The National Animal Health Laboratory network has reported that since last May there have been over 6400 cases of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus confirmed. The virus is now in 29 states. National Pork Board member and Mitchell South Dakota producer Brad Greenway says the number of PEDV cases is also up in South Dakota.
National Pork Producer Council officials say the virus could increase U.S. hog prices 15 to 25 percent and pork prices for consumers by 10 to 12 percent. Greenway says those numbers are very disturbing.
The National Animal Health Lab also reported 191 of 801 tests conducted at 10 vet diagnostic labs during the week of May 3 tested positive for PED virus, and at least one case has been confirmed in 29 states.