Biosecurity – It takes us all!

Practicing good biosecurity is crucial for maintaining the health of your livestock and preventing the spread of disease. Start by leaving sick animals at home and contacting a veterinarian if you suspect illness. Disinfecting pens at home and at shows helps reduce the risk of contamination. Regularly disinfect equipment, clothing, and shoes to prevent the spread of pathogens.

Washing hands regularly is also essential. Use warm soapy water multiple times a day, especially after using the restroom and before eating. Hand sanitizer is a convenient option when soap and water are not available. By following these practices, you not only protect your own animals but also contribute to the health of all livestock in your community. Stay healthy and keep your livestock safe with good biosecurity practices.

As you return to your normal activities after the Oklahoma Youth Expo, we would encourage you to continue to monitor the health of your show animals, especially your swine following the diagnosis of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDv) at this year’s show.

PEDv

PEDv is a swine-only disease. It does not affect humans and the meat from animals that have had PEDv is safe to eat.

Should your animals exhibit any of the symptoms of PEDv, please contact your veterinarian. If your animal is exhibiting symptoms please do not exhibit your animal at the Oklahohttps://okyouthexpo.com/biosecurity/ma Youth Expo. Clinical signs appear to be less severe than in previous years, however you can’t discount this disease.

Additionally, if you brought home animals from OYE, please continue to isolate those animals from any others you may have on your farm. Animals that have been ill with PEDv or suspected of have PEDv should continue to be isolated for at least two weeks after clinical signs of the disease have ended. Hogs can continue to shed the virus for weeks after they appear to be disease free. Clean and disinfect all equipment that went to OYE. That includes trailers, show equipment, clothing, shoes, and vehicles. It only takes a very small amount of PEDv to infect a large number of animals.

Any cases of PEDv in show swine are NOT required to be reported.

Please be respectful of your neighbors. If you live near a commercial swine facility, please reach out to your neighbors and let them know you have infected animals and that you are doing everything you can to limit spread of the disease. The impact of PEDv on a commercial sow farm is devastating – both emotionally and financially due to the loss of baby pigs.

If everyone who attended OYE approaches dealing with PEDv with the same conviction and commitment to winning that we approached showing our hogs, we can limit the spread of the disease. It will take a team effort, but it can be done.

If you have any questions about PEDv, please contact your veterinarian, the state veterinarian’s office, 405-522-0270, or the Oklahoma Pork Council, 405-232-3781.

LEARN MORE

“It truly is our responsibility to teach the younger generation about the importance of biosecurity and implementing that in their daily lives.” Hear from Halle Pullen about why practicing good biosecurity is important during the show to mitigate risk of disease spreading.

Learn more online at okpork.org/biosecurity