#202 - Drs. Michael Rahe and Rachel Derscheid: Porcine Astrovirus 4 (PoAstV4) and its association with respiratory diseases in piglets

Porcine Astrovirus (PoAstV) is a non-enveloped RNA virus that belongs to the Astroviridae family and encompasses at least five distinct lineages with significant genetic variability. Besides being primarily associated with mild, self-limiting secretory diarrhea in swine, with young pigs being most susceptible, the variant Porcine Astrovirus 4 (PoAstV4) has been recently identified in the respiratory tract of pigs. To shed light on the implications and nature of its variability, I interview Drs. Michael Rahe and Rachel Derscheid, renowned experts in pathology. In this episode, they provide us with the latest updates on PoAstV4 and stress the importance of ongoing research to gain further insights and mitigate potential challenges in the swine industry.

What you’ll learn:

1. The new Porcine Astrovirus Type 4 (PoAstV4)

2. The epidemiology of PoAstV4

3. Differences between types of Porcine Astrovirus

4. Recent studies on PoAstV4

5. The Prevalence of PoAstV4

6. The lethality of PoAstV4

7. Injuries caused by PoAstV4 in swine 

Meet the guest:

Dr. Michael Rahe

Experience

      ○ Current: Assistant Professor (North Carolina State University)

      ○ Past: Assistant Professor (Iowa State University)

Background

      ○ D.A.C.V.P., Pathology and Pathobiology (Iowa State University)

      ○ Ph.D., Veterinary Microbiology and Immunobiology (The University of Minnesota)

      ○ M.P.H. (The University of Iowa)

      ○ D.V.M. (Iowa State University)

      ○ B.Sc., Biology (Iowa State University)

Hobby: playing the piano.

Favorite book, movie, or TV series: A tree grows in Brooklyn, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Band of Brothers

Favorite Swine Resource: Diseases of swine, by Jeffrey J. Zimmerman

Favorite quote: "There are two things that follow you throughout your life: good choices and bad choices." - My father (Dewayne Rahe)

A tip for success: Words mean things - Kent Schwartz

Connect with our guest on Social Media: Linkedin 

Meet the guest:

Dr. Rachel Derscheid

Experience

      ○ Current: Veterinary Diagnostic Pathologist (Iowa State University)

Background

      ○ Ph.D., Veterinary Pathology (Iowa State University)

      ○ D.V.M. (Iowa State University)

      ○ B.Sc., Animal Science (Iowa State University)

Hobby: gardening, beekeeping, and playing ultimate frisbee.

 Favorite Swine Resource: Diseases of swine, by Jeffrey J. Zimmerman

Favorite quote: “With great power comes great responsibility.” - Stan Lee; and “Knowing is half the battle” - GI Joe

A tip for success: Just say no! Sort of kidding – but the world, veterinary medicine, and pathology are all so exciting and full of opportunity. Truly consider how much of you there is to go around.

Connect with our guest on Social Media: Linkedin