Manitoba Pork’s Director of Swine Health, Jenelle Hamblin, reports that the province’s Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED) Elimination Plan is progressing as intended, despite the first confirmed case of PED in Manitoba in 2024.
The case, identified in a finisher barn in southeastern Manitoba, prompted the swift implementation of full biocontainment measures, as outlined in the elimination plan. Producers within a five-kilometer radius of the infection site were immediately advised to consult with their herd veterinarians and adopt enhanced biosecurity protocols to contain the disease.
“New Cases Were Anticipated and Planned For”
Hamblin emphasized that the confirmation of new cases was not unexpected and reflects the adaptability of the elimination plan, which integrates lessons learned over the past decade.
“Farms are now practicing what would have been considered enhanced biosecurity even seven or eight years ago—that’s now standard practice,” said Hamblin. “We’ve adapted and created ways to implement biosecurity measures that are less onerous and more effective.”
Hamblin highlighted that the Manitoba PED Elimination Plan is intentionally designed to be dynamic, allowing adjustments based on evolving disease pressures, biosecurity practices, and production standards.
“It’s not supposed to be, ‘we did it this way and that’s how we’re going to keep going,’” she said. “It’s meant to be evergreen, reflecting our current challenges and risks. The way we approach biosecurity today compared to a decade ago is a testament to how far we’ve come.”
A Year of Progress Despite Setbacks
While the 2024 infection was disappointing, Hamblin noted that reaching December without a single case until now is a positive sign. The overarching objective—reducing PED cases year over year—remains on track as the sector continues to work toward elimination.
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