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  • Author or Editor: James B. Kliebenstein x
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Summary

Three slaughter checks were performed for each of 21 swine producers at 6-month intervals. Two slaughter checks were performed during the winter, and 1 slaughter check was performed during the summer. Lesions of atrophic rhinitis and pneumonia were evaluated during the slaughter checks. Two types of farrowing facilities and 4 types of grower/finisher facilities were used by the swine producers. Lesions of atrophic rhinitis and pneumonia were compared among seasons and among types of facilities.

Lesions of both atrophic rhinitis and pneumonia varied with season. Lesions of atrophic rhinitis were more severe among hogs slaughtered in the summer, whereas lesions of pneumonia were more severe among hogs slaughtered in the winter. Lesions of atrophic rhinitis were more severe in hogs farrowed in central, enclosed farrowing houses and finished in enclosed, mechanically ventilated buildings than in hogs farrowed individually in sow huts and finished on dirt lots. Knowledge of disease patterns associated with season and facilities is useful for assessment of herd health status and for implementation of control programs.

Free access
in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association

Abstract

Objective—To estimate the annual cost of infections attributable to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus to US swine producers.

Design—Economic analysis.

Sample Population—Data on the health and productivity of PRRS-affected and PRRS-unaffected breeding herds and growing-pig populations were collected from a convenience sample of swine farms in the midwestern United States.

Procedure—Health and productivity variables of PRRS-affected and PRRS-unaffected swine farms were analyzed to estimate the impact of PRRS on specific farms. National estimates of PRRS incidence were then used to determine the annual economic impact of PRRS on US swine producers.

Results—PRRS affected breeding herds and growing-pig populations as measured by a decrease in reproductive health, an increase in deaths, and reductions in the rate and efficiency of growth. Total annual economic impact of these effects on US swine producers was estimated at $66.75 million in breeding herds and $493.57 million in growing-pig populations.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—PRRS imposes a substantial financial burden on US swine producers and causes approximately $560.32 million in losses each year. By comparison, prior to eradication, annual losses attributable to classical swine fever (hog cholera) and pseudorabies were estimated at $364.09 million and $36.27 million, respectively (adjusted on the basis of year 2004 dollars). Current PRRS control strategies are not predictably successful; thus, PRRS-associated losses will continue into the future. Research to improve our understanding of ecologic and epidemiologic characteristics of the PRRS virus and technologic advances (vaccines and diagnostic tests) to prevent clinical effects are warranted. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2005;227:385–392)

Full access
in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association