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Author(s): G. Charbonneau
Publication Date: April 3, 2007
Reference: London Swine Conference, 2007
Country: Canada

Summary:

Controlling a virus like PRRS requires a good management strategy that acts on multiple areas of the barn. Before starting management of PRRS it is important to have a diagnostic work-up to confirm it is PRRS, and to characterize the strain. Feed should be balanced with energy and amino acids, can include some fibre, and be free of mycotoxins. Feeders should be clean and provide enough access for all of the pigs. Water sanitation should be checked yearly, and water access should be unrestricted. Ventilation should be controlled by relative humidity, and adjusted for the season. Chilling can lead to increased disease prevalence, so ventilation and temperature settings should be set to account for daily fluctuations. Sanitation can be improved by the use of a disinfectant, and by allowing the room to fully dry before occupation. Co-infections can happen when PRRS is present, and sanitation along with parasite control should be performed. Infected pigs should be separated into hospital and recovery pens, but it is important that they are kept with the pig flow. Water or feed medications can be used to manage secondary bacteria, and to treat symptoms. Injectable medications should not be used. A PRRS vaccine can be used, but immunity gained through exposure is more effective. Finally, biosecurity should be reviewed to avoid re-contamination by a new outside source, or by an inside source to a new area of the barn. Employee hygiene, sanitation of all equipment and hallways, strictly controlled cross fostering, and euthanasia of infected piglets are all ways to increase biosecurity. Good management strategies and employee follow through can help reduce the effect of PRRS in a barn.

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