Some little piggies are not going to market. What's more, an outbreak of the Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus across the U.S has pig farmers concerned the worst is still to come.
Some little piggies are not going to market. What's more, an outbreak of the Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus across the U.S has pig farmers concerned the worst is still to come.
The first case of it was reported in Britain in the early 1970s, and the virus has since spread to several European and Asian countries. In April 2013, the virus was officially identified in the U.S. and since then, cases of it have been reported in 30 states.
The virus can’t be passed on to humans, but its killing pigs at a rapid rate, limiting the pork supply, increasing prices and adding to the stress of farmers.
Greg Lear, who runs a farm in Spencer, Iowa elaborated on the emotional aftermath stating “How do you keep up employee morale when you're asking, 'How many are dead today?' Those pigs should have been walking out of the barn, and we were carrying them out. Mentally it just hammers you.”
The virus causes constant diarrhea, which easily proves to be fatal for younger pigs. Spokesman for the American Association of Swine Veterinarians, Harry Snelson, estimates that 50 percent of US sow herds have been infected by the virus.
Many farmers are resorting to shelling out tens of thousands of dollars on protection measures.
There is a little light at the end of the tunnel, as most viruses tend to die off when warmer temperatures arrive, but farmers fear it will come right back this coming winter
