What condition is commonly associated with PRRS in older pigs?

The condition commonly associated with Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) in older pigs is chronic disease affecting growth rate. PRRS is a viral infection that primarily impacts the respiratory and reproductive systems of pigs. In older animals, the impact of PRRS can lead to long-term health issues, particularly in terms of growth performance.

Infected pigs may exhibit stunted growth or poor weight gain as a result of compromised immune function and respiratory health caused by the virus. This can lead to chronic underperformance in growth rates compared to their healthy counterparts. Consequently, affected pigs often do not reach their full market weight potential, leading to economic losses for producers.

While acute respiratory distress, excessive weight loss, and stress-related disorders may occur in pigs infected with PRRS, they are not as directly associated with the long-term chronic effects on growth rate as the first option. Thus, the understanding of PRRS's impact on growth is crucial for effective management and treatment of affected swine populations.