The Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) virus is targeted for eradication in the Scottish pig herd.

The virus was first spotted in 1992 and is now the single most important endemic disease, according to Quality Meat Scotland (QMS).

The cross-sector group – including pig producers, vets, pharmaceutical companies, pig specialists and industry bodies – is developing a strategy to eliminate the costly disease from the Scottish pig herd.

The PRRS virus is present on 40% of pig herds and infects sows and growing pigs, leading to reproductive failure (characterised by abortions, weak and stillborn piglets, and infertility), as well as respiratory problems and increased mortality in young animals.

The virus also has an immunosuppressive effect, which means that animals infected with the PRRS virus are susceptible to repeat infections, often resulting in increased antibiotic use.

The loss of production seen as a result of PRRS has had significant economic impact.

The disease is estimated to cost the UK pig industry around £80/sow and £3.50/finished pig, or typically £40,000/year for a 500-sow herd.

When this is multiplied by the number of affected herds, the cost to the UK pig industry is calculated to be around £3m each year.

Causes

PRRS only affects pigs and poses no risk to human health. The virus can be transmitted in boar semen, through the air, from pig to pig, and via contact with things like contaminated boots, overalls and vehicles.

One of the key elements of controlling the disease is to prevent the risk of infection or re-infection in pig herds which are free of PRRS, or ones that have invested in disease elimination.

Pig vet Grace Webster, chair of the QMS Scottish working group established to try to combat the disease, is convinced that developing a strategy to eliminate the virus from the Scottish pig sector would be a major benefit to the industry.

“Eliminating the PRRS virus in Scotland would undoubtedly improve pig health and welfare by reducing disease and mortality in Scottish pigs.”

The eradication plan will establish the characteristics of pig units which are testing positive for the virus, along with discovering the particular disease strains.

The next stage will be to control and eradicate the disease. The Moray Coast region has been identified as the preferred starting point for trying to eliminate PRRS, as there are very few positive units in this area.