Just because the weather is changing and the warm conditions of summer have passed doesn’t mean pork producers should lighten up on their bio security. That’s the only real way they have to stop the spread of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus. SDSU Extension Swine Specialist Dr. Bob Thaler says the disease first hit the state in December and January and is a cooler weather type of problem so producers need to stay vigilant.
The latest reports show PED virus cases to have dropped from 53 positive cases earlier this month compared with 204 positives in April. Thaler says even though there are now two vaccines approved on the market for the disease they aren’t the total answer.
Thaler advises producers keep on top of their biosecurity because one small misstep can lead to outbreaks of the disease. He says also be cautious when applying manure after harvest.
There are also lesser cases of PED virus showing up in Canada as only five new cases have been found in Ontario since April. That’s compared to 60 cases between January and April.