US National Pork Board has approved US$450,000 in Checkoff funds for the research on Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV) threat facing the domestic pork industry.

The new disease was positively identified three weeks ago. The approved amount, coupled with funds just approved by the Iowa Pork Producers Association's research committee, brings the current total funds devoted to PEDV research to US$527,000.

"The National Pork Board took this action to help get answers to US producers as quickly as possible to help protect their herds from this devastating disease," said Conley Nelson, National Pork Board president and producer from Algona, Iowa. "Because of the investment producers make as part of Checkoff, we're able to respond quickly to sudden disease threats such as this."

According to Dr Paul Sundberg, the Pork Checkoff's vice president of science and technology, PEDV is not a new virus outside of the US or a regulatory/reportable disease, but rather a production-related disease that hits young pigs under three weeks of age particularly hard. In states that have seen the disease, mortality rates have been high in pigs of this age, while older pigs that may get the virus typically recover.

"Since PEDV is widespread in many countries, it is not a trade-restricting disease," Sundberg said. "While PEDV may appear clinically the same as transmissible gastroenteritis (TGE) virus with acute diarrhoea, producers who suspect their herd may be infected should work with their herd veterinarian immediately, if any TGE-like symptoms appear. And, as always, they should maintain strict biosecurity protocols."

The objectives of the Pork Board's swine health committee, which will oversee the PEDV research, are to get real answers about the spread and transmission of the disease, along with measures to detect, diagnose, prevent and control it. To help facilitate this, Sundberg said that the committee and Pork Checkoff's science and technology team will work closely with key industry partners, such as the American Association of Swine Veterinarians, the National Pork Producers Council and state pork associations.

"As with all of our research, we want it to be transparent and objective," Conley said. "And in this case, it must be very specific with quick turnaround times so that we can get answers quickly."

The National Pork Board is responsibile for Checkoff-funded research, promotion and consumer information projects, and communications with pork producers and the public. Through a legislative national Pork Checkoff, pork producers invest US$0.40 for each US$100 value of hogs sold. Importers of pork products contribute a like amount, based on a formula.