A recent loss of piglets infected with Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus (PEDv) has impacted U.S. hog farmers in 25 states. Globally, pork supplies are under pressure with limited production and increased prices as PEDv spreads in Mexico, Japan and South Korea. As the world’s largest producer of pork, China will not face these pressures due to sow surplus and subsequent liquidation, helping drive prices down.
PEDv is easily transported in manure and only a tiny amount can cause an outbreak. The virus survives in any environment for up to 28 days, causing a greater risk for piglet infection as they move about the farm. Farmers whose swine have been exposed to PEDv are urged to begin practices that will prevent or reduce contamination.
Avoiding Virus Transport
PEDv will attach to any exposed object, so it is important to be conscious of transporting manure containing the bacteria. Monitoring exposure of farm vehicles, tools and supplies can decrease the risk of transporting the virus onto a farm. These simple actions can help reduce PEDv exposure:
• Limit the number of people visiting the farm
• Isolate newly-arriving animals
• Change into clean boots after a farm visit
“Establishing biosecurity protocols for a hog farm is critical to decrease the chance of PED virus exposure,” said Bob Thaler, South Dakota State University swine extension specialist. “Even a small chunk of manure on the floor mat means disaster.”
Upon leaving a farm or vicinity where PEDv is present, wash all equipment and spray the exposed objects with a disinfectant to help prevent virus transportation. For example, when cleaning an animal trailer at a truck wash, be aware that other trucks may have been exposed to PED virus and may have contaminated the surrounding water runoff. Applying a disinfectant to the truck and drying it under heat for 10 minutes will kill the virus. It is recommended to contact a local veterinarian to discuss proper disinfection techniques upon outbreak.
Treating PEDv
Unfortunately, there are no vaccines against the PED virus. To limit the spread of PEDv in farm yards, it is recommended that farmers use controlled exposure methods, such as feeding infected piglet remains to sows or by nursing piglets with the sow’s milk.
“The administration of the virus to the sow will create an immune response, therefore stimulating lymphocyte production in the mammary gland,” Thaler said. “The increase in lymphocyte production will help increase the number of IgA antibodies in the milk, which will increase piglet survivability after being ingested. This feedback process has proven to be an important component in increasing pig immunity in herds already infected with PEDv, and should be administered with guidance by the herd veterinarian.”
All newborn piglets exposed to PEDv need immunoglobulin-rich colostrum, which is the sow’s first milk. Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is high in antibodies and aids in piglet development. If a newborn piglet does not suckle within 24 hours after birth, it will become unable to absorb immunoglobulins, which are essential for a healthy immune system.
For more information on how to treat piglets with PEDv, contact a local university extension swine specialist or veterinarian.