Maybe I'm wrong , I hope.

[oldschoolbbq]

I've heard from several people that there is an epidemic among Pigs...  Seems all the Piglets are dieing off

. Is there any truth to this , or is it a ruse

 

[isucyclone]

Hello, I am a Veterinary student at Iowa State University and am studying Pig Medicine.  Iowa is the epicenter of pig production and the vet school at Iowa State is the best for pig medicine in the world.  

Unfortunately, yes, there is a virus spreading through pig herds in North America that is causing a high mortality rate in young (1-5 day old) piglets.  The virus (Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea aka PED virus), was first discovered in the U.S. in the Spring of 2013 and has since spread to many of the pork producing states in the U.S. and Canada.  The good news is, the virus poses NO THREAT TO HUMANS  or any other species for that matter.  Currently, there are no effective vaccines available, but researchers across the country are working very hard to develop effective vaccines and other control measures.

Because of the high mortality rate starting last spring and summer, this has led to a decreased pork supply in the U.S. and has subsequently been a factor in the recent increase in pork prices.

I hope this answers your questions. Again, there is no need for people to be concerned about eating pork, so keep smoking those baby backs and pork butts!

Chris

 

[azbohunter]

Excellent response to this question from someone with knowledge of the issue!

Thanks Chris...good luck at Iowa State

 

[oldschoolbbq]

Thanks much , Chris  , for the excellent , speedy reply . I'm counting on the folks at ISU to keep our Porcine pleasures available.

Thanks much , Stan