| Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is a widespread and economically devastating disease affecting the swine industry. The causative agent of PRRS is a single stranded positive sense RNA virus. Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is transmitted though insemination with infected semen, pig-to-pig contact, and aerosols.; In this study, a real-time PCR assay that targeted the 3'UTR region of the PRRSV genome, was developed for the detection and quantification of PRRSV in serum and semen.; The next objective was to determine the quantity of PRRSV within semen and serum samples from experimentally infected boars, and determine whether there is a correlation between viral loads in serum and semen.; This study also determined the time course of shedding in boars that are persistently infected with PRRSV up to 96 days after infection.; The final objective was to determine whether PRRSV genetic changes might be related to viral persistence. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)... |
