The finding comes after US authorities turned away at least eight truckloads of pigs which apparently showed signs of the disease (formerly called Seneca Valley Virus).

The clinical signs of this disease closely resemble Foot and Mouth Disease.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is testing all swine at federal processing plants that are symptomatic. Processing plants can be shut down up to 72 hours while testing is being conducted, which immediately stops the flow of hogs and shipping of pork products from that facility. If a plant is shut down, its customers and suppliers will be notified of pending production and product delays/cancellations.

Manitoba pork producers are being advised so look out for the symptoms of Senecavirus A:

• Blisters (vesicles) or ulcers of the snout, mouth, and/or just above the hoof
• Lameness, fevers, lack of energy and/or appetite
• Lesions
• 4-10 day increase in piglet mortality with/without diarrhea

It is also important that farms, transporters and assembly yards practice strict biosecurity.