PED Virus Cases Grow

Jul 18, 2013

U.S. Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus Cases Rise

By Amanda Brodhagen, Farms.com

A new report issued by the National Pork Board says there were more than 330 confirmed cases of the pig virus – porcine epidemic diarrhea, spanning15 U.S. states, with the highest concentrations in Iowa and Oklahoma. This was last updated July 8. The first PED virus case was detected in May.

The virus isn’t new and has been discovered in many other countries, especially in China, South Korea, Japan and along with several European countries. It is classified as a production-related virus and is not considered a trade-restricting disease.

Hog producers should be vigilant if they see signs of illness in their pigs and notify their herd veterinarian imminently. Laboratory testing is the only way to determine if PED virus is present. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Swine Veterinarians, and the National Pork Board have been closely monitoring the disease and advising producers on ways to prevent the disease from spreading.

More information about PED and disease updates can be found on the American Association of Swine Veterinarians website.

Video: Finding a Balance of Innovation and Regulation - Dr. Peter Facchini

Regulations help markets and industry exist on level playing fields, keeping consumers safe and innovation from going too far. However, incredibly strict regulations can stunt innovation and cause entire industries to wither away. Dr. Peter James Facchini brings his perspective on how existing regulations have slowed the advancement of medical developments within Canada. Given the international concern of opium poppy’s illicit potential, Health Canada must abide by this global policy. But with modern technology pushing the development of many pharmaceuticals to being grown via fermentation, is it time to reconsider the rules?

Dr. Peter James Facchini leads research into the metabolic biochemistry in opium poppy at the University of Calgary. For more than 30 years, his work has contributed to the increased availability of benzylisoquinoline alkaloid biosynthetic genes to assist in the creation of morphine for pharmaceutical use. Dr. Facchini completed his B.Sc. and Ph.D. in Biological Sciences at the University of Toronto before completing Postdoctoral Fellowships in Biochemistry at the University of Kentucky in 1992 & Université de Montréal in 1995.