Tissue samples submitted to the provincial vet lab on 26 September from a nursery-finisher site in southeast Manitoba tested positive for PEDv, reports Manitoba Pork.

After confirmation of the positive result, the Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) reported to Manitoba Pork that this was the fifth Manitoba swine farm positive for the virus.

As a result of thorough follow-up sampling conducted at the swine premise, the CVO has gathered sufficient evidence to conclude that the swine premise was negative for PEDv during the time period when the initial samples were submitted.

It was also noted that this site had good biosecurity practices and was not directly linked to any positive farm.

Over the 10 days after the collection of the positive tissue samples, follow-up testing of the pigs, manure and the environment on the site was all negative. Additionally, repeated visits to the site confirmed that there were no significant clinical signs associated with PED. The PEDv source of the positive test from the site is unknown. The CVO is continuing to investigate.

The CVO requires confirmatory retesting of positive results to limit false positives. However, no diagnostic test is perfect and the CVO conducts additional tests and site follow-up to confirm results. The co-operation of industry, private veterinarians and affected producers during this response has been greatly appreciated.

Further Reading

Find out more information on porcine epidemic diarrhoea (PED) by clicking here.