PRRS Research Advances: Latest Updates & Findings

Summary of the Provided Text:

This text discusses research efforts too combat Porcine Reproductive adn Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) virus, a significant disease affecting pigs. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:

PRRS History: PRRS was first identified in the Netherlands and North America around 1991-1992. It’s caused by PRRSV types 1 and 2, an RNA virus.
Vaccine Challenges: Existing vaccines have had limited success, particularly against different strains of the virus.
NC229 Consortium: Established in 1999, this consortium coordinates research and funding from various sources (federal, state, industry) to address PRRS.
Host Genetics Research: The PRRS Host Genetics Consortium focused on identifying genetic resistance to PRRSV. They discovered a specific allele of the GBP5 gene that correlates with lower viral load and improved weight gain in infected pigs. This allele is now being used in breeding programs.
Pregnant Gilt Model (PGM): Current research utilizes a model involving pregnant gilts to understand fetal resistance, resilience, and susceptibility to congenital PRRSV infection. The research aims to identify factors predicting fetal outcomes based on viral load and other indicators.
Placental Transfer: Initial data suggests that the rate of placental transfer of the virus is a critical factor in fetal infection.

In essence, the text highlights a shift in PRRS research from solely focusing on vaccines to also exploring genetic resistance within pigs as a means of controlling the disease. The discovery of the GBP5 allele represents a significant step forward in breeding for PRRS resistance.