Since PRRS virus can be shed in urine and feces, pit slurry is a potential source of infection, however, PRRS virus is not considered hardy outside the pig. PRRS virus is stable at freezing temperatures, so transmission from contaminated facilities may be facilitated in the winter. However, introduction of swine shedding PRRS virus is by far the most common way the disease is introduced and transmitted in a herd. Treatment of PRRS During PRRS outbreaks, antibiotics may be administered to help decrease death loss from secondary bacterial infections. Prevention strategies are intended to keep PRRS virus out of a herd.
Control strategies contain and minimize the effects of disease, if introduced.
If you do not have PRRS, do everything possible to keep PRRS out. Quarantine of incoming pigs. Replacements should be held in quarantine for 60 days and observed. They should be tested for PRRS antibodies on entry to quarantine. If PRRS vaccination is part of the unit's PRRS control program, the initial vaccination may be administered within the first week.