Pig virus spreading in U.S. would ‘shut down’ Nova Scotia’s industry

KINGSTON, N.S. – Nova Scotia pig farmers say their industry would be devastated if a virus spreading through the United States’ pork industry crosses the border to Canada.

Porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) has killed more than 1 million young pigs in the U.S. and has been found in 22 states. The virus targets both male and female pigs and has a high mortality rate, especially for animals only a few weeks old.

While it’s not dangerous to humans and there have been no reported cases in Canada, farmers are worried it could be here soon.

“If this disease comes to Nova Scotia, the hog industry no longer exists,” said Terry Beck, a farmer and chairman of the Pork Nova Scotia board of directors.

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Beck says farmers blame the trucks used to transport pigs for spreading the virus. He says if trucks aren’t cleaned and disinfected properly, the disease could pass from farm to farm.

Many of those trucks cross both provincial and national borders.

“If it got into Ontario,” Beck said, “I would think it’s just a matter of time before it got into Nova Scotia.”

PED’s effect on pork prices has been difficult to measure. Reported increases range between six and 25 per cent south of the border.

Jessi Gillis, owner of Highland View Butchery in Halifax, said a reduced supply of pork could hike prices.

Government officials are keeping a close eye on the disease as well.

A workshop is planned later this month in Truro to answer questions farmers might have about the virus, said Arthur Pick, manager of Agriculture Production for the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture.

While the virus doesn’t affect humans, as of yet there is no known vaccine. Unlike many other viruses that thrive in warm weather, PED is said to spread most quickly in the winter.