To help fight against the spread of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus (PEDv), the National Pork Board has announced additional funds earmarked for research.
A new agreement with Genome Alberta provides $500,000, along with $650,000 approved by the Pork Checkoff, according to Feedstuffs. A portion of the funding will be used for feed-related research to better understand the potential role feed may play in PEDv transmission. Ways to increase sow immunity and transmission and biosecurity risks will also be studied.
The Pork Checkoff also announced collaboration with the National Pork Producers Council, the American Association of Swine Veterinarians, the American Feed Industry Association, the National Grain and Feed Association, the National Renderers Association and the North American Spray Dried Blood and Plasma Protein Producers to fight against the disease.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), PEDv has surfaced in 26 states. The devastating disease, which has no impact on food safety, was first identified in the U.S. last May.