 1 and 2 in semen of boars from an Austrian artificial insemination centre

Summary Objective: Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV-2) and torque-teno-susviruses (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 47 months showed a measurable PCV-2 quantity of 7.56 × 103/ml semen. Four samples were PCRpositive 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. Conclu sion and clinical relevance: This study represents the first descrip tion 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. © Schattauer 2011.