The NC229 project is strategically designed to address pivotal and timely cross-cutting research domains. This renewal’s goals and objectives will be highlighted in the next sections.  

The North American/International PRRS Symposium, stemming from the collaborative efforts of the NC229 profoundly impacts swine virology by fostering global collaboration, showcasing innovation, and generating tangible outcomes that advance disease management, enhance swine health, and guide industry decision-making. We highlight below the impact, innovation, and outcomes that have been partially accomplished and that we hope to further develop in the next five years of this renewal. 

• The NC229 research initiative will shed new insights into swine viral diseases, including PRRS and other endemic and emerging pathogens. 


• Numerous new diagnostic tests and sampling strategies will be developed, collectively enhancing the timely detection and management of swine viral diseases.  


• Several vaccine candidates, marked by enhanced safety and efficacy, will be generated and tested, making a substantial contribution to the successful control of crucial swine viral diseases. 


• Genetic factors associated with the host’s resistance to viral diseases will be identified. This will propel the use of gene-editing technologies in the development of a novel breed of pigs resistant to viruses. 


• Through the North American/International PRRS Symposium, the NC229 group will bring together researchers, veterinary practitioners, and experts from around the world, facilitating a dynamic exchange of knowledge, ideas, and experiences. 


• Also through the North American/International PRRS Symposium, researchers and industry experts will continue to regularly exchange innovative strategies, interventions, and preventive measures to address the evolving challenges posed by swine viral diseases. These innovations drive progress in disease control and management; bringing cross-cutting knowledge to the end-user through extension and educational efforts.