Evaluation of the effectiveness of an acclimatization programme to control porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) in a farm of an endemically infected area of North-Eastern Italy

In Italy PRRSV infection is widespread, with circulation of several viral strains. In breeding herds the key to break virus circulation is to expose replacement animals to the farm specific PRRSV strain to induce a good immune response prior to their introduction into the herd. Therefore, a rigorous bio-security policy is needed to avoid the incoming of new strains into a positive farm. The aim of this study was to monitor the serological, virological and productive trends of an endemically PRRSV infected breeding herd where the control of the infection was based on the implementation of an effective acclimatization program and of strict bio-security measures.