U.S. Trucks Test Positive for PED Virus

Aug 15, 2013

U.S. Trucks Test Positive for PED Virus

New Study Finds 17% of U.S. Trucks Test Positive for PED Virus

By Victor Santiago, Farms.com

A University of Illinois study shows that 17% of trailers used for pig transportation carry the Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus, also known as PEDv. Even more alarming, 11% of “uninfected trailers” tested positive after just one trip to a slaughter plant.

The Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDv), which is lethal in almost all cases typically involving piglets, is highly contagious. It spreads by feces, usually by oral contact. Severe diarrhea and vomiting are key symptoms of the virus. PEDv is usually not fatal to adult pigs; however it can disrupt their rate of growth.

In the United States, there have been 400 confirmed cases of the virus in 15 states. China, South Korea, Japan and parts of the E.U. have also reported cases of the virus - Canada has not yet been affected.

New developments on PEDv

Veterinary medical specialist Dr. James Lowe from the University of Illinois led a study which tested about 700 livestock trailers across the Midwest in seven slaughter plants. The results found 17% tested positive for PEDv and 11% of non-infected trailers tested positive after just one trip. The study revealed the virus thrives in trailers as well as in colder temperatures. This has caused concern for pig producers north of the boarder in Canada. Moreover, with the coming of winter in the Northern hemisphere, the virus has the potential to spread further.

PEDv is considered very dangerous to the pork industry and it will require more research, as it is still not very well understood. The National Pork Board (NPB) has committed $800,000 towards research, education and coordination, in order to understand, contain and eliminate PEDv. This new research should renew calls to follow extra vigilant sanitation procedures when transporting live pigs. It is also recommended to take extra precaution when visiting hog farms in order to avoid further spread. More information about the PEDv can be found on the website for the American Association of Swine Veterinarians.

The University of Illinois study is an important step, as it provides further insight into how the virus spreads as well as how fast it is infecting trailers. It shows how trucks are easy vectors for the virus to use. Further studies will be needed and thanks to the NPB funding will be available. Preventative measures such as steam cleaning trailers in between loads as well as safe practices in barns are still seen as the best way to ward off the virus.

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