Porcine Reproductive & Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS)

The decades-long battle with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) may not be won, but new analytical models can help develop the best strategy for a herd facing the pesky virus. Increasingly, swine health programs are centered on air filtration, targeted medication and vaccination alternatives, and more rigid biosecurity programs.

May 10, 2012

News

Air Filtration Offers Long-Term PRRS Protection

A long-term sustainability study of air filtration was completed recently to assess its value in reducing the occurrence of new infections by porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS). Thirty-eight herds were studied at three different levels from September 2008 to January 2012 including the likelihood of infection in filtered and non-filtered herds. Results indicate that new PRRS virus infections in filtered barns were significantly lower than in non-filtered control herds....More
Apr. 18, 2012

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PRRS Filtering Options

Many boar studs and sow farms have installed filtration systems to reduce the airborne transmission of porcine reproductive and respiratory (PRRS) virus. Interest in filtering nurseries, grow-finish and wean-to-finish facilities is growing, especially in swine-dense areas. Two different types of filters are used: a pre-filter and a high-efficiency, virus-capturing filter.
Apr. 18, 2012

Article

Pork Checkoff Rolls Out PRRS Research Report

To better understand the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus and develop solutions to reduce disease losses for producers, the National Pork Board Swine Health Committee committed checkoff funds in the form of the PRRS Initiative Research. So far, the PRRS Initiative Research has funded 123 projects totaling more than $10 million. The Pork Checkoff has just published a 38-page report, “PRRS Initiative Research, 2004-2011,” that contains key findings and applications for PRRS based on the research funded during this period....More
Apr. 18, 2012

Article

Tabulating the Cost of PRRS Elimination

The PRRS virus continues to circulate within the U.S. swine population. Recent estimates put the cost to the swine industry at $664 million per year — a whopping $1.8 million per day. Broken down further, the cost across all U.S. sow herds amounts to $114.71 per sow or roughly $6.00 per pig in lost opportunity and cost....More
Apr. 18, 2012

Article

Filtration Solutions for PRRS

Numerous boar studs and sow farms have installed filtration systems to reduce the airborne transmission of porcine reproductive and respiratory (PRRS) virus. Others are considering air filtration systems. Interest in filtering nurseries, grow-finish and wean-to-finish facilities, especially in swine-dense areas, is also growing....More
Apr. 18, 2012

Article

11 Ways to Secure Sow Herds against PRRS

Even with the successes of filtration in preventing the introduction of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) and other aerosolized pathogens into swine populations, we still have a way to go with the implementation and execution phases. As we work through adaptation of filtration over broader areas, we should not lose sight of the body of research that gives us direction on how to minimize introduction of the PRRS virus. Producers must be vigilant about implementing proven bio¬security strategies to lower the risk of pathogen introduction....More
Apr. 18, 2012

Article

Exploring the Science Behind Biosecurity and PRRS 1

As PRRS has moved through the industry at an alarming rate, the disease has increasingly forced the pork industry down a long path of ever-improving biosecurity efforts. It has motivated often difficult and costly economic decisions concerning bio¬security measures, such as installing an air filtration system....More
Apr. 18, 2012

Article

What We Know about PRRS

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is an economically significant disease of swine that continues to frustrate pork producers and veterinarians alike, decimating pig populations and creating financial havoc for pork producers....More
Apr. 6, 2012

News

Minnesota Study: 4-H Pigs Present PRRS Risk to Industry 2

A new study conducted by the University of Minnesota provides a clearer understanding of the potential role of noncommercial pigs in the spread of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus. In the study, blood was collected for antibody testing by PRRS enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) from 661 pigs at slaughter as well as 32 pigs from which blood samples were collected over time. Serum samples were taken at slaughter, at county fairs and on farms....More
Mar. 15, 2012

Article

Scientists Identify Pigs with Reduced Susceptibility to PRRS

The discovery of the genetic marker — called a quantitative trait locus (QTL) — associated with resistance to PRRS virus infection, is a collaborative effort that targets the elimination of PRRS. The research team includes scientists at USDA's Agricultural Research Service, Kansas State University (KSU) and Iowa State University (ISU)....More