According to Alberta's Ministry of Agriculture & Forestry, the province confirmed March 1 its third and fourth cases of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV).

The brief announcement noted that the farm has stopped movement of all pigs, has implemented full bio-containment and is working closely with its veterinarian, Alberta Pork and Alberta Agriculture & Forestry to contain the disease.

The ministry advised all producers in Alberta to increase their biosecurity at this time.

In Alberta, PEDV is a provincially reportable disease, which means that producers or veterinarians must notify the Office of the Chief Provincial Veterinarian of all suspected or confirmed cases. There is no human health risk with PEDV.

PEDV is a highly contagious, viral disease in pigs. PEDV causes severe diarrhea and death in suckling pigs and milder diarrhea in older pigs. Any sudden onset of unusual diarrhea should be investigated immediately by a veterinarian.

The first case in Alberta was reported in early January, with a second case being reported in late February.

Alberta Pork has an online toolbox with information on PEDV.