Cases of porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) virus reported in Taiwan have been resolved, according to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). A total of 34 farms had been infected since the deadly virus emerged in southern and central Taiwan in December 2013.
PED virus had been suspected in Taiwan after farm operators discovered outbreaks of diarrhea with high morbidity and mortality in suckling piglets. Samples from the affected farms were tested by national laboratories at the Animal Health Research Institute and a private laboratory at National Chiayi University. The strain of PED virus found in Taiwan was closely related to strains that had been isolated from the United States and China in 2013, OIE stated.
The most outbreaks occurred in Yunlin County, with 12. Multiple outbreaks were also reported in Tainan City, Nantou County, Miaoli County, Pingtung County, Hsinchu County, Kaohsiung City and Taoyuan County. Single outbreaks were reported in Hualien County and Chiayi County. All outbreaks were confirmed in the first three months of 2014.
The infected premises were disinfected and affected animals received supportive care.
Since OIE considers the cases of PED virus in Taiwan to be resolved, it will not submit any more reports on the matter.
