Scott Dee, DVM, Pipestone, Minnesota, led a study designed to simulate the shipping route of a feed source from Beijing, China to Des Moines, Iowa. Results show feed could be a transfer medium for PEDv. It also modeled potential mitigation strategies. Dee’s findings set the stage for more research.
Source: Pork Network, April 25, 2016.
Under the conditions of this study, PED survived a simulated trans-Pacific voyage from China to the U.S. in feed; and a subset of ingredients demonstrated a ‘protective effect’ in the face of a robust environment challenge,” Dee said. “These data provide the initial proof of concept that select contaminated feed ingredients could have served as vehicles for PEDv entry into North America. Feed should now be considered both a domestic and a transboundary risk factor for infections agents.
INSIGHTS: Kudos to Dr. Dee and his team for this exploratory effort. Veterinary teams are foundational to the discovery of challenges and solutions to animal risks. These working scientists frequently communicate and test hypothesis that benefit humans and food safety. Some of these solutions find a commercial stage for development.
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