ARS | Publication request: CO-FACTORS IN PORCINE REPRODUCTIVE AND RESPIRATORY SYNDROME (PRRS)

Submitted to: Research Workers in Animal Diseases Conference Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: November 12, 1996
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the contribution of postulated co-factors to PRRS. Five-week-old segregated early weaned pigs were randomized to one of eight treatments involving all combinations of 3 factors: S. choleraesuis (SC) on day 0, PRRS virus on day 3, and dexamethasone (DEX) on days 3 to 7. DEX was used as a proxy for stress. Body weight and body temperature were monitored. Serum, feces, tonsil and nasal swabs were collected on days 0, 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, and 21. Tissues were collected postmortem on day 21. Treatment had a significant effect on average daily gain, level and duration of SC shedding, level and distribution of SC in tissues, morbidity, and mortality. The results demonstrated synergism among PRRS virus, SC, and stress and suggests a new direction for models in PRRS pathogenesis research.