New blood import rules to protect against PEDv
PEDv mortality rates can be up to 100 per cent.
EU officials have confirmed new rules will be put in place to limit the devastating spread of porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus (PEDv).
The deadly swine virus was first confirmed in the USA in May last year. By the end of January 2014 it had spread to 23 US states and crossed the border to Canada. It is causing serious losses to the pig industry.
New rules agreed by the European Commission will restrict imports of pig blood products used in piglet feed.
While the virus is not harmful to humans it kills up to 100 per cent of pigs it infects and is highly contagious.
Under new rules agreed by the EU Commission and member states, pig blood products may only be imported after being heat treated to 80ºC. Products must then be stored at room temperature for six weeks to inactivate any virus that may have contaminated the blood after heat treatment.
Spray-dried porcine plasma (SPDD) is used as a feed ingredient for young piglets. It is banned by Red Tractor Assurance, who regulate more than 90 per cent of the UK's domestic pig supply.
However, the National Pig Association (NPA) says it could be contained in a few milk replacer/milk blend products without producers' knowledge.
US and Canadian authorities have confirmed no consignments of live pigs are due to be dispatched to the EU. The EU Commission says it will therefore review current import conditions at the next meeting in June.
The PEDv epidemic in North America and Asia is thought to have been caused by two viruses: an alphacoronavirus causing porcine epidemic diarrhoea and a new emerging deltacoronavirus. The latter is a cause for particular concern, the commission says, as there is no information to suggest the virus occurs in Europe.
At the beginning of the year, BPEX warned UK pig farmers to review biosecurity measures to protect against PEDv, implementing measures such as disinfectant wheel dips and foot dips at farm entrances. It also recommended a zero tolerance policy for poorly washed livestock lorries.
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. 
