Swine Health Information Center Reports Increased Porcine Delta Coronavirus Detection in March

The Swine Health Information Center suggests an increased detection of porcine delta coronavirus in March may be part of a cycle that occurs every two to three years

The Swine Health Information Center’s monthly domestic swine disease monitoring report, was released as part of its April eNewsletter.

SHIC Associate Director Dr. Megan Niederwerder says the detection of porcine delta coronavirus increased in March to 7.9 percent positive compared to a 5.4 positive detection in February, which may signal the start of a trend.

 “It was discussed that more investigation should continue to understand why we see this increase in porcine delta coronavirus every two to three years “

“We saw state specific increases of porcine delta coronaviruses in South Dakota, Minnesota and Kansas. One of the aspects that the advisory group commented on this increased detection of porcine delta coronavirus was that potentially the cold temperatures were increasing the viral stability.

“We know that those temperatures would increase the virus’s ability to survive for longer periods in the environment. It also makes cleaning and disinfection of those pens and trucks more difficult so that could be contributing to that increase.

“The overall domestic report investigated that we also have seen an increase in porcine delta coronavirus every two to three years. We saw an increase in 2018, an increase in 2021 and then this seems to be the start of the increase in 2023.

“As to a consultation with the advisory group, it was discussed that more investigation should continue to understand why we see this increase in porcine delta coronavirus every two to three years  and to further understand or investigate the potential role of feed ingredients, wild animals and understand the underlying immunity or serological status of these herds to understand this cycle of porcine delta coronavirus detection.“

The domestic and global swine disease monitoring reports can be accessed through the Swine Health Information Center web site at swinehealth.org.

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