Long Term Disease Risk Management Program

Summary of Western PRRS Project

Project Title:

Development of Protocols, Sampling and Diagnostics for a PRRS Negative Herd Certification Pilot Program in Western Canada.

Project Summary:

Porcine Respiratory and Reproductive Syndrome (PRRS) is estimated to have negative economic impact of $100,000,000 to the Canadian and $580,000,000 to the US Swine Industry.  While control of PRRS has been a priority of producers for a number of years, eradication of the disease in Canadian herds has increased priority in recent times.

Deliverables for the project include: (1) the definition of PRRS negative status, sampling standards, diagnostic testing standards, geographical requirements if any, all in conjunction with Canadian and international experts, (2) the testing of up to 100 herds, primarily sow herds, across western Canada that have a significant need/interest in demonstrating a PRRS-negative status and to provide those producers financial assistance to complete the testing according to the developed protocols.  The project will also provide producers with an understanding of the costs of PRRS status certification into the future, and (3) the development of a certification process which would be administered by provincial associations.

Collaborating Partners:

Saskatchewan Pork Development Board (Sask Pork); on behalf of Sask Pork, Alberta Pork and Manitoba Pork Council.

Start Date:

April 1, 2010

End Date:

March 31, 2012

Project Contact:

Harvey Wagner
Email: hwagner@saskpork.com
Phone: (306) 343-3502

CSHB Contact:

Morgan Radford
Email: morgan.radford@swinehealth.ca
Phone: (613) 608.6945