Swine Virus Investigation in Colorado

LAKEWOOD, Colo. – On May 16, the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) confirmed a detection of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea in Iowa. Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PED) is a virus disease associated with outbreaks of diarrhea and vomiting in swine. PED is not a zoonotic disease, does not affect people, and is not a food safety concern.

The Colorado Department of Agriculture’s State Veterinarian’s Office is investigating possible cases of PED in the state.

“Further testing and epidemiologic investigation will be available later in the week and may reveal a deeper understanding and background of the disease outbreak,” said State Veterinarian, Dr. Keith Roehr.  “I encourage swine owners to contact their local veterinarian if they observe clinical signs of the virus in their herd.”

The clinical signs of PED include severe gastroenteritis, dehydration, diarrhea, vomiting, and death in young pigs. In pigs less than seven days of age, mortality can reach 100 percent. Older pigs may only show vomiting, diarrhea, and anorexia.

Currently, there are no interstate trade restrictions pertaining to PED in US; collaborative work is ongoing between the US Department of Agriculture, state animal health officials, veterinary diagnostic laboratories, practicing veterinarians, swine producers, and related swine industries to manage PED the US outbreak.

PED exists in many parts of the world.  It was first diagnosed in 1971 in Great Britain. Since that time there have been sporadic outbreaks in Europe and it has become an endemic pig disease in Asia since 1982.

For more information on PED, go to the Iowa State University – Iowa Pork Industry Center website at: http://www.ipic.iastate.edu/information/PEDVfactsheet2013.pdf.