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National Pork Board funds PEDV research
Story Date: 6/6/2013
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Source: Tom Johnston, MEATINGPLACE, 6/5/13
The National Pork Board announced today its approval of $450,000 in Checkoff funds to speed research into the Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV), first identified in the United States less than three weeks ago.
PEDV is not a new virus outside the United States nor a regulatory/reportable disease, according to Paul Sundberg, the checkoff’s vice president of science and technology. It’s a production-related disease that particularly affects pigs under three weeks of age. In the few states that have seen the disease, mortality rates have been high in such pigs, while older pigs that may get the virus typically recover.
“Since PEDV is widespread in many countries, it is not a trade-restricting disease,” Sundberg said. “While PEDV may appear clinically to be the same as transmissible gastroenteritis (TGE) virus with acute diarrhea, producers who suspect their herd may be infected should work with their herd veterinarian immediately if and TGE-like symptoms appear. And, as always, they should maintain strict biosecurity protocols.”
The focus of the PEDV research will be to get answers about the spread and transmission of the disease, along with measures to detect, diagnose, prevent and control it. The Pork Board’s swine health committee will oversee the effort while working with the American Association of Swine Veterinarians, the National Pork Producers Council and state pork associations.
Pork producers invest $0.40 for each $100 value of hogs sold in the checkoff.
For more stories, go to http://www.meatingplace.com/.
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