Since February, there have been four confirmed cases of PEDv: one case in Prince Edward Island, one case in Quebec and three cases in Manitoba. In one instance, a Manitoba hog finishing farm tested positive for the virus a second time. There are currently 62 farms infected with PEDv in Ontario.
“Although it is disheartening to see another case arise, we should use this as a lesson learned and elevate our biosecurity practices, especially with cold, wet weather looming,” Manitoba Pork said in a statement. “As we know, the risk of the virus spreading increases exponentially in colder seasons.”
Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (MAFRD) said new pigs were moved onto the site and tested positive for PEDv.
“The farm has gone through the necessary steps to move exposed pigs off site and to thoroughly clean and disinfect the operation,” Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (MAFRD) said in a statement. “The farm had tested negative for PED following the cleaning and disinfection.
“MAFRD is following up with the producer and the herd veterinarian to manage the disease on site,” the agency noted. “The producer has maintained very high biosecurity on the site and there is no indication the virus has spread to other farms, but the provincial investigation will follow-up with all contacts of this farm.”
Voluntary testing for PEDv is ongoing at sites that handle or move large numbers of pigs. As of Sept. 19, 3,633 samples have been submitted for testing from 18 high-traffic sites. Eight sites have tested positive for the virus, according to MAFRD.
