Comprehensive, independent AAF-Sponsored 16-year analysis makes strong business case for using filtration in sow farms to prevent PRRSV
A groundbreaking study from the University of Minnesota Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, sponsored by AAF International, a member of the Daikin Group, and global leader in air filtration solutions, has revealed that air filtration systems can dramatically reduce the occurrence of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) in U.S. breeding herds. The results of this independent research initiative were announced today to attendees of the World Pork Expo 2025 in Des Moines, Iowa.
A comprehensive longitudinal study analyzed 16 years of data from 413 sow farms participating in the University’s Morrison Swine Health Monitoring Project (MSHMP), spanning the period from 2009 to 2024. The research represents more than 1.5 million sows and, for the first time, compares negative versus positive pressure filtration, while also making a solid financial business case for using air filtration to help reduce the occurrence of PRRSV in breeding herds.
Key Findings:
The study found that farms with commercial air filtration systems experienced significantly lower risk of PRRSV outbreak compared to unfiltered operations:
- Negative pressure filtered farms: 51% lower risk of PRRSV outbreak.
- Positive pressure filtered farms: 58% lower risk of PRRSV outbreak.
“PRRSV continues to pose significant challenges to the U.S. swine industry,” said Dr. Cesar Corzo, DVM, MS, PhD, University of Minnesota. “While air filtration methods combined with biosecurity measures have demonstrated effectiveness in preventing PRRSV introductions, this study is the first to comprehensively address the impact of different ventilation pressure types while controlling for regional pig density which is a main risk factor for disease occurrence.”
Study Methodology:
The research, led by Dr. Xiaomei Yue, postdoctoral associate with the Morrison Swine Health Monitoring Project, analyzed breeding herd health status data from 413 sow farms, accounting for 1.5 million sows, including 238 unfiltered operations, 128 farms with negative pressure filtration, and 47 with positive pressure filtration systems. Researchers calculated total PRRSV occurences and weeks at risk for each farm based on air filtration status, while accounting for herd size, the number of farms within a 35-kilometer radius, and the number of pigs in the county.
Using Generalized Additive Models (GAM), the study provided robust statistical evidence while controlling for herd size and regional pig density and comparing filtered versus unfiltered farms within nearby geographic areas.
The findings offer valuable data for swine producers considering air filtration investments. “A single PRRSV occurrence can devastate a farm financially, so this research gives producers evidence-based guidance for implementing air filtration strategies as part of their biosecurity measures to protect their herds from airborne viruses like PRRSV,” comments Dr. Yue.
“For the first time ever, sow farmers can now make a concrete business case for investing in air filtration technology,” said Carlos Lora, Global Director of the Animal Science Division at American Air Filter International. “The numbers don’t lie. In this study, filtration did an excellent job at preventing the risk of PRRSV outbreaks, which is just as much about biosecurity as it is about protecting their businesses.”
American Air Filter International is exhibiting at the World Pork Expo 2025 (Booth #V335), where attendees can learn more about advanced air filtration solutions for swine operations. The full study is currently in peer review and is expected to be published by the end of 2025.
To access the complete study findings and methodology, visit the abstract summary.
