Four Researchers Awarded PRRS Research Funds

Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. (BIVI) has awarded four swine veterinarians funding in its annual Advancement in PRRS Research Awards. The announcement was made at a luncheon sponsored by BIVI during the March annual meeting of the American Association of Swine Veterinarians in Phoenix, AZ.

This year BIVI provided $100,000 to support four separate studies:

1. An assessment of PRRS (porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome) infection risk posed by transportation trailers by Robert Morrison, DVM, University of Minnesota;
2. A study to determine the effect of PRRS modified-live vaccine given by exposure to vaccine-saturated ropes by Darwin Reicks, DVM, Swine Vet Center, St. Peter, MN;
3. A reevaluation of manure slurry as a reservoir and risk factor for PRRS survival and spread between farms by Scott Dee, DVM, University of Minnesota; and
4. A pilot study for the understanding of PRRS introduction risk by fomites into wean-to-market sites by Jim Lowe, DVM, Carthage (IL) Veterinary Service, Ltd.

The projects awarded were all unique in their approach and very worthy of being chosen, according to Randy Jones, DVM, Livestock Veterinary Services, Kinston, NC, who served on the PRRS Research Review Board.
“The ongoing, comprehensive research in the area of PRRS control is essential for the industry to gain a greater understanding of the disease, its transmission and how to more effectively control and prevent disease,” Jones says. “It is because of research programs such as this one, and the diligent efforts of veterinarians and researchers, that we continue to find unique ways to prevent the spread of the disease and, hopefully, lead to its eradication.”

Proposal entries for the 2012 Advancement in PRRS Research Awards are due Jan. 1, 2012. For more information, visit www.PRRSresearch.com.