USDA to require reporting of pig viruses
In an effort to further enhance the biosecurity and health of the US swine herd while maintaining movement of pigs in the US, the USDA will require reporting of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDv) and Swine Delta Coronavirus in order to slow the spread of this disease across the United States, according to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Friday.
Photo/Agricultural Research Service
Porcine epidemic diarrhea has killed millions of pigs in 27 states since its appearance in the U.S. in May 2013. For more infectious disease news and information, visit and “like” the Infectious Disease News Facebook page
“USDA has been working closely with the pork industry and our state and federal partners to solve this problem. Together, we have established testing protocols, sequenced the virus and are investigating how the virus is transmitted,” said Vilsack. “Today’s actions will help identify gaps in biosecurity and help us as we work together to stop the spread of these diseases and the damage caused to producers, industry and ultimately consumers.”
In addition, the USDA will also require tracking movements of pigs, vehicles, and other equipment leaving affected premises; however, movements would still be allowed.
The disease has been blamed for recent increases in bacon and pork prices. PEDv is not transmissible to humans, or any other animal for that matter.
