Serious disease threatening pig herds across UK, pork producers told

Pork producers in Wales are encouraged to attend an industry meeting to increase their knowledge of a potentially serious disease that is threatening pig herds in Europe.

Porcine Epidemic Diarrhoea Virus (PEDv) is an infection that causes severe diarrhoea in pigs of all ages. It can also lead to high death rates amongst piglets.

Arranged by Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC), the meeting will be held on Friday 17 April. It will be an opportunity to discuss this new, highly infectious strain of PEDv and how its spread can be controlled with industry and Welsh Government experts.

This disease has been a problem for the pig industry in North America which has been severely affected over the past year.

“Mild forms of PEDv have been seen in Wales in previous years,” said Charlie Morris, Industry Information Officer at HCC. “This is, however, a particularly virulent strain of the virus that could have serious consequences if introduced to Wales. Consequently, pig producers need to be vigilant and ensure that they can spot the symptoms.”

Veterinary experts will attend the meeting to share specialist knowledge on PEDv, the approaches taken to prevent the spread of disease in Wales and how a new outbreak should be controlled.

Miss Morris added: “Producers will also be updated on the initiatives currently undertaken by HCC to develop and promote pork produced in Wales.”