News

No spring hog weigh-in in Wisconsin

In an effort to prevent the spread of the Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus (PEDv), Wisconsin State Veterinarian Dr. Paul McGraw is again banning the spring pig weigh-ins for county fairs. This is the second year for the ban.

McGraw also recommends only terminal swine shows be held again this year. He says, “The only safe way to control these diseases is to ensure that the pigs comingled at fairs and shows are sent directly to slaughter.” It is up to the counties to develop a plan to implement the terminal shows.

It is estimated that more than 8 million pigs have died since PEDv was first found in the U.S. in 2013. Wisconsin has had 7 known positive cases of PEDv since the virus was first found but only two cases have been reported since the mandatory reporting requirement went into effect in June 2014.