State officials hope to see end to psuedorabies this year

State officials are hopeful 2001 will be the year the swine disease called pseudorabies is finally eradicated in Iowa. State veterinarian Dr. John Shiltz says it’s been a very tough task trying to wipe out the hog-killer.Dr. Shiltz says the number of Iowa herds afflicted with pseudorabies roller-coastered during the year 2000.The numbers were down close to 200 infected herds at the end of 1999. An outbreak hit in early 2000 that took the number of infected herds up to 600. The number is now down around 180 herds. Dr. Shiltz is optimistic 2001 will be the last year pseudorabies troubles Iowa producers.Shiltz urges hog producers to maintain vigilance with the vaccinations.