EN
The great progress achieved in recent years in molecular biology and genetic engineering disciplines enabled the creation of Aujeszky’s disease (AD) virus (SHV-1) deletion mutants, which establish a base for the elaboration of deletion (marker) vaccines. These vaccines together with appropriate serological tests (ELISA) enable the realization of a vaccination-eradication programme that gives real chances to eliminate SHV-1 from infected farms (regions, countries). The objective of the study was to introduce and evaluate the possibilities of SHV-1 elimination from pig populations in two highly infected pig farms in the Warmia and Masuria province in Poland. Pig vaccinations were done using deleted, gE- and TK- negative, live attenuated Nobi - Porvac Aujeszky Live Begonia vaccine (at present Porcilis Begonia) produced by Intervet Int., Holland. Reproductive pigs were vaccinated twice 4 weeks apart and then every 4 months at the same time. Replacement gilts were vaccinated twice before service and replacement boars twice in the quarantine period. Piglets born to vaccinated dams were vaccinated at 10-12 and 14-16 weeks of age. Observations of postvaccinal adverse effects and control of the epizootic situation in both herds were conducted. Clinical and epizootiological studies revealed neither local nor general adverse effects in pigs of various age groups. In spite of high SHV-1 infection levels no clinical signs of AD during vaccination - eradication programme in both herds were observed. This proved innocuity and good efficacy of Porcilis Begonia vaccine. The stages of implementing the vaccination-eradication programme in pig herds, as well as the necessity of a quick introduction of a complex AD eradication programme in Poland according to the general tendency in the EU were also presented in the paper.