Hog farmers are obliged to report outbreaks of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus and work with offiicials to combat the disease and prevent its spread, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced at the World Pork Expo. USDA also dedicated $26 million to research on the virus, including a vaccine. Under the USDA order, producers, veterinarians and diagnostic laboratories are required to report cases of PEDV to USDA or state animal health officials.
Retail prices for pork are up by almost 10 percent from a year ago, Vilsack said. “The number of market-ready hogs this summer could fall by more than 10 percent relative to 2013 because of PEDV.” The hog industry estimates PEDV killed 7 million piglets in the past year. Vilsack said mandatory reporting would calm jitters among foreign buyer of U.S. pork exports, Reuters said.