Diagnostic Labs Report Decline in TGE

February 18, 2015 — 

Dr. Rodger Main and Dr. Albert Rovira recently shared an interesting observation from the ISU and University of Minnesota veterinary diagnostic laboratories showing a decline in TGE positive findings coincidental with the introduction of PEDv in the U.S. swine herd. Historically, going back to 2008 the tendency was to experience a rise in positive cases during the late fall peaking in mid-winter with dozens to a few hundred positive cases. Since the introduction of PEDv in April 2013, the positive cases have peaked at less than two dozen cases in both labs. Click here to view graphs provided by both labs (ISU-VDL, UMN-VDL).

This is particularly interesting given the dramatic increase in laboratory submissions for cases compatible with coronavirus-induced disease. During 2013 – 2014, the UMN VDL tested all cases submitted for PEDv for TGE as well using a test that combined PEDV and TGEV. Dr. Rovira reports fewer positive cases in 2014 than in the previous four years. Similar findings were also reported by Dr. Main.