Reducing Secondary Complications in PRRS Infected Pigs

There is no doubt that the PRRS virus is a vital health concern for swine producers. PRRS (porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome) is a highly infectious and deadly virus. It is reported that PRRS is the most economically significant disease to affect US swine production since the eradication of classical swine fever (CSF). But EPI Air may help.

EPI Air may help PRRS infected pigs fight secondary infections. USDA-ARS tests have shown ionization to reduce pathogens in the air. Also, cleaner air leads to fewer challenges of the pigs’ respiratory systems. These two factors may help PRRS-infected pigs avoid secondary complications.

Dr. Gary Bradley, Research Center Coordinator at Murphy-Brown LLC directed trials of the EPI Technology in their nursery facilities. At a recent Pork Expo, he was asked if EPI technology could possibly reduce the movement of the PRRS Virus, Bradley only ventured, “That might be a possibility. I don’t think the negative ions could eliminate the virus from the barn. However, combined with the overhead positioning of EPI units perhaps a portable unit used at floor level could be ‘zapping’ viruses after the wash down.” He speculates there likely will be additional technology that branches off from the current EPI system. As a research scientist he’s more than willing and ready to further explore new ideas. “Preliminary results were phenomenal in our nursery units so we’re totally open to stretching our minds about a further spin off of EPI technology.”

The Canadian government also sees potential with the EPI Air and improving the productivity of hog herds while boosting the bottom line for those in the hog industry. The government of Canada, in support of the Manitoba Pork Council, is investing over $150,000 to help improve the air quality in swine barns with the EPI Air System. PRRS is reported to cost the Canadian industry an estimated $130 million per year; so using the EPI Air system to reduce and prevent the airborne transmission of PRRS is a sound investment.

EPI Air has been proven to increase average daily gain, increase average weights, and decrease mortalities. Knowing that the EPI Air makes such a significant impact on overall swine performance provides a positive outlook towards the possibilities that EPI Air also holds for PRRS.

Canadian Government Invests in EPI Project to Improve Air Quality in Manitoba Swine Barns

The government of Canada recently announced in a press release dated May 23, 2012, that an investment of over $200,000 has been made that will help Manitoba pork producers.  The investment, made by the government of Canada, will be able to improve the health of hog herds and boost the bottom lines for those in the hog industry.

The investment is in two projects and is in support of the Manitoba Pork Council. Member of Parliament Merv Tweed (Brandon–Souris), on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz stated in the press release,  “Our government is committed to the long-term viability of the hog industry in Manitoba and supports measures that will keep it profitable.” He goes on, “This investment will help improve animal health in the sector and grow long-term economic prosperity for our hog producers.”

The main project they are investing in with over $150,000 is to help improve the air quality of swine barns. They will be testing the effectiveness of an electrostatic space charge system (ESCS), which is also commonly known as electrostatic particle ionization (EPI).  ESCS/EPI can reduce and prevent the airborne transmission of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS).  PRRS is a highly infectious and deadly virus in swine that is reported to cost the Canadian industry an estimated $130 million per year.

The second investment will be used to perform a comparative study of cropping systems to promote the use of swine manure on Manitoba farms, with the hopes of identifying sustainable land management practices and lessen environmental impact.

Karl Kynoch, Chair of the Manitoba Pork Council stated, “As well, we are always looking for ways of improving air quality in barns and to find better disease prevention techniques. We also need to meet the provincial government’s regulatory process, and we believe these research projects can assist us in these goals.”

These projects are being funded by the Canadian Agricultural Adaption Program (CAAP).  The regional component of CAAP in Manitoba is the Canadian Agricultural Adaption Program(MRAC).

Read the full Press Release “Government of Canada Supports Manitoba Hog Industry”