Blisters seen around the mouth, nose and hoofs of pigs can — and should — raise instant reactions from hog producers.
The fear is that these blisters indicate foot and mouth disease, with its related health and trade implications, but it might also be symptomatic of the less dangerous Seneca Valley Virus.
Dr. Julia Keenliside, veterinary epidemiologist with Alberta Agriculture, said Dec. 16 that no cases of SVV have been found in Canada, but 70 premises in the United States have identified cases.
As well, three sows exported from two locations in Canada tested positive for SVV when they arrived at slaughter in the U.S. No symptoms or positive tests were found at the source farms.
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“We really are still trying to puzzle out what happened there,” said Keenliside.
SVV is not a reportable disease, but its similarities to reportable and more deadly illnesses require producers to contact their herd veterinarians immediately should they see symptoms.
“You can’t distinguish it from the really scary reportable foreign animal diseases such as foot and mouth without doing lab testing,” Keenliside said during an Alberta Pork conference call.
“Just by looking at the animal, you can’t tell what virus caused those blisters. There are three other reportable diseases that also cause blisters in swine. All that you have to know is that blisters around the hoofs and the mouth and the nose of pigs is really a cause for concern and must be reported immediately.”
barb.glen@producer.com
