April 9, 2009

      
A wild pig killed by a hog producer in east-central Nebraska has tested positive for pseudorabies, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture said.

The infected pig was discovered near the town of Genoa, about 100 miles west of Omaha. A similar outbreak of the disease was discovered in the area in early 2007, the NDA's release said Tuesday (Apr 7).

NDA has advised swine producers to be vigilant and watch for any symptoms of pseudorabies in their herds. Symptoms include respiratory problems, trembling, lack of coordination or paralysis, sudden death of piglets and abortions of litters.

The isolated case of the disease in the wild pig doesn't affect the state's PRV-free status, according to NDA spokeswoman Christin Kamm.

Producers are urged to follow strict biosecurity measures on their farms and minimize contact with wildlife and rodents as precautionary measures. They can also vaccinate their animals, the release said.

Pseudorabies isn't considered dangerous to humans nor is eating the pork from animals with the disease or handling them. However, it can be very costly for swine producers, and some countries free of the disease wouldn't allow imports of pork from the US.

Most states reached stage V pseudorabies-free status by 2004. Hog producers and animal health officials remain on guard against any reoccurrence of the disease.

Wild, or feral, pigs are especially a concern as possible carriers of the disease to domestic herds. Animal health officials in some states have encouraged producers and game hunters to kill any wild pigs they see. Some states are spending as much as US$1 million on control and eradication programmes for wild pigs.