PEDv Break in Georgia

March 4, 2015 — 

Two pigs at the recent Georgia Junior National Livestock Show in Perry, Georgia, tested positive for Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus, making these the first cases of the virus in the state. Julie McPeake, Director of Communications for the Georgia Department of Agriculture told PorkNetwork today that approximately 1,300 pigs from numerous states were exhibited at the non-terminal show. Animals were brought to the show on February 18 and left the facility on Saturday, Feb. 21 and Sunday, Feb. 22. [Source: PorkNetwork, by JoAnn Alumbaugh]

McPeake said there were 500 exhibitors at the show from multiple states. The 4-H and FFA advisors from the clubs and chapters represented have been contacted in an effort to "continue to keep them informed." She added, "Georgia is not a huge commercial [pork production] state - we're more backyard pigs" but she said pork producers who may be affected by the potential spread of PEDv are in the process of being contacted as well.

Pigs were required to have health papers for admission onto the fairgrounds. They were entered by the respective agent or ag teacher into an online registration system, so those individuals have been contacted. McPeake said pigs from other states were likely exhibited at the show, but it is unknown at this time if the state agriculture departments or veterinarians in those states have been contacted.

Full text:
http://www.porknetwork.com/pedv/pedv-break-georgia