The Canada West Swine Health Intelligence Network (CWSHIN) advised pork producers in Manitoba to cautiously spread manure this fall due to the high number of manure storages contaminated with Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus. 
Digestion syndrome was among the themes of the CWSHIN swine disease surveillance report for the second quarter of 2022. Any disease or condition related to digestion from the stomach to the intestines presents diarrhea as the primary clinical symptom. 
CWSHIN manager Dr. Jette Christensen said the PED virus outbreak in Manitoba completely dominated this syndrome. For all the other conditions under that umbrella, there were no changes. 
This PED virus broke in Manitoba in October 2021 and infected more than 122 premises. 
However, the good news is that the last premise tested positive for PED on July 12 but since then no new cases which is pretty good. 
“All status changes for PED after July 12 went to an improved status, either recovered to transitional or to presumptive negative which is on the road to being negative so that’s good.” 
Here is where Dr. Christensen cautioned producers to remember that while no new infected premises exist, there are still many contaminated manure storages. 

“It’s important to remember that these contaminated manure storages pose a risk for the spread of PED when they’re starting to spread the manure.” 
The same report showed an increasing number of Coccidiosis cases in Alberta with the usual suspects for other diarrheas, not including the PED virus. However, rotavirus is still high and on the list of concerns for practitioners. 
“It’s something they’re dealing with and some changes in the subtypes of Rotaviruses and how they are occurring on the farms.” 
She said some farms started a new vaccine showing promise but it’s too early to confirm how big the help is.  
In addition to the PED virus in Manitoba Coccidiosis is also present. Reports show an uptick over the hot summer months of a little more diarrhea caused by Coccidiosis. The veterinarians are ready to treat it in Manitoba but the new trend in Alberta is rare but beginning to see cases of Coccidiosis in Alberta too. 
Finally, PED has a cousin, a Delta Coronavirus not seen for many months, years. Yet, it’s present in other provinces outside the region and in the U.S. 
“It’s still a rare disease but, in Manitoba, one case in that last quarter.” 
Dr. Christensen advised Alberta and Saskatchewan producers to look for unexplained diarrhea. It could be Coccidiosis, and she encourages producers to consult their veterinarians if they suspect more diarrhea than usual. •
— By Harry Siemens