@article{1400,
  keywords = {ORF5, cluster, phylogenetic analysis, molecular epidemiology},
  author = {T Frey and A Richter and J Skrypski and C Schärfe and M Hoferer},
  title = {Molecular epidemiology as an effective tool for the diagnosis and control of PRRSV infections in pig farms, illustrated using five cases},
  abstract = {The porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) has had a great economic impact on pig production in Germany. Repeated outbreaks with severe clinical cases and great economic losses in affected farms are reported. Due to the particularly high mutation rate of the PRRSV, molecular epidemiology plays an essential role in the diagnosis of PRRSV. In this study, 279 PRRSV isolates were initially detected by quantitative reverse transcription PCR, sequenced and then compared within each genotype. Of the isolates investigated, 234 belonged to genotype I and 45 to genotype II. On the basis of a cut-off value of 97% for assessment of homology, 110 genotype I clusters and seven genotype II clusters could be generated. Data from analyses on homology between isolates combined with supportive epidemiological data provided by a questionnaire allowed sources of PRRSV infections in pig farms to be traced. With help of 5 case studies, possible ways of PRRSV transmission into farms are described. There was a high probability that these farms were affected by pathogen transmission by air, semen or transportation vehicles. Pathogen transmission by new gilts could mostly be ruled out in one case and a possible virus circulation within a farm over a period of several years could be shown in another case.},
  year = {2017},
  journal = {Berliner und Münchener Tierärztliche Wochenschrift},
  volume = {130},
  month = {01/2017},
  publisher = {Schlütersche Verlagsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG},
  address = {Hannover},
  issn = {0005-9366},
  doi = {10.2376/0005-9366-16036},
  language = {English},
}