The US Department of Agriculture will require reporting of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDv) and Swine Delta Coronavirus cases in order to slow the spread of swine disease across the United States.
USDA also will require tracking movements of pigs, vehicles and other equipment leaving premises already affected by the disease. However, movements would still be allowed, the agency said.
"USDA has been working closely with the pork industry and our state and federal partners to solve this problem. Together, we have established testing protocols, sequenced the virus and are investigating how the virus is transmitted," Vilsack said in a statement. "Today's actions will help identify gaps in biosecurity and help us as we work together to stop the spread of these diseases and the damage caused to producers, industry and ultimately consumers."
USDA is also working to increase assistance to hog producers whose herds have been affected by PEDv in critical areas such as disease surveillance, herd monitoring and epidemiological and technical support. USDA's Farm Loan Program is working to help producers financially by providing credit options such as restructuring loans.
