Sample Tests Weak Positive for PED Virus in Alberta

A sample collected by Alberta’s swine disease surveillance program has tested weak environmental positive for porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) virus.

The sample, taken from a location in Alberta, Canada, was analyzed at Alberta Agriculture and Forestry’s laboratory on Jan. 22, according to an Alberta Pork release.

PED virus causes diarrhea and vomiting in pigs. The virus affects pigs but poses no risk to human health or food safety.

To mitigate any risks of potential disease exposure to other pigs, Alberta Pork is working closely with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry. All producers and industry partners directly affected by this discovery have been notified, and all relevant parties are cooperating with Alberta Pork and Alberta Agriculture and Forestry.

Biosecurity is critical to limit the impact of disease. Alberta Pork advises producers and industry partners to remain vigilant. 

“Always practice proper biosecurity on-farm and during animal transportation. Be sure to properly wash transport trailers and equipment, and submit all swine manifests, including farm-to-farm movements, to Alberta Pork in a timely manner. Biosecurity and traceability are important parts of effective disease prevention,” Alberta Pork said in the release.

Alberta Pork offers three reminders for producers to help keep disease from spreading.

•    Remember, swine disease can be present at any time at any location where pigs are found, especially farms, assembly yards and abattoirs.

•    Individuals and equipment in contact with pigs may be a risk for swine disease transmission. 

•    Enhance your biosecurity protocols by adopting Alberta Pork’s overseas visitor protocol and visitor and staff downtime protocols, along with performing a biosecurity assessment at no cost to producers, to identify any gaps in your biosecurity protocols.
 

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