Farm characteristics and sero‐prevalence of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) antibodies in pigs of Nepal

BACKGROUND: Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome is a highly infectious disease of swine caused by PRRS virus (PRRSV). OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prevalence of PRRSV antibodies in the four districts of hilly and terai regions of Nepal. Toassess the farm characteristics through a questionnaire interview of farmersregarding management practices and PRRS. METHODS: A cross‐sectional study was conducted from July 2020 to June 2021 to determine the sero‐prevalence of PRRSV in pigs. A total of 180 porcine serum samples were collected from 23 pig farms and tested for PRRSV antibodies by ELISA. Alongside, farm characteristics were also assessed through questionnaire to determine the level of biosecurity measures in the farm, knowledge of the disease and possible control mechanisms. RESULTS: Out of 180 samples, 37 were tested positive resulting the overall sero‐prevalence of 20.5%. There was significant association between different districts (p < 0.05) and PRRS prevalence. Prevalence of PRRSV antibody was found higher in Kaski district (10.5%) followed by Sunsari (8.8%) district. Based on age groups, highest prevalence was found in age groups of above 18 months (9.4%), followed by 13–18 months age groups (7.7%). Regarding the knowledge level of the disease, 43% of the farmers responded that they have heard about the disease. Biosecurity practices in the farm was found very poor where only 40% of the farms had disinfectant at the entrance of the farm and 25% pig farmers were found using separate boots while dealing with pigs. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study reveal the presence of PRRSV antibodies in pigs of Nepal. In addition poor biosecurity measures, management practices and poor knowledge level about the disease among farmers highly affect in the control and prevention of disease thereby affecting the pig production and productivity. Therefore, government should develop and implement effective control measures and biosecurity programs.