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Leman: Economic impact of PRRS

Onyekachukwu Henry Osemeke, Iowa State University, and colleagues at University of Minnesota, presented the results of a study at the 2024 Leman Swine Conference.

The last economic impact of the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) in the United States was estimated in 2013 at $664 million a year, using data from 2005 to 2010. Over the last decade, the swine industry has undergone significant changes. This study updated the annual economic impact of PRRSV on US pork producers due to lost productivity.

Data from 2016 to 2020 were used, following the same methodology as the 2013 study. Four factors were used to estimate the cost of PRRSV: the productivity differences between herds that are affected by PRRSV compared to unaffected herds, the distribution of herds according to PRRSV status, the national swine inventory, and production prices and costs.

To estimate productivity differences, breed-to-wean herds (BH) were assigned categories based on the updated American Association of Swine Veterinarians breeding herd classification system, vaccine use, and outbreak history.

BH were classified as:

  • BH-A if PRRSV-provisional negative or negative,
  • BH-B if PRRSV-positive stable,
  • BH-C if PRRSV-positive unstable,
  • BH-D for the first 16 weeks following an outbreak in an initially PRRSV-positive herd,
  • BH-E for the first 16 weeks following an outbreak in an initially PRRSV-negative herd.
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Trade Uncertainty and Pork Growth - Cam Dahl

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In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Cam Dahl, General Manager of Manitoba Pork Council, discusses how trade uncertainty affects growth across Canadian pork production. He explains why CUSMA, market diversification, non-tariff barriers, access to capital, labor needs, and producer advocacy all matter as the industry plans for investment, exports, and long-term competitiveness. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Trade uncertainty makes access to capital difficult when producers and processors are ready to invest and grow."

Meet the guest: Cam Dahl / cam-dahl-58115832 is the General Manager of Manitoba Pork Council. He has extensive leadership experience across Canadian agriculture, including Cereals Canada, the Canada Grains Council, Manitoba Beef Producers, and the Canadian Grain Commission. His work focuses on policy, advocacy, trade, business development, and strengthening market opportunities for Canadian producers. Learn more from Cam Dahl on The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, available on all major platforms.