If you eat pork, get ready to pay a lot more for it. A highly contagious pig virus known as “Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus” has now spread to 27 different U.S. states, and it has killed more than 4 million hogs since last May. Smithfield Foods, the largest pork producer in the entire world, estimates that approximately 10 percent of all adult female hogs in America have contracted the disease already, and there is a very good chance that any offspring that they have will die. That is because the mortality rate for this disease for piglets is between 80 and 100 percent.

Fortunately, we are being told that this disease does not affect humans. However, considering the fact that California is in the midst of one of the worst droughts in recorded history, and considering the fact that the U.S. cattle herd has shrunk for seven years in a row, this pig virus is coming at a very, very bad time.

And the frightening thing is that the spread of this disease appears to be accelerating.

Back in January, it had only been found in 22 states. But now, it has been found in 27 states…

Arizona is the latest state to confirm cases of the deadly Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus, a highly contagious pig disease, increasing the tally of U.S. states with confirmed cases to 27, a group of animal health researchers said.

According to Reuters, there are 4,458 cases that authorities are currently monitoring. But it is important to keep in mind that a single case can represent “an entire herd”…

Confirmed cases of PEDv increased by 274 in the week ending March 8, bringing the total number to 4,458 in 27 states. 

While one case can represent an individual animal or an entire herd at a single site, hog industry analysts estimate PEDv has killed between 4 million and 5 million U.S. hogs since it was discovered in May 2013. 

PEDv, which does not affect humans and is not a food safety risk, causes diarrhea, vomiting and severe dehydration in pigs. While older pigs have a chance of survival, 80 to 100 percent of piglets that contract it die.

This is a disease which can be spread from mothers to their children, and that is why it is so troubling that approximately 10 percent of all adult females now have this virus. The following is an excerpt from a recent Fox News article.

Smithfield Foods Inc., the world’s largest pork producer, and other meatpackers estimate that about 10% of the nation’s sows, or adult female hogs, have been infected by the virus, which can spread to their offspring.

Above graphic shows number of infected or dead pigs per state.

Continue reading at:  http://www.activistpost.com/2014/03/extremely-contagious-pig-virus-...