Disease doesn’t respect borders, and busy producers don’t have time to be global epidemiologists. That’s why the Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) serves a critical role as the U.S. pork industry’s eyes on the horizon, tracking emerging threats across the world so producers can stay focused on the farm without losing sight of the future.
From New World screwworm (NWS) making headlines as it creeps closer to the U.S. border to new serotypes of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) striking in new parts of the world, the threats are real and preparedness is key. Lisa Becton, associate director of SHIC, shares the top five diseases on her mind that SHIC is monitoring right now.
1. Foot-and-Mouth Disease
- The Concern: A specific strain, FMD SAT 1, has shown unexpected movement into the Middle East, Greece, Cyprus and China. In Cyprus, the virus has infected at least 3 pig farms. This virus is not present in the U.S., but increased spread of the disease to new areas is worrisome.
- Key Challenge: This strain is appearing in areas where it isn’t typically expected, and there are concerns that existing vaccines may not fully protect against it.
- Action: SHIC has a new FMD fact sheet and is increasing focus on global monitoring to track its spread. Don’t be complacent when you see blisters or lesions and assume it’s Senecavirus A (SVA) and should remain on the radar because SVA symptoms mimic FMD, Becton says.
2. New World Screwworm
- The Concern: Activity is increasing in Mexico and moving closer to the U.S. border. While often associated with cattle, swine are the third most affected species in Mexico, particularly those in outdoor or naturally ventilated facilities.
- Key Challenge: The fly larvae infest open wounds. Mexico’s cases tell us that no species has zero risk of becoming infected.
- Action: Producers should alert their veterinarian if they see suspected signs of infestation. The next step is to focus on wound care and manage “non-healing” injuries. To learn more about NWS, SHIC has a new NWS fact sheet for producers focusing on pigs and USDA resources found at screwworm.gov can l help provide key information on the disease and USDA response protocols if a herd tests positive.
3. African Swine Fever
- The Concern: African swine fever (ASF) continues to spread and provide challenges for control including the persistent presence of the virus in the feral hog population, Becton says.
- Key Challenge: No commercial vaccine exists.
- Action: High-level biosecurity is essential. Although this virus is currently not in the U.S., Becton advises that biosecurity steps for other diseases directly apply to ASF prevention such as prevent interaction with feral pigs, wear dedicated clothing and footwear at the farm, have downtime from international travel, and have a plan like Secure Pork Supply in place that also enhances biosecurity.
4. Pseudorabies
- The Concern: Pseudorabies (PRV) was recently detected in swine transported from Texas to Iowa.
- Key Challenge: This disease was eradicated from the U.S. in 2004. Many producers today have never dealt with this disease. PRV can be found in feral hog populations and pose a risk to commercial swine.
- Action: Be informed. USDA and Iowa Department of Agriculture have provided information about the outbreak and how it is being managed. SHIC has a fact sheet with key information including how to recognize the disease. In addition, producers should avoid conditions around their farm that encourage feral pig interaction, whether that’s having complete fencing or avoiding feed spills to prevent feral pigs from being attracted to the farm.
5. Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome
- The Concern: Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is not following its seasonal pattern. Cases remain high even as warmer months begin, when they would typically decline, Becton says.
- Key Challenge: New strains are proving to be extremely virulent and different virus strains have been found in new states/regions.
- Action: Monitoring disease trends and performing diagnostics are more important than ever. Producers need to know exactly which strain they are fighting in their farm and region to help choose the right interventions and biosecurity measures.
“Staying informed of disease trends and understanding what different emerging disease symptoms look like in pigs is important,” Becton says. “SHIC offers resources that monitor diseases in your area that identify what diseases are present. Being aware of what’s happening around you allows you to hone in on your farm’s best health management strategies for both prevention, and in the worst-case scenario, mitigation.”
