The Manitoba hog industry continues to hold its fingers crossed and keeping the bio-security tight as news came from the Office of Manitoba’s Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) confirming the province’s second on-farm case of porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) virus in a finisher barn in southeast Manitoba.
Interestingly, the CVO says the animals on this farm showed no symptoms of PED.
The CVO was identifying other premises that had contact with this farm and investigate how the virus arrived on the farm premises. This case was identified by a CVO investigation related to a previously reported positive sample from a high-traffic site.
PED is a reportable disease in Manitoba. Producers must remain vigilant with the necessary bio-security protocols that prevent the spread of PED and must report all suspected cases to their veterinarian.
The CVO officer reports to date, eight high-traffic or environmental sites have tested positive for PED including two cases where it is likely pigs contracted PED at high-traffic sites and not on-farm. High-traffic sites move or handle large numbers of pigs and include livestock assembly yards, federal and provincial abattoirs, truck-wash stations and livestock trailers.
As of May 9, 1,187 samples were submitted for PED testing from 18 high-traffic sites.
The CVO continue to work with the pork industry to help any affected producers eliminate the disease from their herds and prevent it from spreading. Producers who have questions about PED, bio-security and other related issues should contact the Manitoba Pork Council at 1-888-893-7447 (toll-free) or online at www.manitobapork.com for their resources and expertise.
Canada has 62 farm premises that have tested positive for PED including two in Manitoba, one in Prince Edward Island, one in Quebec and 58 in Ontario. Manitoba remains in regular contact with chief veterinary officers and industry stakeholders across the country on this issue.
NOTE: The CVO posts weekly updates related to PED at www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture .
Chair of Manitoba Pork, Karl Kynoch, says the producer is working closely with their veterinarian and the CVO to contain the virus on the farm and take the necessary steps to clean up the site.
“PEDv is highly contagious, so it is crucial that producers maintain strict bio-security protocols and contact their vet immediately if animals show signs of illness,” said Kynoch. “It is your responsibility to make sure that all trucks and trailers are properly washed and disinfected before they back up to your barn.” •
— By Harry Siemens
