Two small swine herds in Clark County, Wisconsin infected with pseudorabies (PRV) may have had contact with wild pigs. Both herds have been destroyed, according to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture. The herds were located at Greenwood and Loyal, WI. In all, 35 herds near the Loyal site and 33 herds in the vicinity of the Greenwood herd were also tested.
“Under federal rules, the hogs within a two-mile radius of the infected farms will be retested 30 to 60 days after the infected farms are depopulated,” says Wisconsin State Veterinarian Bob Ehlenfeldt.
Wisconsin is expected to be able to retain its PRV-free status. PRV was eradicated from the U.S. commercial swine herd in 2004, following an effort that began in Jan. 1, 1989.
Michigan has imposed a ban on Wisconsin hogs until the situation is resolved. Kansas officials have required an import permit on any Wisconsin hogs entering the state. Swine from Clark County must test negative for PRV 30 days before entering Kansas.
There was a lot to be positive about in the pork industry the last week of October. I realize it is difficult to be optimistic when you are still losing $25 to $30/head. I also realize that positive news at this point could be as dangerous as it is welcome. But facts are facts, and we must recognize them.
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As I begin this week's column, I"m reminded of two different "flip side" statements that may help characterize the topic at hand. The first is the old Archie Campbell schtick - "That's good - no that’s bad," which I have used before. The second reflects President Truman's frustration with economists' incessant use of the qualifier - "on the other hand" - to introduce the contrary opinion on a given topic. President Truman once demanded in his usual colorful language: "Will someone please find me a *!&%$*?>
