ARS | Publication request: Nc229 Exp. Station Report. Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (Prrsp: Mechanisms of Disease and Methods for the Detection, Protection and Eliminiation of the Prrs Virus.

Submitted to: Extension Reports
Publication Type: Experiment Station
Publication Acceptance Date: December 18, 2003
Publication Date: January 20, 2004
Citation: Lunney, J. 2005. Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS): Mechanisms of disease and methods for the detection, protection and elimination of the PRRS virus. Available: http://lgu.umd.edu/lgu_v2/homepages/home.cfm?trackID=1534

Technical Abstract: For the NC-229 PROJECT "Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS): Methods for the integrated control, prevention, and elimination of PRRS in United States swine herds" BARC has been an active participant. According to the National Pork Board (NPB), PRRS costs U.S. pork producers at least $600 million annually. Thus, is the most economically significant disease facing the US industry today. From 16.6-50.7% of all grow/finish operations reported having PRRS within the previous 6 months. Losses are due not only to reduced reproduction capacity in gilts or sows, but to other aspects of production, poor growth and increased respiratory problems. New control measures are required. Our laboratory at BARC participated in NC229 by assaying immune gene expression in several different collaborations: for PRRSV vaccine trials with Univ. Illinois researchers, for assays of immune influences on boar semen PRRS viral persistence with S. Dakota Stae researchers, and for genetic control of anti-PRRSV responses with Univ. Nebraska researchers. BARC studies which focused on new immune approaches for improving vaccines and on developing better adjuvants are important first steps in helping to develop better methods to prevent PRRS. Future work should continue to improve vaccines and adjuvants and identify new therapies and biotherapeutics for respiratory infections in pigs.