Systematic review of biosecurity interventions for the prevention of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus.

BACKGROUND

A systematic scientific literature review was conducted to identify proven interventions for reducing the risk of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) outbreaks on farms to inform decision-making by producers and veterinarians.

METHODS

PubMed, the Journal of Swine Health and Production (ie, JSHAP), and Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (ie, MDPI) journals were searched for PRRSV biosecurity publications from 2004 through March 26, 2026. The authors independently reviewed all manuscripts for inclusion based on peer-reviewed status and scientifically supported, modifiable biosecurity practices or interventions used to prevent PRRSV infection on farms. Non-peer-reviewed publications were excluded. A structured risk-of-bias assessment tool was not applied; the study design was qualitatively assessed based on strength of evidence for each intervention. Results were synthesized through group interventions and tabulated along with supporting references.

RESULTS

48 manuscripts were included from the initial 727 found in the search. The included studies were predominantly observational (n = 29), with the remainder comprising applied research (19). The top 3 scientifically supported PRRSV interventions were washing trucks after housing PRRSV-positive animals, filtering incoming air in breeding herds, and implementing a comprehensive farm biosecurity program.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This review provides evidence-based options for veterinarians and producers to design PRRSV biosecurity plans tailored to farm-specific factors. Because most included studies were observational and the risk of bias was assessed qualitatively, findings indicate an association rather than a definitive effect. Even with variable interventions, a comprehensive biosecurity plan provides strong evidence for reducing PRRSV outbreak risk.