Further assessment of fomites and personnel as vehicles for the mechanical transport and transmission of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus

This study re-evaluated the role of fomites and personnel in the mechanical transport and transmission of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) between pig populations. Swabs were collected from hands, boots, coveralls, and other fomites following contact with infected pigs and compared with identical samples collected in the absence of PRRSV exposure. Naïve pigs were provided contact with contaminated fomites/personnel and blood tested periodically post-exposure [positive exposure population (PEP)] and compared with populations that did not gain exposure via these routes [negative exposure population (NEP)]. The majority of swab samples from hands, coveralls, and boots from personnel and fomite samples (cable snare and bleeding equipment) following contact with the PRRSV-infected Source Population. Transmission of PRRSV to the PEP was observed (7/7) cases but not in the NEP. In conclusion, under the proper conditions, transport and transmission of PRRSV by fomites and personnel may occur between swine populations in the absence of intervention.