A confirmed detection of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED) virus on a southern Alberta hog operation was reported Feb. 23. This is the first PED case identified in Alberta since 2022. The virus was first detected in the province in 2019. PED is a coronavirus that attacks the intestinal lining of pigs and can devastate piglet survival while slowing growth and performance in older animals. It does not pose a risk to human health or food safety, but its effects on herd productivity and farm economics can be significant.

The virus spreads easily through fecal-oral contamination and can travel on contaminated equipment, transport vehicles, footwear and other objects that move between farms. Strong biosecurity practices are the primary defense against introduction and spread.

Producers in other jurisdictions have faced severe losses when PED enters their herds, particularly among neonatal pigs, where mortality can approach total loss without prior herd immunity. The discovery in Alberta may prompt a review of on-farm hygiene protocols and lead to increased emphasis on controlling farm traffic and strengthening disinfection procedures to limit cross-contamination.