New thermo-assisted technology knocks out livestock virus

07/01/2004

FRANKLIN, Ky.—Thermo-Assisted Drying and Decontamination (TADD) is a new technology under development by PIC USA (www.pic.com) to reduce disease transmission associated with livestock trailer transportation.

Compared to industry-standard drying procedures, the drying process incorporates controlled heat and airflow to quickly eliminate pathogens that are especially harmful to pigs—particularly the devastating PRRS virus—while in transport. The TADD process involves raising the interior temperature of trailers to 160 degrees F for 30 minutes, completely degrading the virus regardless of weather conditions.

Research findings have determined that the use of the TADD system is as effective as overnight drying treatment but requires far less downtime. In a series of 10 replicates, the TADD system reportedly produced a 100 percent success rate in eliminating PRRSv pathogen strains in the trailer after a 30-minute period.

Other methods tested included forced air with no heat (6 out of 10 virus positives), washing only (10 out of 10 positives), and overnight drying (zero positives). Researchers note, however, that the overnight drying method's success is often influenced by temperature and humidity.

PIC says it has released all design, validation and performance data on TADD into the public domain for unrestricted use by all pork industry participants.