Vets: test for porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) in pigs
Applies to England
Test type and sampling
We recommend you use an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) pooled polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test.
If you do a PCR test, make sure you ask for a pooled PCR test. You must not pool the blood (serum) samples. PCR samples will be pooled at the laboratory according to their testing protocols.
You should sample 30 pigs.
If the farm routinely vaccinates, you should only take samples from vaccinated animals. If you sample non-vaccinated animals, the farm may not be able to complete genetic sequencing when they do the endemic disease follow-up.
Sequencing is not paid for as part of the review.
Test sample laboratory analysis
Send the test sample for analysis to a laboratory that meets one or more of these specifications:
- ISO/IEC 17025 accredited
- UKAS accredited (UK accredited) for an ELISA or PRRS PCR test
A farmer will not be eligible for funding unless samples are tested at a laboratory that meets at least one of these specifications.
Find a recommended laboratory to test for PRRS in pigs.
Test results
You should:
- discuss the test results and any further action with the farmer as part of the review
- include test results in the written report you give to the farmer with appropriate recommendations
The farmer can use the test results for other accreditation schemes they're a member of. The farmer should check with the accreditation scheme that they’ll accept testing from the review.