DES MOINES, Iowa – June 4, 2025 – A groundbreaking study from the University of Minnesota Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, sponsored by AAF International, a member of the Daikin Group, and global leader in air filtration solutions, has revealed that air filtration systems can dramatically reduce the occurrence of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) in U.S. breeding herds. The results of this independent research initiative were announced today to attendees of the World Pork Expo 2025 in Des Moines, Iowa.
A comprehensive longitudinal study analyzed 16 years of data from 413 sow farms participating in the University’s Morrison Swine Health Monitoring Project (MSHMP), spanning the period from 2009 to 2024. The research represents more than 1.5 million sows and, for the first time, compares negative versus positive pressure filtration, while also making a solid financial business case for using air filtration to help reduce the occurrence of PRRSV in breeding herds.
Key Findings:
The study found that farms with commercial air filtration systems experienced significantly lower risk of PRRSV outbreak compared to unfiltered operations:
"PRRSV continues to pose significant challenges to the U.S. swine industry," said Dr. Cesar Corzo, DVM, MS, PhD, University of Minnesota. "While air filtration methods combined with biosecurity measures have demonstrated effectiveness in preventing PRRSV introductions, this study is the first to comprehensively address the impact of different ventilation pressure types while controlling for regional pig density, which is a main risk factor for disease occurrence."
Study Methodology:
The research, led by Dr. Xiaomei Yue, a postdoctoral associate with the Morrison Swine Health Monitoring Project, analyzed breeding herd health status data from 413 sow farms, accounting for 1.5 million sows, including 238 unfiltered operations, 128 farms with negative pressure filtration, and 47 with positive pressure filtration systems. Researchers calculated total PRRSV occurences and weeks at risk for each farm based on air filtration status, while accounting for herd size, the number of farms within a 35-kilometer radius, and the number of pigs in the county.
Using Generalized Additive Models (GAM), the study provided robust statistical evidence while controlling for herd size and regional pig density and comparing filtered versus unfiltered farms within nearby geographic areas.
The findings offer valuable data for swine producers considering air filtration investments. “A single PRRSV occurrence can devastate a farm financially, so this research gives producers evidence-based guidance for implementing air filtration strategies as part of their biosecurity measures to protect their herds from airborne viruses like PRRSV,” comments Dr. Yue.
“For the first time ever, sow farmers can now make a concrete business case for investing in air filtration technology,” said Carlos Lora, Global Director of the Animal Science Division at American Air Filter International. "The numbers don’t lie. In this study, filtration did an excellent job at preventing the risk of PRRSV outbreaks, which is just as much about biosecurity as it is about protecting their businesses.”
American Air Filter International is exhibiting at the World Pork Expo 2025 (Booth #V335), where attendees can learn more about advanced air filtration solutions for swine operations. The full study is currently in peer review and is expected to be published by the end of 2025.
To access the complete study findings and methodology, visit the abstract summary.
About AAF
Headquartered in Louisville, Ky., American Air Filter, AAF International is the world’s largest manufacturer of air filtration solutions, developing and manufacturing a wide variety of solutions that are designed to remove and control airborne particulates and gaseous contaminants in commercial, industrial, cleanroom, transportation, and nuclear power applications. Founded in 1921, AAF has grown into an international standard for innovative products that bring clean air to life for billions of people throughout the globe. www.aafintl.com
About the Daikin Group
Daikin Industries, Ltd., a global Fortune 1000 company established in 1924, pioneers high-quality, energy-efficient heating, cooling, ventilation, air purification, and low global-warming-potential (GWP) refrigerant technology that brings people comfort - at home and at work. The world’s number one air conditioning company, Daikin, operates in 170 countries with approximately 100,000 employees. In the United States, Daikin proudly employs more than 22,000 workers who engineer, design, and assemble industry-leading products across 25 advanced manufacturing sites. Daikin serves Americans coast-to-coast through its nine Research and Development centers, 400+ distribution points, and a nationwide network of local contractors who trust and choose Daikin every day. https://www.daikin.com/corporate
