Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Global spread of PRRS virus in pigs and wild boars
By Graziosi G et al.·2026·Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Italy·View original on Europe PMC →
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Original publication title: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Global Seroprevalence of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Virus (PRRSV) in Pigs and Wild Boars: A Widespread and Impactful Swine Virus.
- Species:
- pig
Plain-English summary
Porcine reproductive and respiratory virus (PRRSV) is a virus that can cause serious health problems and economic losses in pig farming. A recent study looked at how common this virus is in pigs and wild boars around the world by reviewing data from many research articles published over several decades. They found that about 14% of the animals tested had been exposed to the virus, with higher rates in Asia and among domestic pigs compared to wild boars. The study highlights the importance of understanding where and how often this virus appears, which can help in planning better ways to monitor and control it in pig populations. Overall, the findings suggest that PRRSV is widespread and that managing animal density could be key to reducing its impact.
Abstract
Porcine reproductive and respiratory virus (PRRSV) has a significant clinical and economic impact on pig farming. The purpose of this study was to assess the global seroprevalence of PRRSV in pigs and wild boars using a systematic review and meta-analysis approach. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a systematic review and meta-analysis on global serological data of PRRSV in pigs and wild boars was conducted. Studies published between 1993 and 2025 were searched in three electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. A total of 86 publications, belonging to 41 countries and including 690,771 animals, were deemed eligible. Following the identification and removal of outlier studies, the pooled serological prevalence was 14% (95% CI: 9-19%), and a high between-study heterogeneity was detected (<i>I</i><sup>2</sup> = 99.9%, <i>p</i> < 0.000001). Subgroup analyses showed statistically significant differences according to continents, with the highest prevalence found in Asia (P: 29%, 95% CI: 16-43%), and species, with a higher prevalence in domestic pigs (P: 26%, 95% CI: 18-35%) than in wild boars (P: 2%, 95% CI: 1-3%). Overall, the information hereby presented provides an overview of the global PRRSV situation and identifies key factors associated with increased prevalence, primarily related to animal density. These insights could inform future surveillance strategies and help target interventions to mitigate the disease burden and safeguard swine health.
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Search related cases →Original publication on Europe PMC: https://europepmc.org/article/MED/41893721