Simulation of control scenarios of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome in Nghe An Province in Vietnam

The main objective of this study was to develop various models using North American Animal Disease Spread Model (NAADSM) to simulate the transmission of Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus between farms in Nghe An Province in Vietnam in order to inform the prevention and control of this important disease. Using real data from the household survey, credible parameters for direct/indirect mean contact rates between different farms were estimated. A total of eleven models were developed, including immunization scenarios. In addition, we conducted sensitive analysis on how the mean contact rates influenced the results. The immunization scenarios showed that a high proportion of pigs in medium size farms needs to be vaccinated in order to reduce the transmission to pigs in small farms under the Vietnamese pig production system. In order to promote the use of vaccinations, incentives (such as a vaccine subsidy) for medium size farms may be needed. It could be the most cost-effective control and prevention strategy for pig diseases in Vietnam. Our study provides insights on how pig diseases can be spread between pig farms via direct and indirect contact in Nghe An under the various hypothetical scenarios. Our results suggest that medium/large farms may play an important role in the transmission of pig diseases.