Abstract
BackgroundPorcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome virus (PRRSV) stability, besides meeting production targets, is also a requirement for several control options of PRRS in pig breeding farms. This study aimed to investigate the frequency of, and risk factors associated with, PRRSV instability in pig breeding farms in northern Germany. In 120 sow herds, a questionnaire on production and management parameters was filled, and blood samples from 30 suckling pigs from 10 different litters were taken and examined using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).ResultsPRRSV was detected in 32 herds (27%), thus classified as PRRSV-unstable. According to multivariable logistic regression analysis, a suckling period ≤ 21 days, a low distance between the cadaver collection site and the actual sow barn, ≥ 2 pig herds in a 1000 m radius, presence of external employees, a time interval between purchase of gilts of ≤ 9 weeks and a 1- or 2-weekly farrowing rhythm were associated with a higher risk of PRRSV instability.ConclusionsExternal and internal biosecurity as well as management factors were associated with PRRSV instability, which could be targeted by farmers and veterinarians to help them to achieve PRRSV PCR-negative status and in the control of PRRS.
Highlights
Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome virus (PRRSV) stability, besides meeting production targets, is a requirement for several control options of PRRS in pig breeding farms
Pig herds infected with Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome virus (PRRSV) often develop corresponding clinical diseases in sows, boars and/or their offspring
Of the 120 herds in this study, PRRSV was detected in 32 herds, whereas 88 herds were tested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) negative
Summary
Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome virus (PRRSV) stability, besides meeting production targets, is a requirement for several control options of PRRS in pig breeding farms. Pig herds infected with Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome virus (PRRSV) often develop corresponding clinical diseases in sows, boars and/or their offspring. In order to control PRRS in such herds, different options are available at farm level, including close and rollover and test and removal [6,7,8,9]. These two options require herd stability in terms of (nonexistent) PRRSV transmission from dams to their offspring. According to Holtkamp’s definition, PRRSV stability [10] is the absence of virus circulation within the herd over
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