Update PRRS Host Genetics Consortium

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is the most important infectious disease threatening pig production worldwide. The PRRS Host Genetics Consortium (PHGC) was established to probe the role of host genetics in resistance to PRRSV infection and related growth effects. The PHGC uses a nursery pig model; to date, 15 groups of 200 commercial crossbred pigs have been infected with 2 isolates of PRRSV and followed for 42 days post infection (dpi). Results affirmed that all pigs become PRRSV infected with peak viremia from 4-21 dpi. Sera and RNA from pigs in selected high/low viral load and weight gain categories have been analyzed for immune and genetic factors involved in viral replication and recovery from infection. Current progress on gene and protein expression data based on Pigoligoarray, RNA-seq and fluorescent multiplex immunoassays will be summarized. Combined with the genetic data (presented next by J Reecy) these analyses should identify biomarkers that distinguish PRRS resistant/maximal growth pigs from PRRS susceptible/reduced growth pigs. PHGC funding: US National Pork Board, USDA ARS and NIFA, NRSP8 Swine Genome and Bioinformatics Coordinators, Genome Alberta/ALMA, Genome Canada, and private companies.