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.
Dee
Scott A
SA
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
Batista
Laura
L
Deen
John
J
Pijoan
Carlos
C
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