Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome, otherwise known as ‘PRRS’ is a costly disease for hog farmers with $500 million in reproductive losses in 2022.
Advancements in gene editing and protein modification have helped breed pigs naturally resistant to PRRS thanks to research out of Kansas State University alongside precision breeding and genetic company, Acceligen.
“Gene editing is one of the most powerful breeding tools that allow us to address some of the biggest challenges facing the pork industry and to create a more sustainable and ethical food system,” Tad Sonstegard, CEO of Acceligen said.
“The PRRS virus is endemic in this country. It’s common in all swine-producing states,” Daniel Linhares, a professor of veterinary diagnostic and production animal medicine at Iowa State University said.
Most producers and their vets have vaccination programs to control production losses but no one has been able to rid the virus all together.
Researchers at Acceligen say these breakthroughs could create a better future for the animals and producers.
“At Acceligen, our goal is to use the best tools for breeding and selection to create a better future for animals, farmers, consumers, and the environment,” Sonstegard said.
Story via Courtney Love with Successful Farming
Farm Journal Foundation Senior Policy Adviser Dr. Stephanie Mercier outlines new research on the top sixteen biosecurity threats in agriculture/
December 10, 2025 01:05 PM
·
Rural employers are slightly more optimistic, but labor shortages and renewed price pressures continue to limit growth across farm country according to a
December 10, 2025 11:56 AM
·
December 10, 2025 11:03 AM
Stable U.S. fundamentals continue for major crops, but global adjustments in corn, soybeans, wheat, and cotton may influence early-2026 pricing.
December 10, 2025 10:31 AM
·
Tariff relief and new trade agreements may temper food costs by reducing import costs.
December 09, 2025 11:55 AM
·
Grain farms still have strong balance sheets, but another stretch of low profits will force hard cost cuts, especially on high-rent, highly leveraged operations.
December 09, 2025 11:41 AM
·
Tight Credit, Strong Yields Define Early December Agriculture
December 08, 2025 07:30 PM
·
Lewie Pugh with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) discusses the gap in truck driver education programs and how it impacts road safety and supply chain economics.
December 08, 2025 03:49 PM
·
Cattle imports from Mexico remain stalled amid the New World screwworm outbreak. At the same time, Tyson closures add pressure on Nebraska producers and markets ahead of the USDA’s upcoming Cattle on Feed Report.
December 08, 2025 01:55 PM
·
