During 2019 outbreaks of S. zoo septicemia were reported in Ohio and Tennessee with mortality up to 50%. Then, in January 2021, a sow herd in Indiana experienced abnormally high mortalities related to S. zoo. The emergence of S. zoo associated with mortalities at a level not previously seen in the US prompted the Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) to fund a project conducted at Iowa State University (ISU) and the National Veterinary Services Laboratory to meet the urgent need for information. The result was the first study to experimentally infect and reproduce the disease in weaned pigs with a hypervirulent swine S. zoo strain. Furthermore, pathogenicity differences between genetically different swine strains were described. And a newly developed multiplex PCR provides an accurate and timely assay for detecting and monitoring S. zoo in swine herds.
Author Archives: Paul Sundberg
SHIC-Funded Study Finds Better Approach for Disease Surveillance
Transboundary diseases, including African swine fever (ASF), pose a significant threat to US pork producers. âWe know early detection is the key to their control and elimination. But we also know that the approach that served the industry 30 years ago cannot keep pace with today’s big, fast industry, and the 5.2 million pigs that cross state lines each month,” remarked Dr. Jeffrey Zimmerman, Iowa State University. “We need a new surveillance plan – something effective, yet practical and affordable.” Dr. Zimmerman and colleagues at Iowa State University conducted research funded by the Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) and the National Pork Board and found that “spatially balanced sampling” could achieve a higher probability of detection and at lower cost than previous methods.
SHIC Updates Getah Virus Fact Sheet and Revises Template
The Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) has updated its Fact Sheet on Getah virus (GETV). The updated GETV Fact Sheet contains details about this viral disease gleaned from a comprehensive literature review of the latest research. In the improved literature review portion of the Fact Sheet, in addition to sections on etiology, cleaning and disinfection, epidemiology, transmission, pathogenesis, diagnosis immunity, prevention, and gaps in preparedness, new sections on importance, public health, infection in swine, treatment, and history in swine have been added. As part of its mission to monitor emerging swine diseases, SHIC Fact Sheets like this one are reviewed annually and updated as needed.
SHIC Funds PRV Oral Fluid PCR and ELISA for Diagnosis and Surveillance
Pseudorabies virus (PRV) is ranked fourth in the Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) Swine Disease Matrix in large part due to the potential for the introduction of highly pathogenic PRV into the US from Asia – an event which would have a highly negative impact on pork exports. In addition, while PRV was officially eliminated from US domestic swine in 2004, it is occasionally introduced into “transitional” herds via contact with feral swine. For these reasons, improvements in PRV diagnostics, surveillance, control, and elimination remain relevant. The final report on a study conducted at Iowa State University (ISU) to evaluate the detection of PRV in swine oral fluid, providing additional testing resources using real-time PCR assays, has been posted. This research involving PCR PRV oral fluid testing was supported by a grant from SHIC.
SHIC Addresses Strep. zoo with Addition to Matrix and New Fact Sheet
Strep equi spp zooepidemicus (S. zoo) was added to the Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) Swine Bacterial Disease Matrix in February 2021 and a fact sheet focused on S. zoo has been added to the SHIC Fact Sheet library. Drs. Raghavendra Amachawadi, Kansas State University, Maria Clavijo, Iowa State University (ISU), Rachel Derscheid, ISU, Connie Gebhart, University of Minnesota, Angela Pillatzki, South Dakota State University, and Nubia Resende-De-Macedo, ISU convened to review the Bacterial Matrix list, score S. zoo for its position on the Matrix and review the new fact sheet. Dr. Kerry Leedom-Larson, ISU, worked with SHIC to do the literature review and drafting for the S. zoo Fact Sheet.
SHIC Releases Program Review Detailing Return on Producer Investment
Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) caught the US pork industry by surprise. Both its virulence and widespread consequences devastated the US swine herd as well as producers’ livelihoods and damaged related industries. In response to this transboundary, emerging swine disease, the Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) was launched in July 2015 by the National Pork Board (NPB). Funded by a one-time Checkoff investment of $15 million in supplemental funds, SHIC had an original life span of five years, however, was extended by NPB vote to July 2022 using existing SHIC funds. A review of the Center’s activities since inception through March 2021 captures the Checkoff return on investment for US pork producers with significant deliverables made possible only by SHIC’s nimble structure, unique responsibilities, and independence.
Movement of Dogs from China May Pose Risk to North American Livestock Production
Dueling animal health priorities converge as US-based rescue groups work to save dogs from the meat trade in China, bringing them to the US and Canada for re-homing. North American pork industry stakeholders worry about the threat of foreign animal disease transmission posed by these pets, particularly African swine fever (ASF) which continues to be a concern in Asia per Swine Health Information Center Global Swine Disease Monitoring Reports. The supplies used in shipment, such as kennels and bedding materials, are of special concern because of their potential to act as vectors for disease transmission.
Rock Offers Review of Reported ASFV Variants Emerging in China for SHIC
A China Harbin Laboratory paper describing their analysis of African swine fever virus (ASFV) variants emerging in China as well as media and on-the-ground reports of non-approved vaccine use causing pathology, chronic infection and vaccine virus shedding raised concern. The Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) asked Dr. Dan Rock, University of Illinois, to help give some interpretation and context to the Harbin Laboratory paper and attenuating mutations of the ASFV genome such as those that could be used in unapproved vaccines. Dr. Rock has extensive research experience focused on exotic viral diseases of high consequence and the molecular mechanisms that underlie viral virulence.
SHIC Offers Resources on PRRS 1-4-4 lineage 1c Outbreaks
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) 1-4-4 lineage 1c outbreaks in upper Midwest swine barns began in late 2020. To share information on this virulent strain impacting pork producers regionally, the Swine Health Information Center (SHIC), with co-sponsor American Association of Swine Veterinarians, offered a webinar on PRRSV 1-4-4 on February 4, 2021. SHIC also developed an episode of SHIC Talk, its podcast, posted on February 15, 2021, to share information on the PRRSv strain exhibiting dramatic clinical signs in all stages of production. In addition, completed SHIC projects focus on biosecurity that could help to prevent farm outbreaks.
SHIC/AASV PRRS 1-4-4 Lineage 1c Webinar Provides Information on Recent Outbreaks
Midwest veterinary diagnostic labs (VDLs) began diagnosing porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) 1-4-4 in late 2020 with practitioners and producers reporting dramatic PRRS-like clinical signs on farms. Reacting quickly to this new PRRS strain, the Swine Health Information Center, with co-sponsor American Association of Swine Veterinarians, offered a webinar on PRRSV 1-4-4 on February 4, 2021. Expert presenters on the webinar provided context from the practitioner, diagnostician, and monitoring perspectives. While 1-4-4 is not a new strain, on-farm experience with this new lineage 1c variant has shown it results in higher farrow to finish mortality, abortions, mummies, and slower growth in finishing pigs compared to other PRRSV strains.