Livestock

Preventing Costly PRRS Outbreaks

The pathogen Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) was first recognized in the United States in the late 1980s. Despite more than 25 years of intensive research and efforts to combat the virus, it remains a significant threat to swine farms in the U.S. and abroad. While productivity losses resulting from the impact of the disease on growing herds have been reduced over the past decade, this progress is offset by significantly increased losses in breeding herds.

While a PRRSV outbreak is not the only risk a sow farm has to consider when allocating capital for operations, it is one that should be given serious consideration, based on its potential to significantly impact production and costs. The likelihood of sustaining such losses due to an outbreak of aerosolized PRRSV is increased if your operation is located within a five-mile radius of other sow farms. The virulent virus can travel airborne for five miles or more, and its incredibly high mutation rate makes the development of a consistently effective vaccination program difficult.

Extensive Studies Show:

The annual cost of productivity losses due to PRRSV in the U.S. national breeding and growing pig herds is
$664 million, up from $560 million in 2005,
equating to a loss of $1.8 million per day by the U.S. pork industry

An additional $477.8 million is estimated to be lost each year
on outbreak related costs, including animal care and biosecurity

Acute PRRS outbreaks in four breeding herds in Illinois
cost an estimated $100, $170, $428, and $510 respectively per breeding female,
based on decreases in the production of weaned pigs and increased treatment costs

A four-month outbreak in a 250-sow herd in Minnesota
cost an estimated $59,000, $236 per breeding female, for one year following the outbreak

A feeder pig operation with an endemic PRRSV infection in the nursery reported a
70% loss in profits due to a reduction of over $5.00 per pig attributed to the nursery stage alone,
based on decreased growth rates, increased feed conversion, and increased mortality

Air Filtration Is Your Front Line Defense
Against PRRSV

Trials conducted by the University of Minnesota Swine Disease Eradication Center found that the risk of the indirect spread of PRRSV can be reduced with a comprehensive biosecurity program that includes air filtration. Unfortunately, most ventilation systems in swine facilities are typically designed to supply fresh air and control the inside temperature, not to provide air filtration. However, an effective air filtration system traps airborne viruses such as PRRSV and other common threats, including PEDV, influenza viruses, and mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, preventing them from entering a facility and spreading throughout.

Breeding Herd Losses

At AAF Flanders, we understand the threat that swine farming operations face from the virulent and costly PRRS virus, as well as other pathogens with the potential to have a significant impact on your herd, production levels, and operating costs. Our goal is to provide you with comprehensive information for assessing your risk, and filtration investment strategies to reduce your risk and the projected return on your investment. AAF Flanders offers air filtration solutions and climate control options to meet the unique needs of your farming operation, protecting both animal health and profitability.

Annual Cost of Productivity Losses Due to PRRSV

Brochure

Preventing Outbreaks in Swine Environments

Infographics

Measuring Air Filter Efficiencies in the Discrete PRRS Virus Range - AASV 2018

Preventing PRRS Outbreaks in Swine Environments - AASV 2018

Swine Farms

Preventing Costly PRRS Outbreaks

Extensive Studies Show:

Air Filtration Is Your Front Line Defense Against PRRSV

Products & Solutions

Air Filtration Is Your Front Line Defense
Against PRRSV