A study funded by the Swine Health Information Center Wean-to-Harvest Biosecurity Research Program, in partnership with the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) and Pork Checkoff, investigated the effectiveness of rapidly deployable, exhaust fan coverings to reduce the risk of airborne particles causing transmission of swine pathogens, such as PRRSV, IAV, and PEDV. Led […]
Category Archives: Animal Health
Free Guide Helps Small Farms Prepare for Emergencies
The AVMA has published a disaster preparedness guide that helps small farms be ready to safeguard their horses, poultry, and other farm animals in the event of an emergency or natural disaster. Small Farm Preparedness: Disaster Preparedness for Owners of Farm Animals is a free, downloadable booklet filled with tips, checklists, and important information for farm […]
PRRS Now Costs Pork Producers $1.2 Billion Per Year
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome caused an estimated $1.2 billion per year in lost production in the U.S. pork industry from 2016 to 2020, an 80% increase from a decade earlier, according to a new analysis by an Iowa State University expert. The viral disease has been present in U.S. swine herds since the mid-1980s […]
U.S. Pork Producers’ Biosecurity Practices Virtually Eliminate Trichinella, Proving Safety of Pork
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’ […]
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.