The RFLP cut pattern for the PRRS virus identified as 1-?-2 from Minnesota publicized this fall has been assigned a number and is now designated as 1-18-2.
According to Dr. Kurt Rossow, pathologist and Associate Professor of Veterinary Population Medicine at the University of Minnesota’s College of Veterinary Medicine, new cut patterns will be assigned numbers as they are identified. The virus will be assigned the next number and practitioners will be notified using the AASV e-Letter.
Dr. Rossow reminds practitioners "that the RFLP cut pattern is not a good indicator of viral relatedness and is used primarily as a convenient name." Cut pattern numbers will continue to be assigned as the use of a "?" or a "_" has had negative connotations to some people.
Anyone with additional questions can contact Dr. Rossow at rosso003@umn.edu.