The Journal of Swine Health and Production (JSHAP) is pleased to announce the launch of a new initiative aimed at addressing timely and critical challenges within the swine industry, a Special Topics section. This section will debut during 2025, and we invite researchers, practitioners, and industry experts to contribute their work.
Why a Special Topics section?
The swine industry is dynamic and constantly evolving in response to new challenges and opportunities. Whether emerging diseases, advancements in production practices, or shifting market dynamics, addressing these issues through collaborative research and shared knowledge is essential. The intent of the Special Topics section is to spotlight an issue of significant importance to the swine industry, foster dialogue, and provide evidence-based solutions to current and future challenges.The inaugural Special Topics section will focus on porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV). Details can be found at aasv.org/jshap-special-topics.
This new section will provide veterinarians, researchers, and industry professionals with the latest knowledge and evidence-based strategies to address the challenges posed by PEDV to swine health and production systems. As we know, PEDV continues to be a significant threat to the global swine industry due to its high morbidity and mortality in neonatal piglets, along with its economic and welfare implications. This special section seeks to advance understanding and foster collaboration by addressing critical areas of PEDV research and application, including but not limited to:
Epidemiology and transmission: Updates on PEDV spread within and between herds, risk factors, and implications for biosecurity.
Pathogenesis and immunology: Advances in understanding PEDV infection, immunity, and long-term herd-level impacts.
Diagnostics: Development and application of novel diagnostic methods to enhance disease detection and monitoring.
Vaccination and therapeutics: Evaluations of current vaccines and treatments, including their efficacy in diverse production systems.
Management and biosecurity practices: Evidence-based approaches for outbreak prevention and response.
Economic and industry impacts: Quantitative assessments of PEDV’s financial burden and cost-benefit analyses of control measures.
Case report and studies: Insights from regional outbreaks and comparative studies with other swine coronaviruses.
Open call for manuscripts
We invite submissions that align with the Special Topics theme and advance the knowledge and management of PEDV in swine health and production.
The following manuscript genres are accepted by JSHAP: original research, brief communication, case report, case study, literature review, production tool, diagnostic note, practice tip, and commentary. Detailed descriptions and formatting requirements for each genre are available in our Author Guidelines (aasv.org/author-guidelines).
Authors should clearly indicate in their cover letter that their submission is for the Special Topics section. All submissions will undergo the journal’s rigorous peer-review process to ensure the highest standards of quality and relevance.
The inaugural Special Topics timeline is:
- Manuscript submission deadline: Ongoing through February 2, 2026.
- Peer review and revision period: Ongoing through the submission period.
- Publication date: Accepted manuscripts will be published online ahead of print upon completion of copyediting and compiled into JSHAP issues throughout the year.
Join the conversation
This Special Topics section will provide a valuable platform for showcasing innovative research and solutions to a key challenge facing the swine industry. By submitting a manuscript, you have the opportunity to help shape the future of swine health and production while highlighting the critical work being done in our community.
We look forward to your submissions and working together to make the inaugural Special Topics section a success. If you have questions or need further information, please reach out to our journal staff.
Thank you for your continued support of JSHAP and for your commitment to advancing the swine industry.
Terri O’Sullivan, DVM, PhD
Executive Editor