Disease is a major problem in animal production, resulting in reduced performance and animal welfare with rising treatment costs. Genetic selection of pigs that are more resistant and resilient to infection by pathogens is recognized as a promising tool to reduce the impact of disease. The goal of this project is to develop an experimental protocol and generate preliminary data and statistical tools for a large-scale UK-Canada collaborative project that validates and demonstrates the efficacy of genomic predictors for resistance and resilience in pig production systems. The model pathogen used in this study was porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). The novel natural transmission model designed in this study will provide opportunities for new collaborations to further investigate genes implicated in PRRSV transmission and susceptibility. This could ultimately improve animal welfare and decrease production costs, as well as help reduce the environmental impact and threat of antimicrobial resistance in pig production.