Genetics Play Role in PRRS Battle

February 9, 2011 — 

After two years of Checkoff-funded research, the PRRS Host Genetics Consortium already has provided important answers to help the industry battle PRRS.

The collaborative group -made up of the National Pork Board, the PRRS Coordinated Agricultural Projects (CAP), the Agricultural Research Service, USDA's Agriculture and Food Research Initiative, private companies and universities - have come together to conduct a multi-year project designed to understand how host genetics influence the outcome of PRRS virus infection.

Previous results have affirmed that there are genetic components involved in controlling pig responses to PRRS virus infection. This research has identified new avenues for other areas of PRRS research, including new diagnostic techniques, new surveillance approaches, and a better understanding of virus ecology.

From this research, producers will be able to:

1. Determine the relationships between PRRS viral levels, weight gain and underlying pig genetics;
2. Develop better management techniques for the control of PRRS virus infection and disease;
3. Improve surveillance for PRRS virus and other infectious diseases; and
4. Identify genes and phenotypic markers that are linked to specific infection and growth outcomes.

"With the continued support of the PRRS Host Genetics Consortium in the coming year, the researchers will be able to use genetic markers in breeding programs to identify pigs that are more resistant to PRRS infection, tolerant to infection, produce a desired immune response and/or respond well following vaccination," said Dr. Lisa Becton, the Pork Checkoff's director of swine health.

"Checkoff support of the research conducted by the members of the consortium is putting us on the right path to help the industry with this major disease," she said.

Source: Pork Leader, February 3