This letter is intended to inform transporters and all involved in the industry of the importance of understanding how PED virus can contaminate trailers and power units involved in high risk transport events. Transporting PEDV shedding pigs is by far the highest risk transport event that occurs in the pig industry. When a negative pig is infected with the virus, shedding of virus can start within 18 to 24 hours and can last for 31 days. Outbreak farms and pigs from some assembly yards are shedding virus.
Assembly yards have taken precautions to help reduce the risk of PED spread and recognize that measures can be implemented to clean contaminated trailers and power units.
PIGS LOADED FROM SOME ASSEMBLY YARDS and POSTIVE FARMS ARE SHEDDING PED VIRUS. ONTARIO ABATTOIRS THAT SLAUGHTER BBQ PIGS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED PED POSITIVE.
The following procedures are recommended for trailers and power units that haul these high-risk pigs.
- Use dedicated trailers and power units whenever possible.
- Prior to hauling other pigs ensure that the trailer has been washed and disinfected at a facility that has PED cleaning protocols in place (none of the U.S. facilities commonly used by Canadian transporters have been audited, therefore never rely on a U.S. wash facility).
- Detail the power unit. (Clean and disinfect floor mats and use disinfectant wipes for steering wheel, gear shift and door handles).
- Ensure all transport equipment has been cleaned and disinfected (sort boards, rattle paddles and prods).
- Ensure used totes are removed from the truck for complete cleaning and disinfection. Replace with a new tote containing clean boots, coveralls, gloves and hat.
Thank you for your hard work and efforts implemented to reduce the spread of this devastating virus.
Source: OSHAB