Thursday, December 26, 2013

Understanding Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea

By Lianne Derocco


The United States is home to a high number of hog farms today as data will show thus proving that this is a great opportunity for many people to venture into if they should seek profit in the financial aspect and also enjoy agriculture. However, take into consideration that fact that hogs are also threatened by several diseases and conditions making hog farming a "not so easy" venture. But if it should still interest you, make yourself aware of all possible diseases which lurk around and about today especially Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea.

This virus is actually a type of coronavirus, and there are many kinds of coronaviruses such as SARS and event the common cold. Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea affects only hogs and pigs, however, and cannot be spread to humans. This type of virus can affect the upper respiratory system or the gastro-intestinal tract. It is the gastro-intestinal system of hogs which is typically affected by PED. It is not definitively known how the Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea came into existence in this country, but it is prevalent these days therefore calling for hog farmers to be extra careful in dealing with it.

The actual name "Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea" gives an obvious hint that infected hogs may suffer from severe diarrhea, and hog farmers should be on the lookout for possible dehydration which is an obvious impact this could have on the hogs. The moment that signs and symptoms of this virus manifest in one or more hogs in the farm, famers should not look the other way because it can truly spread like wildfire. While the fatality rates on older and weaned pigs are fairly low, animals that have not been weaned have very high rates of mortality with this virus.

By simply being exposed to infected swine manure, piglets are likely to get the virus and so you know, the tiniest amount of infected manure can cause quite a spread amongst the herd. Providing plenty of fresh water and also electrolytes can alleviate possible dehydration, the most serious effect of the virus. Farmers and farm employees need to practice universal safety precautions to prevent the spread of infected fecal matter or it will be no surprise to find the whole farm operation jeopardized by the effects of the Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea.

As a hog farmer, swine waste issues should be taken rather seriously in general and not just because of the possible spread of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea. Agricultural waste issues such as sludge and crusting are quite common and have many negative effects. Foaming is another common problem and this foam actually can be explosive in warmer weather, which is quite dangerous. The right treatment for waste lagoons and waste pits should be chosen to prevent problems from occurring on your hog farm.

An agricultural waste management product like Agra Sphere might help. This product is environment-friendly and contains only natural bacterial components to be used in addressing waste-related problems in hog farms. If you want to effectively deal with the prevention of crusting, sludge and foaming along with the reduction of flies and odors, choose an agricultural product containing beneficial bacteria to eat away waste solids and liquefy waste effectively.




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