The clinical features of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) include two separate pathologies: reproductive failure in sows (mainly characterised by abortions, mummified foetuses and weak-born piglets) and respiratory disease in young pigs.
The disease was noted for first time in the late 1980s and the causative agent was isolated in 1991.
Nowadays, PRRS is prevalent in most countries and exists in epidemic and endemic forms. A recent study estimated losses in the United States at $668 million annually, exclusive of indirect costs.
