Effect of ambient temperatures on multiplication of attenuated transmissible gastroenteritis virus in the bodies of newborn piglets

Newborn piglets were found to be more resistant to infection with attenuated transmissible gastroenteritis virus when maintained at higher temperatures. This was attributed to a decreased rate of virus propagation and spreading in the bodies of the infected animals. The highest virus levels were detected in the tissues of piglets maintained at 8 to 12 C. In contrast, no virus was recovered from piglets maintained at 35 to 37.5 C. The virus was found only in the lymph nodes and respiratory organs in the piglets maintained at 20 to 23 C.