PRRS [Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome]: effect on herd performance after initial infection and risk analysis

In early 1991, the Dutch pig industry was struck by Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS). Data from 91 breeding and/or farrow to finish herds that were positive for PRRS were used to investigate the impact of PRRS on productivity and to evaluate the relationship between PRRS and farm and management factors. The farms involved used the CBK management information system. Results show that herd performance was severely affected by PRRS over a period of 4-6 months. A rough economic evaluation, using a fixed price for piglets, indicated that the economic loss on the 91 farms averaged Hfl. 215,-(= £65) per sow per year due to a decreased number of piglets raised per sow per litter, a prolonged farrowing interval and a higher replacement rate of sows. The analysis of possible risk factors did not reveal major factors that could be helpful in reducing the negative effect of PRRS on Piglets Reared per Sow per Year and on the Economic Index of farms experiencing an outbreak of PRRS.