The United States reported continued outbreaks of PEDv, including secondary breakdowns, but no reported third breakdowns, and no spike in outbreaks so far this winter, reports the UK's National Pig Association (NPA).

This is borne out by another on-line update last week, organised by the National Pork Board, when several experts said the recently announced year-on-year two per cent increase in the national pig inventory may reflect a sow herd that has gained some immunity from PEDv.

There are still no reports of Asian-American PEDv spreading from the Ukraine to any European Union countries but low-pathogenic PED has been reported in Germany, the Netherlands and France, and there may have been some cases in Spain too, although this has not been confirmed.

Reporting from the on-line conference, BPEX's Andrew Knowles said PED was notifiable on suspicion in France, but generally the situation in the European Union remains confused as a result of poor communications.

In Canada, on the other hand, the industry remains vigilant for any new outbreaks, and in England the Pig Health and Welfare Council has published its PEDv contingency plan and standard operating procedures are currently being finalised.

A contingency plan is being drafted in Denmark, where serological surveillance of around 1,000 sows a month is now underway. Strengthened vehicle biosecurity has already been put in place.

Another global on-line conference will take place on 23 January, reports Andrew Knowles — to provide all participants with a forum to exchange intelligence on the development of the PEDv challenge, approaches to disease control and elimination, and development of contingency plans.

Denmark will be sharing its contingency plan when it is finalised and the United States has agreed to share its protocol — when completed — for testing a herd to determine PED-negative status following an outbreak.