Novel pseudorabies virus variant with defects in TK, gE and gI protects growing pigs against lethal challenge

Highlights • PRV variant with defect in TK, gE and gI (rSMXΔgI/gEΔTK) is safe for newborn piglets and sheep. • rSMXΔgI/gEΔTK induced full protection in growing pigs against lethal challenge of PRV variant. • Bartha-K61vaccine failed to confer full protection in growing pigs against lethal PRV variant challenge. • rSMXΔgI/gEΔTK elicited higher neutralization antibody against PRV variant SMX than Bartha-K61 vaccine. • PRV variant with defect in TK, gE and gI is a DIVA (differentiating infected from vaccinated animals vaccine) candidate.