The government “has no clear idea” how Porcine Epidemic Virus entered the United States a year ago, Reuters says. The virus, with a high mortality rate for newborn pigs, has killed 10 percent of the U.S. hog herd and helped push pork prices to high levels. Reuters quotes USDA veterinarian John Clifford as saying, “I know that people are concerned about the pathways and feel like we haven’t done enough…It’s hard. It’s like looking for a needle in a haystack.”
Clifford and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will face questions at the World Pork Expo in Des Moines, Iowa, says the story. Some 20,000 people are expected to attend the expo, which runs today through Friday. Vilsack is to speak on Thursday. National Hog Farmer magazine says a biosecurity system, including stations where visitors can disinfect their shoes, will be used during the show.