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Preventing PEDv spread during fair season

As we get into summer, pig shows and county fairs are becoming more frequent.  Indiana state veterinarian Dr. Bret Marsh says the Board of Animal Health has been in communication with the state 4-H, extension educators, and exhibitors about the concern of spreading the Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus.  “We have not proposed from the agency to limit or restrict exhibitions,” he says.  “As a matter of fact we put a statement out just to explain to everyone that we’re strongly recommending biosecurity or education.  But we haven’t’ proposed to postpone or cancel shows.”

Marsh tells Brownfield if pigs exhibit clinical signs of PEDv not to bring the animals to the exhibition.  And, he says, exhibitors need to implement high biosecurity measures both on and off the farm.  “They need to isolate pigs when they bring them back home from exhibition,” he says.  “Other suggestions he has is wash your clothing as soon as you get home, don’t share equipment with other exhibitors, clean vehicles that have been to exhibitions before they go back onto the farm, and those types of security measures.”

Marsh says BOAH has recommended that if shows are concerned about the spread of PEDv or other diseases they may consider going to terminal shows.

AUDIO: Bret Marsh, BOAH (2:00mp3)