Tracking Pseudorabies: a case description in an Italian Hunting Dog.

This study investigated the molecular features of Aujeszky's disease in a hunting dog from southern Italy. After consuming meat from infected wild boars, a 5-year-old male dog developed intense itching and died within 48 hours. Pseudorabies was suspected and necropsy was performed at the Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Apulia and Basilicata. SuHV-1 DNA was detected in the brain tissue, and the virus was isolated using Vero cells. Histological features and the analysis of genome sequencing revealed a non-suppurative meningoencephalitis caused by Aujeszky's disease. The yielded genome corresponded to a previously reported and unique genome (KU198433) isolated from a hunting dog in Italy. These findings improve understanding of pseudorabies's molecular epidemiology and help assess its epizootic potential.