Abstract:

Terminology for classifying swine herds by porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus status

Derald J. Holtkamp, DVM, MS; Dale D. Polson, DVM, PhD; Montserrat Torremorell, DVM, PhD; and committee members Bob Morrison, DVM, PhD, MBA (chair); Dyneah M. Classen, DVM; Lisa Becton, DVM; Steve Henry, DVM; Max T. Rodibaugh, DVM; Raymond R. Rowland, PhD; Harry Snelson, DVM; Barb Straw, DVM, PhD; Paul Yeske, DVM, MS; Jeff Zimmerman, DVM, PhD

Complete article is available online.

PDF version is available online.

Standardized terminology for the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) status of swine herds is necessary to facilitate communication between veterinarians, swine producers, genetic companies, and other industry participants. It is also required for implementation of regional and national efforts towards PRRSV control and elimination. The purpose of this paper is to provide a herd classification system for describing the PRRSV status of herds, based upon a set of definitions reflecting the biology and ecology of PRRSV. The herd classification system was developed by a definitions committee formed jointly by the American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) and the United States Department of Agriculture PRRS-Coordinated Agricultural Project, and was approved by the AASV Board of Directors on March 9, 2010. The committee included veterinarians from private practice and industry, researchers, and representatives from AASV and the National Pork Board.

Breeding herds, with or without growing pigs on the same premises, are categorized as Positive Unstable (Category I), Positive Stable (Category II), Provisional Negative (Category III), or Negative (Category IV) on the basis of herd shedding and exposure status. Growing-pig herds are categorized as Positive or Negative. Recommended testing procedures and decision rules for herd classification are detailed.

Keywords: porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus, herd classification, definitions, disease status, PRRSV

RIS citationCite as: Holtkamp DJ, Polson DD, Torremorell M, et al. Terminology for classifying swine herds by porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus status. J Swine Health Prod 2011;19(1):44-56.

Search the AASV web site for pages with similar keywords.