The porcine epidemic diarrhea virus disrupted several western hog events this year with bans on import of pigs between states. The bans caused major challenges for hog showing events this spring, and will continue to do so for months to come, animal health officials predict.

PEDV is a dread disorder which is highly contagious to livestock, although not a human health threat, according to Utah Department of Agriculture authorities who issued an emergency order in May for livestock shows send all exhibited swine to slaughter after the shows.

All swine entering Utah must be inspected by a veterinarian, and have a certificate of veterinary inspection to enter

"What's important to keep in mind is that PEDV is not a human health issue but rather a pig production disease, and we know that enhanced biosecurity measures are extremely important in containing the virus," says National Pork Board Vice President of Science and Technology Paul Sundberg.

All swine entering Utah must be inspected by a veterinarian, and have a certificate of veterinary inspection to enter, according to the American Association of Swine Veterinarians.

At issue is a rampant disease threat which has already left more than 7 million pigs dead in the U.S. and is found in 30 states.

There is no reliable cure for PEDV.

The Wyoming Cowboy Youth Classic in Laramie in June also felt the impact of the PEDV outbreak.

For swine that was allowed at the show, the Wyoming Department of Agriculture had some important rules to check out which might serve as good advice to similar western events:

•Exhibitors will all need to provide a signed affidavit to exhibit, as well as an import certificate of veterinary inspection for swine born outside of the state.

•Swine must all be individually identified, and exhibitors must provide documentation that animals have resided within the state of Wyoming for at least 30 days prior to the event. No signs of the virus can be evident for that entire period of time.

Although the disorder was found for the first time in the U.S. last year, it is well known in Europe, as well as in Korea, Japan and China.

USDA, state animal health officials, the ASSV and National Pork Board and National Pork Producers Council are all actively monitoring the PEDV spread, and offing hints on management.

An estimated 50 new cases of PEDV are being reported each week, according to Iowa veterinarian Kent Schwartz.

The disorder is spread primarily in feces. A single thimble full of infected feces is said to be enough to infect every pig in the nation.

PEDV  has a very high mortality rate, notes Iowa vet Schwartz. That approaches 100% in infected suckling pigs, he says.

The NPB has approved a $1.1 million grant for research and outreach on the PEDV problem.

The U.S. outbreak cannot be pinpointed as to the origin of the introduction of the disease here, but the strain that has been hitting domestic herds is much like a strain  found in Chinese outbreaks.

Any hog owner suspecting his hogs of showing signs of PEDV -- mainly ongoing diarrhea problems -- is urged to contact their local veterinarian as soon as possible.