MALF Launches Surveillance Following Suspicion of PRRS at Local Pig Farm

July 08, 2025:- Chaguanas, Trinidad – The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries wishes to inform the public about the suspicion of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) at a pig farm in North Trinidad. PRRS, also known as blue ear disease, is a serious condition affecting domestic pigs, characterized by reproductive failure (abortion, stillbirths, infertility), respiratory symptoms (pneumonia, coughing, sneezing), and increased susceptibility to secondary bacterial infections. It is important to note that PRRS is NOT a zoonotic disease and poses no threat to food safety and human health. Local pork remains safe for human consumption.

 

At this time, we are working with the suspected premises and the situation is given the highest priority regarding disease containment and investigation.

 

A nationwide surveillance program on pig farms has been implemented by our veterinary team to determine if/how far the disease has spread. We are still awaiting country-wide results, which will determine our course of action for this situation.

 

Our Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory is well equipped to carry out the required testing locally.

 

Pig farmers should use this time to enhance the biosecurity practices on their premises. These measures include, but are not limited to:

• Ensuring only healthy pigs with proper records are allowed to enter your farms
• Quarantine of new stock for at least 3 weeks
• Placing wheel baths at the entrance of premises and foot baths (containing bleach [1 part bleach to 9 parts water] or any other broad spectrum virucidal disinfectant at the recommended dilution/concentration) at the entrance of each pen/section
• Sanitizing all vehicles and personnel prior to entry
• Do not allow non-essential visitors on the premises
• Keeping records of all personnel and visitors
• Keeping premises as clean as possible
• Ensuring pest control measures are in place
• Avoid sharing equipment between farms

 

It is important to note that pork meat remains safe for human consumption, as PRRS has not been shown to cause illness in humans. However, pigs should not be fed pork meat, as they can become infected with the disease via this practice.

 

If pigs are displaying signs of illness and/or mortality, do not sell or purchase these animals, and contact your county Veterinary Officer as soon as possible during the hours 8:00am-4:00pm Monday-Friday and they will advise accordingly.

 

County Offices Contact:

• George East (Wallerfield) – 220-6253 Ext. 5078
• George West – 662-5986
• Caroni – 671-1861
• Patrick – 647-8871
• Victoria/Nariva/Mayaro – 665-8410/665-3428
• Andrews – 668-2712

 

 

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