The positive diagnosis occurred on a swine operation in Rutland County on 26 March 2014.

PEDv is a coronavirus that affects pigs only and is similar to Transmissible Gastroenteritis. It does not make people sick and it does not affect other species of livestock. PEDv does not affect pork safety and pork remains completely safe to eat.

The first detection of this disease in the US occurred approximately one year ago, and since then it has impacted over 4,000 premises in 27 states. The Vermont case represents the first confirmed positive premises in Vermont.

The most common sign of PEDv in swine is severe diarrhoea, and mortality rates in pre-weaning piglets approach 100 per cent. Older animals generally survive the infection but can shed the virus in their faeces and through their respiratory tracts for an extended period.

State Veterinarian, Kristin Haas, is encouraging swine farmers to institute strict disease prevention measures to cut down risk of introducing the disease to their herds. She recommends that producers take a proactive stance.

Dr Haas said: “Farmers should take steps to minimise the chance of introducing PED virus into their herds. Swine owners should consult with their veterinarians to develop disease prevention plans tailored to their swine herd needs.”

Swine producers are encouraged to monitor for information coming from national industry groups such as the American Association of Swine Veterinarians and the National Pork Board.

As always, producers who see any signs of illness in their pigs should notify their herd veterinarian immediately to address the issue.