Project Number: 1245-32000-098-16
Project Type: General Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Jan 28, 2013
End Date: Sep 30, 2013

Objective:
The objective of this research is to determine levels of PRRS viral RNA in porcine tonsils of PHGC pigs to assess PRRS persistence. To assess tonsil tissue RNA for immune correlates of PRRSV persistence and to expand the capacity of the PHGC database and improve public/private interface. ARS will provide funds to the ISU cooperator for their efforts for the last objective to update the PHGC database and website.

Approach:
ARS has led the PRRS Host Genetics Consortium (PHGC) project to identify genetic determinants of resistance/susceptibility of commercial swine to porcine respiratory and the reproductive syndrome virus (PRRSV) infection and associated growth effects. ARS will use National Pork Board funds to perform research on PRRS viral persistence and immune factors correlated with long term viral persistence. The Iowa State Univ. cooperator has expertise in maintaining relational databases for the National Animal Genome Research Program termed NRSP8.