From an OMAF/MRA Biosecurity Update following PEDv detected in an Ontario pig herd.
Now more than ever, farm-level biosecurity is critical.
Industry Advisory from Animal Health and Welfare Branch, OMAF and MRA 24 January 2014
Disease Alert: Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus
On January 22, 2014, the Animal Health Lab (AHL) diagnosed Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED) in samples from a pig farm in Middlesex County. This is the first confirmed case of PED in Canada. PED has been spreading throughout the US since April 2013 and has had a significant economic impact on their pork industry. The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food (OMAF) is working closely with industry, veterinarians and other service providers to manage this case. However, given the virulent nature of the virus, additional cases can be expected. Biosecurity remains the best prevention. Producers and service/supply businesses must continue to be diligent and vigilant in order to limit the impact of PED in Ontario, and follow strict biosecurity procedures at all times, including:
Transporters:
- Utilize dedicated trailers for US shipments. Thoroughly wash and disinfect trailers returning from the United States.
- Wash and disinfect all trucks between farms whenever possible.
- Follow the OSHAB Load/Unload Protocol and use the recommended biosecurity tote and boot wash kit.
Producers:
- Ensure all incoming pigs are from a PED negative farm.
- Follow and enforce proper entry protocols. Dedicated barn boots and coveralls should be available for all staff and visitors. Use a Danish Entry System that allows for unidirectional flow of staff and visitors entering the barn. A hand wash or hand sanitizer should be available upon entry.
- If using deadstock pickup, ensure carcasses are picked up off-site. Wash and disinfect equipment used to transfer carcasses from barn to deadstock bin.
- Ensure transporters are following your farm’s recommendations for trailer sanitation. A washed and disinfected trailer will reduce the risk of disease transmission to your farm. Communicate biosecurity protocols to service providers.
- Refer to the National Swine Farm-level Biosecurity Standard and discuss your biosecurity plan with your veterinarian.
- Monitor your herd for clinical signs of disease, particularly vomiting and diarrhea. Call your veterinarian immediately with any concerns.
Veterinarians:
- Review your clients’ biosecurity procedures and risks.
- Encourage diagnostic testing for any suspect cases. The AHL recommends sending fecal swabs in viral transport medium rather than transporting whole pigs directly to the lab. Rectal or stab swabs of the colon will provide sufficient material to diagnose the virus. PED-suspect testing at the Animal Health Laboratory will be conducted free of charge. Please contact the AHL for complete instructions before submitting samples.
- Under the Animal Health Act, veterinarians are required to immediately report any significant herd health changes to OMAF.
PED has become established in the United States and continues to spread. The threat of PED to Ontario and other provinces is ongoing. These biosecurity procedures need to become routine business practices.
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.