The effect of a double-stranded RNA of fungal origin on the development of foot-and-mouth disease in pigs and calves
Sellers, R.F.; Herniman, K.A.; Leiper, J.W.; Planterose, D.N.
Veterinary Record 93(4): 90-93
1973
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4900 PMID: 4760933 Document Number: 65739
Pigs and calves were treated with a double-stranded RNA of fungal origin before, during and after being exposed to pigs infected with FMD. In pigs given 0.1 mg/kg bodyweight intraperitoneally or s/c for 10 days, lesions failed to develop or developed later and to a lesser extent than in untreated pigs. Treatment for a shorter period or with one dose of the double-stranded RNA was less effective, but lesions developed later than in controls. Antibodies to FMD were found in pigs that failed to develop overt disease. In calves given 5 mg/kg for 10 days, lesions failed to develop or developed later than control calves. Interferon was detected in the blood of calves or pigs given one large dose intraperitoneally, but not in animals given the preparation s/c in a smaller dose over a number of days.