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
American Farmland Trust shares guidance, research, and policy solutions to help farmers navigate the growing threat of PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” contaminating U.S. farmland.
Higher livestock prices reflect resilient demand, even as disease and herd shifts reshape 2026 supply expectations.
Dr. Kelly Bruns from the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture discusses how the college prepares students for careers in agriculture.
RFD NEWS Correspondent Frank McCaffrey was in Mission, Texas, where state and federal officials addressed growers and producers at a round table event hosted at a citrus grower’s facility. He shows us how welcome news was all around.
