Evaluation of systems for reducing the transmission of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus by aerosol.
The purpose of this study was to compare 3 methods for the reduction of aerosol transmission of Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV): high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration, low-cost filtration, and ultraviolet light (UV) irradiation. The HEPA-filtration system involved a pre-filter screen, a bag filter (EU8 rating), and a HEPA filter (EU13 rating). The low-cost-filtration system contained mosquito netting (pre-filter), a fiberglass furnace filter, and an electrostatic furnace filter. For UV irradiation, a lamp emitted UVC radiation at 253.7 nm. No form of intervention was used in the control group. The experimental facilities consisted of 2 chambers connected by a 1.3-m-long duct. Recipient pigs, housed in chamber 2, were exposed to artificial aerosols created by a mechanically operated mister containing modified live PRRSV vaccine located in chamber 1. Aerosol transmission of PRRSV occurred in 9 of the 10 control replicates, 8 of the 10 UVC-irradiation replicates, 4 of the 10 low-cost-filtration replicates, and 0 of the 10 HEPA-filtration replicates. When compared with no intervention, HEPA filtration and low-cost filtration significantly reduced PRRSV transmission (P < 0.0005 and = 0.0286, respectively), whereas UV irradiation had no effect (P = 0.5). However, low-cost filtration and UV irradiation were significantly less effective (P = 0.043 and P < 0.0005, respectively) than HEPA filtration. In conclusion, under the conditions of this study, HEPA filtration was significantly more effective at reducing aerosol transmission of PRRSV than the other methods evaluated.
Swine Disease Eradication Center, 385C Animal Science/Veterinary Medicine Building, University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, 1988 Fitch Avenue, St. Paul, Minnesota 55108, USA. deexx004@umn.edu
Scott A
SA
Dee
Laura
L
Batista
John
J
Deen
Carlos
C
Pijoan
D000336:Aerosols; D000391:Air Microbiology; D000818:Animals; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D018562:Disease Transmission, Infectious / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*; D005374:Filtration / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D019318:Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission*; D019316:Porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome virus / Q000472:pathogenicity / Q000528:radiation effects; D011897:Random Allocation; D013552:Swine; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
D000336:Aerosols