Deadly pig virus spreads

There is a virus killing off piglets. the virus has spread across a number of states killing millions of baby pigs. On another note, most farmers have already reduced their overhead by having already decreased the size of their pig herds. the high cost of feed and grain has lead farmers world wide to reduce stock this means that, discounting the virus, pork products were already in line to increase as an outcome of supply and demand, now add the virus and pork products, if even available, will be through the roof.

A virus never before seen in the U.S. has killed millions of baby pigs in less than a year, and with little known about how it spreads or how to stop it, it’s threatening pork production and pushing up prices.

Estimates vary, but one economist believes case data indicate more than 6 million piglets in 27 states have died since porcine epidemic diarrhea showed up in the U.S. last May.

Scientists believe PED came from China, which has seen repeated outbreaks since the 1980s and severe strains emerging in recent years. Outbreaks previously hit Europe as well.
PED thrives in cold weather, so the death toll in the U.S. has soared since December.

Just as with humans, diarrhea can make life unpleasant for adults, but in babies it can rapidly cause dehydration and death.

While a pigs gastro-intestinal system is close in regards to the Human System, the fact that PEDV is not Zoonotic (not transmitted between species), so therefore poses no risks to other animals or Humans. It also poses no risk to food safety.

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