Pseudorabies Outbreak in Iowa Swine Herds / Straight Talk by Martha Stevens

Martha Stevens is livestock farmer who lives and farms near Hatfield, Missouri. This article is part of an ongoing series by Martha Stevens - Straight Talk - commenting on the life and politics of farming in Missouri and the U.S. as a whole.

Iowa appears to have a swine problem. And I’m not talking about the stench emanating across the state from the proliferation of mega confinement facilities. (A trip up I-35 can be a real eye-opener; just don’t plan on taking a deep breath!) Iowa’s current problem was first reported at a boar operation in Webster County -- pseudorabies -- the dreaded porcine disease that resulted in the state vet ordering thousands of animals destroyed. It is estimated that about 300 Iowa herds are currently infected, with further tests ongoing.

While pseudorabies has been largely eradicated throughout most of the country, it recently surfaced in several herds in Iowa. Some are of the opinion that the disease has intensified and spread due to the "specialty" phase of mega hog factories. That is, certain operations sell nothing but breeding stock, lending to the possibility of spreading the disease to any operation that purchases that breeding stock. While the disease is not transmitted to humans, it can kill other livestock, including dogs and cats.

Across the border in South Dakota, the state veterinarian there has been given authority to do "whatever is necessary" to protect South Dakota herds from a similar outbreak, including placing an embargo on Iowa hogs. Restrictions on the import of breeding hogs or feeder pigs from certain Iowa counties has been in effect since last October.

Big Pig will no doubt be introducing the latest feed addictive, ractopamine hydrochloride to their animal’s diet, (if they aren’t already doing so). In reading the merits of this new drug which was granted FDA approval (and I do consider it a DRUG), one is reminded of the clenbuterol scandal of the mid-1990’s. Concern for what is fed to slaughter animals is a legitimate concern, and I can only assume that the FDA has investigated this product carefully to assure that the consuming public shall not learn of problems arising from ingesting the ractopamine hydrochloride -- fed animals after the fact.

I have to wonder what effect the addition of yet another drug to the porcine diet will have on the meat quality. I am of the opinion that much of the pork available at the local supermarket today leaves a lot to be desired. I don’t like to "boil" my bacon and ham before frying; I have a real dislike for the slick, slimy feel of the water-saturated meat; and I am especially offended to purchase a "ham and water product" that clearly states that "added ingredients constitute 23% of the finished product." Who, in their right mind would want to pay $3 for a pound of water? But that’s what you do when you buy most of the shrink-wrapped ham found in the grocer’s meat case these days. Small wonder that those producing REAL farm fresh pork products -- without all the high-tech drug-laced feed -- have more orders for their meat than they can fill.

FYI: How many times has the media jumped on a food poisoning story, usually naming hamburger as the guilty party? While such stories might well be newsworthy, consumers need to be aware that hamburger is NOT the primary culprit.

The Center for Science in the Public Interest found that only 77 of 352 outbreaks of food-borne illness in the 1990’s was traced to meat or poultry, the popular concept of food poisoning source. Eggs were much more likely to cause problems (salmonella), followed by fruits and vegetables, seafood, AND THEN, ground beef and poultry. Other sources include dairy products, salads, soups and baked goods.

Today’s Quote: "I like pigs. Dogs look up to us. Cats look down on us. Pigs treat us as equals." -- Winston Churchill