Stability of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus in the presence of fomites commonly found on farms.

Objective: To determine the survival of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) on nonliving substances (fomites) at 25 to 27 C.
Design: Prospective controlled study.
Sample Population: 3 solid, 6 porous, and 7 liquid fomites.
Procedure: The fomites were contaminated with known concentrations of PRRSV. Samples for virus isolation were obtained on day 0 through day 11, assayed in cell cultures, and stained with fluorescent antibody conjugate.
Results: The virus was recovered only on day-0 samples of alfalfa, wood shavings, straw, plastic, boot rubber, and stainless steel. Virus was isolated from city water through day 11, from well water through day 9, and from 2 buffer solutions for 4 and 6 days. The virus was isolated only on day 0 from swine saliva, urine, and fecal slurry.
Clinical Implications: Results indicated that PRRSV is a fairly labile virus, but because of its duration of viability in water, contamination of drinking water and lagoons by PRRSV-shedding swine would serve as sources of virus to infect susceptible swine.