New Rule Requires Pigs to Have PRRS Permit When Entering WI
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 02/08/2013
Starting next month, swine entering Wisconsin must be accompanied by an import permit to protect the hog industry from the spread of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome.
According to State Agriculture Secretary Ben Brancel, a veterinarian must disclose the PRRS status of the herd of origin, if known, with a statement on the certificate of veterinary inspection.
"The value of the genetics of hog breeders in Wisconsin requires that we protect the industry from this devastating disease," Brancel said. "The first step toward providing this protection is having knowledge of the status of PRRS in the pigs entering the state."
PRRS is a virus that causes reproductive failure in breeding stock and respiratory illness in young pigs. Subclinical infections are common. First reported in North America in 1987, it is estimated that the disease costs the United States swine industry over $600 million annually.
The new import permit will have no cost to the producer. The process involves the producer, veterinarian or clinic staff filling out the general import permit application form.
