Pig Barns Prep for PEDv This Winter

As I woke up this morning to a typical South Dakota December chill and a temperature of minus three degrees Fahrenheit, I felt a bit relieved to be heading into the office today and not out to the barn as America’s farmers admirably do day in and day out, no matter what the weather may bring.

The cold temperatures also brought to mind memories of what last year’s Old Man Winter blew into our swine barns… PEDv. With the absence of heat and dry conditions to keep the virus at bay, the disease spread through barns across 31 states.

Even with a renewed focus on biosecurity measures and nutritional management, Jack Frost can bring some additional challenges that producers need to be aware of in order to protect their pigs. Here are five production areas that swine producers should concentrate on this season for optimal security:

1. Herd flow – With potential risks for re-infection or spreading of the virus, it is essential to make sure there are proper check points for identifying infected animals and separating them from the rest of the herd. Conduct proper observance of the quarantine of replacement breeding stock with test and release procedures.
2. Cleanliness – Severe cold temperatures make it extremely difficult to wash, clean and disinfect. Ensure all areas are completely clean and dry before exposing them to new pigs.
3. Transportation – Animals coming in and going out are at risk for exposure by the transportation vehicles the operation is using. Guarantee their rides are completely clean and are from trusted sources that understand your biosecurity protocols.
4. Employees – Examine foot traffic and implement proper bioesecurity measures for employees to reduce risk as employees can often work in different barns and, in some cases, for different producers. Reduce/restrict points of entry to breeding facilities.

Nutrition – Animal performance is often dependent on feed quality and the performance of the feed itself. Include technologies in the feed that reduce the risk of pathogens and build immunity.

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