Industry views sought on PEDv plans
A notifiable status would aid fast diagnosis and prompt action in the event of an outbreak.
Industry views are being sought on the recently launched contingency plan to control and eliminate Porcine Epidemic Diarrhoea virus (PEDv).
In what has been described as a 'step forward', Defra, together with AHDB Pork and other industry organisations, are now seeking views on the proposal to make PEDv a notifiable disease.
If the industry agrees to the move, the new rules would come into force later this year. Giving PEDv this status means that it would be notifiable on suspicion, which would aid fast diagnosis and prompt action in the event of an outbreak.
AHDB Pork veterinary manager Martin Smith has been working with Defra, the Pig Health and Welfare Council, the NPA and other industry organisations on tackling PEDv should it ever reach the UK.
“PEDv can be a devastating disease as has been seen in the USA where it has killed millions of piglets," he said. "We want to keep it out of the UK but if it does get in we want to be ready.
“We have been watching the way in which the Canadians have been dealing with it and a collaborative approach involving the whole industry has worked well for them so we are following the same approach.
“We all believe that making PEDv notifiable would aid the efforts to control and eliminate the disease should it arrive.”
Industry views on the plan can be made for the next month from the following link: https://defra.dialogue-app.com/controlling-porcine-epidemic-diarrhoea
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
