The Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) has confirmed the presence of porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) virus at a high-traffic site in western Manitoba. This brings the total number of high-traffic or environmental sites that have tested positive for PED to eight including two previously reported cases where it is likely pigs contracted PED at high-traffic sites and not on-farm.
The site had been regularly testing for PED so the time frame for possible contamination and exposure is quite short. The CVO is following up with farms and facilities that did have contact with this site as part of its investigation. The site is co-operating with the CVO and has taken measures to reduce the possibility of further transmission. Monitoring is ongoing, with regular biosecurity and biocontainment at the site. Ongoing environmental tests have since been negative, supporting the effectiveness of these on-site procedures.
There are currently at least 16 high-traffic sites participating in Manitoba’s voluntary PED testing program. 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.
To date, one pig farm has tested positive for PED. There are no new on-farm cases of PED in Manitoba.
Manitobans are reminded PED is not a food safety issue and it does not affect humans. However, it can be a severe and often fatal illness in newborn and young pigs. Older animals often have less serious symptoms and generally recover.
PED is a reportable disease in Manitoba. Producers are encouraged to remain vigilant with the necessary biosecurity protocols that prevent the spread of PED and are reminded they must report all suspected cases to their veterinarian.
The CVO will 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, biosecurity and 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.
There are now 60 farm premises that have tested positive for PED across Canada including one in Manitoba, one in Prince Edward Island, one in Quebec and 57 in Ontario. Manitoba remains in regular contact with chief veterinary officers and industry stakeholders across the country on this issue.
