The Idaho State Department of Agriculture issued an administrative order Wednesday requiring evidence that all swine entering the state, for purposes other than shipment direct to slaughter, have not been exposed to Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus, or PEDv.

PEDv is a disease which can make adult pigs ill and can be fatal with regards to suckling piglets. PEDv does not pose a food safety concern and is not transmissible to people, or other species of animals, however, the disease can be fatal to piglets three weeks old and younger.

The administrative order for swine entering into Idaho now requires the health certificate, or Certificate of Veterinary Inspection, accompany the shipment.

Included in the order was the following statement: “To the best of my knowledge, swine represented on this certificate have not, within the last 30 days, originated from premises known to be affected by PEDv and have not been exposed to PEDv.”

Over 25 states have reported cases of PEDv that have caused the death of millions of suckling piglets since it was first diagnosed in the United States last spring.

The PEDv virus is spread mostly through manure, so pork producers are encouraged to maintain strict biosecurity and take precautions to reduce exposure to other pigs and their manure.

It is unclear how the virus made its way to the US, but it appears to be spread through a range of methods, including direct contact with the manure of affected swine, manure contamination on livestock transport vehicles and also contaminated feed products.

All animals, including pigs, entering Idaho already are required to have a health certificate signed by an accredited veterinarian stating the animal is disease free. The certificate must be signed by the animal owner as well as the veterinarian.

In addition to the new PEDv statement required on all CVIs accompanying swine shipments, Idaho State Veterinarian, Dr Bill Barton has advised extension offices, 4-H and FFA leaders and other swine event managers who are planning to show pigs in fairs or exhibits, to avoid unnecessary gatherings of pigs and, if possible, to weigh-in and tag the animals prior to the event to help reduce the spread of the disease.

For more information, visit www.agri.idaho.gov or contact the Idaho State Veterinarian’s Office by dialing (208) 332-8540.