Number of confirmed cases of deadly pig virus in Ontario rises to 12

Pigs are seen on a farm on the outskirts of Xicaltepec in Mexico's Veracruz state, Monday, April 27, 2009. (AP / Alexandre Meneghini)

TORONTO -- There are now a dozen confirmed cases of a deadly and contagious pig virus in Ontario.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food says a pig that tested positive Tuesday for porcine epidemic diarrhea was from a farm in Lambton County in the province's southwest.

The Ontario government says it is working with the pork industry to strengthen biosecurity measures and share information with the federal government to reduce the impact of the virus.

A group representing provincial hog farmers has said the P-E-D is spread through contact with manure, which can cling to trucks, trailers and even clothing and boots.

Officials stress that there is no risk to human health or food safety.

The first confirmed case was on Jan. 22.