Disease elimination doesn’t happen with a single breakthrough.
It happens when the industry asks and answers the hard questions that still stand in the way.
New research projects recently selected by the Swine Disease Research task force will address those hard questions. Each project aligns with the National Swine Health Strategy (NSHS) priority of eliminating endemic diseases, addresses key knowledge gaps and aims to deliver information to help producers make better herd health decisions.
The latest research investments concentrate on two diseases that continue to challenge U.S. pork production: porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV).
Collectively, these projects will help improve understanding about where these diseases persist, how they spread, and which strategies may help move the industry closer to elimination.
PRRSV Elimination: Understanding the Virus
PRRSV remains one of the costliest diseases facing the U.S. pork industry. Producers and veterinarians have more tools than ever before, but important questions remain about how the virus evolves over time and which intervention strategies yield the best outcomes.
Selected projects will address the following questions:
How do response strategies affect PRRSV evolution?
Researchers will examine how common PRRSV intervention strategies may influence the virus over time by studying outbreak data, viral genetics and production outcomes. The project aims to better understand how management decisions may shape viral diversity and recovery from outbreaks.
Key takeaway:
Clearer guidance on which outbreak response strategies help move herds toward elimination while supporting herd stability and production recovery.
How does vaccination impact elimination efforts?
Researchers will compare common PRRSV immunization strategies, including modified live vaccines, live virus inoculation and killed vaccine boosters. The goal is to better understand how these approaches influence virus transmission, persistence and the development of new variants.
Key takeaway:
More clarity on which immunization strategies help reduce virus circulation and support long-term elimination efforts.
How does vaccination influence PRRSV evolution?
Researchers will study how modified live virus (MLV) vaccination may affect PRRSV diversity, transmission and the emergence of new genetic variants. The project will help answer important questions about how vaccination and virus evolution interact over time.
Producer takeaway:
Better insight into how immunization strategies may influence virus behavior and future elimination efforts.
PEDV Elimination: Locating the Virus
PEDV elimination poses different questions. The focus to solve this challenge is understanding where the virus is circulating.
Selected projects will address the following question:
Where is PEDV hiding?
This project will study the prevalence and geographic distribution of PEDV in grow-finish populations across key pork-producing states, including sites where the virus may be present without obvious signs of disease.
Key takeaway:
Better information about where PEDV persists and, in turn, where future surveillance and elimination efforts may have the greatest impact.
Looking Ahead
The National Swine Health Strategy is built around a singular focus: disease elimination is possible with industry-wide progress, one challenge at a time.
Each funded project is designed to help close an important knowledge gap and move the industry one step closer to healthier herds and a stronger future for U.S. pork production.
The next Swine Disease Research task force funding cycle is currently open and closes on August 10.
