PRRS Meeting at 2005 World Pork Expo

June 15, 2005 — Tom Burkgren

Using the backdrop of the World Pork Expo, the AASV held an educational meeting highlighting several issues concerning PRRS. Approximately 85 AASV members attended the meeting, learning more about research, planned exposure and regional eradication.

Attendees were updated on the progress of research aimed at developing knowledge and tools for the elimination of PRRS virus. A significant level of communication and collaboration is occurring between the National Pork Board, NC-229 researchers, the swine industry and the US Department of Agriculture. Several projects, funded by NPB and USDA, are currently underway. Research areas include herd biosecurity, viral spread, diagnostics/monitoring, and regional elimination.

A presentation on the topic of PRRS virus planned exposure provided insight into the documentation of need, quality control issues and legal precautions. Field experiences with planned exposure were also shared, emphasizing the goals of predictable gilt acclimatization, more complete immunity, stabilization of the sow herd, and production of a healthy pig. Potential problems of planned exposure include poor quality control and subsequent catastrophic disease outbreak. Practitioners were urged to take precautions to inform and educate clients of the benefits and risks of planned exposure.

Attendees were challenged to consider the eradication of PRRS, not only on a regional basis but eventually on a national level. The cost of PRRS was cited as justification for an eradication effort. The idea was advanced that AASV could and should be a driving force behind an eradication effort. It was emphasized that significant industry support and cooperation would be needed before such an effort could succeed.

Challenges to a successful regional effort include location and environment of production sites, producer cooperation, real-time reporting and associated action plans, available tools, and funding. Also discussed was the need for an effective vaccine, although attendees were not in agreement as to whether this is a critical need for an effective eradication effort. There was consensus among speakers and attendees that sustainability is a key element to a successful eradication of PRRS virus, whether on a farm, regional or national level. Many expressed confidence that swine veterinarians have sufficient knowledge and experience to initiate a PRRS regional eradication program.

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Tom Burkgren is the section editor for antibiotic resistance issues.