PEDv and Manure Application: Managing the Risk A Survey of Current Practices

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1 PEDv and Manure Application: Managing the Risk A Survey of Current Practices John Carney, Manitoba Livestock Manure Management Initiative and Kevin Erb, University of Wisconsin - Extension The Manitoba Livestock Manure Management Initiative (MLMMI) in collaboration with the University of Wisconsin - Extension undertook a survey of commercial manure applicators in the Midwestern US, Manitoba, Ontario and Alberta during the summer of 2014 to: Ascertain how manure application practices, equipment, staff training and communication have changed as a result of the Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDv) Determine the largest PEDv related challenges that manure applicators are currently facing Learn what approaches or solutions that manure applicators have used in dealing with PEDv, what has worked particularly well (best management practices) The appearance of PEDv in North America presents significant challenges for manure applicators. Since the virus is primarily spread by fecal-oral contact and can survive in manure for extended periods of time, it is possible for the disease to be spread by any object that becomes contaminated with infected pig manure. PEDv poses no threat to either human health or the health of other livestock species This report is based on the results of a survey of commercial manure applicators that was undertaken in conjunction with the North American Manure Expo (see Appendix 1). A total of 47 commercial applicators participated in the survey who service hog farms in 15 states and provinces. The survey was largely based upon the following Manure Applicator Protocol issued by the National Pork Board and American Association of Swine Vets which can be accessed at this link. Additional questions were surveyed regarding the overall impact of PEDv on manure applicators businesses. Key findings In response to our questions about how manure application has changed as a result of PEDv, we learned the following: While bio-security has always been an important consideration for commercial manure applicators serving swine operations, the risks associated with the PEDv have dramatically increased the focus. In terms of the percentage of respondents reporting or planning changes: o 96% of respondents have either changed (81%) or are in the process of changing (15%) their procedures/practices (this includes bio-security protocols). o 81% of respondents reported that they have either completed (70%) or are in the process of completing (11%) staff training related to PEDv. The National Pork Board protocol emphasized the importance of communication. This emphasis is well placed. o 94% of respondents report greater communications are occurring (85%) or expect that increased communications will be occurring within the next few months (9%) between the applicator and the farm owner/manager. While 34% of commercial manure applicators have made new equipment purchases specifically designed for PEDv bio-security and another 23% are planning purchases, new equipment purchases was the area identified as the hardest area of change. 1

2 In response to our questions concerning the Manure Applicator Protocol, the following areas were highlighted as being the most difficult: At the time of going to a site to pump, COMMUNICATE with the producer: Plan entrance and exit to the site with minimal cross-over with other farm traffic or areas used by farm personnel. Ask the routes that will be used to transport manure to field. Ask where the Line of Separation is between the set-up, hauling equipment and farm site. This defines the area that is to be used by the manure haulers and the area that is to be used by daily farm traffic and personnel. Don t cross over the line. After pumping COMMUNICATE with the producer: If possible, clean, disinfect and dry equipment on site away from farm traffic before traveling to the next farm site. Clean the cab of trucks, tractors and contaminated equipment before going to next site. Future Research: We asked respondents for their comments concerning which areas for additional research would be most beneficial in better understanding the disease and how we can prevent it s spread. 50% of respondents offered suggestions. Topics raised included: Transfer of PEDv in manure/transmission (9) Sterilizing manure (5) Vaccines (3) Survivability of PEDv in manure (3) Cleaning and Sanitation (2) Producer transparency about presence of PEDv in their manure (2) Education (2) Verbatim responses are in Exhibit 1. For additional information: Refer to the July 18 webinar produced by the Livestock Poultry and Environment Learning Center. Managing Biosecurity to Control Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus (PEDv) Acknowledgements We thank the custom manure applicators who made this project possible through their participation. The Manitoba Livestock Manure Management Initiative (MLMMI) receives project funding from Manitoba Pork Council. MLMMI is funded in part by the Canada and Manitoba governments through Growing Forward 2, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative. Any data, analyses of data, project results and conclusions conveyed in this report are those of the project researcher and neither the Manitoba government or the government of Canada can guarantee their accuracy. 2

3 Exhibit 1 Responses to the question Which area(s) do you feel that additional research would be most beneficial to you and your clients in better understanding this disease or on how we can work together to prevent further spread of the PED virus? o The prevalence of PED in manure and the potential transfer from applied manure to other hog farms. What is the kill rate of the PED virus post application on field. o Show me that we are causing the spreading of PED. o Finding a way to stop it or just infect all the pig and get it over with. o The practicality of actually cleaning every square inch of your equipment. o Communication from farmer, telling me has PED! o Disinfection o I don't have an answer for this. o Ideally a vaccination for the virus or a way to sterilize the manure. o How the virus spreads. Vaccines o How was this virus allowed in the feed initially on the 1st 17 farms where the PED started in Ontario o Length of time virus is alive or spreadable o development of a vaccine to stop it would be best. education of the disease helps. o The ability to kill the virus in manure and test for the live virus that is 100% accurate o Knowing of PED infections. o Find a vaccine / cure for it. Also a practical way to kill off the live virus o Bio Augmenting manure to reduce pathogen risk in the manure o Find ways to sterilize the manure economically before spreading on the farm. o Cross over line farther out from barns o What causes it, how it spreads. o How it spreads o More clarity on clothing, footwear, and separation o Find how it is predominantly spread from site to site (i.e. Feed/transport/employees) o How does PED move? o More info on transmission of PED o Would higher ph levels in manure shorten the life of the virus? 3

4 Appendix 1: North American Manure Expo Manure Applicators PED Questionnaire Page 1 of 4 The purpose of this survey is to gather anonymous information from custom manure applicators that will be used during a presentation at the North American Manure Expo, July 9, 2014 in Springfield, Missouri ( and at the extension.org/lec PEV webinar, July 18. This survey will take about 10 minutes to complete. Your participation is greatly appreciated and is valuable in that it will be added to a database to determine ways to address the Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PED). The appearance of PED in North America presents significant challenges for custom manure applicators. Since the virus is primarily spread by fecal-oral contact and can survive in manure for extended periods of time, it is possible for the disease to be spread by any object that becomes contaminated with infected pig manure. To ensure the anonymity of individual responses, results for a given geographic area (state, province or region) will only be reported if there are at least five respondents in the reporting area. Please return completed surveys at the Expo to John or Kevin Erb. If you scan the survey, please to john.carney@gov.mb.ca. or call John at For this entire survey, think ONLY of your swine clients. How many SWINE farms do you serve? None One or more What % of your swine clients have talked to you about the PED Virus mentioned it, expressed concern or asked you to change your practices? Less than 10% > 10% but less than 1/3 Between 1/3 and 2/3 Between 2/3 and 100% For your SWINE clients only, what percentage of the barns that you spread for are you currently aware are PED positive? Less than 10% 11% to 20% 21% to 30% Greater than 30% Please indicate the state or province in which most of your swine manure application business occurs. How do you know that your staff understand and follow your bio-security protocols? How confident are you that they are following these protocols when you are not on site? 4

5 Appendix1: North American Manure Expo Manure Applicators PED Questionnaire Page 2 of 4 Think about each of the items below. If you have already made the change or plan to make a change in the next 9 months in response to the PED virus, check all the boxes that apply in the first 2 columns (with the heading Choose one or both). Then, in the LAST column, chose the one item that you think is the hardest to accomplish. Choose one or both I have already made I am in the process of making this change in the last this change or plan to in the 9 months. next 9 months. The one on this list that is the hardest to do New equipment purchases specifically designed for PED Your own (applicator) procedures/practices (this includes bio-security protocols) Farm (client) procedures/practices (this includes bio-security protocols) My employees have attended training/classes or I have provided training to them Greater communications between the applicator and the farm owner/mgr I don t anticipate making any changes I ve already made all the changes I plan to Pork Check-off, National Pork Board and the American Association of Swine Veterinarians have completed the following Swine Health Producer Guide Bio-secure Manure Pumping Protocols for PED Control: Recommendations for Commercial Manure Haulers. (Source: The following questions are based on this document. The Protocol has three sections, Prior to going to a site to pump, At the time of pumping, and After pumping. This questionnaire follows this flow, with a set of questions about Prior to pumping, then At the time of pumping, and then finally, After pumping. Each of these three sets of protocols will ask you to respond to the same two questions. Prior to going to a site to pump, COMMUNICATE with the producer 5

6 Appendix 1: North American Manure Expo Manure Applicators PED Questionnaire Page 3 of 4 Step 1 - rank each of the following as easy, intermediate OR hard to accomplish on a day-to-day basis (in the middle column). Step 2, in the LAST column, choose the one that is the hardest to do PRIOR TO PUMPING Easy Intermediate Hard The hardest one to do Contact the producer to discuss the upcoming pumping season and the bio-security plan Giving the producer advance notice before arriving at the farm Providing your crew with farmer s contact information in case of questions Be prepared to show the swine producer a list of the farms you have been on recently Plan site entrance and exit with minimal crossover with other farm traffic or farm personnel. Discuss routes to be used to transport manure to fields. Discuss Line of Separation between the set-up, hauling equipment & farm site. This defines areas to be used by manure haulers and area used by daily farm traffic and personnel. Don t cross over the line. Discuss how any manure spills will be handled, and, if there are different procedures in place Inform all of your employees of the bio-security requirements discussed with the producer During pumping, COMMUNICATE with the producer: Step 1 - rank each of the following as easy, intermediate OR hard to accomplish on a day-today basis. Step 2 in the LAST column, choose the one that is the hardest to accomplish. DURING PUMPING Easy Intermediate Hard The hardest one to do Manure haulers are not to enter the barns, office areas or walk over areas used by farm personnel & never come in contact with pigs Avoid direct contact with farm personnel & do not allow pumping equipment access by farm personnel Use clean coveralls, boots & gloves at each site IF personnel must CROSS-OVER the line of separation, they must: 1) Cover up with protective gear (boots, coveralls, gloves) 2) Dispose of/or properly contain any contaminated clothing in plastic totes 3) Clean and disinfect any re-useable gear for the next site This survey is a collaborative effort of Kevin Erb (University of Wisconsin Extension, and John Carney (MLMMI).

7 Appendix1: North American Manure Expo Manure Applicators PED Questionnaire Page 4 of 4 After pumping, COMMUNICATE with the producer: Step 1 - rank each of the following as easy, intermediate OR hard to accomplish on a day-today basis (in the middle column). Step 2 in the LAST column, choose the one that is the hardest to accomplish. AFTER PUMPING Easy Intermediate Hard The hardest one to do Inform farm contact person when pumping is done Identify and discuss with producer if there were any problems, bio-security breaches or manure spills If possible, clean, disinfect and dry equipment on site away from farm traffic before traveling to the next farm site Avoid bringing disease with you by changing outer clothing and boots between farms Clean the cab of trucks, tractors and contaminated equipment before going to next site Thinking of the ones you checked as hardest to implement, which one is the hardest and why? Which area(s) do you feel that additional research would be most beneficial to you and your clients in better understanding this disease, or on how we can work together to prevent further spread of the PED virus? If you have made changes in your manure application business in response to PED and these changes have added time (planning, execution or follow-up), what is the average change in overall staff time that has occurred for a typical job? For example, if a job would have taken 200 person hours and it now requires 220 hours, this would be reported as a 10% increase in labor hours. < 10% 11% to 20% > 20% What questions/concerns do you have about Bio-security or PEDv? This survey is a collaborative effort of Kevin Erb (University of Wisconsin Extension, and John Carney (MLMMI).