PEDV: Buying Station Biosecurity Review and Suggestions

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDv) was found in the US swine herd for the first time on samples collected on April 15. Since that time, the virus has spread throughout the major swine producing states causing diarrhea and death loss in young pigs. The first identified case in NC swine was on 6-20-13 near Faison, NC. To understand how the virus arrived in NC and to address risk factors for spread between producers, a survey of 4 cull animal collection points in eastern NC was performed on June 27 and 28.

The survey consisted of a questionnaire relating to biosecurity practices and, if granted permission, swabs of incoming chutes and fecal samples of animals were collected for testing for PED and TGE.

PCR Testing Results: 14 samples were tested for TGEv and PEDv by PCR.
4 swabs were taken from the most commonly used chute for incoming animals at the truck end of the chute. 3 PED Positive, 0 TGE Positive.
10 swabs from swine with diarrhea or loose feces in pens: 6 PED Positive, 1 TGE Positive

Suggestions for Immediate Consideration to Reduce risk of spreading PEDv

1. Label and segregate chutes as much as possible.

A. Loading chute to be used for outbound animals going to slaughter. Do not unload animals at this chute because they would become infected immediately and start shedding viruses within 24 hours.

B. Unloading chute for trailers delivering animals from a farm

• Unloading Cull sow chute if possible
• Unloading Growing pig chute if possible
• Unloading “HOT” chute for deliveries from known positive farms- segregate these known positive animals from the general population if possible (no nose to nose contact)
• Continue to provide an area for drivers to discard their disposable coveralls and disposable boots.

2. Wash and disinfect all unloading chutes and driver areas as often as possible.

• Wash all the fecal material off the chute and driver area first.
• Apply a 2% phenol based disinfectant (examples include: TekTrol, One Stroke Environ, Pheno-Tek II) to the areas where drivers walk to enter the chute, the chute from the point the driver enters to the top, and all areas where the chute contacts the truck.
• Phenols will work the best because they are the most active when there is some organic material present.
• A water medicator pump set to inject 2% (Dosatron makes one) can be installed and hooked up to a water hose beside the chute for ease of application.
• If possible, make the driver contact area as small as possible. Rework facilities so the driver can enter the loading chute without having to walk through holding areas where he could be contaminated.

3. Require all trailers used to pick up animals be cleaned and disinfected before arrival

• Even though most of these trailers have been washed, many were not disinfected.
• Provide disinfectant to be used at the wash pits currently. Always allow disinfectant to dry before using the trailer for best results. It may be best to use a mild disinfectant like Synergize on trailers if they are going to be loaded quickly after disinfection.

4. Provide coveralls and boots for employees to wear. These coveralls and boots should stay on the site and be washed routinely.

• This will reduce the tracking of diseases into stores, gas stations, etc.
• Routine boot washing and disinfection when crossing over areas where drivers have to walk (especially around the unloading chutes)

5. Consider utilizing the formal Pork Board programs for Trucker Quality Assurance (TQA) and Pork Quality Assurance Plus (PQA Plus)

• These programs provide standardized, documentable training on animal handling, biosecurity practices, worker safety, and food safety.
• If you are interested, contact the North Carolina Pork Council and they can arrange a training session.

Source: AASV