EPIDEMIOLOGY AND CONTROL OF PORCINE REPRODUCTIVE AND RESPIRATORY SYNDROME (PRRS)

The results of surveys, using the indirect peroxidase monolayer assay (IPMA), in areas of varying disease status are described. Retrospective examinations of sera from selected areas before the first outbreak of the disease in Germany were also made. In one region with a sporadic incidence of disease 25 breeding herds and 3 boar centres were examined serologically. The most important risk factor with respect to the prevalence of seropositive animals was the introduction of ted animals. An analysis of reproductive performance over the last two years indicated a reduced incidence of clinical disease. In view of the current knowledge of PRRS the control measures have been removed and the disease is no longer notifiable.