AFIA backs more PEDv research after new report

The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) released a statement regarding research on porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) virus.
"The American Feed Industry Association strongly supports research that provides accurate information pertaining to porcine epidemic diarrhea virus, a challenge currently facing U.S. swine production,” said Richard Sellers, AFIA senior vice president of legislative and regulatory affairs, in the statement. “Recently released research (conducted by Pipestone Veterinary Services and South Dakota State University and reported in BMC Veterinary Research), confirms feed can be a carrier of the virus. However, it's important to note that being a carrier of the virus does not mean that feed is the source. The prevalence of the disease on an infected farm can contaminate many items.
"There are still many unknowns related to the outbreak of the virus, and AFIA's goal is to work with industry partners, swine producers, veterinarians and the government to conduct and evaluate research to better understand the cause and transmission routes of PEDV. As a step to find answers, AFIA and industry partner, the Institute for Feed Education &Research, pledged $100,000 to the National Pork Board in May of this year." 
PED virus was discovered in the United States in May 2013 and in Canada in winter 2014. The virus usually kills piglets within five days of infection.
Visit WATT AgNet’s PEDv Update page to learn the latest impact on the pig industry.