In addition to providing us with a better grasp of the PEDv situation in Manitoba, the project will also enable custom manure applicators to take appropriate measures to prevent the transmission of the virus from one client to another.

Producer input is vital to the success of this project.

Much remains unknown about this virus. Manitoba Pork is undertaking this project to:

• Determine the incidence of undiagnosed PEDv in Manitoba swine barns
• Improve our understanding of the survivability of PEDv in Manitoba lagoons
• Improve our understanding of the survivability of PEDv in Manitoba soils
• Determine the ability of PEDv in manure to infect animals
• Assess the effectiveness of washing and disinfecting manure application equipment on limiting the spread of the virus from positive sites

To respect your farm biosecurity, Manitoba Pork is asking producers to collect samples seven to 14 days before manure application is scheduled and submit the samples on the same day they are collected.

Contact your local swine veterinarian for instructions about submitting samples.

However, do not collect samples from Friday to Sunday since the provincial Veterinary Diagnostics Laboratory (VDL) does not operate on weekends.

All supply, courier and diagnostic expenses are covered. The project is now open and will run until 30 October, 2014.

Remember, your participation in this project is vital in helping the Manitoba pork industry remain healthy and profitable. Working together, we can contain and eradicate this virus in Manitoba. Karl Kynoch Chair.

To participate in the project, producers can contact project coordinator, Ms Darlene Meakin, at 204-897-0622 or [email protected].