RALEIGH - A pathogen that has been present in piglets in Europe for over 40 years has made its way onto farms in the U.S.

NC State Veterinarian Barrett Slenning says it poses no known threat to humans, but it's deadly for infected piglets:

"It will infect actually all the pigs on a farm, but it is most dangerous to the babies. It causes severe diarrhea and severe vomiting and that can lead to dehydration and kill them. The adults will sick for a while and then the get over it."

The pathogen was first identified in Iowa earlier this year and, since, found in 13 other states including North Carolina. Slenning notes that while the strain of coronavirus has the potential to wipe out all young pigs -- devastating an individual farm -- the level of outbreak is relatively small and poses little threat to the country's $97-billion pork industry.