According to reports, the porcine epidemic diarrhea virus has destroyed about five per cent of Oklahoma's pig population within the past year.

The PED virus, which passes among pigs following contact with feces, does not pose a threat to humans, food safety or other animals. But it has a nearly 100 per cent mortality for piglets that contract it.

KOCO.com reports that Bill Kamp’s Meat Market in Oklahoma City has been following the news closely.

"We’ve been talking to our suppliers," said butcher John Mosburg. "We want to make sure our products are totally safe. If it was a health hazard, which it’s not, it wouldn’t even get to our shelves. We would cut it at the source."

The Oklahoma Pork Council says the outbreak has been contained to the northwest corner of the state.

Still, butchers said the piglet deaths will cause prices to spike.

"It’s simple supply and demand," said Mr Mosburg. "Over the past year we've seen a 30 per cent increase, but prices should eventually even out."

Industry experts estimate the loss of piglets cost the state’s pork industry nearly $100 million.