Michigan PRV Update

June 2, 2008 — 

According to the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA), traceback investigations have found three additional PRV positive facilities following the confirmation of an outbreak in Saginaw County on May 6, 2008 in a transitional herd.

Two of these facilities are in Gladwin County and another PRV positive transitional swine facility was recently identified through trace testing in Cheboygan County. Five-mile circles have been drawn around each PRV positive facility and all swine within the circles will be tested for PRV.

Five feral swine, taken near the original Saginaw County index case, have tested positive for PRV. To date, MDA and DNR know of 38 facilities with shooting swine. Each of these facilities received a quarantine notice along with a letter informing the owner of the PRV testing procedures.

The State Veterinarian informed fair and exhibition boards on May 28, 2008, that shows this season must either require PRV testing prior to the show or all swine leaving the premises of a show are considered terminal and must go to slaughter. The MDA's Swine Health Committee met and passed a resolution to encourage MDA to make swine premises registration mandatory statewide, as soon as practical.

To date, no premises have been depopulated. The MDA is seeking funding and is currently partnering with USDA Veterinary Services to shoulder the cost of PRV surveillance and eradication. USDA Wildlife Services is assisting in capturing and shooting swine on game ranches, but will charge the State for the service.

Source: Michigan Department of Agriculture