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Molecular diagnostic tools help distinguish wild-type and vaccine strains of PRRSV
Challenges associated with controlling porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) have resulted in the increased use of molecular diagnostic tests and sequencing.
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Revised herd classifications expand the PRRS road map
The system used to classify breeding herds according to their PRRSV status has long helped swine veterinarians around the world to track the pathogen’s progress.
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Novel machine-learning tool can predict PRRSV outbreaks and biosecurity effectiveness
In spite of advanced biosecurity protocols, the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) continues to plague global pork producers with unpredictable, seasonal outbreaks.
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Real-world confirmation of virus survival in feed ingredients
It’s well known today that several swine viruses can survive in feed ingredients under laboratory research conditions. But how does that translate to the real world?
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Reducing PRRS outbreaks by using air filtration: What you need to know
Jeff Feder, DVM, with Swine Vet Center, has spent 15 years fine-tuning filtration systems in client hog barns. Today, Feder has records to prove air filtration does reduce outbreaks of disease like...
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Common mistakes to avoid during PRRS elimination
Eliminating porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus from a breeding herd is not a simple task, and no herd acts exactly like the next, according to Brad Leuwerke, DVM, with Swine...
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Performance — not serology or PCR — is best indicator of modified-live PRRS vaccine efficacy
TOOLBOX, Issue 24: Noel Garbes DVM, senior technical services veterinarian, Zoetis, recently talked with editors of Pig Health Today about measuring modified-live PRRS vaccine efficacy.
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Gut microorganisms linked to PRRS vaccination success
Scientists have found that tiny microorganisms in the gut may help improve outcomes for pigs vaccinated against PRRSV in the face of viral respiratory challenge, suggesting a role for the microbiome...
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Virus persistence challenges PRRS management strategies
Eliminating porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) from pigs might not yet be possible, but monitoring tools could help refine a herd's PRRSV stability.
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New PRRS 1-4-4 L1C variant presents dramatic symptoms, quick spread
A new variant of the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus 1-4-4 L1C strain is challenging veterinarians, diagnosticians and swine herds in the upper Midwest.
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Virulent PRRS outbreaks in grow-finish require fast action to cut losses
A particularly difficult variant of the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus recently hit hog farms in south-central Minnesota.
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Highly infectious PRRS variant causes high mortalities on sow farms
A variant of the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus is taking a heavy toll on hog farms in southern Minnesota and northern Iowa.
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Ct values predict PRRS nursery mortality, can guide vaccination decisions
DISCOVERIES, Issue 18: Obtaining cycle threshold (Ct) values based on processing fluids provides a practical way to identify neonatal pigs at risk for nursery mortality associated with PRRS and can...
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Fostera® PRRS protects against diverse PRRS virus field strains
DISCOVERIES, Issue 19: PRRS has been described as one of the most important swine diseases of the last half-century. An estimated 20% to 25% of herds are still affected, and the syndrome remains the...
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Neonatal pigs with low levels of viremia may benefit from PRRS vaccination
TOOLBOX, Issue 19: An interview with Jose Angulo, DVM, PRRS Specialist, Managing Veterinarian, Zoetis
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Can the processing-fluid toolbox expand beyond PRRS?
Piglet processing fluids have been shown to be a practical, time-efficient and affordable diagnostic tool for PRRS, and some indications suggest that PCV2 offers promise as well.
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PRRSV-1 modified-live virus vaccine cross-protects against three major PRRSV subtypes prevalent in Europe
New studies show that a commercial vaccine for porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) cross-protects against isolates from the three major subtypes of the virus found in Europe.
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Today’s forecast: Scattered PRRS outbreaks with isolated sprinkles of PED
Forecasting swine-disease outbreaks might become a lot like predicting the weather as scientists combine monitoring disease data with computer models.
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Data show filtered farms break less often with PRRS
Nine years of data from the Morrison Swine Health Monitoring Project show farms with air-filtering systems have fewer outbreaks of PRRS than farms without filters.
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Vaccine trial data versus lineage: What’s the best way to predict PRRS vaccine performance?
TOOLBOX, Issue 20: An interview with Eva Jablonski, DVM, PRRS Specialist, Senior Technical Services Veterinarian, Zoetis
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Managing MLV PRRS vaccines for optimum performance and returns
By Joseph F. Connor, DVM, MS, Carthage Veterinary Service, Ltd.
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Study compares PRRSV antibody-sampling options for sows
When it comes to porcine reproductive and respiratory virus it’s important for the veterinarian and farm personnel to know the health status of a herd or barn.
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Outmaneuvering PRRSV requires a better understanding of genetic diversity
PRRSV is constantly evolving, resulting in an extremely diverse virus with multiple lineages, but building a better understanding of that genetic diversity is the next step to making real progress...
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PRRSV vaccine produces robust and lasting immune response when given to day-old piglets
A new study shows that piglets can mount a strong, specific and lasting immune response to PRRSV when vaccinated at 1 day of age.
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Steps to mitigate cross-contamination of piglet processing fluids with PRRS MLV
As piglets move from the sow farm to the growing stage, it’s important to know their porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) status.
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PRRS in growing pigs linked to sow outbreaks
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) in growing pigs may play an important role in PRRS outbreaks among sow herds.
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Does PRRS influence weaned pigs’ nutritional response?
In the past 30 years, the growth and body composition of US market hogs has changed dramatically, but the same cannot be said for dietary vitamin and mineral levels.
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Adequate gilt acclimation helps minimize the PRRSV ‘tax’
By Clayton Johnson, DVM Carthage Veterinary Service Integrated Veterinary Network
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Simpler, less costly monitoring methods helping pork industry get a better read on PRRS
Newer testing methods for the PRRS virus are not only simpler and less costly than traditional procedures, they are also helping farms more accurately track the virus through different production...
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Why do summer PRRS breaks last longer than winter breaks?
Summer outbreaks of PRRS take 15 weeks longer to stabilize than PRRS outbreaks beginning in the winter, according to data from the Morrison Swine Health Monitoring Project (MSHMP).
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PRRS vaccine overcomes maternal immunity in day-old piglets
A new vaccine for PRRS has been shown to overcome maternal immunity in newborn piglets, offering protection from this costly disease from before weaning through slaughter.
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Strategies to weaken PRRS’ grip on US herds
After more than three decades, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) remains a serious disease threat to swine units in the US.
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Whole-herd vaccination critical to long-term PRRS management
Vaccinating entire herds against PRRS is crucial to ensuring the virus doesn’t become untreatable in the future, says a UK veterinarian.
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Tails or testicles: Which are better for PRRSV monitoring?
Pooled serum samples are a common method to monitor PPRSV in piglets. But this typically involves a limited number of samples, which reduces the sensitivity and makes detection especially challenging...
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SHIC establishes diagnostic strategies to get ahead of disease
If knowledge is power, being prepared is security. Both are drivers behind the Swine Health Information Center’s (SHIC) program to share information among the nation’s four major swine veterinary...
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17 years of detective work, shared experiences helping pork industry get ahead of PRRS
The evolution of knowledge about PRRS is now enabling pork producers and their veterinarians to make headway combatting this difficult and costly disease.
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Processing fluids helping to fine tune diagnostics in swine herds thought to be PRRS-negative
Collecting aggregate samples of processing fluids during tail docking and castration is proving to be an excellent way to monitor herds for porcine reproductive and respiratory disease (PRRS) virus,...
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Mass vaccination with modified-live PRRSV vaccine has no significant production impact in stable herds
Mass vaccination with a modified-live porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) vaccine has no significant negative impact on production performance in PRRSV-stable breeding herds,...
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Good data key to making sound PRRS decisions
Implementing metrics and utilizing predictive analytics can help pork producers improve their management of PRRS.
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Close to the finish: How grower pigs spread PRRS to sow farms
It’s time to consider the role finishing pigs play in the spread of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) to sow farms, according to Montserrat Torremorell, DVM, PhD,...
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‘Nuts n’ tails’ fluid testing is promising, practical method of PRRSV monitoring
Testing fluids obtained from routine castration and tail-docking procedures looks to be a promising, practical and affordable way to improve monitoring for PRRSV.
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Tips for successful oral-fluid sampling for PRRSV
Oral-fluid sampling is an easy way to detect PRRSV or track changes in PRRSV infections in populations — and it can optimize your survey efforts by keeping a few simple tips in mind.
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Scientists genetically engineer PRRS-resistant pigs
Scientists in Scotland have discovered a way to genetically engineer pigs to be resistant to one of the mostly costly livestock diseases in the world.
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Modified-live vaccines ‘by far’ most effective tool for combatting PRRS
Modified-live vaccines are “by far” the most effective tool the industry currently has to control PRRSV, said Jay Calvert, PhD, research director, Global Biologicals Research, Zoetis.
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PCR falls short in monitoring PRRSV transport biosecurity
Transport biosecurity is a growing priority as evidence shows that contaminated livestock trailers are a significant risk in spreading viruses between herds.
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Tackling PRRS: Managing outbreaks to limit damage
According to a new guide on PRRS management, understanding how to manage the costly disease can help improve pig health and welfare, while increasing productivity.
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Three-phase plan helps seize control of PRRS
By Jose Angulo, DVM Managing Veterinarian, PRRS specialist Pork Technical Services Zoetis
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Barn location can impact PRRS exposure risk
Several factors go into selecting a site for a pork-production unit, but research shows there are a couple more — specifically, terrain and vegetation — that may influence exposure to the porcine...
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Crossing the line: Biosecurity for employee entry is still a work in progress
By Derald Holtkamp, MS, DVM Associate Professor Iowa State University
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Swine Health Monitoring Project expanding but needs more industry participants
The Swine Health Monitoring Project continues to expand but ultimately needs data from 90% of the industry to reach its long-term goal of supporting the response to emerging pathogens, said the late...
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Special edition of Pig Health Today captures presentations from 2-day PRRS conference
Pig Health Today has published a free, 32-page special report, “Framing the Future of PRRS,” with news summaries of eight presentations by veterinarians and scientists specializing in porcine...
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Morrison Swine Health Monitoring Project underscores value of information sharing
Collaboration among veterinarians working with different pork producers is one of the great benefits emanating from the Morrison Swine Health Monitoring Project (MSHMP).
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Breeding sows without CD163 gene might ultimately eliminate PRRS virus
Sows without the CD163 gene are not only resistant to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus, they also give birth to healthy, normal piglets — a finding that could...
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PRRSV in finishers may contribute to the disease on sow farms
It’s time to consider the role finishing pigs play in the spread of PRRSV to sow farms.
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Semi-annual report indicates progress combatting PRRSV
Producers and veterinarians have reduced the impact of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) by more than $83 million over the past 6 years, according to a semi-annual study...
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Pork producers gain ground against PRRS with reduced production losses
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) remains one of the most costly viruses infecting US herds. But an Iowa State University study showed the annual cost of PRRS dropped nearly $100...
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Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae: Elimination or control?
By Clayton Johnson, DVM Carthage Veterinary Service Integrated Veterinary Network
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Taking oral-fluid samples for PRRS: How many and when?
Oral-fluid sampling can provide a simple, reliable way to surveil for porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), Marisa Rotolo, DVM, of Iowa State University, reported at the 2017...
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What’s the best PRRS strategy for your herd?
Every year, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) infects an estimated 25% to 45% of sow herds in the US, according to Clayton Johnson, DVM, Carthage Veterinary Clinic, Carthage,...
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Updated PRRS research book now available online
A new guide on managing porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is now available online from the National Pork Board.
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Iowa veterinarian sees benefits to early PRRS vaccination
It takes 3 to 4 weeks for pigs to develop immunity against PRRSV after vaccination with a modified-live vaccine, so vaccinating early gives them the time they need to develop immunity by nursery age,...
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Opportunistic pathogens prey on newly weaned pigs infected with a primary virus
Around 50% of pigs weaned today likely are infected with a primary viral pathogen, like porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) or swine influenza, reported Cameron Schmitt, DVM,...
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Positive-pressure ventilation makes a comeback to reduce PRRS transmissions
Producers looking for ways to reduce porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) find positive-pressure ventilation with some modifications works, especially in older building, according to...
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Unloading docks at processing plants appear to be source of PRRSV
Unloading docks at processing plants may be one way that livestock trailers become contaminated with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV).
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Oropharyngeal swabs offer alternative for PRRSV diagnosis in wean-age pigs
Taking oropharyngeal swabs — that is, samples from the tonsils — appears to be an effective alternative means for detecting PRRSV in wean-age pigs, especially when the prevalence of infection is...
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It’s cold outside. Have you PRRS-proofed your herds?
Cold weather means closer confinement and a greater risk of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSv). A leading PRRS expert recommends ways to keep this common and costly disease...
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