Rendered Products and Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDv)

February 12, 2014 — David Meeker, Ph.D., MBA

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDv) is causing much damage and concern in the pork industry. Recently, pig feed was speculated to be a risk for spreading PEDv, necessitating a look at the facts. PEDV is very susceptible to heat, and various combinations of temperature and time will kill the virus. Research shows that temperatures of 140 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes; 160 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes, or even 68 degrees Fahrenheit for 7 days results in no detectable live virus.

The rendering process significantly exceeds that threshold (at a minimum of 240 degrees Fahrenheit for 40 minutes) and is designed to kill pathogenic organisms such as PEDv. For assurance, most of the rendering industry follows a HACCP-like Code of Practice that includes critical time and temperature control points as well as post-processing re-contamination prevention. Renderers adhere to standard biosecurity and sanitation plans in their facilities and fleets including good manufacturing practices (GMP’s) designed to prevent cross contamination from raw to finished product. All such produced rendered products including all protein meals, fats and greases, are safe for use in animal feeds.

In addition, current scientific evidence indicates collection and manufacturing processes ensure spray dried bovine or porcine blood and bovine or porcine plasma products are safe feed ingredients. Spray drying has been shown to inactivate many different viruses. Processes include heating the blood products to over 175 degrees Fahrenheit and slowly cooling, facilitating virus deactivation.

Envelope viruses, like PEDv, do not survive over long periods in dry environments; therefore, PEDv would not be expected to survive in rendered protein meals or spray dried blood products that are typically stored for a significant period of time, often months or more.

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David L. Meeker, Ph.D., MBA National Renderers Association