Coronavirus-induced porcine epidemic diarrhoea (PED) was diagnosed in
two swine herds. The causal agent was demonstrated in intestinal conte
nts by electron microscopy and identified by immunoelectron microscopy
using specific immune serum to the reference strain PED-CV77. Experim
ental transmission to hysterectomy-derived, colostrum-deprived piglets
with an intestinal contents filtrate was successful. The virus was de
monstrable by electron microscopy in the intestinal contents between 1
2th hour and 4th day, and in small intestinal epithelial cells 18 hour
s after infection. Scanning electron microscopy revealed shortening an
d fusion of villi of small intestinal mucosa.