Today we are sharing a recent publication from the Corzo and the Goyal labs regarding the potential of PRRS groundwater contamination based on different types of Minnesotan soils. The entire paper is available on the journal website in open access.
Methods
- Three different strains of PRRSV were used (from lineages L1C.5, L1A, L1G)
- Thirteen soil types, including 6 from cropland near a swine facility, all from MN were tested
- After percolation, the solutions were titrated on cell cultures.
Findings
- The evaluated soils varied in composition, including farm soil, clay, sand, loam.
- All strains of PRRSV were found after percolation. However, the larger the amount of soil, the less virus isolated.
- PRRSV strains from lineage L1C.5 and L1A were significantly less recovered than the PRRSV strain from lineage L1G.
- Soils characterized as Loamy Sand, Silty Clay, Sandy Clay Loan, and Silt Loan had significantly higher viral titers when compared to one of the farm soil samples.
Abstract
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is an endemic disease affecting the swine industry. The disease is caused by the PRRS virus (PRRSV). Despite extensive biosecurity and control measures, the persistence and seasonality of the virus have raised questions about the virus’s environmental dynamics during the fall season when the yearly epidemic onset begins and when crop harvesting and manure incorporation into the field occur. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the potential for PRRSV to percolate through different soil types, simulating conditions that could lead to groundwater contamination which could represent a risk of herd introduction. An experimental soil column model was used to mimic field conditions. Three PRRSV-2 strains were tested across thirteen Minnesota soils with different physical and chemical characteristics. The findings revealed that PRRSV can percolate through all soil types and that the amount of virus percolated decreases with increased amounts of soil. These results suggest that PRRSV can percolate through different soil types. Further investigations should be undertaken to determine the associated implications for swine health and biosecurity measures.