Technology company Visium’s Far-UVC sanitization technology has been installed at five-generation diversified family farm Pig Hill Farms, marking an advancement in the fight against diseases such as Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS). This installation demonstrates Far-UVC’s diverse applications across industries, as it offers effective broad-spectrum biosecurity measures for the livestock industry.

PRRS and other disease threats represent ongoing challenges in the swine industry. PRRS alone costs the US pork industry billions annually, severely impacting pig health, farm productivity and overall industry profitability. The virus is known for its high mutation rate, which allows it to rapidly evolve and evade immunity, making outbreaks particularly challenging to control.

Influenza among pigs is zoonotic, meaning it can be transmitted from animal to animal and even humans. With the Visium light installed in a farrowing room as well as the two main areas all humans and equipment pass through at Pig Hill Farms, the technology is preventative in killing off any contamination that can affect human or pig health.

"Visium's Far-UVC technology represents a game-changer for industries like agriculture, where biosecurity is critical,” said John Rajchert, CEO of Visium. “By minimizing disease risks, and creating a layer of biocontainment, we’re not only cutting operational costs but also enhancing productivity.

"The versatility of Far-UVC allows it to be applied across various sectors, providing continuous air and surface disinfection that protects both people and animals. At Visium, we’re proud to deliver innovative solutions that offer long-term value and peace of mind."

With the recent surge in bird flu cases, now more than ever, Visium provides a critical solution to address livestock health concerns. The CDC reports that over 157 million poultry across all 50 states have been affected by the H5N1 bird flu, causing widespread disruptions in egg production and supply chains. Visium effectively neutralizes pathogens like influenza in occupied spaces reducing risk of infection.

The installation at Pig Hill Farms marks a new approach to disease risk reduction, utilizing human- and animal-safe Far-UVC for biosecurity, biocontainment and bio-exclusion where pathogens are inactivated before reaching the animals, contagious animals are prevented from infecting others and a pathogen-positive barn does not infect the neighboring facility.

"We are excited to learn more about Far-UVC and its opportunity to add another layer to our biosecurity front,” said Chet Mogler, Pig Hill Farm’s managing partner in swine production. “We will continue to explore applications of advancing technologies and add tools such as Far-UVC to our box."

The Visium Sealed fixture offers multifaceted adaptability, translating to substantial cost savings with the potential for greater risk reduction within the barn. Typically, PRRS prevention costs for retrofitting a 5,000-sow facility with traditional filtration systems can exceed $1 million. Visium offers an affordable adjunct or alternative as well as an upgrade for several types of swine facilities, in contrast to a reliance on costly MERV 14-16 filters.

The potential cost savings for pork producers are significant. With the average cost of PRRS impacting US pig farms at $10 or more per pig marketed, this installation offers an innovative way to reduce the burden of overall disease while improving production efficiency and sustainability in areas like finishing.

Source: Visium