| | March 4, 2019
Third case of PED deemed to be a false positive
After additional investigation and testing, the third case of PED reported in Alberta has been determined to be a false positive.
Investigation into possible explanations around these results is underway.
The fourth case of PED remains confirmed as positive with clinical signs apparent on the farm.
As of March 4, 2019, three cases of PED have been confirmed in Alberta: January 7, February 21, and March 1.
March 1, 2019
A third and fourth case of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea has been confirmed in Alberta.
The farm has stopped movement of all pigs, full bio-containment has been implemented and it is working closely with their veterinarian, Alberta Pork and Alberta Agriculture and Forestry to contain the disease.
All producers in Alberta are advised to increase their biosecurity at this time.
Further information will be communicated as it becomes available.
Feb 21, 2019
A second case of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED) has been confirmed by Alberta Agriculture and Forestry.
The producer and the herd veterinarian are working closely with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, Alberta Pork and their processor.
Pig traffic to and from the site has been stopped and enhanced biosecurity is being implemented. An investigation into the source of the virus has begun.
In Alberta, PED is a provincially reportable disease, which means that producers or veterinarians must notify the Office of the Chief Provincial Veterinarian (OCPV) of all suspected or confirmed cases. There is no human health risk with PED.
Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED) is a highly contagious, viral disease in pigs. PED causes severe diarrhea and death in suckling pigs and milder diarrhea in older pigs. Any sudden onset of unusual diarrhea should be investigated immediately by a veterinarian.
We do not expect any market access implications as a result of this finding.
If you suspect your pigs may be infected, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Office of Alberta’s Chief Provincial Veterinarian at 780-427-3448.
February 7, 2019
Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED) Update
Alberta Agriculture and Forestry (AF), in partnership with Alberta Pork, continues to investigate the first case of porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) in Alberta. The latest information continues to suggest that the incident is limited to one farm with no evidence of spread off of the farm. Samples from the environmental sampling surveillance program at high-swine traffic sites continue to be negative for PED.
The pork industry in Alberta is to be commended for their biosecurity efforts, which have kept this disease contained to one farm. However, as has been stated long prior to this detection, it’s important to keep up those biosecurity practices and consider that at any time, any high-swine traffic site could be positive.
The investigation into possible sources continues, but, as in previous outbreaks, there may be an inability to definitively identify a source.
At this point, animals have still not left the farm since detection of the disease. Several visits have taken place by the herd veterinarian and AF veterinarians and all animals are in good condition with sufficient space. Animals were also observed for ongoing signs of illness and sampling is being conducted to determine whether the animals are still infectious. Based on results obtained thus far, supervised animal shipments may resume in the coming week with negligible risk of disease spread or concern for welfare during transportation.
The ongoing support of all stakeholders is appreciated as we continue to work together towards resolving this incident for the best interest of all producers and industry partners.
January 15, 2019
Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED) Update
On January 7, 2019, Alberta Agriculture and Forestry confirmed the first-ever case of PED in Alberta.
Since then, the farm and the farm veterinarian have worked closely with Alberta Pork and Alberta Agriculture and Forestry to manage the disease. Enhanced biosecurity measures are in place for the entire premises to reduce the risk of the virus leaving the site. Since the finding was confirmed, no pigs from the affected farm have been marketed to slaughter or assembly sites in Alberta and there are no plans to do so.
The investigation is ongoing. All pig traffic in and out of the site has been traced and no transport links have been identified as potential sources. All environmental surveillance testing from high-traffic pig sites in Alberta, such as assembly sites, abattoirs and truck washes, are still negative.
To date, no other cases of PED have been identified in Alberta.
Alberta Agriculture and Forestry (AF) will continue to work with Alberta Pork, pork producers, swine veterinarians, and other pork industry stakeholders to investigate this case and prevent further spread of the virus.
If you suspect your pigs may be infected, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Office of Alberta’s Chief Provincial Veterinarian at 780-427-3448
January 7, 2019
A case of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED) has been confirmed by Alberta Agriculture and Forestry.
In Alberta, PED is a provincially reportable disease, which means that producers or veterinarians must notify the Office of the Chief Provincial Veterinarian (OCPV) of all suspected or confirmed cases. There is no human health risk with PED.
Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED) is a highly contagious, viral disease of pigs that has not previously been detected in Alberta. PED causes severe diarrhea and death in suckling pigs and milder diarrhea in older pigs. Any sudden onset of unusual diarrhea should be investigated immediately by a veterinarian.
It has been detected in other provinces including Ontario and Manitoba as well as several states in the United States. For the past five years, AF and its stakeholders have successfully kept this disease out of Alberta.
Alberta Agriculture and Forestry (AF) will continue to work with Alberta Pork, pork producers, swine veterinarians, and other pork industry stakeholders to investigate this case and prevent further spread of the virus.
We do not expect any market access implications as a result of this finding.
If you suspect your pigs may be infected, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Office of Alberta’s Chief Provincial Veterinarian at 780-427-3448.
October 29, 2014
PED virus detected at pig-handling facility in Alberta
During the ongoing surveillance activities being conducted in partnership between the Alberta government and the pork industry, the porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) virus has been detected at a pig-handling facility in Alberta. This environmental sample was not taken from a farm or a sick animal. There are no reported cases of PED in pigs in Alberta.
The positive sample was taken from an office space. Other samples taken in high pig-traffic areas at the same site, such as the loading dock and scales, came back negative.
Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development is working closely with the facility and the pork industry to investigate the situation and to keep producers informed. Together with the pork industry, we have been preparing for the possibility of PED. A plan is in place to reduce the risk of the spread of the disease, investigate and manage the situation.
This positive test serves as a reminder to producers that any high pig-traffic site or vehicle could potentially be contaminated with PED or swine delta coronavirus (see SDCV below), at any time. Producers must work closely with their livestock hauler to ensure all trucks are cleaned, disinfected and dried every time before entering a farm.
Other biosecurity measures, such as requiring clean boots and clothing for all barn visitors and cleaning and disinfecting load-out areas, should also be strictly enforced.
Contact your veterinarian if you have questions about biosecurity for your premises.
About Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED)
Swine Delta Coronavirus (SDCV)
Other sources of information about PED
Information on PED from other sites in Canada and the U.S.
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