A mysterious new virus is sweeping through U.S. pig populations and decimating piglets. According to The Post, the illness, known as porcine epidemic diarrhea, has already been found in 27 states. So far, piglet deaths are being placed between 2.7 and 6 million young pigs.
The United States is a top pork producer, but porcine diarrhea could cause a reduction in seven percent of production compared to last year, resulting in the lowest amount of U.S. pork produced in 30 years. Consumers are already starting to feel the increase in costs: A pound of bacon averaged $5.56 in February—13 percent higher than a year ago. Pork chop prices are also up.
Though companies are desperately trying to develop a vaccine, one has yet to be approved by the federal government. Pork prices are expected to rise 10 percent by summer (compared to 2013), so burgers may have to replace ribs at your first rooftop BBQ.
[via Gothamist and The New York Post]
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