The USDA says it has confirmed the detection of pseudorabies virus in swine herds in Iowa and Texas.
The agency says the virus was found in a small commercial swine facility in Iowa during routine testing. Initial traceback found that five affected boars came from an outdoor facility in Texas. USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is working with officials in both states to expand traceback efforts and identify any additional exposures.
USDA says the detection is the first known case of pseudorabies in commercial swine since 2004. The virus is still prevalent in feral swine populations in the U.S. and there is occasional spillover of infection to outdoor production herds where contact with feral swine is possible.
The agency said Friday that the detection does not pose a risk to consumer health or affect the safety of the commercial pork supply. There may be limited, short-term impacts on exports of U.S. swine and/or swine genetics.
According to APHIS, Pseudorabies is a contagious viral disease of livestock and other mammals. However, pigs are the only natural hosts. While pseudorabies virus can infect most mammals – humans, horses, and birds are considered resistant, the agency said.
