News

Spread of swine diseases in U.S. slowing

DrPaulSundberg

The director of the Swine Health Information Center says there are fewer cases of three significant diseases in the U.S. hog herd.

Dr. Paul Sundberg tells Brownfield the spread of PEDv has slowed significantly in the past 18 months partly because of increased biosecurity efforts, and the number of pigs affected by Seneca Valley is down too.

“It’s not zero.  We always get notification of these cases, but the epidemiological curve if-you-will peaked in July and August and then started on its way back down.”

He says Seneca Valley traditionally shows up in the summer and goes away in the winter, whereas PEDv seems to be more contagious in cold weather.

There are also sporadic cases of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome, or PRRS.

“Different variance of PRRS are causing different problems in different parts of the country.  Historically, when you look year-to-year, with the outbreaks over the fall and winter that you would expect…we’re going down.”

He says the variance in diseases make them difficult to control, but the hog industry is getting better at protecting animal health.

Brownfield recently spoke to Sundberg at Minnesota Pork Congress in Minneapolis.

 

 

Add Comment

Your email address will not be published.


 

Stay Up to Date

Subscribe for our newsletter today and receive relevant news straight to your inbox!