Officials in Alberta, Canada are reporting the first ever case of porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) virus. The case was reported in a 400-head hog operation in Alberta, according to Alberta Pork.
Alberta Pork is working closely with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry to fully investigate this outbreak and prevent the disease from spreading further.
Porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) virus is a disease occurring only in pigs, caused by a coronavirus that does exactly what the disease name implies: produces acute and severe outbreaks of diarrhea that rapidly transmits among all ages of pigs (epidemic). There is no risk to human health.
Alberta Pork notes strict biosecurity protocols are of utmost importance in limiting the impact of disease in agriculture. It is especially critical during this outbreak that producers consider enhancing biosecurity on-farm and in animal transportation. Producers are encouraged to submit all swine manifests, including farm-to-farm movements, in a timely manner.
Any place off-farm, such as an abattoir, should be considered as a potential source for bringing disease to your herd. Producers are reminded to review their farms’ biosecurity policies regularly and consult Alberta Pork or your herd veterinarian as required.
Related:
- Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus detected in Alberta pig-handling facility
- Porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) in Manitoba
- Porcine deltacoronavirus a potential threat to humans: Ohio State researchers
