Prevention and Control of Porcine Blue Ear Disease

Porcine Blue Ear Disease, also known as Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS), is a significant disease in swine. Below are relevant measures for its prevention, control, and treatment:

Prevention and Control Measures

● Biosecurity:

○ Implement strict access control for pig farms. Prohibit unauthorized entry of personnel and vehicles.

○ All personnel entering the farm must change into work clothes and shoe covers, undergo disinfection and showering.

○Vehicles must undergo comprehensive spray disinfection and tire disinfection.

○Regularly clean and disinfect pig pens, breeding equipment, etc. Disinfectants such as peracetic acid or glutaraldehyde can be used.

● Vaccination:

○ Select appropriate vaccines based on the farm's specific situation, such as classical PRRS vaccines or highly pathogenic PRRS vaccines.

○ Piglets: Primary vaccination usually at 3-4 weeks old, followed by a booster vaccination 3 weeks later.

○ Replacement Gilts: Vaccinate once 1 month before breeding and boost once 1 month before farrowing.

○Sows: Immunization synchronized with pregnancy (farrowing groups), vaccinate once 1 month before farrowing.

● Herd Management:

○ Provide high-quality feed and clean drinking water.

○ Maintain suitable temperature, humidity, and ventilation in pig pens.

○ Reduce stocking density and minimize stress factors.

○ Conduct daily health monitoring of the herd to promptly identify and handle abnormal pigs.

Treatment Measures

● Supportive Care:

○ Isolate affected pigs.

○ Provide a warm, dry, and quiet environment.

○Supplement nutrition and electrolytes to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance.

○ For pigs with respiratory symptoms, drugs like aminophylline can be used to alleviate breathing difficulties.

● Medication:

○ Add appropriate antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin, florfenicol) to feed or water to prevent secondary bacterial infections.

○Certain traditional Chinese herbal preparations, such as Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) or Shuanghuanglian, can also be used to enhance the pigs' immunity and aid recovery.

The key to controlling PRRS lies in prevention. Once the disease breaks out, treatment efficacy is often limited. Therefore, farms should strictly implement all prevention and control measures to reduce the occurrence and spread of this disease.