PEDV survival is ingredient-specific.

• A. False
• B. Not known
• C. Always the same
• D. Ingredient-specific

Answer: (D)

PEDV survival is influenced by the surrounding matrix, so the virus behaves differently depending on the specific ingredient. The properties of a feed ingredient—such as moisture level, fat and protein content, salt, pH, and how the ingredient is processed—can either protect the virus or help inactivate it. In some ingredients, the matrix can shield PEDV during storage and transport, allowing it to persist longer; in others, the conditions are less favorable for survival. Because of these varying matrix effects, survival is not the same across all ingredients, nor is it unknown or universally constant. That’s why describing PEDV survival as ingredient-specific best captures what’s observed in practice: risk and mitigation approaches must consider each ingredient individually.