Another PEDv Vaccine on the Horizon

The world’s largest animal-health company plans to seek U.S. approval for their PEDv vaccine.  Zoeitis plans to seek approval by the end of the year and if approved would rival the only vaccine available so far.  A company official told shareholders this week they will seek a conditional license from USDA, according to a Reuters report.  The license would allow the company to sell the vaccine directly to hog farmers while it conducts further tests.  USDA in June granted conditional approval to privately held Harris Vaccines to sell farmers the first vaccine against PEDv. Still, veterinarians have warned outbreaks will likely surge this fall and winter because the virus thrives in cold weather.

 

PEDV, or Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus, has killed about 13 percent of the U.S. hog herd.  The fast-moving virus has killed an estimated 8 million piglets since it was first identified in the United States last year, pushing U.S. pork prices to record highs.

Recommended Posts

Loading...