Abstract:

Evidence for the transmission of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus in boar semen

Michael J Yaeger, DVM, PhD; Thomas Prieve, DVM; James Collins, DVM, PhD; Jane Christopher-Hennings, DVM, MS; Eric Nelson, MS; David Benfield, PhD

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Results from an epidemiologic investigation of an outbreak of PRRS in a large farrow-to-finish operation in South Dakota implicated fresh semen as a potential source of infection. Subsequent experimental studies supported the potential for PRRS virus transmission in semen. Seronegative gilts developed a fever, produced antibodies to the PRRS virus, and failed to conceive following insemination with semen from boars infected with the PRRS virus. Epidemiologic evidence and results from the biological assays indicate that the PRRS virus can be transmitted in fresh semen from acutely infected boars.

Keywords: PRRS, artificial insemination, semen, virus transmission


RIS citationCite as: Yaeger MJ, Prieve T, Collins J, et al. Evidence for the transmission of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus in boar semen. J Swine Health Prod 1993;1(5):7-9.

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