The return of cooler temperatures could prompt a rise in Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus (PEDv) cases in the U.S.
The virus, which does not threaten humans or food safety, thrives in damp and cold conditions. Veterinarians tell Reuters that although a vaccine that is available directly to farmers has been approved, there is concern “the virus could overwhelm the immunity of the herd.”
Veterinarian Dale Polson predicts that another 2.5 million pigs could die between July 2014 and June 2015 due to PEDv.