TGE Virus Detected on Ontario Pig Farm

TGE Virus Detected on Ontario Pig Farm

By Amanda Brodhagen, Farms.com

Swift thinking of one Ontario pig farmer has resulted in early detection of Transmissible Gastroenteritis (TGE) virus.

In mid-June, a producer noticed vomiting and diarrhea in its nursing pigs. The farmer contacted the herd veterinarian, who took samples and sent them to the University of Guelph’s Animal Health Laboratory where TEG was diagnosed.

“TGE is a viral disease that has been present in the province for many years and causes vomiting, diarrhea, and high death loss in pigs,” read a notice to producers released by Ontario’s pork industry.  

Signs of TGE are said to be identical to Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED), a new disease which has spread to about 200 hog farms - spanning 13 states in the United States. Since the PED outbreak in the U.S., there have been no cases diagnosed in Canada.

The producer was praised by the industry for prompt response and handling of the situation. “The recent handling of an outbreak of TGE is an excellent example of how to respond to unusual clinical signs in a swineherd,” the statement read.

Ontario's swine industry warns that the risk of PED entering into Canada is greater with the disease rapidly spreading across the border. Producers are urged to be vigilant when implementing on-farm biosecurity measures.

The TEG health update was jointly released by Ontario Pork, Ontario Pork Industry Council, Canadian Swine Health Board, Swine Health Leadership, and Ontario Association of Swine Veterinarians.