In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Manitoba hog producers are trying to manage a pig epidemic that hasn’t been contained.
“We’re at the point of managing this rather than our hoped-for outcome of trying to contain the virus,” said Cam Dahl, general manager of the Manitoba Pork Council.
Sixty-one provincial facilities are now infected with porcine epidemic diarrhea, a virus that kills young pigs but is generally insignificant for older hogs and is not a human health risk.
That is a big increase in numbers from just a few weeks ago, when provincial hog industry leaders and officials hoped to be able to stop it spreading beyond a handful of hot spots, mostly in the province’s southeast.
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“The hope of containing the virus is past,” said Dahl.
“We have a general outbreak and general spread.”
This current wave of PED infections follows significant Manitoba waves in 2019 and 2017. The disease has been widespread across the U.S. Midwest and has hit Ontario a number of times.
While accepting that this wave won’t be held to a couple of areas and quickly eliminated, Dahl said keeping it out of as many barns as possible is essential. Producers are doubling down on prevention.
“Biosecurity is key,” said Dahl.
However, biosecurity is difficult in frigid and snowy conditions like Manitoba has had in recent weeks.
“Some of the biosecurity measures, like cleaning off the back of your truck, are more difficult in winter,” said Dahl.
The situation is also exhausting for barn workers, many of whom work with baby pigs because they like the nurturing nature of the work. Having to see so many sick pigs and to euthanize many takes a toll.
“It’s pretty hard on the mental health of people,” said Dahl.
