Genetic Breakthrough: PRRS-Resistant Pigs Offer Hope for Farmers

Pigs resistant to Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) have been developed through a gene-editing innovation by PIC, a company with over 60 years in agricultural science. This breakthrough aims to address a persistent issue that has plagued pig farms globally, causing significant economic losses and animal suffering. The PRRS-resistant pigs represent a significant advancement in animal health and welfare.

The impact of PRRS on the U.S. pork industry has been staggering, with losses estimated at $1.2 billion annually between 2016 and 2020. This figure reflects an 80 percent increase compared to a decade earlier, according to research conducted by Dr. Derald Holtkamp, an associate professor at Iowa State University. In the second quarter of 2025, the number of PRRS outbreaks reached the highest level since 2013, highlighting the urgency for effective solutions.

Matt Culbertson, Chief Operating Officer of PIC, emphasized the significance of this genetic innovation. “This isn’t a change to pork; it’s a change to how pigs are protected from a devastating animal disease,” he stated. By targeting the specific genetic location that the PRRS virus uses to infect pigs, the company has enhanced the resilience of these animals.

Consumer Confidence in PRRS-Resistant Pork

Consumer sentiment plays a crucial role in the acceptance of agricultural innovations. To gauge public opinion, PIC collaborated with Circana, a leader in consumer behavior analysis. Their research indicated that pork from PRRS-resistant pigs received a purchase likelihood score above average compared to over 6,000 food products. Notably, female consumers expressed a 90 percent likelihood of purchasing this pork after learning it is indistinguishable in taste and safety from conventional options.

“Circana concept testing boasts a 90%+ accuracy rate in predicting consumer behavior,” said Staci Covkin, Principal of Innovation, Consumer and Shopper Insights at Circana. The positive reception suggests that this innovation could lead to a successful market introduction.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted approval for the gene editing used to create PRRS-resistant pigs in April 2025. Additionally, countries such as Colombia, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, and Argentina have recognized these pigs as non-GMO, allowing them to be regulated on par with traditional pigs.

Rigorous Approval Process Ensures Safety

Achieving FDA approval required extensive research and testing over several years. Culbertson noted, “Earning FDA approval was a years-long process, involving rigorous review of third-party research and multiple generations of pigs.” This development adds to a growing list of FDA-sanctioned gene edits in agriculture, alongside more than 40 approved for human health.

PIC’s commitment to advancing agricultural practices through scientific innovation has been evident over its six-decade history. The company operates in over 40 countries, focusing on delivering improved genetics and more efficient livestock. As a subsidiary of Genus, a UK-based animal genetics leader, PIC continues to pioneer solutions aimed at enhancing global food security.

For more information about this groundbreaking development, visit PRRSResistantPig.com.