Kansas State awarded grant to study swine diseases

Manhattan, Kan.

- Kansas State University researchers committed to solving the problem of swine diseases have been rewarded for their efforts by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to the tune of $4.8 million.

University researchers have been collaborating with other region universities to try and remedy porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome and other swine diseases, which are estimated to cost Kansas pig producers an estimated $15 million per year, since 2004. In recognition of their efforts, the U.S. Department of Agriculture grants will provide $1.2 million annually for the next four years to the Porcine Reproductive Syndrome Coordinated Project.

Other university participants include The Ohio State University, the University of Minnesota and the National Pork Board. They all will be listed as co-directors of the project, according to Kansas State.

Raymond "Bob" Rowland, a Kansas State professor and virologist, will lead the project. He says researchers will study new vaccines against the syndrome and how pig genetics impact treatment. The project's findings will be translated into remedies and management practices that can be used by pig producers, he says.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus is a highly infectious disease that has spread throughout North America, Europe and Asia. It causes a flu-like condition with high fever, loss of appetite and overall deterioration of health. In severe cases, the virus results in the death of reproductive females and newborn pigs, according to description of the disease prepared by the university.