PIC Unveils PRRS-Resistant Pigs to Combat $1.2 Billion Disease

Research from PIC, a leader in agricultural innovation, has introduced a significant breakthrough in combating Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS). This disease has plagued pig farmers globally, leading to substantial economic losses and animal suffering. The newly developed PRRS-resistant pig promises to enhance the resilience of livestock while reducing the impact of this debilitating illness.

According to recent studies, PRRS has cost the U.S. pork industry approximately $1.2 billion annually from 2016 to 2020, marking an 80% increase in associated losses over the previous decade. Dr. Derald Holtkamp, an associate professor at Iowa State University, noted that the second quarter of 2025 recorded the highest number of PRRS outbreaks among pigs during critical growth phases since 2013. This alarming trend underscores the urgency for effective solutions.

Matt Culbertson, Chief Operating Officer at PIC, emphasized that the new pigs represent a change in protection rather than in the meat itself. “By removing the single genetic spot where the PRRS virus infects the pig, we have helped pigs become more resilient,” he stated. This gene-editing innovation does not classify as a genetically modified organism (GMO) since no foreign genes were added; rather, it enhances the health of pigs through traditional breeding methods.

Consumer Support and Regulatory Approval

To gauge consumer sentiment regarding this innovation, PIC partnered with Circana, a leading advisor on consumer behavior. The results showed that pork from PRRS-resistant pigs received a notable purchase likelihood score, particularly among female consumers, with 90% expressing willingness to buy the product upon learning it maintains the same taste and safety as conventional pork.

Culbertson highlighted the rigorous nature of the approval process for the gene editing used in developing these pigs. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted approval in April 2025, after extensive reviews of third-party research and multiple pig generations. The positive determinations from countries such as Colombia, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, and Argentina further validate this advancement, as they recognize these pigs as non-GMO and will regulate them similarly to other livestock.

Impact on the Pork Industry

The introduction of PRRS-resistant pigs has the potential to transform the pork industry. Eliminating PRRS will lead to lower antibiotic usage, improved animal welfare, and reduced environmental impacts. The innovation aligns with PIC’s longstanding commitment to scientific progress and responsible agriculture.

For more than 60 years, PIC has focused on enhancing genetic traits in livestock, continually striving for improvements that benefit farmers and consumers alike. As a subsidiary of Genus, PIC operates in over 40 countries, contributing to global efforts in sustainable food production.

This advancement not only represents a significant milestone for pig farming but also highlights the potential for scientific innovation in addressing pressing agricultural challenges. For further information, visit PRRSResistantPig.com.