Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) continues to be one of the most costly and frustrating diseases in the pork industry. With losses estimated at over $660 million annually in the U.S. alone, producers are all too aware of the toll PRRS takes on herd health, productivity, and profitability.

But there’s good news: recent studies show that a comprehensive biosecurity strategy can significantly reduce PRRS outbreaks in breeding herds.

What Makes PRRS So Challenging?
PRRS is caused by a virus that mutates rapidly, making it hard to control. New variants, such as PRRSV 184 and 144 L1C, have demonstrated increased virulence and can spread more easily, including through the air. Once a herd is infected, the virus can linger and reinfect even after cleanup efforts.

What Is Next-Generation Biosecurity (NGB)?
NGB is a science-based approach that targets all known routes of PRRS transmission—direct, indirect, airborne, and feed-related. It includes:
• Quarantine and testing of incoming gilts from PRRS-free sources.
• Use of PRRS-negative semen from tightly controlled AI centers.
• Strict sanitation protocols are in place for trailers, supplies, and personnel.
• Shower-in/shower-out procedures and dedicated clothing for farm staff.
• Air filtration systems to block airborne virus particles.
• Feed additives proven to deactivate PRRSV in diets.

What Did the Study Find?
Over two years, farms using full NGB protocols (including air filtration) were compared to those using partial protocols (without filtration). The results were clear:
• Farms with complete NGB had a PRRS incidence risk of just 3.6% to 6.3%.
• Farms with incomplete NGB saw infection rates as high as 25%.
• The difference was statistically significant, indicating that the full implementation of NGB has a real impact.

Notably, the study also confirmed that surrounding farm density didn’t skew the results—both groups had similar numbers of neighboring swine operations.

Why This Matters for Producers
This study demonstrates that investing in comprehensive biosecurity can yield significant benefits. While air filtration systems may not be feasible for every operation due to cost or facility design, many NGB practices—like quarantine, sanitation, and feed mitigation—are accessible and effective.

For producers in high-density swine regions, these protocols could mean the difference between staying PRRS-free and
facing costly outbreaks.

What’s Next?
While we’ve focused on breeding herds, the next step is expanding NGB principles to wean-to-finish operations. PRRS doesn’t stop at the sow barn, and neither should our defenses.

As the industry braces for future threats, such as African Swine Fever, adopting proven biosecurity strategies like NGB will be key to protecting herd health and business viability.