Currently, U.S. pork producers rely on particulate filters installed on hog barn ventilation air intakes to limit the spread of the virus that causes porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRSv). The use of these filters can be a costly solution because they must be replaced periodically and require adequate ventilation fan power. In addition, some barns require retrofitting to establish the necessary air-tight building envelope without increasing the risk of animal heat stress. The use of non-thermal plasma may be a less expensive and reliable method of controlling PRRSv.
- PRRSv is estimated to cost U.S. pork producers $660M annually.
- Pork is the #1 food protein in China, which raises 5X as many swine as the U.S. annually.
