Maintaining sow health during PRRS outbreaks is a key priority for producers aiming to protect reproductive performance and overall herd productivity. PRRS can weaken immune function and increase susceptibility to secondary bacterial infections, affecting litter outcomes and pre-weaning survival.
In an interview with the Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast, Elanco’s Dr. Risser discussed a field project where a sow farm experiencing a PRRS outbreak tested different management strategies to support sow health. The study compared four groups: no intervention, feed-based antibiotic, water-based antibiotic and a combination of both. Sows receiving targeted interventions showed improved total born and trends toward more pigs born alive. Pre-weaning mortality was lower in some treated groups, and pigs weaned per sow were highest when supportive measures were applied.
By combining proactive monitoring, timely interventions and a focus on sow-well being, producers can reduce the secondary impacts of PRRS, maintain productivity and support herd resilience during outbreaks.
