High PED risk: Are you protected?

May 16, 2019 | by admin

Information and insights from the team at Prairie Swine Health Services

May and June are high risk months for porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED), a viral disease of pigs that causes diarrhea and vomiting in the animals. PED can be very serious and can kill younger pigs in herds that have not previously been exposed to the virus.

The next six weeks are critical due to spreading and seeding and the increased transfer of equipment between various sites. Prairie Swine Health Services wants you to be prepared to prevent PED. Here's what you need to know:

Get PED battle ready: Four keys to success

1. Maximize transport biosecurity

We recommend all farms maximize transport biosecurity. This can include:

• Wash,disinfect and dry all trailers after visiting high traffic sites such as abattoirs, auction marts, assembly yards. These should all be treated as potential sources of contamination.
  • Ensure proper biosecurity practices are used when delivering animals to high traffic sites. Review the following trailer entry protocols.
• Ensure all trucks and trailers, driver’s clothing and boots are washed and disinfected before arriving at your operation.

2. Review both entry and on-site biosecurity protocols

Review your entry protocols and on-site biosecurity protocols including:

• Minimize visitors onsite to those that are necessary and insist that they follow your biosecurity measures – boot covers, shower in/out etc.
• Create a clear separation of the CAZ and RAZ.
  • Employ this at all entries including the loadout.
  • Consult your veterinarian for further information.
• Disinfect all equipment that enters the barn.
• Use Danish entries properly (remove shoes, change clothing and wash hands).
• Have a pair of boots and clothing designated for the hog barn – wash and disinfect these regularly.
• Do not allow any person or vehicle on your farm without warning (call ahead of time).

3. Follow additional biosecurity best practices

Other areas of biosecurity to review and focus on include:

• Do not cross paths with garbage or deadstock truck with your farm equipment.
• Use transport coveralls and boots between barns.
• Use designated coveralls and boots for deadstock that are washed and disinfected daily.
• Avoid staff sharing between operations.

4. Consult with your veterinarian

May and June in Manitoba have historically been when most PED cases have been found. Consult your herd veterinarian, review the National Swine Farm Level Biosecurity Standard and visit Manitoba Pork's biosecurity webpage for more information on where improvements can be made in your operations.

This Industry Update content is available for use with credit to Prairie Swine Health Services. Prairie Swine Health Services is a dynamic team of veterinary professionals providing advanced strategies and solutions to support the success of your operation. Learn more at www.prairieswinehealth.com.