Shock for dog owners: Pseudo-rage discovered by wild boar!

Shock for dog owners: Pseudo-rage discovered by wild boar!

A tragic incident occurred in the Neusiedl am See district when a dog was infected with the dreaded Aujeszky's disease, also known as pseudo rage, while hunting wild boar. The dog had tracked down the game and became infected, which ultimately led to his death. According to hunting association spokesman Wolfgang Lang, the dog showed worrying behavioral changes the next day, which prompted the handler to immediately seek veterinary attention. Unfortunately, the animal's condition quickly deteriorated and it had to be euthanized. “There are no further cases known so far, but it is important to be careful,” emphasized Lang ( ORF Burgenland ).

Aujeszky's disease is caused by Suides herpesvirus 1 (SuHV-1) and is fatal to pets, especially dogs. The pathogen can be transmitted through contact with raw pork or through bites and body fluids from infected wild boars. The situation is particularly dangerous because sick pigs are sometimes asymptomatic and virus-contaminated meat can still enter the food chain. While the disease is harmless to humans, it poses a major threat to dogs, which can become fatally ill within days of infection ( The dog newspaper ).

The symptoms of a pseudorabies infection are similar to those of rabies. Loss of appetite, apathy, vomiting and neurological disorders occur, often leading to death within 48 hours. The precautionary measures are clear: dogs should be kept on a leash during walks to avoid contact with wild boars and their vectors. It is also important to ensure that dogs do not come into contact with raw pork to prevent infection.