Swine Health Information Center is currently investigating the identification of Seneca Valley Virus that was found in the United States this summer. Paul Sundberg, DVM and Swine Health Information Center executive director, told Canada news source Farmscape that Seneca Valley Virus is not a severe production disease but its symptoms are similar to foot-and-mouth disease. 

The virus can cause vesicles on the mouth, snout and on the coronary bands on the pigs’ feet. Since vesicles and lesions can look very similar to FMD, Sundberg says a foreign animal disease investigation must be done quickly. Hog farmers are urged to contact their local veterinarian if a blister appears on the nose, mouth or feet. The virus has been found in South America, Australia, New Zealand and Europe and regional areas in the United States.

Sundberg says the center is dedicating funds in examining any changes in the Seneca Valley Virus or its pathogenicity. In addition, the Swine Health Information Center is striving to develop improved diagnostic tools to more accurately identify the virus and differentiate it from FMD quicker.