Revolutionary Tool in Swine Disease Detection: Iowa State University's Groundbreaking Contribution to Combat PRRSV

Revolutionary Tool in Swine Disease Detection: Iowa State University's Groundbreaking Contribution to Combat PRRSV

Discover how Iowa State University is leading the fight against PRRSV with a new diagnostic tool funded by a USDA grant. Learn about the SDRS BLAST Tool’s capabilities in rapid disease detection and its potential impact on U.S. pork production and biosecurity.

Amid ongoing battles with Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) – a disease costing U.S. pork producers hundreds of millions annually – Iowa State University, backed by a significant USDA grant, has launched a pioneering diagnostic tool. This new development promises to reshape how the swine industry combats this devastating disease.

With a generous $1 million grant from USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), researchers from Iowa State have collaborated with other leading agricultural universities to enhance the Swine Disease Reporting System (SDRS). Their creation, the SDRS BLAST Tool, is a web-based platform that allows for the rapid detection of new PRRSV strains by comparing genetic sequences within a vast database.

Dr. Giovani Trevisan, a research assistant professor at Iowa State, spearheads the initiative. "For the first time, we can use private data, while maintaining provider anonymity, to generate actionable insights for stakeholders," he explained. This capability is pivotal not only for managing PRRSV but also for ensuring the sustainability and security of the U.S. pork supply.

The SDRS BLAST Tool is part of a strategic collaboration involving six National Animal Health Laboratory Network-accredited veterinary diagnostic labs, universities, and key industry stakeholders. It manages data on nine infectious agents affecting U.S. swine herds while maintaining confidentiality across all sectors involved.

The economic impact of PRRSV is profound. A 2013 study estimated annual losses at $664 million due to reduced productivity in the U.S. national breeding and growing-pig herd. The emergence of more virulent PRRSV strains has further exacerbated these costs, underscoring the need for such innovative diagnostic tools.

The tool not only facilitates early detection of PRRSV strains but also tracks their geographical spread and evolution. Recently, the tool identified a highly aggressive strain, L1C.5, which first appeared in Minnesota in 2020 and has now been detected in South Carolina – a direct threat to North Carolina's extensive swine breeding operations.

Moreover, the SDRS team is prepared to adapt the BLAST Tool for other pathogens, such as African Swine Fever (ASF), should the need arise. This adaptability could be crucial if ASF breaches U.S. borders, allowing for real-time tracking and response.

Dr. Michelle Colby, national program leader for animal biosecurity at NIFA, emphasized the importance of these advancements. "This project is building vital relationships for endemic disease management and would be crucial in the event of a transboundary or emerging disease threat," she stated.

This tool not only represents a technological leap in veterinary science but also a significant stride towards safeguarding U.S. agriculture and food security. By providing critical epidemiological information, the SDRS BLAST Tool empowers decision-makers, helping them to effectively prevent and control diseases that threaten the pork industry and beyond.

Discover how Iowa State University is leading the fight against PRRSV with a new diagnostic tool funded by a USDA grant. Learn about the SDRS BLAST Tool’s capabilities in rapid disease detection and its potential impact on U.S. pork production and biosecurity.