November 4, 2013
The Pork Checkoff continues to fund research to find more solutions regarding combatting and preventing porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) virus on U.S. hog farms.
But as temperatures cool, Lisa Becton, DVM, director of swine health information and research programs for the Pork Checkoff, reminds producers to do their part by being vigilant about biosecurity.
“This virus appears to act the same clinically as Transmissible gastroenteritis (TGE), which indicates that it has increased survivability in colder weather,” Becton says.
“As temperatures cool this fall and winter, producers need to focus on biosecurity measures to help protect their herds,” she reminds.
Becton adds: “This includes how manure is hauled and handled, how vehicles are washed and how traffic coming into and out of their farms is managed. Keep barns and equipment as clean and dry as possible to help reduce the spread of PEDV. And if you do suspect it in your herd, work with your veterinarian to help stem its spread and to build up herd immunity.”
For more information on PEDV and related fact sheets, visit www.pork.org/pedv.
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