Manitoba Pork putting producers on PEDv alert

The first known case of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus (PEDv) was discovered on a farm in Ontario on Thursday, January 23 in Middlesex County.

The virus causes up to 100 percent mortality in nursing pigs aged 3-5 weeks. The virus is quickly transmitted from hog to hog by infected feces and there is currently no available vaccination. Experience in other jurisdictions has shown that PEDv is extremely difficult to contain and more cases are possible. The virus does not affect food safety, and poses no risk to human health or other animals.

“Manitoba Pork was informed on Friday, January 24 that the PEDv case in Ontario is confirmed. We had an emergency conference call with provincial and private veterinarians Friday afternoon to assess the situation in Manitoba, and the implications of the Ontario case of PEDv," said Manitoba Pork General Manager, Andrew Dickson. "The emergency plan to contain any potential outbreak in Manitoba was discussed in detail. The most immediate threat to Manitoba producers is from infected pig farms in central Minnesota and the volume of truck traffic into the U.S. directly."

Manitoba Pork will work with provincial officials to set up a dial-in conference call for producers in the next week to bring the latest in developments. Detailed information on the disease will be presented at the Manitoba Swine Seminar February 5-6.

"Federal and provincial government officials are working closely with industry to prevent the entry of the disease into Manitoba. However it's critical that all producers take truck washing and bio-security very seriously,“ said Dickson.

Producers should review their trailer cleaning protocols for all trucks entering their farm. Producers should also have entry protocols for people and materials that enter their farm.

“We encourage producers to keep their bio-security protocols as high as possible and be aware of all possible threats of the virus being spread,” said Manitoba Pork Chair, Karl Kynoch. “Manitoba Pork has been and will continue to work with producers and industry to keep PEDv out of Manitoba.”

“We urge producers to be vigilant for PEDv-like symptoms and to report all suspect cases to your herd veterinarian immediately,” said Kynoch. “If your stock is infected, follow your vet’s instructions on eliminating the virus, and alert visitors and neighbouring producers.”

Manitoba Pork will continue to keep you updated, as we know more.

Information on PEDv can be found on the Canadian Swine Health Board website.

For proper washing, disinfecting and drying protocols, click here.

Click here for the original announcement sent by the Ontario Government.