New survey research led by Iowa State University is shedding light on day-to-day practices that can either increase the risk of PRRS transmission—or help prevent it—across U.S. pork operations.
The surveys, conducted last April with funding from the Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) through its Wean-to-Harvest Biosecurity Research Program, gathered input from Midwest pork producers and veterinarians. The work was completed in partnership with the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research and the Pork Checkoff, with findings published in the journal Veterinary Sciences.
What the Surveys Revealed
According to SHIC Associate Director Dr. Lisa Becton, the survey results point to several common practices that were associated with a higher likelihood of PRRS outbreaks, as well as a set of practical steps linked to reduced risk.
Among the practices most strongly associated with outbreaks:
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Transporting pigs of unknown PRRS status between farms
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Using rendering services for mortalities, which was 6.47 times more likely to be associated with an outbreak
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Employee cohabitation across different sites, increasing the chance of virus spread between locations
“These are everyday operational decisions that can quietly elevate risk if they’re not tightly managed,” Becton noted in explaining the results.
Practices Linked to Lower Risk
The surveys also identified several measures that were associated with a decreased likelihood of PRRS transmission, including:
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Defined employee parking areas, limiting cross-site contamination
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Exclusive, farm-dedicated manure pumping equipment, rather than shared equipment
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Tighter control over transportation logistics and downtime between loads
These practices reinforce a recurring theme in biosecurity research: clarity, separation, and consistency matter.
From General Guidance to Farm-Specific Action
While the data point to broad trends, Becton emphasized that biosecurity cannot be a one-size-fits-all approach.
“Each farm really does need to review these areas in the context of their own specific procedures,” she said. “What’s most important is identifying where risk may be introduced and applying targeted biosecurity measures.”
The surveys highlighted several steps producers can act on immediately:
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Improving transportation protocols
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Ensuring adequate downtime
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Preventing the movement of sick animals
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Avoiding the transport of animals with unknown health status
Why This Matters Now
As PRRS continues to challenge productivity and profitability across North American pork production, research like this provides practical, operations-level insight rather than abstract recommendations.
For producers, the takeaway is clear: many PRRS risks are tied not to extraordinary failures, but to routine workflows—transport, mortality handling, employee movement, and equipment use.
The full Veterinary Sciences paper is available through SHIC’s January eNewsletter at swinehealth.org.
