Pig Virus Threatens U.S. Livestock

    AP File Photo
    AP File Photo

    A virus that’s killing pigs could eventually hit American consumers in the wallet.

    FOX News Radio’s Lisa Brady explains why:

    Until April, the virus was only known to exist in Europe and China. It has since been confirmed in 15 states and veterinarians aren’t even sure how it migrated. Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus or PED is not harmful to humans and there’s no evidence that it can affect pork products. But among pigs, it can spread rapidly and one agriculture official in Colorado says among some affected producers, every pig diagnosed has died. Two hundred hog facilities in 14 other states have confirmed the virus, dotting the map from New York to North Carolina, Arkansas to Minnesota.

    Lisa Brady, FOX News Radio.

    Editor’s Note: The virus has been found in the following states: Arkansas, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and South Dakota, according to the American Association of Swine Veterinarians.