Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) continues to plague the pork industry, but discussions surrounding control and eradication of PRRS are increasing. That’s because area control programs are providing important information and feedback. Additionally, tools introduced just a few short years ago have proven they can serve as valuable aides in controlling this disease.
That was the message presented at the 2010 World Pork Expo by a group of experts. Dr. Scott Dee, DVM, Ph.D. with the Swine Disease Eradication Center at the University of Minnesota, is a recognized leader in PRRS research. He gave a “positive progress report” on PRRS control, largely based on applied science that appears to be working in the field.
These relatively new technologies include air filtration systems in barns, collection of oral fluids, risk assessment tools for biosecurity, information on transmission and mapping, and more effective ways to use traditional products.
Many of the tools mentioned above were used in the Stevens Co. Minnesota pilot project – the first PRRS regional control program shown to be successful. “It’s now bigger and is expanding to a seven-county region,” notes Dr. Dee.
Producers recognize the need for effective control and are beginning to see the benefits associated with control and eventual elimination of PRRS, says Dr. Dee. At the Pork Industry Forum held in March this year, delegates called for resources to develop a voluntary program of PRRS eradication.
“We need to work together,” he stresses. “We have the direction and the momentum. The most effective and successful PRRS control and prevention within an area requires a high degree of cooperation, coordination and collaboration within and among production systems in a region.”
Dr. Jean Paul Cano, DVM, a professional services veterinarian with Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. (BIVI), believes PRRS virus control and elimination in individual herds is feasible and repeatable. “We can control the disease on specific farms. The concept of area control is to work together with individual producers to share the risk and to develop individual herd plans in the same timeframe. As an industry it makes sense, and it will help the profitability of our producers. We can provide some expertise and help in developing those plans.”
Vaccination for PRRS plays a critical role in most disease-management protocols, adds Dr. Cano. It can be used to reduce PRRS infections on farms as part of area regional control. “Research shows the use of vaccine has direct benefit when used to mitigate the clinical consequences of infection and improves the health and performance of pigs,” he says. “In addition, we’ve learned vaccinations have indirect benefits in reducing the level of virus and virus transmission within vaccinated populations.”
Consequently, reducing the level of PRRS virus that can be transmitted within a facility impacts the dynamics of the entire swine production system. Researchers, veterinarians and producers have a better understanding of how to use the vaccine to complement the plans developed for each farm, explains Dr. Cano. Mapping provides a good overview of the farms and the associated level of risk. Data management and analysis have improved also, he states.
“Producers and veterinarians are working to develop plans for specific regions,” says Dr. Cano. “We need local leadership in every project. We (BIVI) provide the information, tools, advice and guidance.”
“From last year to [mid-2010], we’ve seen a tremendous amount of progress, says Dr. Reid Philips, DVM BIVI Technical Product Manager. “Research is being pulled together in a complementary approach, and much of the science is being applied now.
“This is a positive trend – we’re moving in the right direction,” Philips continued. “The pilot projects are allowing us to take what we’ve learned about tools and processes and work toward elimination. Education, communication and planning are key components of a successful control program.
Editor’s Note: This commentary is sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. (BIVI). For more information, please visit: www.bi-vetmedica.com.
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