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ARS Home » Northeast Area » Beltsville, Maryland (BARC) » Beltsville Agricultural Research Center » Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #275553

Title: Genomics and Animal Health

Author
item Lunney, Joan

Submitted to: Advances in Pork Production
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/4/2011
Publication Date: 2/18/2012
Citation: Lunney, J.K. 2012. Genomics and Animal Health. Advances in Pork Production. 23:155-166.

Interpretive Summary: N/A

Technical Abstract: As management in the pig industry changes the range of pathogens to which pigs are exposed is altered, from parasites for pigs raised outdoors and viruses and bacteria for indoor pigs. Moreover, as consumers demand pork products free of antibiotic contamination, it becomes increasingly more important that new heartier, healthier breeding stock be available. Disease resistant pigs, in well-managed facilities, would help decrease drug usage by producers and increase the health of the nation's food supply. This manuscript reviews the background of the area of genetics and swine health. It reviews current knowledge of the genetic diversity of the loci determining immune and disease responses of pigs. It points out the annotated swine genome sequence is stimulating advances in understanding which genes impact pig health and regulate disease responses. It summarizes knowledge of genetic control of pig responses to infectious diseases particularly highlighting porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS). It summarizes the advances stimulated by the PRRS Host Genomic Consortium in determining loci associated with PRRS resistance/susceptibility.