At the urging of the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), a newly published U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) study found zero Trichinella positives in more than 3.2 million pork samples, demonstrating to domestic and global consumers the safety of U.S. pork. Read the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) study . “USDA scientists have confirmed that U.S. pork producers’ […]
Category Archives: Animal Health
SHIC-Funded Work Identifies First Detection of PCV4 in the US
Porcine circovirus associated disease presents a significant challenge to swine health and pork production globally. Multiple types, including PCV2 and PCV3, have worldwide distribution. Since first being described in 2019, PCV4 has been detected in Asia and Europe but not previously in the US. In a study funded by the Swine Health Information Center, PCV4 […]
SHIC-Funded Study Investigates Novel Diagnostic Tool for Assessing Farrowing Room Cleanliness
Although visual inspection is a commonly used tool in the industry to assess farrowing room cleanliness after cleaning and disinfection, visual inspection is often insufficient to confirm the absence of pathogens and reduce disease transmission risk. In a study funded by the Swine Health Information Center and led by Dustin Boler at Carthage Innovative Swine […]
Saskatchewan Issues Moratorium on New Wild Boar Farms
The Saskatchewan livestock sector is now supported through The Animal Production Act. The new act governs animal production in Saskatchewan including domestic game farming, fur farming, wild boar farming (new addition), domestic meat inspection, milk compositional standards, livestock inspection and transportation, animal identifiers, premises identification, stray animals (livestock specific), animal keeper’s liens and livestock dealer licensing. […]
Sow hemoglobin: Potential biomarker for identifying ‘at risk’ sows
When you think of iron status, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Maybe iron for newborn pigs? Or, “Iron sharpens iron?” Maybe iron as a symbol of strength? This article is focused on the latter point in sows. The swine industry’s pursuit of genetic advancements to enhance reproductive efficiency has yielded success, […]
Insect Control Best Practices Document Published by IPIC
With the recent heavy rains, there are reports of a dramatic increase in insect bites at the packing plants. The Iowa Pork Industry Center has developed an Insect Control Best Practices document to help you manage them on your farm. [Source: IPIC 16 July 2024]
SHIC Wean-to-Harvest Biosecurity: Effects of Manure Pumping on Disease Spread in Growing Pigs (Final Report)
A study funded by the Swine Health Information Center Wean-to-Harvest Biosecurity Research Program, in partnership with the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research and Pork Checkoff, investigated the risks of manure pumping to introduction and spread of pathogens across wean-to-finish sites. Led by Drs. Ana Paula Poeta Silva and Daniel Moraes, working with the principal investigators Drs. Daniel Linhares and Gustavo de Sousa e Silva of Iowa State University, the study provided evidence that the processes associated with manure pumping and land application pose a risk for the introduction of PRRSV into pig sites.
Swine Industry Organizations Respond to H5N1 Outbreak in Dairy Cattle
Efforts inform preparedness and response planning for pork producers and veterinarians
SHIC Wean-to-Harvest Biosecurity: New Projects Funded to Investigate Transportation Biosecurity and Cost of Disease in Grow-Finish Production
The Swine Health Information Center’s Wean-to-Harvest Biosecurity Research Program, funded in collaboration with the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research and the Pork Checkoff, has recently funded two new projects to advance biosecurity of US swine farms. The newly funded projects include: 1) an investigation of alternative methods for transport sanitation led by Dr. Erin Kettelkamp at the Swine Vet Center and 2) an assessment of the cost of disease in grow-finish production sites led by Dr. Karyn Havas at Pipestone Research. These awards bring the total number of projects to 18 that have been funded by the program for a comprehensive approach to enhancing biosecurity across the wean-to-harvest phases of swine production.
SHIC Talk: Influenza Discussion with Drs Niederwerder, Canon, Rotolo, Forseth 7-2024
The latest episode of SHIC Talk, available now, addresses influenza A, particularly the H5N1 strain, and the swine industry’s prevention and preparedness efforts. Host Barb Determan is joined by SHIC Executive Director Dr. Megan Niederwerder, AASV Public Health and Communications Director Dr. Abbey Canon, NPB Director of Swine Health Dr. Marisa Rotolo, and NPPC Director of Swine Health Dr. Anna Forseth for a lively and informative discussion.