First case of PEDv reported in Hawaii

Even after increasing swine import requirement to prevent the entry of swine infected with PEDv, the virus has found its way onto the third largest Hawaiian island of Ohau.

The Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) has issued a quarantine order stopping the movement of pigs on Oahu after an outbreak of a serious swine disease, Porcine Epidemic Diarrhoea virus (PEDv), was confirmed on a farm in Waianae Valley.

The farm contacted HDOA’s Animal Disease Control Branch to report many cases of diarrhoea among their swine a few weeks ago. State veterinarians took samples from the farm and sent them to the Kansas State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. At which point confirmation of PEDv was received.

Acting State Veterinarian Dr. Isaac Maeda issued a quarantine order on the farm to contain the outbreak and also to stop the movement of pigs on the west side of Oahu. The order also restricts movement of swine from Oahu to neighbouring islands.

Disease control measures were instituted on the farm, which has a total of about 150 pigs. About 25% of the pigs (mainly piglets) died two weeks ago. However, it appears that the remaining pigs are recovering and no deaths have occurred on the farm since. It is not known at this point how the virus may have come to Hawaii; however, the farm did not import any swine.

In July 2014, HDOA increased swine import requirements to help prevent the entry of swine infected with PEDv into Hawaii. This included exclusion of swine from premises with PEDv and negative tests for PEDv prior to shipping. Swine farmers who have questions may contact HDOA’s Animal Disease Control Branch on Ohau.