Special Report

USDA launches mandatory reporting of PEDv

The USDA has issued a federal order for mandatory reporting of the Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus.  Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack told producers and guests at the National Pork Producers Council SIP luncheon at World Pork Expo in Des Moines today, “This is too important an industry to this country, to the producers, to rural America and to all of America for us not to take aggressive action.” Secretary Vilsack said the USDA is working with pork industry groups and state partners to strengthen the response to PEDv with this action. And with that comes $26 Million dollars in assistance with the potential for $30 million through congressional appropriations.

USDA Chief Veterinary officer Dr. John Clifford says the federal order requires producers to report any type of novel coronovirus which includes PEDv and the Delta Corona virus.  Clifford tells Brownfield Ag News, “The reporting would have to be done either through the laboratory or their accredited veterinarian or the producer. It’s not saying all three of those that have to report it but ONE of those has to report it. But if they provide samples through one of our national animal health laboratory network labs then that reporting will be occurring automatically because those laboratories are also required to report that to us (USDA).”  There are no movement restrictions and no quarantines.

AUDIO: Secretary Vilsack, Dr. Clifford (28:00 mp3)

AUDIO: Interview with Dr. John Clifford, USDA (4:00 mp3)

With pork industry reaction, here’s Ken Anderson

AUDIO: NPPC president Howard Hill reacting to USDA announcement (2:56 MP3)