How does the PRRS virus affect the growth and productivity of my pigs, and how can I minimise the impact?

The PRRS virus weakens pigs' immune systems, causing reduced growth, weight loss, and reproductive failures. To minimize its impact, enforce strict biosecurity, maintain good hygiene and ensure proper ventilation.

What are the early symptoms of PRRS in pigs and how can I recognise them?

Symptoms may vary depending on the age of the animal, but the most common are: • Fever • Loss of appetite • Lethargy • Respiratory distress or coughing • Growth retardation In breeding sows, abortions, stillbirths, or the birth of weak piglets may also occur.

How can I protect the health of pregnant sows against PRRS to prevent reproductive problems?

To reduce the risk of reproductive problems: • Vaccinate sows according to the health program recommended by your veterinarian • Apply strict biosecurity protocols on the farm • Control the entry of animals, people, and vehicles • Maintain a clean, ventilated, and low-stress environment

Is there a vaccine against PRRS?

Yes, there are vaccines against PRRS. However, the virus mutates frequently, making complete protection difficult. Vaccination should be part of a comprehensive health program, along with biosecurity measures and farm management controls.

Can PRRS be eliminated from a farm?

Completely eliminating PRRS is difficult, but it is possible to control or eradicate it on some farms through: • Vaccination programs • Control of animal replacementStrict biosecurity • Health management coordinated with the veterinarian

PRRS virus - pigs

Protect your pigs against PRRS (blue ear disease)

PRRS (Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome) is one of the most significant diseases in pig production. This virus affects the reproduction of sows and the respiratory system of young pigs, reducing farm productivity.

In addition to the economic impact, PRRS facilitates the onset of secondary infections, which can increase the use of antibiotics on farms.

Therefore, implementing biosecurity and health control measures is key to reducing the risk of introducing and spreading the virus.

The 5 steps to prevent PRRS

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What causes PRRS in pigs?

Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) is a highly contagious viral disease that affects pigs. It's caused by the PRRS virus, which belongs to the Arterivirus family.

PRRS exists in two main strains: European (type 1) and North American (type 2). Both can cause reproductive problems in sows and respiratory diseases in piglets, reducing farm productivity.

In addition, PRRS weakens the immune system, increasing the risk of secondary infections such as Streptococcus suis or porcine circovirus type 2. Controlling it is complex because the virus mutates rapidly, making complete vaccination difficult.

How is the PRRS virus transmitted?

PRRS has high genetic variability, which makes it difficult to control and prevent.

The virus can be transmitted in several ways:

Direct contact between infected pigs
Contaminated semen during insemination
Airborne transmission between nearby farms or areas with high pig density
Contaminated objects (fomites) such as clothing, equipment, or vehicles
Biological vectors, such as flies

The 5 steps to prevent PRRS

What are the symptoms of PRRS in pigs?

PRRS gives rise to extremely varied symptoms and also makes pigs more susceptible to infections caused by respiratory pathogens, Streptococcus suis, and porcine circovirus-2. Which can make diagnosis challenging. The clinical symptoms are often not immediately indicative of PRRS. Laboratory diagnosis is needed in addition to the clinical symptoms, with the presence of the virus being shown by a PCR test or antibodies to the virus by an ELISA test.

Reproductive issues in sows
Respiratory problems in young pigs
Fever
Reduced Appetite
Lethargy
Poor Growth Rates
Increased Mortality Rates
Blue Ears

How can you protect your farm from PRRS?

Farmers can take several proactive steps to protect their pigs from Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS). This includes taking part in controlled breeding programs, strict biosecurity measures, vaccination and good husbandry are key in preventing the virus.

The 5 steps to prevent PRRS in pigs

Fight PRRS in pigs with these five simple steps. Your actions can protect them.

Step 1

Hygiene lock

Everyone entering the barn must shower and wash thoroughly. This is especially important for the piglet pen, to prevent pathogens from being carried back to the sow or vice versa. Also, use new gloves for each section.How to set-up a hygiene protocol for visitors

Step 2

Set-up a colour system

Dedicated colours for tools, equipment and clothing can help to prevent cross contamination between farms, locations or barns. How to set-up a colour system

Step 3

Clean & disinfect: beat PRRS in Pig Pens

A strict cleaning and disinfecting protocol for the living environment and all vehicles, tools and equipment that enter the farm. A strict protocol helps prevent the introduction and spread of PRRS. How to clean and disinfect a pig's barn

Step 4

Reduce pathogen pressure with effective pest control

Insects can spread the virus between pigs. Pest control measures help reduce the risk of infection in the barn and reduce pathogen pressure on the animals. Learn more about effective pest control

Step 5

Creating a dry living environment

Drying powder is used to reduce moisture and improve hygiene. Drying powders have an absorbent effect and allow manure and urine to dry faster. This reduces the spread of pathogens in general.How to create a dry living environment

Experts recommend

MS MegaDes Novo, the highly effective universal disinfectant is approved by the Dutch Ctgb for efficacy against bacteria, viruses and fungi. Experts recommend disinfecting with MS MegaDes Novo to help prevent PRRS at pig farms.

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