Unexpected Increase in PRRS Morbidity & Mortality

THAILAND - An increase in the morbidity/mortality has been observed in the area of Amphur Ban-Ra-Kam (Phitsanulok province) and PRRS is suspected based on clinical signs, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) reports.

After the Department of Livestock Development was notified, an investigation team was sent to the area and immediately launched disease control measures in order to contain the disease.

In total, 660 out of about 2,970 pigs from 90 small pig holders in the province were infected. The clinical presentation of the disease varies among herds but, in general, the clinical signs are: fever, anorexia, lethargy, cutaneous hyperemia, dyspnea and reproductive failure.

The production system that has been affected is mainly the backyard sector with low biosecurity. Samples were collected and sent to the Lower Northern Laboratory of Veterinary Research and Development Centre for further confirmation.

The source of infection is still under investigation and will be summarized to understand the possible origin of the disease in order to implement appropriate control and prevention measures.

Currently, however, introduction of new live animals is being suspected as the primary source of the outbreak.

According to the OIE report, the outbreak was a co-infection of PRRS American strain with classical swine fever virus.

Active clinical surveillance has been undertaken.