March 10, 2014

Cases of deadly pig virus on the rise in the US

US animal health researchers informed that cases of the deadly porcine epidemic diarrhoea (PED) virus, a highly contagious pig disease, are increasing across the country's farm belt.

In the week ending March 1, confirmed cases of PED virus increased by 252, bringing the total number to 4,106 in 26 states, according to data released by the USDA's National Animal Health Laboratory Network.

While one case can represent an individual animal or an entire herd at a single site, swine specialists estimate that since it was discovered in May 2013 PED virus has killed at least four million US hogs.

Pork processors were finding it harder to purchase hogs for slaughter due to the virus, which is starting to affect the pork supply and could eventually boost pork prices for consumers, industry sources said.

The Canadian Swine Health Board has confirmed that the provinces of Manitoba, Ontario, Prince Edward Island and Quebec also have cases of the virus.

PED virus causes diarrhoea, vomiting and severe dehydration in pigs. While older pigs have a chance of survival, 80-100% of piglets that contract it die. It does not affect humans and is not a food safety risk.