Systematic review of the elimination methods of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus at the sow farm and regional levels

Authors

Brent Pepin DVM, MS; Marisa Rotolo DVM, PhD; Meredith Petersen DVM, PhD, MPH.

Abstract

Background

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV)–elimination methods vary greatly in their execution in the field. This review of the scientific literature was conducted to synthesize available methods and strategies for PRRSV elimination at the sow farm and regional levels to inform the decision-making of swine producers and veterinarians.

Methods

PubMed and the Journal of Swine Health and Production were searched for relevant publications on eliminating or eradicating PRRSV on sow farms and at regional levels. No date limit was set. All manuscripts were reviewed independently by at least 2 authors for inclusion with the criteria of being peer reviewed, containing data on eliminating PRRSV from a sow farm or a regional area, and including the method(s) used.

Results

25 manuscripts were included from the initial 456 found on the search. The most cited PRRSV-elimination method was herd closure. Other documented farm methods included test and removal (TR), depopulation and repopulation (DRP), gilt acclimation without a herd closure, and a combination of herd closure with TR. Depopulation and repopulation was the most common method in regional control, followed by herd closure.

Clinical Relevance

Herd closure with various exposure methods, DRP, TR, and combined approaches can effectively eliminate PRRSV at sow farms and the regional level. Regional elimination requires coordinated efforts, mandated testing, movement restrictions, and the use of predominantly DRP strategies. This review provides evidence-based options for veterinarians and producers to tailor PRRSV-elimination strategies and outcomes to farm-specific factors, such as size, biosecurity, pig flow, and resources, thereby improving elimination success rates.

Publications

Pepin, B., Rotolo, M., & Petersen, M. (2026). Systematic review of the elimination methods of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus at the sow farm and regional levels. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. doi.org/10.2460/javma.25.10.0711