Some of the greatest hurdles to swine biosecurity are found in accessibility to education and resources.
USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) estimates $50 billion of economic impact over 10 years would result if African swine fever made its way into the U.S. Other endemic diseases, such as porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), cannot be dismissed for their impact on health and productivity in U.S. swine production.
To combat the challenges in biosecurity and educating U.S. swine producers and farm employees, the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine launched their ‘one-stop shop’ website of information and resources pork producers need for their on-farm biosecurity program, according to a release.
“They say ‘what you don’t coach, you condone,’ and biosecurity is certainly not something the swine industry can afford to condone,” says Isha Agrawal, a doctoral student at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine who led the development of the website.
The interactive website, “Swine Biosecurity,” shares:
• The ‘DOs and DON’Ts’ of swine biosecurity;
• Six modules explaining concepts related to swine health and biosecurity in a concise, jargon-free manner;
• “Test Your Knowledge” quizzes;
• Downloadable infographics to help train and educate farm employees;
• Downloadable signs to be posted on farms to identify bio-secure areas and other safety measures; and
• Links to swine health and biosecurity resources for farmers.
Supported with Farm Bill funding through the USDA APHIS Veterinary Services’ National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program, the website increases access to crucial information to protect the health and integrity of the U.S. swine herd.
