Wisconsin Ag Connection - State Vet Reminds Swine Producers to Take Precautions Against PEDv

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State Vet Reminds Swine Producers to Take Precautions Against PEDv
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 04/15/2014

Wisconsin's state veterinarian is reminding pork producers that biosecurity is the best method to prevent the spread of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus. Dr. Paul McGraw says his department has received information that some producers are considering transporting virus-laden material from premises with diseased pigs in an effort to build the immunity of their own pigs against the disease.

"The idea is not only a bad one because it could put other pigs in the state at risk, but knowingly infecting your own animals with a disease may also result in liability and prosecution," McGraw said. It may also subject the original owner of the infected materials or animals to prosecution under Wisconsin law.

Animal health officials were notified that some swine producers are considering this strategy in an effort to prevent their pigs from getting sick later in the year. Sources say that these producers want to transport infected material from an infected property to their own, which may violate Wisconsin law.

"Intentional infection of a disease free herd is not the answer; heightened biosecurity is still the best strategy for preventing infection," McGraw said.

The PED virus causes diarrhea, vomiting and severe dehydration in hogs. Industry analysts estimate one to four million swine have died from PED since being found in the U.S pig population in 2013. There is currently no approved vaccine for use in Wisconsin.

Transmission can be minimized by swine farmers using proper biosecurity methods, including washing trucks and trailers between loads, washing boots and clothing, and establishing a line of separation between clean and dirty areas.

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