Town Hall Recap for August 10
There has only been one new PEDv positive farm since the last Town Hall on July 19th. PEDv has not been eliminated, but Biosecurity protocols have been working to prevent a massive spread of PEDv across the western provinces. Dr. Glen Duizer noted today that this single instance of disease spread in the past few weeks was not due to a lapse in Biosecurity protocols. Rather, this spread was due to direct animal movements of pigs that were thought to be non-shedding.
Thank you again Dr. Glen Duizer for sharing your knowledge with us this morning. Today was a shorter Town Hall, where Dr. Duizer from the Manitoba Chief Veterinarian's Office shared the success factors that have contributed to the slow-down in infection rates.
Success Factors
Dr. Duizer noted a variety of key reasons for the success Manitoba has been having in keeping PEDv contained. These success factors include Biosecurity measures that we have discussed in the past, for example: Strengthening protocols when moving through Controlled and Restricted Access Zones, limited shared staff between premises, etc.
Internal Biocontainment
Positive farms in the affected zone have seen a lot of success in their efforts to contain PEDv within their operations. For example, keeping infected hogs together and setting up a separate Danish Entry for access will help ensure the virus does not spread within the operation. It is easier to manage.
Emergency Planning
If PEDv does enter your premises, a good plan will help keep the virus under control. Dr. Duizer said that the best successes have come from farms with a solid emergency plan that is easy to implement quickly and efficiently.
Cooperation Throughout Industry
Dr. Duizer was sure to point out that containment of PEDv has relied on cooperation between all those involved in the hog industry. Transporters, assembly yards, and packing plants all have played an essential role in limiting the further spread of infection.
PEDv is Still a Threat
According to Dr. Duizer, when an operation (a farrow to finish or sow operation, for example) becomes PEDv positive, it may take 4 to 6 months for the farm to fully recover from infection. It may take even longer than that depending on the site and practices followed in each operation. Because of this, it is important to continue the great work the hog industry has been doing in defending against this disease.
Alberta is still PEDv negative. Alberta Pork continues to monitor the province’s high-traffic areas for the spread of PEDv. Producers will be notified if PEDv should appear in Alberta.
As always, Alberta Pork is here to help you. We will continue to keep you informed on the best practices in fighting against diseases like PEDv.
Please contact Javier Bahamon if you have any questions about PEDv and Biosecurity: 780-469-8982 or javier.bahamon@albertapork.com
Listen to the Town Hall here:
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