Background on PEDV
- The Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV) is caused by a coronavirus that is related to the transmissible gastroenteritis (TGE) virus.
- PEDV only infects pigs (NOT humans or other livestock).
- This is a new virus in the U.S., first confirmed on May 17, 2013.
Clinical Signs of PEDV
- In previously naïve herds, PEDV is similar to TGE and includes:
- Severe diarrhea in pigs of all ages
- Vomiting
- High mortality - almost 100% in pre-weaned pigs
- Diagnosis: Requires sample submissions to a diagnostic laboratory (contact your veterinarian).
- Transmission: Oral contact with contaminated feces. The most common sources of infected feces are pigs, trucks, boots, clothing or other fomites.
- Incubation period: (time from exposure to clinical signs) Only 12-24 hours.
- Shedding: (amount of time animals can infect others) Up to 3 to 4 weeks.
Immunity/Protection from PEDV
- No cross-protection between TGE and PEDV, even though both are Coronaviruses.
- Maternal protection through colostrum from previously exposed sows can be quite effective.
- No protection is long-lasting (herds can re-break).
- Vaccine studies are in progress.
Treatment for PEDV
Supportive care through hydration. Provide a clean, dry, draft-free environment with access to high-quality drinking water (electrolytes may be beneficial).
Preventing PEDV
Limit cross-contamination with any suspected pigs’s feces.
- Clearly define and communicate a Line of Separation which marks the separation between your facility, transport vehicles or the outside/inside of your production site.
- Contact your veterinarian and enhance biosecurity procedures.
- • Biosecurity of transportation vehicles is important; they should be clean, disinfected and dry.
- Several disinfectants have been demonstrated to effectively inactivate PEDV, such as formalin, sodium carbonate, lipid solvents, and strong iodophors in phosphoric acid.
- Replacement breeding stock should originate from a negative herd.
Challenges to Industry
Infection with PEDVs can create tremendous financial losses for a pork producer.
Source: National Pork Producers Council
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Cristen Clark is a FarmHer to be admired. If you follow her blog, you know she is smart, funny, and full of love for her family, agriculture (specifically swine), and food!
