Porcine epidemic diarrhea
Learn how to recognize and prevent porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) infection in pigs.
Introduction
By implementing strict on-farm biosecurity protocols, pork producers can prevent PED infection in their pigs. This virus is not a risk to human health or other animals. It is not a food safety risk.
Clinical signs
Clinical signs of PED include:
- sudden onset of watery diarrhea with or without vomiting in all ages of pigs
- high mortality in piglets
If you suspect that your pigs may be infected with PED virus, contact your veterinarian immediately. He or she will provide strategies to help you to manage the disease. Be vigilant and watch for early signs of scouring.
On farm biosecurity
Biosecurity procedures need to become routine business practices. Implementing strict on-farm biosecurity protocols can prevent PED from infecting your pigs.
- National Swine Farm-Level Biosecurity Standard
- Biosecurity fundamentals for visitors to livestock facilities identifies measures to follow
Transportation biosecurity
PED virus is highly infectious and can be easily spread to farms through contaminated trailers. You should ensure that only washed and disinfected trailers come on to your farm to pick up or deliver live animals.
Find more information about Cold Weather Trailer Disinfection Procedure.
PED prevention at provincial and federal processors
Abattoir contamination can result in the transmission of PED virus to farms from livestock trailers that have been at those facilities. Processors need to be aware of which suppliers have infected pigs so that they can take precautions to prevent their facility from becoming a source of the virus to other farms.
Find more information about Porcine epidemic diarrhea control at meat plants.
Euthanasia and deadstock
While older pigs can recover from PED, the virus is fatal to nursing piglets. Producers with PED infected deadstock should work with their deadstock collector to minimize the risks of transmission or consider on-farm disposal alternatives.
Find more information about Deadstock management of farm animals in Ontario.
Additional resources
For additional information on Porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) and recommended biosecurity measures on the farm, please access the following:
- The National Pork Board PED Resources and Research
- Ontario Pork PED information
- Ontario Pork Industry Council PED information
- American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV)
Confirmed PED diagnoses in Ontario
On January 22, 2014, the first case of PED in Ontario was identified. PED and deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) case reporting and follow-up’ are led by Swine Health Ontario. All cases are encouraged to be timely reported to Swine Health Ontario.