Purpose: To screen small pig strains sensitive to highly pathogenic porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (HP-PRRSV) for the evaluation of HP-PRRS live vaccines.
Method: In this study, Lantang pigs, Potentilla hemp miniature pigs, Bama miniature pigs, Wuzhishan miniature pigs (white line) were selected to inoculate the highly virulent PRRSV NVDC-JXA1 strain, and local binary cross pigs were used as controls. After the challenge, the animals’ spirit, appetite, death, etc. were observed every day. The dead animals were subjected to necropsy, and lung tissues were used for RT-PCR to detect the virus. The observation was continued for 5 weeks. At the end of the test, the sera of surviving animals were used to detect PRRSV antibodies.
Results: After the challenge, animals in each group showed depression, appetite loss, and death. RT-PCR tests of dead animals were positive, and PRRSV antibody tests of surviving animals were positive. In terms of mortality, Bama minipigs and Wuzhishan minipigs white lines have the highest sensitivity to the virulent PRRSV NVDC-JXA1 strain, and the sensitivity is higher than that of the control binary crossbred pigs.
Conclusion: Bama minipigs and Wuzhishan minipig white lines are sensitive to HP-PRRSV and can be used for HP-PRRS live vaccine testing.