Emergence of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome in Sweden: detection, response and eradication.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is characterized by reproductive failure in sows and respiratory problems in growing pigs. The disease is present in most countries throughout the world but was not diagnosed in Sweden until the summer of 2007 when it was first detected through the national PRRS surveillance program. The immediate mobilization of veterinary authorities, field veterinarians and the pig industry was a prerequisite for preventing the spread of the disease. Within 10 days seven herds were verified as infected and the measures taken included stamping out, cleaning, disinfection and a vacancy period of 3 weeks before the herds were repopulated. To evaluate the effectiveness of these measures, a national sero-surveillance was carried out during the autumn of 2007. Approximately 90% of the pig production was covered by this screening and all samples tested were negative with regard to antibodies to PRRS virus.