Hog producers that are dealing with porcine epidemic diarrhea must now report it to the federal government. U.S. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack made the announcement Friday, after the virus has spread to nearly thirty states including Indiana.
In addition to being required to report PED, farmers also will be required to report the movement of pigs, vehicles and other equipment leaving affected areas though movements are still allowed.
The goal of the USDA’s action is to slow the spread of the disease while maintaining movement of pigs in the U.S.
The announcement also requires incidents of swine delta coronavirus to be reported.
“USDA has been working closely with the pork industry and our state and federal partners to solve this problem,” Vilsack stated in the release. “Together, we have established testing protocols, sequenced the virus and are investigating how the virus is transmitted. Today’s actions will help identify gaps in biosecurity and help us as we work together to stop the spread of these diseases and the damage caused to producers, industry and ultimately consumers.”
While the viruses are a threat to pigs, it does not infect humans, even if a person is exposed to pigs or consumes pork products.
According to Hoosier Ag Today, the virus has a negative impact on pigs but has not translated to lower pork profits. One pork economist said that producer profits will actually increase as a result of PED.
The reduction in the hog supply can have more of an impact on the consumer, as bacon and other pork products may cost more at the grocery store as a result.
