Information is taken from an Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry Advisory dated February 25, 2014.
Information is based on current monitoring for PED virus and PED in Ontario:
• The best surveillance data comes from the major processors. Their help is greatly appreciated. This system is the result of work by OMAF, private veterinarians and our packers that market about 85% of Ontario hogs each week. To date only 5% of the 721 trailers tested have been positive for PED virus, although positives continue to be detected on a regular basis. All Ontario trailers monitored that delivered market hogs to Quebec have been negative. Positive trailer results could occur as a result of cross-contamination, hogs from already known positive farms, and other unconfirmed farms with mild PED infections. So far, tracebacks on these positive trailers have not uncovered any new serious PED virus infections on farms. This indicates the virus is still circulating, but at a low level, in Ontario at this time.
• PED is an emerging disease that veterinarians must report to OMAF under the Animal Health Act. To date the rate of new cases remains very low. This is different from what was observed in the USA. OMAF and private veterinarians, Ontario Pork and many individuals in the swine sector are working hard to keep it that way.
• Working with their veterinarians, the original case farms continue to successfully manage this serious disease. Some farms are again farrowing healthy piglets.
• The outbreak data continue to appear to implicate two significant factors: (1) breaks in farm biosecurity and (2) exposure to some feed ingredients of swine origin. It is important to consult your feed company and your veterinarian to minimize any impact from BOTH of these potential risk factors on your farm.
What we have learned and observed thus far indicates there is every hope we can keep the impact from PED at a low level in Ontario with continued vigilance and strict biosecurity, particularly at the farm gate. And there continues to be supports from OMAF and Ontario Pork to help producers and the rest of the swine sector manage the PED risk and maintain a strong and thriving industry.
For further information please contact the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food at 1-877-424-1300, or Ontario Pork at 1-877-ONT-PORK.
Resources on PED prevention and management are available from OMAF at www.ontario.ca/swine.
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