US pig herd threatened by the epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDv)
The US swine veterinary organization has tested positive for the virus in 218 cases. The focus is on the states of Iowa (102) and Oklahoma (38) with a high density of pigs. Further positive results were found in another 19 US states.
PEDv is comparable to transmissible gastroenteritis (TGE), with significant deaths in piglets of 3 to 4 weeks of age. The virus is also transmitted by birds and is spreading epidemically.
The virus is harmless to humans. The meat is fully fit for human consumption. In international trade, the harmlessness to health is recognized, so that trade restrictions for this reason need not be expected. But . . .
The disease mainly affects young piglets with a lack of defence mechanisms, while older animals go through a self-immunization phase. There could be a noticeable partial loss of pig slaughterings in the fall of 2013 if the virus continues to spread. According to current information from mid-June, with 44 infected sow farms with an average of 2,500 sows each, around 210,000 to 260,000 slaughter pigs can be expected to be lost. This corresponds to around 60% of the daily slaughter capacity in the USA, which is comparatively minimal.
Nevertheless, there are fears of an escalation reminiscent of an epidemic in 2012, in which 68,300 US pig farms were affected. The USA is the world's largest exporter of pork with a trade share of 35%. A partial loss of exports would have an impact on the price. The EU is the second largest exporter with a market share of 25%.
Source: CME - Daily Livestock Report
