Swine Delta Coronavirus Alert

During the ongoing surveillance activities being conducted by Alberta Pork in collaboration with the Alberta government, Swine Delta Coronavirus (SDCV) has been detected at a pig-handling facility in Alberta.

SDCV belongs to the same viral family as porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) and transmissible gastroenteritis (TGE). The symptoms of SDCV are indistinguishable from those of PED or TGE, although tend to be less severe than PED. SDCV damages the lining of the gut in swine, causing diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration. It can cause piglet mortality in severe cases, but not to the same extent as that of PED.

Like PED, SDCV is not transmissible to humans and poses no risk to food safety or human health.

This is a good reminder to review and double-check the biosecurity protocols, and enhance transport biosecurity at all facilities. Producers must work closely with their livestock hauler to ensure all trucks are cleaned, disinfected and dried every time before entering a farm.

Other biosecurity measures, such as cleaning and disinfecting load-out areas and requiring clean boots and clothing for all barn visitors, should also be strictly enforced.