PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release
April 7, 2009 www.agr.ne.gov		Contact: Christin Kamm (402) 471-6856

LINCOLN - Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) State Veterinarian Dr. Dennis Hughes has been notified by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission of an investigation into a wild pig infected with pseudorabies in the Genoa area.

A wild pig that was killed by a producer has tested positive for pseudorabies.  NDA is currently contacting producers in the area to alert them to the situation and to advise them of symptoms and preventative measures.

A similar outbreak of pseudorabies was discovered in this area in early 2007.

Swine producers should be vigilant and watch for any of the symptoms of pseudorabies in their animals.  Symptoms include: respiratory distress, nervous system signs (trembling, difficulty with coordination, and paralysis), sudden death of your piglets, and females aborting.  Producers are asked to contact their local veterinarian or NDA at (800) 572-2437, if they notice these symptoms.

Producers can consider several options to avoid the disease, including vaccinating stock, following strict biosecurity measures on their farms, and minimizing contact with wildlife and rodents.

Further information on pseudorabies can be found at www.agr.ne.gov.