The U.S. hog industry has learned a great deal about Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDv) since it was first discovered here in the spring of 2013 and producers got an update on that during the Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica North Carolina Swine Health Seminar this week.
Dr. Rodger Main, Director of Operations for the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, says right now there is some improvement, after PED became somewhat of a pandemic over the winter months. “As things started to warm up this spring, there’s been a significant recovery as far as much less new herds becoming infected and previously infected herds recovering at a rapid rate,” he said.
Going into the fall, Main sees a different dynamic compared to last year. “Because of the overall immunity that exists in the U.S. swine population, and also we’ve learned a lot over the past year,” but he admits there is apprehension as the colder weather approaches.
Studying the prevalence of the disease, Main says what they have found is not surprising. “The disease is where the pigs are,” he said simply.
In this interview, Main also talks about the differences between PEDv and the Delta Corona Virus (PDCoV), as well as how USDA initiatives announced in June are helping producers.
Interview with Dr. Rodger Main, ISU Veterinary Diagnostic Lab