PRRS - EFFECT ON HERD PERFORMANCE AFTER INITIAL INFECTION AND RISK ANALYSIS

In early 1991, the Dutch pig industry was struck by Porcine Reproducti ve and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS). Data from 91 breeding and/or farro w to finish herds that were positive for PRRS were used to investigate the impact of PRRS on productivity and to evaluate the relationship b etween PRRS and farm and management factors. The farms involved used t he CBK management information system. Results show that herd performan ce was severely affected by PRRS over a period of 4-6 months. A rough economic evaluation, using a fixed price for piglets, indicated that t he economic loss on the 91 farms averaged Hfl. 215, (= pound 65) per s ow per year due to a decreased number of piglets raised per sow per li tter, a prolonged farrowing interval and a higher replacement rate of sows. The analysis of possible risk factors did not reveal major facto rs that could be helpful in reducing the negative effect of PRRS on Pi glets Reared per Sow per Year and on the Economic Index of farms exper iencing an outbreak of PRRS.