A new strain of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus is plaguing pig farmers in Ohio and Indiana. PRRS 1-10-4 L1C.5.35 is moving fast through barns and is more aggressive than other strains.
These pigs still get very sick very quickly and get very quiet when this PRRS strain hits, according to Bethany Heitkamp, DVM. The most unusual thing she is seeing is clinical signs in older market pigs, in addition to some aggressive signs in sow units and in nurseries.
Source: PORK, February 9, 2026. Link. Like other disease outbreaks, the best thing any producer can do to slow it down is boost biosecurity efforts.
Winter is a hard time of the year to get some of our biosecurity measures done . . . It’s easy for things to break down, but biosecurity principles are truly the best defense for this virus.” – Bethany Heitkamp, DVM
INSIGHTS: Heitkamp says biosecurity audits and outbreak audits by a third party can be a valuable opportunity for your farm. This may provide some manufacturers and suppliers an opportunity to dedicate audit funds from marketing allowances.
Image: Link.
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