Special Report

PEDv found on Canadian hog farm

Canada has its first reported case of the Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus.  A farrow to finish operation in Ontario was confirmed with the virus last week.

Dr. Bret Marsh, Indiana state veterinarian and a member a national PEDv strategy group says Canada has been monitoring its herds closely after the first confirmed case in the US last May.  “The reports here this morning say the Canadian government is working with the industry trying to determine where it may have come from and trying to contain it as well,” he says.  “We hope they are successful there.  We have certainly been challenged in the United States.”

Marsh tells Brownfield USDA and the Canadian government will have to decide if there are any issues moving products across the border.  “Even though the United States had it diagnosed in May of last year there haven’t been restrictions on movement of product across the Canadian border,” he says.  “So I’m hopeful we can keep that product moving at the same time they are trying to identify where this virus came from and how we may be able to curtail its movement.”

He says he’s encouraged by the research that has been done by the National Pork Board.  “That includes immunity in sow farms, longevity of the virus in the environment, and another of other studies,” he says.  “I’m encouraged by the work they have funded in hopes that we can find some other answers to contain this virus – including the use of vaccines.”

In the meantime, Marsh reminds producers that the use of strict biosecurity measures is instrumental in preventing the spread of the disease.

PEDv does not represent a threat to humans or food safety.

AUDIO: Bret Marsh, PEDv (2:45mp3)