According to the American Association of Swine Veterinarians, Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED) has been found on 200 farms in 15 states. Denise Derrer of the Indiana State Board of Animal Health says officials believed the virus was contained to Asia and Europe, but ir somehow entered the US several weeks ago.

PED can be fatal in pigs, especially piglets, but the outbreak’s scope is difficult to estimate due to a lack of reporting requirements.  The virus does not affect humans, so farmers are not required to report details on outbreaks to state or federal health officials. Public health officials emphasized that PED is not a food safety issue, but rather an economic one, so pork currently in the food supply chain is safe to consume.