Disease elimination doesn’t happen with a single breakthrough. It happens when the industry asks and answers the hard questions that still stand in the way.
New research projects recently selected by the Swine Disease Research task force will address those hard questions. Each project aligns with the National Swine Health Strategy priority of eliminating endemic diseases, addresses key knowledge gaps and aims to deliver information to help producers make better herd health decisions.
The latest research investments concentrate on two diseases that continue to challenge U.S. pork production: porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus and porcine epidemic diarrhea virus.
Collectively, these projects will help improve understanding about where these diseases persist, how they spread and which strategies may help move the industry closer to elimination.
PRRSV elimination: Understanding the virus
PRRSV remains one of the costliest diseases facing the U.S. pork industry. Producers and veterinarians have more tools than ever before, but important questions remain about how the virus evolves over time and which intervention strategies yield the best outcomes.
How do response strategies affect PRRSV evolution?
Researchers will examine how common PRRSV intervention strategies may influence the virus over time by studying outbreak data, viral genetics and production outcomes. The project aims to better understand how management decisions may shape viral diversity and recovery from outbreaks.
Key takeaway: Clearer guidance on which outbreak response strategies help move herds toward elimination while supporting herd stability and production recovery.
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