Confirmed cases of the porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDv) in the US are continuing to rise. The USDA’s National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) reported an additional 257 cases of PEDv in the week ending April 5, bringing the cumulative case count to 5,509.
Mississippi was the most recent state to report a case during that week, bringing the number of states officially affected by PEDv to 28. However, the NAHLN noted that cases have also now been diagnosed in Vermont and Virginia, which brings the actual state count to 30.
Meanwhile, the US pork industry has accelerated research into PEDv to get answers about the disease that has now killed millions of young pigs in less than a year.
Research projects that might have taken years are now expected to produce results within months, the National Pork Board’s Lisa Becton said.Â
Researchers are focusing on how the virus is shed, how it affects sow immunity and what level of resistance is needed for protection. They also want to find out how long immunity might last.
Other research is evaluating disinfectants to deactivate the virus.