Pseudorabies cases continue to drop in Iowa hogs

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Patty Judge says the state is continuing to make progress in the battle against pseudorabies in Iowa hogs. At one point the number of cases was over four thousand, they’re now down to 32 herds in the state with the disease. Judge believes the goal of eliminating pseudorabies can be reached before the year is out.The plan to wipe out the disease involves purchasing herds and mandating vaccinations.Judge says getting rid of pseudorabies won’t be the end of the story, as the state will have to continue testing herds to be sure the disease doesn’t return.The disease doesn’t infect humans, but can be a big economic problem for producers as it kills pigs. the infected herds are located primarily in the northern two thirds of Iowa.