Continued Funding to Tackle Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome in Scotland

Strategic Insights -

Scotland's government has allocated £309,600 in funding for 2025-26 to combat the incurable pig disease Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS). This money will support the continuation of a project aimed at eradicating PRRS from Scotland, which is estimated to cost the UK farming industry £52 million annually. The disease affects around 40% of pig herds in Scotland, causing severe respiratory issues, increased mortality, and reproductive problems. A mobile app has been developed to help farmers prevent the spread of the disease and improve biosecurity standards.

Key Takeaways:

  • The project aims to eradicate PRRS from Scotland, which is estimated to cost the UK farming industry £52 million per year.
  • PRRS affects around 40% of pig herds in Scotland, causing severe respiratory issues, increased mortality, and reproductive problems.
  • The project has developed a mobile app to help farmers prevent the spread of the disease and improve biosecurity standards.
  • The app maps where the disease is located, educates farmers on prevention, and collects data to calculate averages for different types of farms and countries.
  • The funding will be managed by Wholesome Pigs Ltd, a not-for-profit company owned by commercial pig farmers in Scotland.
  • The project will focus on regional control and elimination efforts, directed by five farmer-led groups using state-of-the-art disease mapping systems.
  • The funding will allow the project to continue for another year, building on the progress made in the first year.
  • The project aims to improve animal health and welfare standards, reduce veterinary medicine use, and increase productivity through practical solutions.
  • Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie has confirmed the continued funding, stating that the project will have a significant impact on the pig industry and Scottish agriculture.

Statistics:

  • £52 million (estimated annual cost of PRRS to the UK farming industry)
  • 40% (proportion of pig herds in Scotland affected by PRRS)
  • £309,600 (funding allocated by the Scottish government for 2025-26)
  • 1 year (duration of the project's first year)
  • 5 (number of farmer-led groups directing regional control and elimination efforts)
  • State-of-the-art disease mapping systems (used by the project to inform decisions)

Sources:

  • [Scottish Government]
  • [Visit and contact Ruchlaw Mains pig farm]
  • [Wholesome Pigs Ltd]
  • [APHA Science Blog]
  • [Combat Web App]
  • [Striving for Healthier Pigs: Tackling Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome]