Montserrat Torremorell University of Minnesota

Publish Date: June 15, 2022

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSv) is one of the most costly and difficult to manage diseases within the swine industry. In breeding herds, it causes reproductive losses such as substantially increased incidence of abortions and mummies, and infertility. Downstream, in pigs of all ages, it causes pneumonia with clinical signs such as thumping and coughing, and impacts production by reducing growth and increased mortality. The control, elimination and prevention of PRRS is an integral part of modern swine management, especially in breeding herds.

Publish Date: April 9, 2012

For certain animal diseases, regional elimination of the pathogen has been the only effective way to control the disease. Regional elimination programs have been reported for diseases such as foot and mouth disease (FMD) where mass vaccination and movement restrictions have proven to be effective.

Publish Date: April 13, 2012

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome emerged as a new syndrome in the US swine population more than two decades ago (Keffaber, 1989). After its initial description, the disease was identified rather quickly in many countries throughout the world. In 1992 the virus was isolated in the US and also in 1992 the consensus decision at the International Symposium on Swine Infertility and Respiratory Syndrome (SIRS) held in St. Paul, MN was made to refer to the syndrome as Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) and the virus as PRRS virus (PRRSv). PRRSv has been documented to mutate constantly by changing its genetic appearance (Murtaugh et al. 1995) which presents an important challenge for herd level and regional control.

Publish Date: May 19, 2022

Influenza A virus (IAV) is a common cause of respiratory disease in swine. IAV infects pig populations across the globe, but vary by geographic region. Transmission between different animal species, including pigs and people, plays a major role in the rise of new IAV strains. Control of IAV in humans and swine is mutually beneficial and vaccines play a role in effective control programs.