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
Related Stories
The New World Screwworm case was detected roughly 119 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border — at nearly the same latitude as Zapata, Texas.
Tyson is still reshaping its beef footprint.
Industry leaders gather in Mexico City to strengthen trade and showcase product quality.
Total cash receipts from marketings of cattle, calves, hogs, and pigs climbed by 18% in 2025 to $165 billion.
Pseudorabies case confirmed in Iowa herd prompts heightened biosecurity measures as U.S. swine producers work to prevent spread and protect herd health.
DOJ and USDA investigate beef industry concentration, with Big Four packers under scrutiny and a major settlement announcement expected later this week.
