Pig's Disease: is a new disease looming for Americans?

Jake GammonHead of Omnibus, US
May 21, 2014, 3:12 PM GMT+0

The recent spread of the Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus has killed 10 percent of the United States’ pig population. PEDv cannot be transmitted to humans, nor contaminate the human food supply. Nearly 8 out of 10 Americans surveyed (79%) in the most recent YouGov Omnibus survey were not aware of the Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus (PEDv).

Once the epidemic was explained, 59% of Americans surveyed were concerned about the spread of the PED virus, while 13% of Americans are not at all concerned. Americans aged 55 and over are the most concerned about the deadly virus affecting pigs (66%).

Out of those Americans who indicated they were concerned about the spread of the virus over half (56%) stated that they were worried that the quality of pork and/or pork by-products would be compromised. 45% were concerned about the price of pork and/or pork by-products increasing and 40% were nervous that the spread of PEDv would decrease the supply of pork. Nearly a third (32%) of respondents concerned about the spread of the virus were also distressed about the price of bacon increasing due to the spread of PEDv.

Only 21% of Americans will be less likely to consume pork and/or pork by-products due to the spread of the Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus. Women are more likely than men to decrease their pork consumption due to the spread of the virus, with 28% of women indicating that they would be less likely to consume pork due to PEDv in comparison to only 13% of men.

Which of the following best describes why you are concerned about the spread of PEDv?

For further information about poll results, and for details about methodology and omnibus services, please email omnibus.us@yougov.com.

Find the full results here.

Image courtesy of Getty