Production Region Model Evaluation to Determine Risk of PRRSV and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae Spread Between Farms

September 4, 2013 — 

The objectives were to: 1) evaluate the efficacy of mechanical filtration (MERV 16, MERV 14) and antimicrobial filtration; 2) to improve the understanding of the meteorological risk factors associated with airborne spread of PRRSV and M. hyo. The study used a model of a swine-dense production region, with pigs experimentally inoculated with PRRSV and M. hyo. The model contained three other facilities located 120 miles downwind. Two contained air filtration systems, the third served as a non-filtered control. On-site meteorological data were collected to determine conditions associated with airborne spread of either agent. Over a 2-year period, a variety of samples were collected to determine whether the various filtration systems (MERV 16, MERV 14 and antimicrobial filters) could prevent airborne spread of PRRSV and M. hyo. The results validate air filtration as a method to reduce the risk of the airborne spread of these two pathogens as well as identify associated risk factors.

Key Points:

• Pigs housed in filtered buildings remained free of both porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (M. hyo) infection.
• Airborne transmission of both agents was regularly observed in the non-filtered facility.
• Meteorological conditions associated with airborne spread of both pathogens included a shedding source population and prevailing winds from the source to neighboring facilities. Cool temperatures, high relative humidly and low sunlight also were associated with airborne PRRSV spread.

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Principal Investigator: Dr. Scott Dee, DVM, formerly with the University of Minnesota

Study funded by Pork Checkoff. To search for additional Pork Checkoff-funded research studies, click here.