DES MOINES, Iowa — While this summer’s warm weather may have slowed the spread of porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) virus, this fall’s cooler weather may invite the pathogen to continue its costly damage, according to Lisa Becton, national pork checkoff veterinarian and its swine health and information director.
"Producers should recheck all their biosecurity measures, both on and off the farm," she said. "After what we’ve experienced in terms of PEDv’s ability to spread and survive, it’s critical to maintain heightened vigilance and implement strict biosecurity."
In April 2013, PED was first confirmed in the United States through testing at the USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory at Iowa State University in Ames, from samples found in Iowa. The introduction of PED into a hog herd typically results in acute outbreaks of severe diarrhea, vomiting, high morbidity (often 100 percent) and variable mortality (as high as 100 percent in young pigs), according to the American Assoc. of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) in Perry, Iowa.
As the disease has spread, with concurrent media attention, Becton said negative trade impacts have recently increased.
"Trading partners are unfortunately beginning to restrict not only live animals, but also animal-derived products such as blood products and other byproducts," she said. "While no restrictions have yet been imposed on pork meat exports, some U.S. trading partners have begun to discuss such restrictions.
"The lack of sufficient information to describe the current disease situation and to outline specific state and federal government actions taken to control the disease only increases the concern from our trading partners."
Although PED may never be fully avoidable in herds, Becton said there are ways to help reduce the risk of viral transmission and subsequent losses, with the first step being to communicate with everyone involved with manure handling.
"At this time of year, working with on-farm or commercial manure haulers is critical," she explained. "Know everyone involved, and don’t let any of the manure crew members enter barns, office areas or walk over areas used by farm personnel. Never let them come in direct contact with pigs."
Subsequently, Becton said, producers need to establish a line of separation for transport. "Having a line of separation – which is the line between the area used by transporters and the area used by farm or market personnel – is critical for effective biosecurity. It reminds you that every contact with a site or market could contaminate your truck, trailer or chute."
Paul Sundberg, National Pork Board vice president of science and technology, said pork producers should also maintain strict protocols on all feed ingredients and handling.
"The feed system may be a risk factor for transmitting PEDv," he said. "Feed may be a carrier of PEDv from post-processing contamination, even if it’s not as an ingredient contaminant itself."
In addition, Becton said producers need to maintain stringent cleaning of barns, trucks and trailers.
"With fall and winter’s colder weather, this is even more critical," she said. "Proper cleaning steps include removing all manure and bedding, soaking with soap and/or degreaser, pressure-washing with hot water, disinfecting with an appropriate disinfectant and thorough drying."
One of the most important defenses against PED, Becton said, is having a biosecurity plan in place for all non-farm personnel: "This includes state animal health authorities, Pork Quality Assurance (PQA Plus) advisors, extension specialists, state and environmental management staff, supply or feed company staff, maintenance specialists, veterinarians, nutritionists and utility providers."
Becton added producers should know their farm’s PED status at all times, report positive cases and stay informed by visiting www.pork.org or www.aasw .org online to get the latest news and information on the disease.
