September 4, 2014

1 Min Read
Tests Confirm Presence of PEDV at One Utah Hog Farm

Tests conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Service Laboratory have confirmed the presence of the porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) at the Circle 4 hog farm in Beaver County, Utah. The farm is Utah’s largest hog farm and one of the largest in the country.

Acting Utah State Veterinarian Warren Hess is advising Utah hog and pig producers to, “Remain vigilant regarding their animal biosecurity practices on their farms. … Increased animal health security measures cannot only help defend against PEDV, but can also prevent the spread of many other livestock diseases.”

In May, the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food issued an emergency order intended to protect the state’s $200 million swine industry by placing restrictions on livestock shows involving hogs and pigs. The order required any fair or show to be a “terminal” show, which means that after the show swine would go directly to slaughter and therefore reduce the threat of spreading any disease.

The USDA has agreed to work with the UDAF veterinarians to fund testing on the farm that has been diagnosed with PEDV, and to assure that stringent animal biosecurity practices are in place. The joint agreement also calls for expanded disease mitigation education efforts for Utah’s pork industry.

More information about PEDV and livestock biosecurity information is available here.

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