State urges swine owners to tighten on-farm disease prevention practices

Contacts:

Kristin Haas
State Veterinarian
Vermont Agency of Agriculture                                                                                                          
Ph: 802-828-2426
Email: Kristin.haas@state.vt.us

Shelley Mehlenbacher
Assistant State Veterinarian
Vermont Agency of Agriculture                                                                                                        
Ph: 802-828-2421
Email: shelley.mehlenbacher@state.vt.us

State Urges Swine Owners to Tighten On-Farm Disease Prevention Practices

MONTPELIER -- The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets (VAAFM) is reporting the first case of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus (PEDv) in the state. The positive diagnosis occurred on a swine operation in Rutland County on March 26^th, 2014.

PEDv is a coronavirus that affects pigs only and is similar to Transmissible Gastroenteritis.  It does not make people sick and it does not affect other species of livestock.  PEDv does not affect pork safety and pork remains completely safe to eat.

The first detection of this disease in the U.S. occurred approximately one year ago, and since then it has impacted over 4,000 premises in 27 states.  The Vermont case represents the first confirmed positive premises in Vermont.  The most common sign of PEDv in swine is severe diarrhea, and mortality rates in pre-weaning piglets approach 100%.  Older animals generally survive the infection but can shed the virus in their feces and through their respiratory tracts for an extended period. 

State Veterinarian Kristin Haas is encouraging swine farmers to institute strict disease prevention measures to cut down risk of introducing the disease to their herds. She recommends that producers take a proactive stance.

“Farmers should take steps to minimize the chance of introducing PED virus into their herds,” stated Haas. “Swine owners should consult with their veterinarians to develop disease prevention plans tailored to their swine herd needs.”

Swine producers are encouraged to monitor for information coming from national industry groups such as the American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) and the National Pork Board (NPB). More information on disease prevention and other facts about PEDv can be found on the following websites: 

• NPB -  www.pork.org/Research/4316/PEDVResources.aspx
• AASV - www.aasv.org

As always, producers who see any signs of illness in their pigs should notify their herd veterinarian immediately to address the issue.