October 9, 2014
Feed not source of PEDv, says OIE
The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed that contrary to earlier reports pig blood products such as dried plasma are not a likely source of infectious porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus (PEDv) provided that good manufacturing practices and biosecurity standards are followed.
This positive news for the feed industry follows the scientific work of an OIE ad hoc group on PEDv, to which a group led by the International Feed Industry Federation (IFIF) and composed of experts from the affected regions, as well as from the blood plasma industry, contributed relevant scientific information and data following a request by the OIE director general, Dr. Bernard Vallat.
Alexandra de Athayde, IFIF executive director, said "not only is this an important finding for the feed chain highlighting our strong commitment to feed safety, but it also demonstrates the importance and benefits of cooperation between IFIF and OIE, in particular with regards to the prevention and management of infectious diseases."
Ms. De Athayde added that "IFIF looks forward to continue working with the OIE to contribute to improved animal health and productivity, which in the end leads to a positive contribution to public health, as well as to support the development, updating and implementation of OIE standards and guidelines."
IFIF is an umbrella organisation for national and regional feed associations, feed related organizations, and corporate members from around the globe, representing over 80% of feed production worldwide.
