Home: Veterinary Services: Animal Health: DISEASE INFORMATION: PRRS
Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) photo gallery
Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) is a virus that causes a disease of pigs, called Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS). This economically important pandemic disease causes reproductive failure in breeding stock and respiratory tract illness in young pigs. Initially referred to as "mystery swine disease," it was first reported in 1987 in North America and Central Europe.
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The photographs below depict the most obvious clinical signs of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS). These photographs were taken on the affected property in the Kuilsriver disctrict where more than 30% of sows aborted and numerous weaners and growers developed severe pneumonia.
If any of these signs are detected, please get in contact with:
- Dr. Gary Bührmann, State Veterinarian Boland (021 808 5026 or 083 642 0602)
- Dr. Pieter Koen, Deputy Director Animal Health (021 808 5052 or 082 907 2808)
- or report it to your nearest Veterinarian or Animal Health Technician.
Hover on photographs to see a larger version.
Reproductive:
Early abortions - moderate embryo / piglet mortalities
Early abortions - moderate embryo / piglet mortalities
Abortion rate rises rapidly
Aborted foetuses
Aborted foetus
Sows lose condition rapidly after aborting
Sows lose condition rapidly after aborting
Some animals may show skin lesions / blue ears
Some animals may show skin lesions / blue ears
Respiratory:
Earliest signs in weaner/growers are generalised reddening of skin and swollen red eyes
Earliest signs in weaner/growers are generalised reddening of skin and swollen red eyes
More specific skin lesions develop on ears as disease progresses
More specific skin lesions develop on ears as disease progresses
If animals recover from pneumonia, very dramatic skin lesions develop on the ears and body
If animals recover from pneumonia, very dramatic skin lesions develop on the ears and body
Some animals progressively worsen and die
Some animals progressively worsen and die
Skin lesions in piglet recovering
Skin lesions in piglet recovering
