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Recently there have been positive pig detections of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRS) and circovirus in Washington.
Historically, Washington has enjoyed a low prevalence of PRRS virus in its pig
population but it is unclear what the true burden of disease is in our swine industry today. Recent detections may highlight an increase in risk for this disease compared to the past. There are no requirements for PRRS testing for pigs moving from one state to another as long as the pigs appear healthy at the time of inspection.
PRRS stands for porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome. It is a virus that has
been around at least since the1980s when it was know as Mystery Pig Disease since the
cause of illness produced by the virus was unknown. In the early 1990s the virus was
identified as the cause of Mystery Pig Disease and renamed PRRS.
PRRS infections cause a variety of problems in pigs ranging from mild to severe. In herds
without immunity to the virus sows may suffer from a depressed appetite and fever and
pregnant sows may abort in late pregnancy or give birth the premature litters. Weaners
and growers are usually most severely affected but even these pigs may not show any
signs at all. Those that become sick will generally go off feed and become “fuzzed up”.
They may have a cough, and especially if they become infected with other diseasecausing
organisms, may develop severe pneumonia and die or waste away over a course
of several weeks.
The major way virus is spread is by direct contact between infected and uninfected pigs.
The more intensive the swine operation the more likely the virus is to spread between
pigs. The sow is the reservoir animal for PRRS and can pass the virus to her unborn
piglets who in turn pass the virus to other pigs after weaning. Actually, although PRRS is
infectious, meaning it is caused by a disease-causing virus, it is not highly contagious.
There are instances where infected pigs are penned with uninfected pigs and the
uninfected pigs remain free of the virus despite close association with infected pigs
known to be shedding virus.
There are other ways the virus is spread. It can be carried on trucks and trailers that have
become contaminated with virus from infected pigs. The virus can even be carried on a
workers hands, boots, or clothing for a short (less than an hour) period of time. Virus can
be transferred from one pig to another by using instruments (castration, detailing, milk
teeth cutters, and needles) on an infected pig followed by use on an uninfected pig.
Although many pigs remain infected with the virus for life they actually only shed the
virus for a short period of time. Younger animals tend to shed virus longer than older
animals. Generally, shedding occurs for only 30-60 days after initial infection but in rare
cases can continue for up to 5 months. Boars can also shed virus in their semen but
usually only do so for a few weeks but there have been boars that have shed virus in their
semen for up to 6 months. All semen used for AI should be periodically tested for PRRS
virus.
In order to confirm a diagnosis of PRRS laboratory testing must be done. Many diseases
can resemble PRRS and often PRRS viral infections co-exist with other infections. It is
very difficult to obtain the appropriate specimens for testing from live animals.
Therefore, suspect pigs are often sacrificed in order to make a diagnosis. Blood testing
can only indicate the presence of antibodies against the virus. If the pig’s dam or the pig
itself was previously vaccinated or infected with PRRS it will blood test positive. A
blood test cannot tell if a pig is currently infected or shedding the virus.
*Note that a vaccine for PRRS virus is available and may complicate diagnostic interpretation
No! With the exception of mallard ducks, PRRS virus only infects swine.
It poses no threat to humans or other animals and in no way makes eating pork a threat to human health.
What can I do to protect my herd from becoming infected with PRRS virus?
If you buy pigs, insist that they originate from a source known to be negative for PRRS.
Physical separation of potentially infected and uninfected pig enterprises is probably the
most effective control measure and producer can take.
The virus cannot tolerate heat or drying but can survive up to 11 days in water. It
generally survives less than 1 day on plastic or stainless steel surfaces, shavings, feed,
and clothing. Cleanliness, dryness, and disinfection with Virkon® S (Antec International)
of all surfaces that may have had contact with infected pigs will remove environmental
sources of infection. Also, insects such as flies and mosquitos should be controlled.
In addition to the cleaning/disinfection information presented, a more comprehensive list of animal agricultural biosecurity practices can be found here:
https://agr.wa.gov/departments/animals-livestock-and-pets/animal-health/animal-health-biosecurity
WSDA recommends against any unnecessary commingling of swine from multiple sources where infected material can be spread over shared surfaces like a scale (Without thorough cleaning and disinfection) or direct (nose-to-nose) contact may occur.
Critical advice for exhibitors:
• Obtain livestock from low disease risk sources.
• Vaccinate for relevant diseases.
• Prevent contact of your livestock with other livestock.
• Designate clothing and footwear for barn use; clean and disinfect after wearing.
• Only take healthy animals to shows or fairs.
• Quarantine new or returning animals from home herd for 30 days; take temperature twice daily and monitor for signs of illness.
• Perform home herd chores first.
• Use separate equipment, footwear, and clothing for quarantined animals.
• Wash hands after handling each animal.
• Isolate sick animals and contact a veterinarian about them.
• Clean and disinfect equipment.
• Vaccinate for relevant diseases.
• Minimize stress for animals at home or away.
• Always provide excellent nutrition.
More information on swine health requirements and recommendations can be found on our website:
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