News

PEDv cases down in Indiana

Reported cases of the Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus are down in Indiana this year.  Dr. Bret Marsh, state veterinarian says he has been pleasantly surprised.  “I expected it to be less than last year, because last year was our first winter with it and that virus kind of had its way with our swine industry,” he says.  “This winter I expected more cases.  But it’s been rather quiet this year.  We have cases and we know that virus is alive and well out there.  But fortunately we’ve not experienced the level of not only the number of cases, but the mortality rate has not been as significant this time around.”

Marsh tells Brownfield he attributes that to a few things.  “Really it’s hats off to producers and veterinarians improving their biosecurity on the farm level,” he says.  “We have commercial vaccines available and producers are following the recommendations of veterinarians.  It’s been an experience across the country, not unlike what we’ve had here.”

He says Indiana’s Board of Animal Health has made access to updated information about PEDv and other diseases easier with the launch of its subscription services.  He says the bi-monthly situation report includes Indiana maps of newly identified cases, analysis of lab test submissions, and an overview of Indiana’s case history since reporting began.