North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) Practice Test

Segregated early weaning is a key measure for controlling Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) in infected swine herds. This strategy involves removing piglets from sows at an earlier age than typical, usually around 2-3 weeks of age, and raising them in a different environment. By doing this, the piglets are less likely to be exposed to the virus carried by their mothers, who may still be shedding the virus.

This approach allows for the break in the transmission cycle of PRRS virus, reducing the contamination of the environment and protecting the younger animals that are more susceptible to the disease. Additionally, segregated early weaning enables better management of the piglets through enhanced biosecurity measures and allows for the potential of using vaccines more effectively in the growing pigs.

Choosing this method can lead to healthier nursery groups, create a "naïve" population of pigs that can be vaccinated as they enter the nursery stage, and ultimately improve the overall health and productivity of the herd in the long term.