Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is devastating. First detected in the United States in 1987, it now costs North American farmers more than $600 million annually.
Pigs that contract the disease exhibit an inability to conceive, increased late-term abortions, premature farrowing, stillborn pigs, and weak piglets that often die before weaning or show slow growth and development. The airborne virus can be passed from sow to pig.
There is no cure. Vaccination, especially modified live vaccines, can control clinical signs and reduce virus shedding. Broad-spectrum antibiotics and anti-inflammatories can help control secondary infections and symptoms.
For some farmers, the only way to rid their operation of the virus is to cull the herd, then wait several months to restock. Variants differ from region to region. All sizes of hog farms are affected.
Turning to Science
Denne historien er fra July 2023-utgaven av Successful Farming.
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Denne historien er fra July 2023-utgaven av Successful Farming.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
KRISTOPHER KLOKKENGA
The Illinois native farmed in Ghana and lived in Denmark before coming home to take over his family's operation.
DON'T LET YOUR GUARD DOWN WHEN USING A SKID STEER
These mini workhorses are fun to operate and make chores go quickly. But injuries can occur if safety isn’t top of mind.
MEET NCBA PRESIDENT MARK EISELE
This Wyoming rancher brings a lifetime of cattle experience.
TOP SHOPS
THREE DIFFERENT APPROACHES TO TURN A SHOP INTO YOUR FARM'S HEADQUARTERS.
GRAZING MANAGEMENT TRANSFORMS GRASSLANDS
Developing the land's natural resources benefits the ranch operator and the wildlife.
KNOW YOUR NOZZLE
Small factors can help optimize herbicide applications.
MOUNTAINS OF MACHINERY
COMMODITY PRICES ARE LOW AND INTEREST RATES ARE HIGH. BUT AN OVERSUPPLY OF USED EQUIPMENT OFFERS OPPORTUNITIES.
DAIRY BARN FLOORING
It starts at the ground level.
SHOP HACKS
Great storage improvisations using PVC pipe.
HOW TO KILL A FARM
Problem: Out-of-state, non-farming heirs want their farming brother to do all the work but share decisions and profit.
