December 30, 2019

Pennsylvania, United States reports swine dead from Strep zoo

The state Department of Agriculture said the culled sow died of Strep zoo (Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus), a dangerous disease that can be transmitted to humans, reported Lancaster Online.

The sow and other swine that have exhibited symptoms of Strep Zoo (which have been euthanised) are part of a Pennsylvania farm herd. The farm is currently quarantined.

Kevin Brightbill, state Department of Agriculture veterinarian said an investigation has been conducted by the state Department of Agriculture and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Veterinary Services. Results have found that the disease is a low threat.

The USDA states Strep zoo causes severe or fatal illness to humans and is transmitted via bodily fluid contact or consuming unpasteurised milk from infected cattle.

Brightbill said exhibitors of an upcoming farm show in the area have been warned of the incident and all exhibitors are to clean and disinfect all equipment and conveyances before transporting swine to safeguard livestock health.

This is not the first Strep zoo diagnosis reported in the US. In November 2019, 888 cull sows died or were euthanised because of Strep zoo at a slaughterhouse in Tennessee.

The USDA also reported Strep zoo incidents in China and Manitoba, Canada.

The specific Strep zoo genotype for this sow death in Pennsylvania has not been determined.

-      Lancaster Online