MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

USDA confirms an outbreak of PEDV in the United States for the first time

The virus was first recognized in England in 1971, but has spread to a number of European countries and Canada, and recently in China, Korea and Japan.

The US Department of Agriculture has confirmed that porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus (PEDV) has been identified in the United States for the first time through testing at the National Veterinary Services Laboratory.

This is not a new virus, nor is it a regulatory/reportable disease. Since PEDV is widespread in many countries, it is not a trade-restricting disease, but rather a production-related disease.

PEDV may appear clinically to be the same as transmissible gastroenteritis (TGE) virus with acute diarrhoea. Producers will need to work with their herd veterinarian with if any TGE-like symptoms appear and as always, maintain strict bio security protocols.

• Porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus (PEDV) is a virus similar to transmissible gastroenteritis (TGE), another disease only affecting pigs. It is not zoonotic, so therefore it poses no risk to other animals or humans. Also, it poses no risk to food safety.

• PEDV has been identified in the United States in a small number of herds. The virus is not a new virus as it was first recognized in England in 1971. Since then, the disease has been identified in a number of European countries and Canada, and more recently in China, Korea and Japan.

• USDA, State Animal Health Officials, the American Association of Swine Veterinarians and veterinarians at the National Pork Board are actively monitoring this disease and will make recommendations to producers as necessary.

• PEDV is transmitted via the faecal-oral route and may appear to be the same as transmissible gastroenteritis (TGE) virus with acute diarrhoea within 12 to 36 hours of onset. Herd veterinarians remain well versed in managing TGE-like diseases.

• Laboratory testing is the only way to diagnose PEDV.

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

• PEDV does not affect pork safety. Pork remains completely safe to eat. (Source: Argentine Beef Packers S.A.).