Hans Nauwynck

In healthy animals, PCV2 stays under the radar, causing little harm. But with coinfections that activate the immune system, the virus replicates more and becomes more damaging.

Professor Nauwynck has been researching PCV2 virus since the emergence of PCV2-associated diseases. PCV2 caused a serious crisis in global swine health that was ultimately addressed through the development and mass deployment of effective PCV2 vaccines. He is an excellent connoisseur of this small virus that continues to surprise us.

Hans Nauwynck defines himself as a veterinary virologist, a person who works in a laboratory setting, doing precise work, like a surgeon, aiming to gain a better understanding of how animal viruses interact with their target cells. But it is much more. His deep understanding of the biological behavior of viruses allows him to fluently explain many of the “whys” that are so important for a better understading of the pathogenesis of viral diseases and the development of effective control strategies.

In this article we summarize further discussions that we had with Dr. Nauwynck about his research findings on PRRS virus-host evolution.

Dr. Hans Nauwynck, a well-known professor at the University of Ghent, reviews with us the most important findings that he has made in PRRS virus research since it was first discovered 30 years ago.

We summarize our discussion with Dr. Hans Nauwynck, professor at Ghent University, related to several PRRS hot topics: autovaccines, regional control and elimination, boar studs, and replacement gilts PRRS status.

Dr. Nauwynck reviews with us the main gaps in PRRSV research and how he envisions the future of this disease regarding diagnostic technologies and vaccination strategies.

PCV2 may reach embryos/foetuses upon transplacental spread during viremia or upon insemination with contaminated semen.