Pork Checkoff Releases PRRS Research Publication

January 11, 2012 — 

Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome virus (PRRS) has been a challenge for producers since the late 1980s and is one of the most costly diseases that producers face. In a recent Pork Checkoff-funded economic assessment, PRRS has been shown to cost the industry over $664 million a year, which translates to nearly $115 per sow.

Pork Checkoff is committed to finding practical solutions to this very complex disease through investments in research. Whether it’s looking at the real-time challenges, such as the implementation of regional elimination, or long-term issues, such as determining genetic resistance to PRRS, Checkoff is involved on the frontlines of PRRS research.

The Pork Checkoff recently released a publication entitled PRRS Initiative Research 2004-2011. The publication contains key findings and applications for PRRS based on the research funded during this time period. The book is intended to be a resource of Checkoff research on PRRS and help with the development of herd health management strategies.

Examples of how the industry can apply this PRRS research include:

Immunology and Vaccine Development

Creating alternative approaches for vaccine development
Improving herd health management in herds with multiple health challenges

Epidemiology, Risk Factors and Control Strategies

Increasing the use of biosecurity measures as a control for PRRS
Using filtration for preventing PRRS infection

Diagnostic Tests and PRRS Surveillance

Having the ability to detect new and emerging strains of PRRS virus
Using simpler methods of PRRS sample collection using oral fluids (cotton rope) and blood swabs

Regional Elimination

Using of PADRAP risk-assessment program as a standard for any regional elimination project
Development of a standardized geographical mapping program for herd status

Genetic Resistance to Disease

Advancements in discovery and verification of genotypes and phenotypes that can predict susceptibility and/or resistance to PRRSV infection
Ongoing and broad collaboration between researchers from multiple universities, government, pig breeding companies and other organizations regarding the genetics of disease resistance and overall pig health.

If you’d like to learn more about these and other Checkoff-funded research activities, go to http://www.pork.org/research.