Epizootics of respiratory tract disease in swine in Belgium due to H3N2 influenza virus and experimental reproduction of disease

Abstract

In Belgium, influenza virus was isolated from swine in 22 epizootics of respiratory tract disease in swine during 1984. In 8 of the epizootics, H3N2 influenza virus, related to the A/Port Chalmers/1/73 strain, was isolated. Intratracheal inoculation of the isolates induced clinical signs. It was concluded that the A/Port Chalmers/1/73 strain was established in the Belgian swine population and was responsible for the epizootics of respiratory tract disease in swine.