As H5N1 continues to spread in the bovine and poultry populations, swine producers and veterinarians have become concerned about the implications of movement restrictions like those seen in the dairy industry being imposed on swine producers. Similar restrictions within a production flow would likely result in the need for depopulation of swine herds. This would obviously have negative animal and human welfare concerns as well as economic impacts.
To address these concerns, the industry has come together to develop a response strategy if a highly pathogenic influenza virus should find its way into the US swine herd. Along with the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), the National Pork Board, and the Swine Health Information Center, AASV collaborated to develop recommendations to help guide the swine industry response if necessary. This effort, spearheaded by Dr Anna Forseth with NPPC, has involved a broad-based working group composed of representatives from all facets of the swine industry including producers, packers, veterinarians, researchers, and regulatory agencies. This working group has met regularly since late August 2024 with excellent participation and ownership of the development process.
The final draft of the document has been circulated for comment to multiple groups including the AASV Influenza Committee, as well as representatives from state and federal animal health officials and public health organizations. This document focuses specifically on highly pathogenic influenza viruses that have a regulatory response in other species. It emphasizes that any response should be based on the strain of the virus and its potential for transmission. The objective of the document is to minimize the spread of the virus, protect animal and human health, and maintain business continuity in the swine industry. Specifically, it is intended to provide a uniform and science-based response to aid state and federal animal health officials enact response programs to manage the disease with the goal of eliminating the virus from the US swine herd.
The document attempts to describe what an H5N1 infection in swine might look like clinically and provides a proposed case definition. The bulk of the document focuses on a detailed list of response guidelines based on herd type and aspect of production (ie, biosecurity, transportation, animal movements, etc). It provides a science-based strategy for monitoring affected herds and those in close proximity or with possible direct or indirect contact. In addition, it includes a section on worker safety and public health considerations recognizing the potential for human exposure and possible illness.
The goal of this effort is to have a guidance document available and vetted with as many stakeholders as possible prior to a highly pathogenic influenza outbreak in swine. Following review by various stakeholder groups and incorporation of any pertinent comments, the final draft was presented to US Department of Agriculture (USDA) personnel in late January in hopes that they would accept it as a resource for response planning in the event of an outbreak. It was well received by USDA and, at the time of publication, we are awaiting the results of their review.
I think this is an excellent example of the proactive approach the swine industry has taken to address potentially significant disease challenges. Kudos to those who were instrumental in bringing together such a diverse group of stakeholders and experts. And, thanks to those who freely gave their time to bring this effort to fruition. Now, let’s hope we never have to use it.
Harry Snelson, DVM
Executive Director