New research shows cost of PRRS infections in swine herds has increased for pork producers
Print
EmailProduction losses and the expense of a disease outbreak cost the US Pork Industry around $1 billion annually.
Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) is a swine disease that affects the productivity and profitability of the pork industry. This economically significant disease in 2005 was estimated to cost the pork industry approximately $560 million per year in the United States. New studies done in 2011 by Iowa State University give a higher price tag to the virus, estimating that the disease is costing the industry approximately $664 million per year, a per sow cost of $114.71.
In 2010, researchers began estimating costs related to PRRS outbreaks on farms, including veterinary and biosecurity expenses. These expenses added up to $477.79 million annually. Between production losses and the cost incurred with a PRRS outbreak or prevention, the new information from Iowa State University estimates that the PRRS disease has annual price tag of more than $1 billion.
The combination of these economic differences, producer desire to produce high health pigs and the need to improve productivity has prompted Michigan State University (MSU) Extension to work to coordinate a PRRS Area Regional Control (ARC) project in West Michigan, focusing on stabilizing the area and eradicating the virus. For more information on the West Michigan PRRS Project contact Extension Educator Beth Ferry by phone 269-445-4438.
Related MSU Extension News article: West Michigan PRRS Area Regional Control Project update
