May 9, 2014
Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED) Virus Bulletin #9
The Office of Manitoba’s Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) has confirmed the province’s second on-farm case of porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) virus in a finisher barn in southeast Manitoba. The CVO has been advised the animals on this farm have shown no symptoms of PED.
The CVO will identify other premises that have been in contact with this farm and investigate how the virus arrived on the farm premises. This case was identified by a CVO investigation related to a previously reported positive sample from a high-traffic site.
PED is a reportable disease in Manitoba. Producers are encouraged to remain vigilant with the necessary biosecurity protocols that prevent the spread of PED and are reminded they must report all suspected cases to their veterinarian.
To date, eight high-traffic or environmental sites have tested positive for PED including two cases where it is likely pigs contracted PED at high-traffic sites and not on-farm. High-traffic sites move or handle large numbers of pigs and include livestock assembly yards, federal and provincial abattoirs, truck-wash stations and livestock trailers. As of today, a total of 1,187 samples were submitted for PED testing from 18 high-traffic sites.
Manitobans are reminded PED is not a food safety issue and it does not affect humans. However, it can be a severe and often fatal illness in newborn and young pigs. Older animals often have less serious symptoms and generally recover.
The CVO will continue to work with the pork industry to help any affected producers eliminate the disease from their herds and prevent it from spreading. Producers who have questions about PED, biosecurity and related issues should contact the Manitoba Pork Council at 1-888-893-7447 (toll-free) or online at www.manitobapork.com for their resources and expertise.
There are now 62 farm premises that have tested positive for PED across Canada including two in Manitoba, one in Prince Edward Island, one in Quebec and 58 in Ontario. Manitoba remains in regular contact with chief veterinary officers and industry stakeholders across the country on this issue.
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NOTE: The CVO will begin posting weekly updates related to PED at www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture starting today.