News article, 30. June 2023

Update on PRRS control – regional measures

Danish pig producers off to a good start with the ambitious PRRS reduction plan.

Photo: Danish Agriculture & Food Council

It is just over a year ago that the Danish Agriculture & Food Council Pig Research Centre, The Danish Veterinary Association, the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration and the National Association for Danish Pig Producers put forward an ambitious plan to reduce the occurrence of PRRS at Danish pig farms – and it’s got off to a good start. Danish farmers have demonstrated their support and many pig producers, alongside advisers and veterinarians, have already embarked on eradicating PRRS from their local area.

"I’m very proud that with our PRRS plan, we’re once again demonstrating strength and unity in the Danish pig sector. Even before the executive order requiring a herd owner to know their PRRS health status, many pig producers had already embarked on the process with the result that many local areas are now initiating measures to be completely PRRS free,” says Christian Fink Hansen, Sector Director, the Danish Agriculture and Food Council Pig Research Centre.

Health and animal welfare have long been a priority for Danish pig producers and the national PRRS reduction plan is now part of that long history.

Health and welfare is one of Danish pig production’s most important competitive parameters when it comes to selling our products in competitive and quality-conscious markets abroad. It is therefore crucial for us that we make continuous improvements and remain at the forefront when it comes to health and animal welfare. By reducing PRRS, we can reduce our antibiotic usage even further, which is what consumers outside Denmark require,” says Christian Fink Hansen.

PRRS is an airborne disease that can also be transmitted by direct contact. Cooperation between farmers is therefore crucial to break the chains of infection and eradicate the disease. A number of areas have already elected to become PRRS-free, i.e. Zealand, the eastern islands and Funen. Other areas are in the pipeline.

"Collaboration is the key to success if we’re to reduce PRRS. Across Denmark, farmers are currently making plans to rid their respective area of PRRS. It’s impressive to see their commitment and motivation to eradicate the disease and when they succeed, we will again show why Danish pig production is among the best in the world,” says Christian Fink Hansen.