As veterinarians and researchers gathered for the 20th North American PRRS Symposium they heard from many speakers who shared insights into the virus. One was Dr. John Kolb who is a professional services veterinarian working in the key account section of Boehringer Ingelheim. He talked about the application of a system-based PRRS control methodology which provides a systematic approach for control of PRRS in a region keeping cost in mind and also providing documented, repeatable value to producers.

The control project consisted of three large-scale sow farms in different geographical locations and each showing signs of severe reduction of production. Dr. Kolb shared more about the pool of methods and materials used in control project in an interview. But all herds basically used the same loading and closing of sow farms, vaccination of replacement gilts and all weaned pigs with different protocols.

“It was routine checking of the system. Until you test, you don’t really know what’s going on,” said Dr. Kolb. “It was about focusing on the teams at different levels: the sow farm team, the nursery team and finishing teams. Helping them to understand how PRRs virus would act in their population and the things that they could do to change that.”

The results proved the methodology worked. All farms demonstrated significant improvements in average daily gain and mortality. Utilizing herd closure and modified-live vaccines can mitigate the infection and improve health and performance.

Listen to my complete interview with Dr. Kolb to hear the key lessons learned from the PRRS control project here: Interview with Dr. John Kolb, Boehringer Ingelheim

Find all the photos from the event here: 2014 BIVI PRRS Seminar Photo Album