Colin Johnson, Extension Program Specialist, Animal Science
Situation
Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) is one of the most
devastating diseases in the swine industry. Much is unknown about
its aggregate cost and how it can be altered.
Objective
To provide an assessment of the production and financial losses associated
with PRRS in the USA swine industry and increase awareness of the potential
impacts of PRRS virus while gaining support for increased control and eradication
efforts.
Activities/Output
Through producer meetings and one-on-one consultations, production records
were obtained from farmers and their veterinarians revealing losses associated
with PRRS outbreaks. Economic values were placed on these losses
and aggregated to the industry. An extensive Delphi survey of swine
veterinarians was conducted to further validate findings and achieve cost
estimates beyond the production losses. Results were released back
to the industry through multiple academic and media channels. Producer
meetings were held and thirteen farms received an economic assessment of
their operations.
Impact/Outcome
Based on 2003 figures, the assessment revealed that production losses associated
with PRRS costs the USA swine industry an estimated $560.32 million annually. A
calculation model now allows farms to quantify the impact of PRRS on their
own farms. Swine producers across the country believe
this challenging disease is one worthy of control and eradication efforts.
2005
108
Page last updated:
July 9, 2006
Page maintained by Linda Schultz, lschultz@iastate.edu
