A mystery swine disease causing reproductive failure and respiratory disease was first described in the late 1980s in North America. A few years later a syndrome with similar clinical signs was observed in Western Europe. During the winter of 1990-91 the disease appeared in Germany and in the Netherlands and since then spread through the rest of Western Europe.
In February 1991 the causative agent of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) was isolated at the Central Veterinary Institute in the Netherlands.
The clinical presentation and clinical signs of PRRS varies greatly between herds. Infection with PRRSV shows two different sets of clinical signs: reproductive and respiratory.
PRRSv has a wide variety of effects on infected animals and populations depending on the virulence of the PRRSv strain, the age and susceptibility of the animals affected, the environment and management practices (vaccines, biosecurity measures, etc. in which they are ...
In most countries, PRRS is not a notifiable disease and control programs are not in force. Therefore, accurate estimates of the prevalence of infection with wild-type virus in specific countries or regions are not readily available.
In the case of acute viral infections the pathogen is usually cleared from the body by the immune system within 1-2 weeks post inoculation.
Transmission most commonly occurs by close contact between pigs or by exposure to contaminated body fluids (semen, virus-contaminated blood, secretions, contaminated needles, coveralls, and boots).
Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) is a viral disease infecting sows and pigs leading to reproductive failure (abortions, weak and stillborn piglets, infertility), and causes pneumonia and increased mortality in young animals. It is a global problem, ...
A significant investment has been made to establish effective prevention, control, and elimination strategies for PRRS. A key part of these strategies has been the development and implementation of reliable, accurate and timely diagnostic procedures.