WINNIPEG, Manitoba – One case of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDv) has grown to three confirmed cases in the Canadian province of Manitoba, raising concern among industry stakeholders.

Two sow farms and one finisher farm in southeast Manitoba were affected, and the premises are in close proximity to each other, according to the Manitoba Agriculture website. The producer is cooperating with the Manitoba Office of the Chief Veterinarian and has implemented strict biosecurity controls on the site. Manitoba Pork reported that direct and indirect contacts and farms within 5 km. of the affected site have been contacted.

Older pigs generally recover from the virus, which cases severe dehydration and diarrhea in swine. But very young animals die from PEDv. The virus does not pose a food-safety concern and is not transmitted to humans or other animals. The most recent case was confirmed on June 4, while the previous cases were confirmed June 2 and May 26.

The first Canadian case of PEDv was confirmed on Jan. 22, 2014, on an Ontario farm. There have been 11 confirmed cases reported between Jan. 15 and May 16, according to the Ontario Pork website.

In the United States, the first-ever case of PEDv was confirmed in May 2013. About 8 million pigs died from the virus across 30 states during the ensuing outbreak.