June 19, 2013

Porcine Epidemic Diarrhoea Virus continues its spread in the US

The US has confirmed the expanded cases of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhoea Virus (PEDV), with 46 new ones reported during the week-ended June 3, according to the American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV).

Public and private animal health officials, along with producers, are seeking to find a solution to the disease and control outbreaks.

The USDA confirmed the disease in US swine for the first time in mid-May. Subsequent testing of samples submitted prior to that time has shown the first positive findings were from mid-April. The AASV has so far reported a total of 161 submissions testing positive for the viral disease.

The disease affects mainly young pigs under three weeks of age and often has a high mortality rate in these breeds. Older pigs can also be infected with the virus but normally recover. PEDV is widespread in many countries of Europe and Asia. It is not a zoonotic disease, does not affect people, and is not a food-safety concern, according to AASV.

Thirteen states have had at least one case. Iowa has had the most cases at 84, followed by Minnesota with 16 and Oklahoma with 13.

There is no vaccine available yet for the disease. Animal health officials are encouraging producers to utilise strong bio-security measures in an effort to control the spread of the disease.

Death losses of young pigs in recent weeks are expected to affect slaughter-ready supplies later in the year, beginning mainly in November. Since PEDV is not designated as a reportable disease, no data on death losses is available.