PRRSV Spanish Strains

PRRSV-1 Virus (Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus – European Strain, incl. Rosalia)

PRRSV-1(Type 1 European strain) is a major cause of reproductive and respiratory disease in pigs, responsible for significant production losses worldwide. Within this genotype, the Rosalia strain has emerged as a notable variant, associated with increased virulence and recent outbreaks in parts of Europe.

Clinical signs associated with PRRSV-1 infection include:

• Sows and breeding animals: abortion storms, weak-born piglets, return to oestrus
• Growers and finishers: interstitial pneumonia, fever, inappetence, and increased mortality
• Rosalia strain in particular may cause more severe systemic disease and increased viral shedding

Transmission:

• Direct contact, aerosol, semen, or contaminated fomites
• Transplacental infection during late gestation

qPCR testing provides:

• Highly sensitive and specific detection of PRRSV-1 RNA, including the Rosalia strain, from serum, tissue (lung, tonsil), oral fluids, or semen
• Essential for outbreak investigation, early detection, and monitoring virulent variants
• Enables differentiation from PRRSV-2 and may assist in variant strain typing depending on assay design

This test supports:

• Herd health monitoring and vaccination strategy evaluation
• Pre-entry testing for breeding stock
• Enhanced surveillance during regional outbreaks or variant circulation

Early and accurate detection of PRRSV-1, including emerging strains like Rosalia, is vital for disease control, biosecurity, and minimising reproductive and respiratory losses.