Risk factors and prevalence of porcine circovirus 2 and porcine
reproductive and respiratory virus in 59 Greek pig farms
Abstract
The objectives of the present study were to describe for first time the
prevalence of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus
(PRRSV) and porcine circovirus type-2 (PCV2) among pig farms in Greece
and the association between risk factors and PRRSV, PCV2 PCR-status.
PRRSV and PCV2 are the leading causes of huge financial losses in swine
industry worldwide. Despite the implementation of control measures, both
remain a major problem for the majority of pig farms. Identification of
risk factors, which can lead to PRRSV and/or PCV2 infection, could be
useful in preventing it. The study included 59 pig farms, across Greece,
with a total population of 22.500 sows, which represent about 40% of
the entire sow capacity of Greek swine production. Data regarding herd
health management protocols were collected from each farm. Additionally,
blood samples from breeding stock, weaners, growers and finishers were
taken from each farm. The sera were tested for PRRSV and PCV2, the
results indicated that both viruses remain a major challenge for the
Greek swine industry. Finally, main risk factors involved in the
infection process by these viruses were identified and could be used for
future monitoring both diseases. In particular, vaccination programs
such as the mass PRRSV vaccination with modified-live virus (MLV) in
breeding stock during the last stages of gestation or with killed-virus
(KV) during the middle of gestation are more likely to be associated
with PRRSV seropositivity. Farms with low biosecurity level are
associated with higher PRRSV circulation. It has, also, been revealed
that breeding stock is more likely to be associated with PCV2 active
circulation compared to weaners and growers. In conclusion, our results
could be the basis of the development of surveillance protocols for a
national monitoring system for PRRSV and PCV2, which could prevent
future infection of Greek farms.