PRRSv – Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus

Stopping introduction of the virus

 

This two page photomontage intends to remind producers of the key routes of introduction

 

Virus direct

One problem is that no matter how good a negative source is at testing, it still can take 2 days before the breakdown can be detected – and may take up to 3 weeks

Gilt area au

Boar general

AI stim

Gilts

Only purchase gilts from a negative unit.  All gilts to go through a 60 day isolation period.  Gilts can be homebred

Boars

Only purchase boars from a negative unit.  All boars to go through a 60 day isolation period

Semen – AI

Ideally semen should be produced on farm.

If semen is purchased ensure good vet to vet communication

Med foodfridge1

Sec fence not into ground au

med vaccine open 2

Pork and other pig products

PRRSv can remain viable in pork products and their juices

“wild” pigs

Pigs are able to survive in many environments and “wild” pigs can move between units.  Note the security fence must go 0.5 m into the ground

Live vaccines

No live PRRSv vaccines should be used on the farm or on stock intended for the farm

Virus through the air

biosecurity farm location mile rings 3 copy

Sec farm location 1

Sec road and car

Location – nearby farm

None of the farm facilities must be within 1.5 km of another pig farm

The photograph illustrates a fictional area with breeding, nursery and finishing farms potential local spread areas (1 mile)

Isolation facilities

Isolation facilities should be placed no nearer than 150 metres.  Note the isolation area must not be 1.5 km from an unknown pig source.  The isolation area must be run all-in/all-out

Local road

Major roads, especially roads leading to slaughterhouses may be result in PRRSv positive pigs being transported close to the farm.  Ideally the farm should not be within 150 metres of a major road


 

Virus through vectors

loading area passageways sa

Sec truck cleaning

Sec composting 2

Loading area

The truck taking animals to slaughter needs to kept away from the animal units

Trucking

All trucks moving animals to the slaughterhouse must be cleaned and dried before collecting the pigs.  Note trucking bring gilts and boars to the isolation area

Dead animal disposal

To avoid the rendering truck having to collect dead animals, practice composting or incineration for all dead animals

Sec feed line

Sec Car fence

Sec boot separate redline

Feed trucks

All feed deliveries must be made to the perimeter of the farm, through the security fence

Car park

Vehicles should be either on- farm or off-farm.  Provide a car park

Boot security

Foot-wear should be either on-farm or off-farm.  Provide a clear on-farm boot area

sec Off farm and on farm

Sec rodent control 1

Security PRRSv virus filter

Showering security

All visitors and staff should remove outer clothing before entering the on-farm side.  Note the different toweling

Fly control

Biting flies can transmit PRRSv.

Protect building with fly screens – 2 mm mesh.  Do not have plants growing within 2 metres of the unit.  Note placement of composting piles and lagoons

Virus filters

MERV filters are possible (0.3µm filter), but probably only practical for AI studs.  The air requirements of pigs, staff and dust from feed and environment may restrict the use of virus filers

PRRSv is 0.35µm in diameter

Apply common sense – do not purchase second hand equipment – no matter how cheap

Ensure all items entering the farm are monitored.  Note electrical and other maintenance contractors who work on other pig units