A third strain of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus has been detected in a Minnesota hog herd – according to University of Minnesota Assistant Professor of Veterinary Population Medicine Douglas Marthaler. Marthaler believes it is a mutation of the original strain and at least as virulent. The reason for this mutation could be a response to increased immunity in herds – he says – but he says the virus is always changing. So far – roughly 10-percent of U.S. hogs have been killed by PEDv in the past two years. Producers need to continue taking precautions to prevent the new strain from spreading.

Third Strain Identified