Farm Animals

Pig PRRS Disease and Welfare

Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) is one of the most economically and welfare-significant diseases in pig farming worldwide, causing severe suffering.

Key Facts

PRRS costs the global pig industry billions annually through mortality and production losses
The virus causes reproductive failure in sows and respiratory disease in growing pigs
Infected piglets may show laboured breathing, lethargy, and high mortality rates
PRRS is endemic in many major pig-producing countries and difficult to eradicate
Improved biosecurity and vaccination are the primary control tools available

Welfare Considerations

PRRS inflicts substantial suffering: infected pigs experience respiratory distress, fever, and systemic illness. Sows abort or produce weak piglets. Good disease surveillance, rapid diagnosis, and comprehensive vaccination programmes reduce welfare impacts significantly.

What You Can Do

Support farms with verified PRRS control programmes
Advocate for investment in improved PRRS vaccines
Choose pork from farms with strong biosecurity records
Learn about the welfare impacts of endemic pig diseases