What is Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome?

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome, (PRRS), also named blue ear disease, is a widespread disease affecting domestic pigs. The symptoms include reproductive failure, pneumonia and increased susceptibility to secondary bacterial infection. It is caused by a virus classified as a member of the genus Arterivirus.

PRRS was fi rst recognized in the United States in 1987, and the causative viruswas identified in the Netherlands in 1991.

PRRS is a disease listed in the OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code and OIE Members are committed to report outbreaks to the OIE according to the OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code.

Source: The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE)