Iowa State scientist positive about PRRS elimination

//09 Jul 2012
According to Iowa State University researcher Derald Holtkamp, there are reasons to be optimistic about the progress being made in the ongoing battle against PRRS, Pork Network reports.
Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) is still costing the US pork industry about US$1.8 million per day, said Derald Holtkamp, DVM, assistant professor Veterinary Diagnostic & Production Animal Medicine at Iowa State University. He made his comments at the Iowa State University Swine Day in Ames, IA, United States.

The Iowa State University scientist is optimistic that the industry will continue making progress against the PRRS by using innovations. He mentioned regional PRRS virus elimination programmes as well as herd closure and rollover methodology as positive steps.

Herd closure
Holtkamp said that the herd closure and rollover method of eliminating the PRRS virus can have a high rate of success. He estimated that it costs about US$10 to US$40 per sow. Costs for a depop-repop method are estimated at US$250 to US$500 per sow.

Constant improvement in farm biosecurity is critical to maintain progress against the virus, Holtkamp added. “Producers need to take biosecurity protocols to go to the next level in PRRS prevention.”

Padrap
The Production Animal Disease Risk Assessment Program, (Padrap) is a survey-based online resource that can be used to evaluate a producer’s biosecurity protocols, added Holtkamp. “The programme can help inform producers about possible weaknesses in their biosecurity.” He pointed to filtration of incoming barn air and testing oral fluids for diagnosis of PRRS.

Holtkamp concluded: “Two initiatives that will help greatly in winning the battle against PRRS are the regional virus elimination programmes and increased emphasis on upgrading on-farm biosecurity efforts.”

Source: Pork Network