Biosecurity

How to Protect Pigs from New World Screwworm

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 14:45:27 GMT

While New World screwworm (NWS) is a foreign pest to the U.S., Dusty Oedekoven, National Pork Board’s chief veterinarian, says it was not unexpected.

“We’ve been watching the northward expansion of the fly for a couple of years,” Oedekoven says. “USDA has taken a proactive approach to preparing for that. There’s a lot of information available at screwworm.gov about the current status, as well as planned response activities.”

Oedekoven shares an update with U.S. pork producers on what to look for and how to protect their herd from NWS.

What makes NWS different than other threats we typically face?

One of the ways that it’s different is this is a parasite, a fly that lays its eggs in the wound, an open wound of any warm-blooded animal, so it’s not really a contagious disease like we would think of with African swine fever virus , for example. We have medications that can treat myiasis or really any parasitic disease. FDA has worked to approve products which can be effective against NWS , so it’s really not something to panic over. It is something to be aware of and the most important thing people can do right now is to be observant of their animals.

Secondary Screwworm Fly

What is New World screwworm?

This parasite is a fly. In fact, it can look very similar to other flies that we’re used to seeing. It does have some distinguishing characteristics, but to the naked eye, it’s going to look like a fly. The thing you’re more likely to see is the effects of the female fly laying its eggs in an open wound. In the swine industry, we have a lot of potential there with bite wounds, fight wounds, castration and teeth clipping. Any sort of processing that can leave an open wound creates an opportunity for that fly to lay an egg in that wound. Later, the larvae eat the living tissue and that’s where the damage occurs – from that larval growth process before they drop off of the animal onto the ground and then develop into the next stage, the flying insect. The cycle then continues.

(Lori Hays)

What signs should producers look for?

Being observant of potential signs is very important. Things to look for are head shaking, irritability, lethargy or animals that are off feed. Look for visible wounds that are not healing or are getting worse. You can see the larvae in wounds at some point. The other thing that’s distinctive about NWS infestation is that it has a very foul odor as the larvae eat into that tissue. I heard the state veterinarian in Texas say it best: “The best thing we can put on our animals right now is our eyeballs.”

(Photo: USDA)

What biosecurity tips do you recommend now?

As we think about biosecurity related to viral or bacterial infections, cleaning, disinfection and maintaining a sanitary environment remain important. This is especially true with NWS because you need to specifically target flies. Fly control ensures you are not creating environments favorable to fly habitation. Anything you can do to keep the flies down around your livestock is going to be an additive measure of biosecurity.

What are the most important thing producers need to hear?

First, be observant of all your animals – livestock and pets. Watch them every day. Be aware of the signs of NWS. Second, one of the ways we prevent movement of an infestation or parasite like this to a new area is through interstate health requirements. Whenever you’re moving livestock from state to state, it’s important to work with your local veterinarian to ensure you’re meeting state of destination requirements. The veterinarian’s going to look at the animals, ensure that they’re free of signs of contagious and infectious diseases or parasitism in this case, and also ensure that they are meeting the state of destination requirements, which in many cases, may change slightly with the incident that’s happening now in Texas.

New World Screwworm Reaches Texas: Pork Producers Respond to Threat

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 21:17:52 GMT

As USDA was confirming detection of New World screwworm in a three-week-old calf in La Pryor, Texas, U.S. pork producers were gathering in Des Moines, Iowa, for the World Pork Expo. Although La Pryor is over 1,000 miles away, the somber reality of this devastating pest crossing over into the U.S. was felt around the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

“It’s important for people to understand that this particular pest can affect any warm-blooded mammal,” says Anna Forseth, director of animal health for the National Pork Producers Council. “A lot of attention has been given to the cattle industry, and rightfully so. The highest risk state geographically is Texas, and they have a huge cattle industry raised on pasture or that have exposure to the outdoors.”

Don’t Dismiss the NWS Threat

But, she’s quick to point out that other livestock, domestic pets, wildlife and people are all at risk for exposure and potential infestation with this particular pest.

“The pork industry has been engaged in the conversation knowing that there is a potential risk for us,” she confirms.

Todd Marotz, vice president of the National Pork Producers Council, says the timing of the NWS confirmation comes off the heels of pseudorabies rearing its head for the first time in a commercial swine herd since 2004. Both serve as reminders about the threat that feral swine play in the spread of disease and pests.

“I think the important thing for pork producers to feel good about is in the journey that the New World screwworm took through Mexico, there wasn’t a single report of a commercial swine facility that was infected along the way,” Marotz says. “However, we need to monitor and do our due diligence as far as what’s right for the industry and making sure that we do our part.”

Texas is home to an estimated 3 million feral pigs – the largest population of feral swine in the U.S.

“Texas wildlife officials, as well as USDA wildlife services, have been engaged to consider how to handle this in the feral pig population,” Forseth says. “They are discussing the best management opportunities and practices, managing infestation and active surveillance of all wildlife species.”

Do We Have Enough Sterile Flies?

The sterile fly technique is the only true opportunity to combat this particular pest, explains Forseth.

“Any opportunity to push it back down south will come with the sterile fly technique,” she says. “This management practice was deployed the last time the United States dealt with NWS. The female will only mate once in its lifetime. If we can put an overabundance of sterile flies into the population and increase the chances that a female screwworm fly will mate with a sterile fly, then over time that helps control the population of NWS flies.”

The USDA has been focusing time and resources to increase the number of sterile flies produced to fight this battle.

“The federal government’s interest in increasing our production numbers may suggest that currently we don’t have enough sterile flies at this time,” Forseth says. “The more sterile flies we can put into the environment, the better our chances are at decreasing their survivability and their potential to continue moving further into the U.S.”

Prevention is Possible

Patrick Webb, assistant chief veterinarian at the National Pork Board, agrees that producers play a key role.

“Vigilance is the most important thing that we can do right now to limit impact here,” Webb shared with Chip Flory on AgriTalk at the World Pork Expo. “That means monitoring your herd, and I don’t care if you’re in Texas or in Iowa, you’ve got to monitor that herd and know what to look for. Go to screwworm.gov – they have a lot of great resources there to help producers understand what to look for, but more importantly, how to report it, and what to do.”

Webb says early detection is critical. Pay close attention to wounds, scrapes, even needle pricks, bite marks and tick bites.

“Even if you have a slight suspicion in a situation like this, make sure that you’re working with your herd vet and you’re reporting to the state animal health official,” Webb says. “It’s not going to hurt if it’s not NWS. We need to be on top of this thing as fast as possible from a regular regulatory disease control side of things.”

He expects that some states will require new information on health papers to move pigs across state lines.

“If you’re in an infested zone, you may have to do certain things,” Webb says. “Work with your herd veterinarian to make sure you understand the new rules. Remember, one of the highest risk pathways for movement of NWS is the movement of an infested animal.”

Marotz encourages producers not to overreact, but to take this announcement seriously.

“We want to make sure that we’re doing everything we possibly can to protect our industry and to protect trade,” Marotz says. “With 25% to 30% of U.S. pork production going overseas, our trading partners are very important to us. That’s why we need to be open and upfront with them and handle this appropriately.”

Hungary Reports First Case of African Swine Fever in Domestic Pigs

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 15:37:32 GMT

Hungary has confirmed its first case of African swine fever (ASF) virus in domestic pigs. This was confirmed by the National Food Chain Safety Authority (Nébih) on a 3,000-head domestic pig farm in Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg county on June 3.

The national chief veterinarian has ordered measures to prevent the further spread of the disease, including the closure of the farm and implementation of epidemiological measures. The pig herd on the affected farm is being culled, and an epidemiological investigation is underway to determine the origin of the infection and its possible further spread. The authority has designated a protection and surveillance zone around the outbreak and introduced restrictions, and is asking pig farmers to strictly comply with the disease control regulations, reports Nébih.

“Pay special attention to compliance with disease control regulations,” Nébih urges. “It is of utmost importance to keep farms closed and to restrict the entry of outsiders and vehicles. It is also essential to fully implement disinfection regulations, as well as to prevent domestic pigs from coming into contact with wild boars in any way, either directly or indirectly through infected feed or equipment.”

Livestock farmers are asked to notify their veterinarian if they notice sudden fever, death or bleeding symptoms in their pig herd.

African swine fever is a serious viral disease of domestic and wild pigs. It is not dangerous to humans, but there is no cure and no vaccine against it, so the presence of the disease can cause significant economic damage to the pig industry. Learn more here.

“High-level biosecurity is essential,” says Lisa Becton, associate director of the Swine Health Information Center.

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.

Long-Term Viability Starts With Addressing Fragile Points in the Pork Industry

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 19:18:37 GMT

“Robustness” is a popular term in the pork industry, used for everything from describing product lines to weaned pig health to the overall strength of the industry. As the industry continues to focus on productivity and efficiency, signs point to a growing number of fragile points that could open doors for disasters, says Cesar Corzo, associate professor at University of Minnesota and director of the Swine Health Monitoring Project.

“We’re pushing so hard, and we’re looking for throughput of 110%,” Corzo says. “If we push too hard, we may be starting to cut corners.”

Corzo was one of a group of industry executives who spoke on Thursday at World Pork Expo about strategies for creating predictability in an unpredictable market.

Biosecurity: A Shared Industry Responsibility

Those swine health risks include re-emerging pathogens from decades past as well as continuously evolving risks, such as porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome (PRRS). Managing diseases and other risks requires dedication to biosecurity on individual operations and across the industry, says panel moderator and veterinarian Clayton Johnson of Carthage Systems.

“It’s not just fragility at the individual farm level. As an industry, we’ve learned recently with pseudorabies being identified on a commercial pig farm that biosecurity and risk management isn’t just for your farm. It’s for all our ability to operate and market our pigs and optimize the entire industry,” Johnson says. “In terms of biocontainment, we’ve got to think, ‘How can I not only do a good job of preventing risk on my farm but also preventing risk for the industry?’”

Overcome the Data Integrity Hurdle

The industry has never been able to record and analyze data like it can today. Cameras, smart ear tags, smart scales and other networked technology make it possible to continuously monitor the behavior of pigs and people to predict and identify risks. Unfortunately, the data itself can be a challenge that sneaks up on operations, says PJ Corns, technical director for JBS Live Pork.

“One thing that feels like it’s both easy to fix and really tough is having good data,” Corns says. “When we don’t have good data coming in, we spend a lot of time sorting through to find the problem. Every minute we spend on looking at why data is wrong, it seems like we lose threefold. Bad data is that hidden challenge that’s out there.”

Johnson sees that same problem when called to troubleshoot at an operation.

“I can’t tell you how many times I’ve showered into a sow farm, talked to the manager and said, ‘Alright, prewean mortality is X. We have got to bring it down this month,’” Johnson explains. “The first thing the farm manager says is, ‘No, it’s not. That’s not what my numbers say.’ Oh, man, do we waste hours in the office arguing about what the data is and never get to the actual root cause of the problem.”

A best practice for any operation to improve data management is to choose for itself the metrics that are most relevant to monitor and analyze, as opposed to comparing oneself to industry averages, says Sebastian Villegas, CEO of Asimetrics, an analytics company from Colombia.

“Ten years ago, it was difficult just to get internet access and to get people to just look at the numbers,” Villegas says. “Now, everyone wants to have more proprietary, but again, you can get confused with all the data. It is very important for every production site to have its own numbers and create its own guides.”

Tailor SOPs to Human Behavior and Site Needs

Accurately measuring results requires commitment to consistently following an operation’s standard operating procedures (SOPs). That in turn means SOPs must be developed to fit the system, says Francisco Domingues, global head of nutrition and health for swine, Anitox.

“You must understand the individuals you’re working with, you must create solid SOPs and, when training, you must deliver all of the information in a clear way so employees can really do the job.”

SOPs might not work equally across all sites within a system, Domingues says.

“Sometimes you have a general SOP that works for a very modern system, but you forget to adjust it to fit older farms, and people on those farms have to work much harder to deliver the results,” he adds.

One gap across the pork industry today is data about pig care behavior that can be analyzed to see how people’s day-to-day work impacts results, Johnson says.

“We measure outcomes way better than we measure behaviors. Some of that is probably just because the outcomes at the end of the day are directly correlated with financial performance,” Johnson says. “Measuring the input data, the behavior, is hard, but we can get over the fact that it’s hard. The pig producers who solve it will be rewarded for sure.”

Stop Looking in the Rearview: BarnTools Digitally Transforms Biosecurity with Barn360

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 13:43:50 GMT

Forget manual paper logs and static Excel “hot sheets” to track personnel movement and disease status, says Matt Kerns, director of sales and enterprise customer success for BarnTools. On Wednesday at the World Pork Expo, the company released Barn360, a biosecurity platform that expands the BarnTools connected farm system into real-time biosecurity enforcement for swine operations.

Traditional manual systems require significant time and effort, but Kerns notes they also leave dangerous gaps that often go unnoticed until a disease event occurs. Barn360 fills those gaps with a connected system that brings visibility, consistency, and automated enforcement to daily operations.

“Barn360 is digitizing the health pyramid,” Kerns says. “It’s programming the site-to-site movements against that health pyramid and making it real-time. The minute we change something on our proverbial ‘hot sheet,’ it updates the entire system.”

(BarnTools)

Seamless Integration

With Barn360, producers manage biosecurity in the same Barn Talk app they already use to monitor temperature, water and power. By housing these tools under one roof, biosecurity is no longer a separate, siloed task—it becomes a core part of the connected farm.

Notably, Barn360 is offered as a free value-add for customers using BarnTools’ BinTalk Pro sensors, giving producers enterprise-level biosecurity visibility without additional per-animal or per-site costs.

“Barn360 allows your team to better understand the biosecurity rules and practices you are trying to implement,” says Garrett Gourley, account executive for the swine industry at BarnTools. “It gives them confidence to execute on what the leadership team has built out.”

Real-Time Disease Mitigation

Designed for integrators, veterinarians and production managers, Barn360 provides instant visibility into who is on-site and whether they are compliant with protocols. Because the system updates the moment a farm’s health status changes—such as a porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) break—it can immediately alert personnel if they are ineligible to enter a site based on their recent movement history.

“It’s truncating the latency we have in responding to something that has gone wrong,” Kerns says. “It’s proactive and predictive. No longer am I looking in the rearview and catching it within minutes instead of hours or days. Now I’m looking out my windshield at what’s coming at me.”

The system is designed to be non-invasive for the workforce. Once a user’s phone crosses the farm’s geofence, they are automatically checked in via the app. There are no buttons to push or forms to sign; the user simply needs their location settings enabled.

An Integrated Data Sandbox

BarnTools’ ultimate goal is to move away from “siloed” data. By combining environmental monitoring (BarnTalk), feed management (BinTalk Pro), and biosecurity (Barn360), producers receive a holistic view of the operation.

“As we look across the industry, the pace at which technology is advancing is accelerating,” Kerns says. “For these things to actually be efficient, they have to play nice in the sandbox. We are bringing everything into the same sandbox.”

This integration also allows customers to pull data via API into their own internal dashboards. Kerns emphasizes that while the technology is advanced, the goal remains getting back to the fundamentals of animal husbandry.

“The concepts we’re tackling aren’t novel. We’ve known forever that if we better manage biosecurity, feed, air, and water, those pigs are going to do a great job,” Kerns says. “We want to help producers get better at the basics by giving them information they wouldn’t have had otherwise.”

Iowa Pork Industry Completing Final PRV Testing, Proving Years of Readiness

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 20:46:43 GMT

On June 12, the final round of testing for pseudorabies (PRV) will be completed within the 2-mile radius of the first case confirmed in Iowa since PRV was eradicated from the U.S. commercial swine herd in 2004. As the pork industry awaits the results of this final step, Pat McGonegle, executive director of the Iowa Pork Producers Association, says he couldn’t be more grateful for the speed and collaboration that has taken place so far.

“That collaboration between the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, USDA, the National Pork Producers Council and the Iowa Pork Producers Association was critical for us to move quickly,” McGonegle said at the World Pork Expo.

One Decision at a Time

Thousands of decisions needed to be made in a very short period of time, he explains. The decisions ranged from testing to how farms deliver feed.

“Rob Brenneman texted me 700 times that week to move faster, and I get it,” McGonegle says. “We moved as fast as we could, but it’s never fast enough.”

He says one of the biggest takeaways, and there have been many, is how every decision can impact the export market.

“It changed my perspective 1,000% because you think, ‘Oh, we’ll just do this,’ but markets in Mexico or Colombia or Japan will look at it differently then. So, you back up and say ‘All right, what’s best for the producer, for disease management and for the export market?’ Balancing all those is critical.”

After the final tests are over, McGonegle plans to sit down with everyone involved to discuss what they learned and how they can do better next time.

“For our producers, particularly those in the five-mile circle, it was an early opportunity to see what a foreign animal disease outbreak might look like,” he says. “In that circle, we had about 32 herds, with 4-H kids, potbellied pigs and commercial herds, so it was typical Iowa.”

The cooperation from the producers was amazing, McGonegle points out. Farms were bleeding pigs in less than 24 hours – an amazing response. He credits Iowa State University’s new diagnostic lab for its speedy response. The lab is set up to receive samples at noon on June 12. McGonegle says they will run the tests that afternoon so results are done by 5 p.m. that day.

“You don’t do that without cooperation and collaboration,” he says. “I want to give kudos to them and the National Animal Health Monitoring System lab in Ames. If you don’t think that was a good example of collaboration, I’d like to have you find me a better one?”

Maria Zieba, vice president of government affairs at the National Pork Producers Council, says this is a powerful reminder of how funding makes a difference.

Last year Congress was looking at cutting things in the farm bill reconciliation package, but when it came to the animal health section, Zieba says the pork industry got 100% of what they had been asking for.

“That’s really important to highlight because it goes back to the ability for NPPC and producers to advocate on what is important and Congress to have the foresight to invest in the health and safety of animals and for rural America,” Zieba says. “It’s also a reminder that you may not see the results immediately, but you will see them some day when we are able to do these amazing things in a warp speed.”

A Confidence Boost for U.S. Trading Partners

Bryan Humphreys, CEO of the National Pork Producers Council, says U.S. trading partners should have more confidence than ever in the U.S. pork industry’s foreign animal disease response.

“As we’re talking to our trading partners, we can clearly demonstrate the way it was handled – the professionalism and open communication of the state of Iowa and USDA – was fantastic,” Humphreys says.

Brenneman says he received several calls from producers and veterinarians who asked how they could help. As he points out, that is what the pork industry is all about – showing up and doing whatever is needed to help.

“I think this really showed us the importance of biosecurity and testing,” Brenneman says. “You can’t do too much testing – it’s important to know where you are healthwise. We take thousands of samples a week on our farms. If anything, make sure you take away the importance of biosecurity from this situation.”

There is no question the pork industry is better today and will get even better tomorrow, McGonegle says.

“I am thankful for all the foreign animal disease preparedness activities we have done as a state,” he says. “For example, we’ve been working for nine years in Iowa on our premise ID for swine farms. When we started, we didn’t have many registered. But in this 5-mile circle, we were only missing one premise ID. That gives you some confidence that our system is getting better.”

Top 5 Global Swine Disease Threats SHIC is Tracking Right Now

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 15:58:23 GMT

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.”

Access all of the SHIC fact sheets on swine disease here.

New Global Standards Set for African Swine Fever Vaccine Field Evaluation

Thu, 21 May 2026 18:41:00 GMT

African Swine Fever (ASF) remains one of the most significant threats to the global pork industry. Over the last decade, the disease has surged from Sub-Saharan Africa into Asia, Europe and the Caribbean, devastating pig populations and undermining the livelihoods of millions of producers. To protect these operations, the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) has officially adopted the first international guidelines for the field evaluation and post-vaccination monitoring of ASF vaccines .

Led by scientists from The Pirbright Institute and City University of Hong Kong, these guidelines fill a critical gap in how “real-world” vaccine performance is measured.

A Coordinated Approach

ASF has spread rapidly over a decade from Sub-Sahara Africa to Asia, Europe and parts of the Caribbean, threatening food security and undermining livelihoods.

While several South East Asian countries have recently granted regulatory approval to live attenuated virus (LAV) vaccines, monitoring their performance remains a challenge. LAV vaccines are complex; they use a weakened version of the virus to stimulate immunity, which requires stringent oversight to ensure they do not revert to a more virulent form or cause unintended shedding in a field setting.

“The need for reliable field data on vaccine safety and performance under field conditions has become increasingly urgent,” says Dr. Georgina Limon-Vega, group leader in applied epidemiology at The Pirbright Institute.

Key Requirements for Transparency and Safety

To ensure consistency across different regions, the new guidelines recommend a rigorous framework for any nation considering vaccine rollout.

Key requirements include:

Independent Oversight:
Evaluations should be conducted by an advisory committee with no financial or professional conflicts of interest regarding vaccine production or distribution.
Expert Analysis:
Programs should involve epidemiologists and statisticians experienced in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and pharmacovigilance.
Regional Alignment:
Vaccination should not be a standalone solution but must be integrated into national or regional prevention and control objectives.
Stakeholder Collaboration:
Success depends on data transparency and cooperation between the public sector, private industry, and international regulatory bodies.

Moving Forward

The guidelines provide a practical, adaptable tool for veterinary services and regulatory authorities. By generating “real-world” evidence on safety and efficacy, these standards aim to support informed regulatory decisions and more effective vaccination programs globally.

“The practical framework can be tailored to local epidemiological and production contexts, reinforcing the importance of aligning vaccination strategies with other control measures,” adds Limon-Vega.

Bridging the $300-Billion Gap: WOAH Launches Global ‘PREVENT’ Forum to Boost Animal Vaccination

Wed, 20 May 2026 18:59:26 GMT

Global animal health threats are no longer distant risks—they are immediate economic disruptors. From the devastating spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) to the persistent threat of Newcastle disease, the cost of “acting too late” has reached a staggering $300 billion annually. Despite these stakes, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) reports that vaccination rates for the most critical notifiable diseases remain stalled below 20%.

To close this gap, WOAH officially launched the PREVENT Forum on May 19. This five-year public-private platform is designed to dismantle the barriers preventing widespread vaccine adoption and to modernize global animal health defense.

A Strategic Response to a Global Crisis

The forum’s launch follows the publication of The State of the World’s Animal Health , that calls for better-resourced animal health systems to protect human health, food security, trade and livelihoods.

“The PREVENT Forum is a concrete response to that call, advancing prevention through structured public-private dialogue with a strong focus on vaccination,” WOAH reports. “Vaccination is one of the most effective tools available to prevent and control animal diseases, alongside strengthened biosecurity, surveillance, early detection and rapid response.”

By expanding access to quality vaccines, PREVENT aims to protect livelihoods, support food security and contribute to efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance.

Unlike previous high-level dialogues, this forum is built around seven specific priority areas that address the practical “why” behind low vaccination rates:

Planning and Regulatory pathways
Economic evidence
Vaccine access and Equity
National strategies and Trade

The forum seeks to align the entire supply chain—from the lab to the barn.

A Shared Space for Action

The initiative will culminate in its first global technical session in October 2026, where members intend to draft a global declaration to overcome existing regulatory and financial barriers.

“Vaccines are one of our most powerful tools against animal disease — but access, regulation and financing gaps mean the potential is far from fully realized,” says Dr. Emmanuelle Soubeyran, Director General, WOAH. “The PREVENT Forum gives governments and industry a shared space to identify what is holding back progress and to act on it together. WOAH is proud to convene this effort, and we are committed to ensuring it delivers results for our members and strengthens animal health systems globally.”

Pig Movement Restrictions Lifted Within 5-Mile Surveillance Zone in Iowa

Fri, 15 May 2026 20:31:23 GMT

Pig movement restrictions have been lifted within the 5-mile surveillance zone surrounding the small commercial pig herd in Iowa with confirmed detection of pseudorabies. All premises in this zone completed round one testing with no further detections.

Following the April 30 confirmation, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), in coordination with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS), shut down movement of pigs in this five-mile radius surrounding the site.

“All animals from both the Iowa index herd and the non-commercial source herd in Texas have been depopulated and properly disposed of,” APHIS reports. “All herds with direct exposure to these positive sites have been identified, and epidemiological investigations and diagnostic testing of these sites are ongoing. Cleaning and disinfection of the Iowa premises were completed on May 12.”

No additional commercial sites have been identified as having direct exposure to the commercial site in Iowa or the source herd in Texas, APHIS says.

2-Mile Surveillance Zone Remains Active

Officials say the 2-mile surveillance zone around the index herd remains active, and movement restrictions within that zone continue.

Premises within the 2-mile surveillance zone, along with all exposed herds, must complete a second round of testing 30 to 60 days after the affected site is cleaned and disinfected. This testing is scheduled to occur between June 12 and July 11. Until negative results from this second testing round are confirmed, movement restrictions for exposed herds and all swine premises within the 2-mile zone will remain in place, APHIS says.

The affected site remains under quarantine pending a 30-day fallow period and completion of the second round of testing for all exposed herds and all swine premises in the 2-mile surveillance zone.

“Strong biosecurity practices are the best defense for producers to protect their herds from pseudorabies and other diseases of concern,” APHIS advises.

Although this detection does not pose a risk to consumer health or affect the safety of the commercial pork supply, there may be limited, short-term impacts on exports of U.S. swine, swine genetics and certain animal products.

USDA is working with trading partners to clarify and mitigate these impacts.

“APHIS and IDALS appreciate producers’ continued cooperation and adherence to strong biosecurity practices,” APHIS says. “We are committed to supporting producers throughout this process and ensuring the continued security of the nation’s agricultural systems.”

Pseudorabies is a contagious viral disease of livestock and other mammals. However, pigs are the only natural hosts. While pseudorabies virus can infect most mammals, humans, horses and birds are considered resistant.

Intentional Agility: Is the Pork Industry Ready for the Next Swine Health Threat?

Mon, 11 May 2026 18:07:21 GMT

In the past five years, the Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) has transformed 115 research projects into a practical arsenal for U.S. pork producers. By leveraging Checkoff dollars and federal partnerships, SHIC’s 2021-2025 program review proves that in an unpredictable global landscape, agility is the industry’s best defense.

For SHIC Executive Director Megan Niederwerder, this review is more than a retrospective; it is a strategic roadmap. It marks an expansion of data gathering and diagnostic tool development that drives actionable change on the farm.

What “Moved the Needle” from 2021-2025?

A standout success of the last five years is the $2.5-million Wean-to-Harvest Biosecurity Research Program. Launched in 2022, this initiative funded 24 projects specifically targeting nursery and grow-finish facilities.

“Typically, biosecurity protocols are less stringent outside of the sow farm or boar stud,” Niederwerder says. “We wanted to turn our focus to nursery, grow-finish and harvest to consider how reducing the pathogen load in that population protects the whole industry. Even if they’re not affected by the disease, those hogs can replicate the pathogen, we know that’s a risk for the entire U.S. industry.”

The program focused on three critical pillars:

Bioexclusion: Reducing the risk of pathogens entering the farm.
Biocontainment: Managing a pathogen on-site post-introduction.
Transportation: Reducing disease spread through dead haul, cull and market transport.

Facing Future Threats with Intentional Agility

SHIC has built a response infrastructure designed to pivot the moment a new threat—such as H5N1 or emerging FMD serotypes—is detected.

“We have built this organization to be intentionally agile,” Niederwerder says. “‘Emerging’ means it could change later today or tomorrow. We want tools in place that can respond the moment a disease appears.”

When a threat is identified, SHIC triggers a standardized “thought process” to bridge knowledge gaps:

Is a diagnostic test available?
Are fact sheets ready for producers?
What are the U.S. industry’s knowledge gaps?
How do we communicate research outcomes immediately?

Global Diseases on the Radar

SHIC is currently monitoring significant shifts in foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). Specifically, the SAT-1 and SAT-2 serotypes, historically confined to Sub-Saharan Africa, have emerged in the Middle East and parts of the European Union over the past year.

Niederwerder emphasizes that U.S. preparedness must include vaccine bank readiness and producer vigilance. Because Senecavirus A is already present in the U.S. and causes similar blisters (vesicular lesions), distinguishing it from FMD is critical .

“It’s important to stay vigilant about potential entry points for any emerging disease,” she points out. “As we watch what’s going on globally, we always want to think about how we can learn from what other countries experience.”

Investing in the “Slat-Level” Future

Beyond the data, SHIC’s 115 projects are building the industry’s intellectual infrastructure. A significant portion of research funding supports graduate and veterinary students, ensuring a pipeline of experts dedicated to swine health.

“It is not only the researchable outcomes, but a critical component is the workforce development piece,” Niederwerder says. “We need to keep conducting slat-level research that results in actionable tools to change the farm immediately.”

Producers Take the Lead: NPB Launches New Swine Health Advisory Committee

Fri, 08 May 2026 18:15:40 GMT

Recognizing that swine disease carries both a heavy economic price tag and a significant mental burden for producers, the National Pork Board (NPB) has officially launched its Swine Health Advisory Committee. The producer-led group held its inaugural meeting in Des Moines earlier this month to begin shaping the future of the National Swine Health Strategy.

“The National Swine Health Strategy is informed by producers and is for producers,” says Dr. Seth Krantz, advisory committee member and NPB board member. “Producers have felt the significant mental and economic stress of swine disease for too long. The time has come for our industry to unite around the long-term mission of improving herd health. It will take daily individual actions and decisions on farms around the nation to make a measurable difference for the entire pork industry, but that is the goal.”

A Strategy Built for the “Slat-Level”

The producer-led committee will provide strategic input and guidance to help ensure the National Swine Health Strategy remains aligned with industry priorities and delivers meaningful progress. By providing strategic guidance, the strategy aims to reduce the impact of domestic diseases like porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), lessen the spread of disease, and keep foreign and emerging diseases out.

“The formation of this new producer-led advisory committee is an important step in advancing the National Swine Health Strategy and continuing to transform valuable research and resources into practical, slat-level solutions for producers,” says NPB Chief Veterinarian Dr. Dusty Oedekoven. “I am excited and energized at the opportunity to collaborate with this group of engaged, wise and generous producers who are willing to contribute their time and expertise to help improve swine health for the entire pork industry.”

The advisory committee plans to provide ongoing strategic input and recommendations to NPB staff and board members in three areas of their work:

Prioritizing proposed plans to find efficiencies and opportunities across industry resources.
Defining clear actions and measurable outcomes to track progress and demonstrate impact on turning research into action.
Addressing both the risk of transboundary diseases and the ongoing burden of disease, including PRRSV and PEDV.

A Diverse Coalition of Experts

The committee features a broad cross-section of the industry, including independent producers, large-scale production leaders, veterinarians, and representatives from the USDA and academic institutions. NPB Swine Health Advisory Committee members include, in alphabetical order:

Dr. Matt Anderson, Suidae Health and Production
Paul Ayers, The Maschhoffs, NPB board member
Dr. Alexandra Buckley, USDA Agricultural Research Service
Cheryl Day, Ohio Pork Council
Joe Dykhuis, Michigan producer
Dr. Anna Forseth, National Pork Producers Council
Scott Hays, Missouri Pork Association
Jesse Heimer, Missouri producer, NPB board member
Stacy Herr, Indiana Pork Producers Association
Nathan Isler, Ohio producer
Dr. Clayton Johnson, Carthage Veterinary Services, LTD
Dr. Jeff Kaisand, Iowa Animal Industry Bureau
Dr. Seth Krantz, Tosh Farms, NPB board member
Dr. Joel Nerem, Pipestone
Dr. Megan Niederwerder, Swine Health Information Center
Dr. Kathleen O’Hara, USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Lawrence Parks, The Parks Companies
Brock Pillen, Nebraska producer
Jeremy Robertson, Iowa producer
Brandon Schafer, Minnesota producer
Dr. Harry Snelson, American Association of Swine Veterinarians
Dr. Gordon Spronk, Minnesota producer, NPB board member
Dr. Matthew Turner, JBS Live Pork
Kraig Westerbeek, Smithfield Foods
Todd Wiley, Iowa producer
Noel Williams, Seaboard Foods
Clay Zwilling, National Swine Registry

By working together, the industry plans to strengthen its ability to protect long-term herd health and improve the lives of pigs and America’s 60,000 pig farmers. Learn more at porkcheckoff.org/strategy .

Pseudorabies in Swine: 5 Questions on the Texas-Iowa Detection

Tue, 05 May 2026 19:43:23 GMT

The recent detection of pseudorabies (PRV) in swine transported from Texas to Iowa has raised important questions regarding herd health and market stability. While the incident highlights the ongoing risk posed by feral swine populations, it also serves as a testament to the effectiveness of the U.S. animal health surveillance system. From rapid diagnostic reporting to swift regulatory action, the industry’s coordinated response ensured the virus was identified and mitigated quickly. To help producers navigate this situation, industry experts address five common questions about the risk, the response, and the safety of the U.S. pork supply.

Q. Do I need to be worried about the pseudorabies incident in Iowa and Texas?

A. “We know the pseudorabies virus is present in the feral swine population. On occasion, we see cases in domestic swine where pigs, specifically those raised outdoors, have a known risk of exposure to feral pigs. This case involved the transport of swine from Texas to Iowa, and it’s important to keep in mind that the diagnostic and regulatory system performed as we have planned and as it is intended to do. The surveillance program was in place, the diagnostic laboratory reported timely results, the state veterinarian was notified and took swift action in conjunction with the state’s department of agriculture and USDA, and traceability allowed for communication with the state of Texas, initiating a fast response there. While it is never ideal to have a case occur, the focus here should be that there is a known risk and industry measures in place to swiftly coordinate and address that risk.” – Dr. Anna Forseth, National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) Director of Animal Health

Q. How can I protect my herd?

A. “To keep farms PRV-negative, producers should only bring replacement animals and semen from PRV negative sources, ensure that pigs do not come in contact with feral pigs, and should enforce biosecurity protocols of visitors and employees by using farm dedicated clothing and footwear exclusively, and avoid sharing equipment or materials with other farms.” – University of Minnesota Swine Group

Q. Has the U.S. had any export market response?

A. “NPPC is working closely with USDA and the U.S. Trade Representative’s offices on outreach to trading partners informing them of the detection of PRV and the steps immediately taken to mitigate the virus’ impact on U.S. pork exports. Strong animal health standards are a cornerstone of U.S. leadership in global protein supply, and the U.S. pork industry’s track record of eradicating and containing PRV should provide confidence to our trading partners in the safety and reliability of U.S. pork.” – Maria C. Zieba, NPPC Vice President of Government Affairs

Q. How do producers differentiate PRV from other respiratory/neurological issues?

A. “PRV can easily look like many common swine diseases such as influenza, PRRS or S. suis. Clinical presentation for PRV tends to be age-specific with neonatal/suckling pigs more likely to exhibit neurologic symptoms (including trembling, incoordination, convulsions, paralysis) and high mortality, while older growing animals tend to exhibit respiratory symptoms (including cough, dyspnea, rhinitis). Gestating gilts and sows can exhibit reproductive abnormalities including increased stillborn and mummified pigs, mummies as well as an increased rate of abortion. The virus cannot be detected based on observational, clinical signs alone. Working with your herd veterinarian to collect detailed herd health information and history in addition to a comprehensive diagnostic analysis is critical if a case of PRV is suspected. Veterinary investigation should be considered when animals of various ages are exhibiting symptoms that are outside of “normal” for the herd or that the herd has increased risk factors for PRV such as known exposure to feral swine or a PRV positive herd. Samples for diagnostic analysis include various tissues, serum, and oral fluids from affected animals.” – Dr. Lisa Becton, associate director of the Swine Health Information Center

Q. Is our food supply safe?

A. “It’s important for people to know that pseudorabies is not a food safety concern, and this virus does not pose a risk to consumers. The United States’ pork supply remains safe and secure.” – Mike Naig, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture

While the threat from feral swine remains a constant reality, the combination of robust diagnostic systems and proactive farm-level biosecurity provides a strong defense for the U.S. pork supply. Vigilance and strong biosecurity protocols ensures herds stay protected and the export market remains secure.

Iowa Implements 5-Mile Testing Radius to Contain Swine Pseudorabies

Fri, 01 May 2026 22:08:02 GMT

Iowa agriculture officials are working quickly to “stamp out” a confirmed case of pseudorabies (PRV) in a small commercial swine herd – the first detection of the virus in a U.S. commercial site since it was officially eradicated in 2004.

The detection, confirmed on April 30, involved five boars in a small commercial herd with less than 100 animals. While the virus has been absent from commercial herds for two decades, it remains endemic in feral swine populations, which is the suspected source of this “spillover” event.

Aggressive Containment Strategy

Following established USDA pseudorabies program standards , the affected site is being depopulated and all animals will be disposed of on-site to prevent any spread.

“The standards also require that we conduct surveillance around the site,” says Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. “A five-mile radius circle has been drawn around the positive site. Swine facilities within that radius will need to test for pseudorabies within the next 15 days.”

A secondary, two-mile radius circle has also been established. Farms within this inner circle must undergo a second round of testing 30 days after the original site is fully cleaned and disinfected. Naig confirmed that every producer within these zones was contacted by late Thursday.

Tracing the Source

The investigation points to a direct trace-back: the five positive boars were part of a shipment received several months ago from an outdoor “transitional” herd in Texas.

“We coordinated with the state of Texas, who began testing the herd of origin immediately on Monday,” Naig says.

The virus was caught during routine screening at the Iowa operation. While the five boars tested positive, the remaining pigs on the Iowa site tested negative. Naig notes that because there was no spread within the facility, it provides a “strong indication” that there was no spread outside the facility either.

The Science: Why PRV is a Challenge

Pseudorabies is a herpes virus , which presents unique challenges for eradication. Iowa State Veterinarian Dr. Jeff Kaisand explains that unlike many viruses that are cleared by the immune system, herpes viruses can remain dormant in the body.

“The virus can hang out and hide in the cranial nerves of the brain and the tonsil,” Kaisand says. “Pigs may recover and stop shedding, but the virus remains. Under stress, it can resurface.”

While the virus spreads primarily through nose-to-nose contact, it can also move via aerosols or contaminated equipment. Despite the risk, Kaisand emphasizes that vaccination is not currently an option for the industry.

“We are not expecting area spread, and vaccine raises trade issues,” Kaisand says. “We don’t want to vaccinate our populations and confuse natural infection with vaccine.”

Trade and Safety Outlook

Because pseudorabies is a reportable disease, the USDA has notified international trading partners, but the impact is expected to be minimal.

“There is always a potential for trade disruption, which is why we moved so swiftly,” Naig says. “We anticipate minimal, if any, short-term trade disruptions.”

Naig also stressed that the detection is not a food safety concern. Pseudorabies does not pose a risk to human health, and the U.S. pork supply remains safe.

Remain Vigilant

What producers can do is what they always should do – practice good biosecurity, Naig says.

“This is an isolated, specific incident here that has a direct trace back to this Texas farm,” Naig says. “Biosecurity is important every single day for animal health. It is important for livestock producers of all species.”

Kaisand adds that biosecurity is “protection from the unknowns, not the knowns.”

Pseudorabies (PRV) Confirmed in Iowa and Texas Commercial Swine Herds

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 22:17:16 GMT

For the first time since being eradicated in the U.S. commercial swine herd in 2004, pseudorabies (PRV) has been confirmed in herds in Iowa and Texas.

The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) confirmed the detection of PRV antibodies in a small commercial swine facility in Iowa. The discovery was made through routine testing rather than pre-movement surveillance.

Traceback Confirms Texas Connection

Initial traceback efforts reveal that five affected boars in the Iowa facility originated from an outdoor production site in Texas. Subsequent testing of the Texas herd also returned positive results for the virus.

APHIS is currently collaborating with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) and the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) to expand traceback efforts and identify any further exposures.

The Feral Swine Risk

Although the commercial industry has been free of the disease for more than 20 years, PRV remains prevalent in feral swine populations across the U.S. Officials believe this detection is a result of “spillover” from wild populations.

“Pseudorabies is still found in wild or feral swine populations, which remain a potential threat of exposure for domestic pigs,” an APHIS release stated. The Texas herd involved was housed outdoors, where contact with feral swine is possible.

Impact and Symptoms

PRV is a contagious viral disease that serves as a significant threat to herd productivity:

Adult Pigs: Causes abortions, stillbirths, and respiratory issues.
Newborn Pigs: Attacks the respiratory and central nervous systems, leading to sneezing, incoordination, and high mortality rates.

While pigs are the only natural hosts, PRV can infect most other mammals—though humans, horses, and birds are considered resistant.

Official Response and Market Safety

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig emphasized that the state is moving decisively to eliminate the disease.

“The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has spent years preparing for these types of animal health events,” Naig said. “It’s important for people to know that pseudorabies is not a food safety concern, and this virus does not pose a risk to consumers. The United States’ pork supply remains safe and secure.”

Export Implications

Despite the lack of risk to food safety, the detection could have economic repercussions. APHIS warns there may be limited, short-term impacts on the exports of U.S. swine and swine genetics as trading partners evaluate the new health status.

“Established protocols were implemented immediately in response to the incident and remain in place to safeguard the commercial swine industry,” the National Pork Producers Council said in a statement. “These steps were successfully deployed through swift action and close coordination with USDA and the IDALS. The National Pork Producers Council and Iowa Pork Producers Association support these efforts and remain committed to a coordinated response to prioritize biosecurity and prevent further occurrences.”

Is PRRS Air Filtration Worth the Cost? New 16-Year Study Results

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 20:45:28 GMT

New, highly virulent strains of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) are popping up around the country, proving that even “isolated” areas are no longer safe from aerosol transmission. A single PRRS break can cost a 5,000-head sow farm $5 million. Recent research proves filtration isn’t just a biosecurity measure; it’s a financial risk-management tool.

The Data: A 16-Year Deep Dive

A University of Minnesota Department of Veterinary Population Medicine study shows that farms with commercial air filtration systems experience a significantly lower risk of PRRS outbreaks compared to unfiltered operations:

● Negative pressure filtered farms: 51% lower risk of PRRSV outbreak.
● Positive pressure filtered farms: 58% lower risk of PRRSV outbreak.

“While air filtration methods combined with biosecurity measures have demonstrated effectiveness in preventing PRRSV introductions, this study is the first to comprehensively address the impact of different ventilation pressure types while controlling for regional pig density which is a main risk factor for disease occurrence,” says Dr. Cesar Corzo of the University of Minnesota.

This longitudinal study analyzed 16 years of data from 413 sow farms participating in the Morrison Swine Health Monitoring Project (MSHMP), representing more than 1.5 million sows. By accounting for herd size and the number of pigs within a 35-kilometer radius, the research provides the most accurate picture to date of how filtration stands up against regional disease pressure.

The Secret Weapon: How Filters Trap Viruses

Producers often mistake air filters for simple sieves, but capturing a virus requires more than just “small holes.” According to Rob Langenhorst, technical sales manager for AAF International, filters rely on four sophisticated physical principles:

Straining: Trapping particles larger than the space between fibers (dust, hair, insects).
Impaction: Heavy particles that can’t “make the turn” around a fiber and crash into it.
Interception: Medium particles that “brush” against a fiber and become snagged.
Diffusion: The zigzag movement of tiny particles (like viruses) that causes them to eventually bump into a fiber and stick.

The MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating tells how well these four forces work together. The swine industry is moving toward MERV 16 as the gold standard, Langenhorst says.

“MERV 14 gave us higher airflow but didn’t give us the protection,” he adds. “MERV 16 is the best of both worlds. They’re getting higher protection without compromising the airflow needed for ventilation.”

Making the Case to the Bank Manager

Paul Sennett, chief operating officer for AAF Americas, says the University of Minnesota Study provides the “missing link” for producers seeking capital for barn upgrades.

“The University of Minnesota report tells them the expense is sensible,” Sennett says. “However, the University of Minnesota also tells the bank manager that the investment is sensible. Now the producer has some evidence that they can take in front of the bank manager and say, ‘I need a couple of million dollars to do this, but here is the economic case.’ It’s a piece of science that demonstrates filtration is a financially sound investment to this situation.”

Fighting the ‘Wolves of Disease’ in the Nursery

As biosecurity tightens at the sow farm, the industry is shifting its focus to the nursery. Langenhorst notes a significant uptick in nursery filtration investment to protect the “clean” pigs coming out of filtered sow units.

“Maybe you spent X dollars filtering your sow farm and you have this beautiful, 21-day-old pig that’s nice and healthy,” he says. “You put it through the most strenuous day of its life at weaning, put it on a truck and take it to who knows where, commingle it with other pigs, and basically turn it out to the ‘wolves of disease.’”

Filtering the nursery protects the investment made at the sow farm. It allows the piglet’s immune system to strengthen before it moves on to the finishing barn, Langenhorst says.

The Human Element

Ultimately, cleaner air isn’t just about porcine health, it’s about the people in the barns.

“Productivity improves when things are cleaner,” Sennett says.

Beyond the pigs, filtered air supports the mental and physical health of the workforce. Preventing disease outbreaks and subsequent depopulation events is a key factor in employee retention and morale.

As new strains like PRRS 1-10-4 L1C.5.35 continue to strike previously “safe” areas in Ohio and Indiana , the mentality of the industry is shifting. “Producers who thought they were far enough away from the Midwest are realizing they aren’t,” Langenhorst concludes. “Now, they can’t build or remodel fast enough to get filtration in.”

Innovation and Health Take Center Stage at May and June Swine Conferences

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 13:10:29 GMT

From NC State’s Swine Innovation Forum in May to Iowa State’s back-to-back disease and production workshops in June, these events offer critical updates on research, technology and market trends for pork producers across the country.

MAY: NC State University Swine Innovation Forum
There’s still time to register for the 2026 Swine Innovation Forum on Tuesday, May 5 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Maxwell Center in Goldsboro, N.C.

The annual Swine Innovation Forum features presentations from keynote speakers from both the industry and academia, providing updates about innovations in management, research and technology within the swine industry.

From future-proofing swine sprayfield irrigation to pit management and indoor air quality impacts, attendees will hear about new research findings and production practices to improve your herd’s profitability. During the afternoon sessions, Lee Schulz of Ever.Ag will share a pork market economic outlook before Eric van Heugten shares about sow anemia and Mark Knauer unveils nutritional solutions to enhance sow livability.

JUNE: 2026 ISU McKean Swine Disease Conference
Save the date for the 2026 ISU McKean Swine Disease Conference on June 23-24, followed by Iowa Swine Day on June 25. This powerful lineup of events will kick off with a deep dive into enteric disease and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) management.

What and When:

Tuesday, June 23 (morning) – International Workshop on Enteric Diseases at the ISU College of Veterinary Medicine
Tuesday, June 23 (afternoon) – International PRRS Management Workshop ISU College of Veterinary Medicine
Wednesday, June 24 (whole day) – ISU McKean Swine Disease Conference (focus on swine health) at Gateway Hotel and Conference Center in Ames, Iowa
Thursday, June 25 (whole day) – Iowa Swine Day (focus on production) at the Scheman Building in Ames, Iowa

McKean Conference attendees are also invited to attend the Iowa State University Swine Networking Social, the welcome reception for the ISU Swine Day conference, at the Hansen Agricultural Student Learning Center on the evening of June 24. Although the McKean Conference is a separate conference, it will be held back-to-back with Iowa Swine Day again. Conference organizers say this allows attendees to participate in two exceptional conferences in Ames in one trip.

Conference program information will be finalized soon, with registration to follow. For more information on the event, please visit the conference website .

Federal Agents Intercept Bizarre Monkey Remains and Prohibited Meat at Chicago Airport

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 16:27:36 GMT

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agriculture specialists intercepted a monkey carcass and prohibited ruminant meat on April 11 at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport.

The monkey remains discovered during an X-ray examination of a Cameroon traveler’s baggage is a major concern for human health, but the ruminant meat is strictly prohibited for the safety of U.S. animal agriculture.

(US Customs and Border Protection)

“A subsequent traveler from Liberia tried to deceptively sneak in prohibited ruminant meat,” CBP reports. “CBP agriculture specialists inspected eight boxes within the traveler’s baggage and discovered meat, bones and hair concealed in dried seafood. The traveler admitted that the concealed meat was beef. Seafood is generally admissible, but ruminant meat from certain parts of the world is prohibited due to the presence of disease, such as Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) and foot-and-mouth disease (FMD).”

In total, CBP agriculture specialists seized a total of 125 pounds of prohibited ruminant meat, one pound of prohibited fresh leaves, and four types of prohibited seeds for planting from the Liberian traveler’s baggage.

“CBP’s agriculture specialists mitigate the threat of non-native plants and pests, plant and animal diseases, and other potentially contaminants entering the United States,” Chicago Field Office’s Acting Director of Field Operations Michael Pfeiffer, said in a release. “The sheer volume of prohibited items our specialists intercept daily demonstrates how they play an essential and critical role in preventing plant and animal diseases from entering the United States.”

With outbreaks of FMD and other foreign animal diseases on the rise in regions of the world, it’s critical to protect U.S. borders by getting prohibited products out of the country. Earlier this week, South Africa announced that its government received 2 million doses of FMD vaccine from Turkey in light of South Africa’s worst FMD outbreak in years .

Travelers who wish to import plant materials, animal materials and other agricultural items should visit Bringing Agricultural Products into the United States .

Dynamic Pig Health is Changing the Rules of the Game

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 20:11:50 GMT

For decades, swine health research often focused on a single pathogen. However, experts pointed out during a recent Boehringer Ingelheim webinar hosted by Farm Journal that producers are actually dealing with the interplay of multiple health challenges over time. Nick Gabler, DVM, professor in animal science at Iowa State University, started researching these factorial health challenges about a decade ago.

He believes the sow farm is the true starting line when it comes to swine health. Although disease often manifests in the nursery or finisher, the root cause frequently traces back to the sow farm.

“We’re seeing that sow farm health has a big impact on that first three to four weeks in the nursery,” Gabler says. “There’s a lot of multi-factorial health challenges there. That’s where I see opportunity for the swine industry to clean up the sow farm and create a downstream impact on health and performance of the pig.”

The Multiplier Effect

Most research focuses on the onset of an infection. However, the economic impact isn’t just about how many pigs get sick, but how quickly and efficiently they recover, Gabler says. A pig that “lingers” in a subclinical state is often more expensive than one that recovers quickly, as it continues to consume resources without gaining weight.

This approach of dynamic pig health, or understanding the full picture of the problem, requires producers and veterinarians to ask some tough questions.

“What is the pathogen or stressor involved?” Gabler asks. “When is it coming into your operation? How does it interact with your management decisions (feeding, marketing, people movement, truck movement, medication and vaccine use)? What pathogens are present?”

Just as importantly, it’s important to consider if the pig can recover and get to full value in time, he says. In short, it’s understanding the big picture and then intervening where you see the most benefit.

But that’s not easy math.

“One plus one does not equal two with the disease world. One plus one equals three, and a lot of times, four,” says Clayton Johnson, DVM, director of health for Carthage Veterinary Services. “That’s tough for a farmer to hear that the pieces of the puzzle don’t fit together well, but that’s the honest answer you’ve got to give them sometimes.”

No Two Pigs Are Alike

Dynamic pig health understands that no two pigs are going to get sick in the same way, says Lance Mulberry, an economist with KnowledgeVentures.

“Between no impact to mortality, there is a huge range of effects that can happen,” Mulberry says. “Dynamic pig health is a shift in mentality away from thinking of our herd as one unit, where every pig gets sick at the same time, has the same impact and recovers at the same time, to a population with complexity. This impacts that opportunity cost at the end because you’re going to have some pigs that just struggle a lot – I call those opportunity pigs.”

In a low-margin industry, the difference between profit and loss often lies in the “opportunity pigs” or the 20% to 30% of the herd that struggles to reach target weights due to health burdens.

“If you’re a producer and you’re trying to optimize your profits, you’re trying to hit a moving target that is changing from day to day and week to week,” Mulberry says. “When we throw disease in, especially a co-infection, we are making that target – that optimal profit point – move even more. Hitting that target in the best of scenarios is difficult to do, but with disease it can become a real challenge. Anything we can do to get a better idea of what is happening to individual pigs will make optimizing profit a little bit easier.”

PRRS is the “Trojan Horse” of the Barn

Even when pigs from different sources appear healthy and have no “bad actors” on a diagnostic report, mixing them often triggers disease, Johnson says. Mixing populations is a major catalyst for dynamic health challenges.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) remains the primary driver of coinfection complications because of how it systematically dismantles the pig’s defenses.

“PRRS makes everything else harder,” Johnson says. “PRRS is an excellent Trojan horse. It comes into the immune system and affects macrophages whose job is to be the police on the street looking for the bad guys.”

PRRS gets in those macrophage cells and causes apoptosis.

“Those ‘police on the street’ are now dead men walking,” Johnson explains. “They’re not out there finding the bad guys and bringing them to the immune system anymore. That allows PRRS replicate within the pig, pretty unchecked for several weeks, until eventually, the pig’s immune system figures out what’s going on and builds antibodies.”

During that period, imagine an entire city without police, Johson continues.

“On night one, it’s not a big deal. Night two, not as much of a big deal. But night three, once the bad guys have realized there’s nobody to catch them, that’s where you start to see problems,” he says.

The list is long of pathogens that can’t wait to take advantage of that situation. In short, it’s an “unwinnable battle” because the pathogens have the upper hand.

“We have to figure out a way to change the rules of the game in order to put the pig in a position where it can have the upper hand,” Johnson says.

The “Silent Thief": Subclinical Disease

Not all losses are visible. Subclinical infections are diseases that don’t cause obvious clinical signs or mass mortality. For example, subclinical Lawsonia (ileitis) can significantly worsen PRRS outcomes, even if the producer never sees a bloody gut.

“Subclinical diseases are like your taxes. They take it out before you get the money,” Johnson says.

Dynamic disease contributes to opportunity pigs and prevents producers from optimizing those opportunity pigs.

“What happens at the end of every all in/all out group of pigs?” he asks. “You have somewhere around 15% to 20% of your pigs left. What do you do? You dump them. You sell them all, no matter what weight they are right then, and you take a huge penalty by doing that.”

To minimize subclinical impact around diseases like Lawsonia, Fernando Leite, DVM, associate director of technical marketing at Boehringer Ingelheim, encourages producers to consider how they can optimize immunity and protection to the pathogens the pigs will likely face in the field.

It’s important to keep in mind that not all protection is equal. Using vaccines that are homologous to the field strain where possible can significantly reduce viral load and lesions compared to heterologous vaccines.

The Windshield vs. the Rearview Mirror

Edison Magalhães, DVM, assistant professor of animal science at Iowa State University, encourages producers to incorporate more real-time data into health decisions. Closeout reports are “rearview mirror” metrics, but real-time data on water and feed consumption acts as a “windshield” that allows producers to see a health challenge before it becomes a wreck.

When coinfections and health challenges occur, the temptation is to change every variable. However, Gabler warns this prevents producers from finding the root cause.

“If you try to change too many things at once, you’re never going to get to what the true cause was,” he says.

When “Something is Off": Identifying the Subtle Shift of PCV2d

It’s Time to Unravel How Multiple Swine Pathogens Interact in the Pig

Lawsonia: It’s Time for a Gut Check

Global Expansion of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Serotype SAT1 Raises Alarms

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 17:40:47 GMT

Recent reports of the emergence and spread of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) SAT1 serotype are highlighting a concerning shift in the global landscape of this virus. The Swine Health Information Center-funded Global Swine Disease Monitoring Reports, led by Dr. Sol Perez at the University of Minnesota, have highlighted the newly affected countries in monthly publications.

“For FMDV, immunity is serotype-specific, meaning infection or vaccination against a given serotype does not confer protection against a different serotype,” Perez says in a SHIC article.

A Rapid Geographic Shift

Historically, SAT1 was maintained within endemic locations in East and Southern Africa. However, in 2025, SAT1 demonstrated a “concerning expansion” beyond its traditional geographic range, with confirmed detections of two cocirculating subtypes across Western Asia and North Africa. The increasing circulation of SAT1 poses a growing risk to previously unaffected regions, including southeast Europe and potentially beyond. As this serotype expands its geographic range, it creates additional pathways for introduction into new regions and countries, increasing the overall likelihood of transboundary spread, Perez notes.

The Immunity Gap

The primary concern for animal health officials is that FMDV immunity is serotype-specific. Current vaccination programs in many affected regions target serotypes O, A and Asia-1. Because these vaccines provide no cross-protection against SAT1, livestock populations remain effectively susceptible, research shows. This “ecological space” has allowed SAT1 to spread rapidly through populations that were previously considered protected.

Drivers of FMD Transmission

SAT1’s expansion is likely due to several factors, Perez says.

Livestock Movement: Informal cross-border movement of small ruminants, which may carry subclinical infections, is a primary driver.
Environmental Pressures: Drought and land-use changes have increased contact between wildlife reservoirs and domestic herds.
Vaccine Limitations: A lack of SAT1-specific vaccine stockpiles and gaps in surveillance have hindered rapid response efforts.

FMD Implications for the United States

Although the U.S. remains free of FMD, the expansion of SAT1 into new regions of the world increases the complexity of global risk, Perez says. The emergence of two cocirculating subtypes (topotypes SAT1/I and SAT1/III) creates more pathways for the virus to enter the U.S. via international travel, contaminated animal products, or fomites.

“These global developments underscore the need to strengthen early detection and surveillance systems, maintain stringent biosecurity measures across livestock value chains, and ensure that vaccine preparedness strategies are sufficiently flexible to incorporate emerging serotypes such as SAT1,” Perez says.

For the U.S. pork industry, this serves as a critical reminder to maintain stringent biosecurity measures and support global monitoring efforts to prevent a domestic outbreak.

When "Something is Off": Identifying the Subtle Shift of PCV2d

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 18:46:23 GMT

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) doesn’t look like the devastating ‘wasting’ disease of two decades ago that resulted in high mortality and failure to thrive. Instead, it manifests as a subtle, persistent drag on production today that leaves producers feeling like something is simply ‘off.’

New research confirms the PCV2d genotype is now ubiquitous across the U.S. industry, appearing in over 80% of clinical cases. By matching the vaccine to the dominant field strain, experts say producers can provide the most robust protection possible, effectively taking PCV2 ‘off the table’ so they can focus their resources on more complex challenges like porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS).

Why Modern Circovirus Doesn’t Look Like it Used To

The original PCV2 vaccines included protection against genotype “a” (the most common at the time) and “b.” What had become a major challenge for U.S. pig farmers was fading away because of the successful protection of these vaccines.

But something shifted, as viruses do. Veterinary diagnostic labs discovered less PCV2a and started finding more PCV2d.

“When they were finding PCV2d, they were not seeing the full-blown clinical signs like they saw before vaccines,” says Jana Morgan, DVM, senior key account veterinarian with Boehringer Ingelheim. “It led us to ask, what’s off? What do we need to look for? What more do we need to understand about PCV2d? We wanted to discover what PCV2d was doing to the system.”

To better understand how widespread this particular genotype was in the industry, Boehringer Ingelheim designed two studies. The first set out to determine if PCV2d was associated with particular flows or production systems from a geography perspective and system perspective. The other study sought to discover if PCV2d was actually leading to disease.

“We took two approaches to assess its distribution across the U.S. and swine-producing states,” explains Fernando Leite, DVM, associate director of technical marketing-swine at Boehringer Ingelheim. “We used oral fluids for simple detection and to see if genotype “d” was present or absent. We found that it was widely present in most swine producing states and across most of the production systems that we evaluated.”

In terms of the disease cases, the researchers followed strict criteria to validate that those pigs had clinical signs – lesions. Then, they sequenced the virus to see which genotypes were present.

“The ‘d’ genotype was present in more than 80% of the clinical cases that we investigated, and the ‘a’ genotype was present in around 15% of the cases that we investigated,” Leite says.

What Does This Mean for Vaccines?

Morgan points out there is cross protection between PCV2a and PCV2d. As the “d” genotype became more prevalent in production systems, the team worked to develop a “d” vaccine so they could have homologous protection.

“Although the ‘a’ is cross protecting, it is not doing exactly what we want it to do,” Morgan says. “We now have the ‘a’ and ‘d’ in the same bottle. It’s important to have that homologous protection to provide the most robust defense. I make sure producers understand that they will still have protection against ‘d’ if they only use the ‘a’ vaccine, but there is an economic impact by putting ‘d’ in there as well. Your production will be better, and you will decrease the clinical signs if you have ‘d’ in your system.”

When PRRS and PCV2d Mix

Recent research also indicates that PCV2d can be more virulent when combined with PRRS, Leite adds. That’s why it’s important to understand which genotype of circovirus is present on your farm.

“The more we understand, the more we can meaningfully intervene,” he says.

As PRRS also continues to evolve and become more frustrating for producers, Morgan says getting a handle on PCV2 helps.

“If we can take that piece off the table by putting a homologous vaccine in the pig that’s going to protect it to the best of its ability (whether it’s ‘a’ or ‘d’), we can start working harder to fight viruses like PRRS,” she says.

Do Diagnostics Align with a Shift in Data?

Producers are encouraged to look critically at small shifts in production numbers. If the “math is off,” diagnostics should be used to see if PCV2d is the underlying culprit, even in the absence of full-blown clinical symptoms.

“Understand what you’re seeing within your system,” Morgan says. “Yes, everyone looks at their closeout numbers. I think with PCV2d, the shift might be small. But if the diagnostics align with this small shift in production numbers, there are tools to shift that back.”

Questions about PCV2d being just in one flow or system in one area of the country have answers now, Leite says.

“PCV2d is really the predominant genotype in the industry today, across different production systems and states and locations,” he says. “Why not use the best tools that are available? If you want to optimize production, the tool is there. As always, work with your herd veterinarian to find the best strategy for your herd.”

Wean-to-Market Filtration: Advancing the Next Generation of PRRS Biosecurity

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 18:17:07 GMT

“Great innovation only happens when people aren’t afraid to do things differently,” George Carter said.

It has been nearly 20 years since the first commercial sow farms were filtered with the goal of controlling porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus. This was certainly different at the time. Farmers and veterinarians didn’t know if it would work. What they did know was that the survival of many family farms depended on changing the strategy in preventing PRRS.

For generations, the sow farm was a foundational piece to their family farm – a truth that still stands today. Ownership of sows was a way of securing a pig supply, controlling health and genetics, and building equity for the farm. PRRS was threatening that paradigm, as it was frequently infecting sow farms and eliminating the ability to consistently control health. For many farms, high infection rates were becoming unsustainable.

Fast forward 20 years, and filtration has become one of the pillars of sow farm biosecurity at Pipestone, now managing over 50 farms with air filtration. Those individuals who dared to think differently and took that initial leap of faith changed the course of history forever – both for their family farms, as well as for the swine industry.

Now, farmers find themselves asking the same questions about wean-to-market barns:

What can we do to reduce wean-to-market PRRS infection rates? Beyond abandoning or relocating barns?

We believe the time has come to challenge the current paradigms in wean-to-market PRRS control and consider if filtration is part of the next generation of wean-to-market biosecurity.

Examples in operation today, both in the United States and internationally, that have demonstrated proof of concept. In China, Pipestone has had firsthand experience with a concept called micro-filtration that has been effective in reducing both PRRS and African swine fever. Domestically, there are examples in operation that utilize a simple seasonal filtration design that mimics or comes from the basic concepts used in sow farms today. While the sample size is small and the duration is not long, the results thus far suggest the concept can be successful.

Two decades of filtration have taught us a couple lessons that are worth considering:

Filtration mitigates risk and reduces infections but does not eliminate risk. In dense swine-producing areas, filtration has reduced the frequency of breaks on sow farms. Our goal when looking at filtration should be to reduce the frequency of infection, not eliminate all risks.
Filtration only controls infection by air. We must have strong biosecurity in other areas of mechanical transmission as well to reduce PRRS infections. If farms are not going to execute on the basics of biosecurity, filtration is not the solution.

As with any innovation, we will continue to learn from both successes and setbacks. Standards for filtration may need to evolve to fit the unique challenges of wean-to-market settings, but the pursuit of perfection should not hinder progress. This technology will not fit everyone and is not needed for everyone, but for some farmers, this could be the next chapter in biosecurity for those brave enough to think differently.

Adam Schelkopf, DVM, is a veterinarian with Pipestone Veterinary Services.

Read More:
Finisher Sites Are the Weak Link in Swine Disease Biosecurity
Why Producers Must Lead the Charge Against PRRS
11 Steps to Eliminate PRRS from the U.S. Swine Herd

What’s Driving Grow-Finish Profitability in 2026?

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:35:51 GMT

Times change quickly. Fifteen years ago, a standard 2,400-head barn that cost $600,000 now requires aninvestment of nearly $1 million, points out Brad Eckberg, account executive at MTech Systems. With much of the U.S. finishing capacity built in the late 1990s and early 2000s reaching the end of its lifespan, the need is growing for expensive mechanical and structural overhauls.

“If you have an aging facility and want to do some remodels, I think there’s definitely a need for good space out there,” Randy Kuker, director of swine production for The Equity, explained during the recent State of the Pork Industry Report. “Where your challenge is going to be is if your facility is in an area where it’s surrounded by other pigs and has a lot of disease pressure, the value you’re going to get from integrators or even independent producers that want to use your facility is not going to be very high.”

With what he’s “hearing in the countryside,” porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) and porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) have been major issues brought up by people looking for spaces. Too much disease in an area is just too hard to manage.

“Health is king,” Eckberg agrees. “But ultimately, success in the wean-to-finish barn comes down to feed conversion and feed cost per pound of gain. Feed represents about 55% to 65% of the total cost of the pig, so keeping inputs low matters.”

However, he’s quick to point out that people in the barns at the slat level are key to making sure inputs stay low. For example, making sure no out-of-feed occurrences happen, keeping pens appropriately stocked and reducing stress on pigs that are being marketed can make a big difference.

Eckberg and Kuker joined Adam Annegers, JBS sow farm manager, and Cara Haden, DVM, director of animal welfare and biosecurity with Pipestone, on the April 2026 State of the Pork Industry Report. They share tips for contract hog growers to consider this spring.

1. Focus on the first 48 hours.

The transition from the sow farm to the wean-to-finish barn is the most vulnerable time. Success depends on preventing dehydration and ensuring pigs find water and feed immediately.

For Annegers, spending time in the wean-to-finish barns recently has helped him gain a better perspective of the downstream cycle. He believes communication is key.

“Each group of pigs is going to be a little bit different from the last group whether that’s due to health status, diet change or a treatment plan,” he says. “Review the health document with that grower on the group of pigs that’s coming prior to their arrival.”

Make sure the barn is ready to receive pigs from the temperature to ventilation to having the right diet ready to go, he adds.

“The most important thing to do when the pigs arrive is to make sure the pigs don’t get dehydrated,” Annegers says. “They’re used to having mom’s milk right there available to them, so making sure they find water and get started. Have the mats ready for mat feeding multiple times a day. And don’t just throw feed on the mat; get the pigs up and moving.”

2. Better biosecurity equals better production.

Disease management remains one of the most significant operational risks for all pig farmers, contract growers alike. Kuker says he has heard of three sow farms in the past few weeks that have experienced outbreaks of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS).

“From what I’m being told, it’s a pretty bad one,” Kuker says. “High mortality, high abortion rate and then those pigs end up in the finishers. It’s very frustrating for those growers because it doesn’t seem like any antibiotic strategy is doing the pigs much good. It’s rather disheartening.”

He says it’s resulting in the producers and pig owners adding a lot of cost to manage with very few results.

“There’s not much the growers can do,” Kuker says. “The ones who end up getting those pigs just have to deal with it. The veterinarians have a good plan to transition those sows back to healthy pigs, but it’s hard when you know that group of pigs you’re getting is going to be a challenge, take a lot of work and not get anywhere close to the results you want.”

The Actinobacillus pleuropneumonia (APP) break from a couple years ago really opened producers’ eyes to ‘Oh, wow. We’re actually moving stuff around in grow-finish on people and equipment,’ Haden says. She believes as the industry moves toward disease elimination with the National Swine Health Strategy, the pressure will increase on grow-finish sites to do the same.

The better biosecurity is in your barn, the better your production will be, Haden adds. In a recent cost of disease project funded by Boehringer Ingelheim and the Swine Health Information Center, they’ve been doing some testing and biosecurity scoring to help determine production impact.

“We’re starting to see some very clear ties between better biosecurity and better production,” she says.

Eckberg says that it’s not hard to see how better biosecurity will also improve key performance indicators.

“Think about it – I’ve got healthy pigs so from a cost standpoint, I’ve got fewer medication costs,” Eckberg says. “I’ve got lower mortality so my labor retainment is higher. I’ve got improved average daily gain because they’re not sick. You name the metric – across the board – production will be better because of better biosecurity and better health.”

3. Look into manure as a strategic asset.

Manure is no longer just a byproduct; it is a significant revenue stream, Kuker says.

“We’re seeing a shift, especially with guys that were looking at expanding their operations or adding another facility, to look into ways to create more revenue from manure,” Kuker says. “Depending on your situation, if you’ve got a neighbor or somebody who wants that manure, we’ve got some people benefiting in the $3 to $5 range per pig space from it. On a 4,000-head site, that could generate $20,000 a year in income for that barn owner.”

Kuker says he is also hearing more and more talk about manure technologies. At a recent grower meeting, he learned about a manure separation process where solids are separated from the liquid. Then, the liquid can be set up to go into a planter for more precise and concentrated manure treatment.

“They are looking at 30 gallons per acre on that application and sometimes seeing an 18-bushel increase in yield by using that specific treatment,” he says. “We also heard about a farmer over in Indiana who was willing to pay $1 a gallon and wanted a million gallons of this stuff. There are definitely opportunities out there on the organic side for this fertilizer. And with the current prices where they are, I think you’re going to see more of this by people looking to branch out in their operations.”

4. Boost truck biosecurity.

“It feels like we control everything at the sow farm, we’re talking about improvements in biosecurity at grow-finish sites, but then we’ve got this black box of transport that’s often not something that we manage,” Haden points out. “A lot of times, it’s a third-party vendor and it’s out of our control.”

Washing and properly drying trucks is not an easy job, she says. In fact, it’s a big ask to get a truck and trailer perfectly clean every time.

“There are a lot of things that have to go right to get that done perfectly,” Haden says. “How do we verify that on a regular basis? How can we make sure every single trailer comes out clean?”

She believes truck audits and verification are a gap in the pork industry that needs to be focused on moving forward to be successful.

Watch the full report here.

Finisher Sites Are the Weak Link in Swine Disease Biosecurity

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 15:45:34 GMT

The U.S. swine industry relies on a multi-site system where pigs are moved between separate farms for different growth phases. Although efficient, this constant movement of pigs, people and equipment creates significant pathways for disease transmission.

“While sow farms often follow strict biosecurity protocols, there is limited information on how these practices are implemented and their impact on pathogen introduction in growing pig populations,” Mariah Negri Musskopf, DVM, said at the American Association of Swine Veterinarians Annual Meeting in Las Vegas.

Wean-to-finish sites play a critical role in disease dynamics but are less frequently studied. Musskopf and a team of researchers at Iowa State University set out to identify bioexclusion practices associated with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) outbreaks in U.S. wean-to-finish sites.

A prospective observational study was conducted on 95 wean-to-harvest sites managed by eight companies across six states, including 33 nursery, 17 finisher and 45 wean-to-finish sites. All flows were either PRRSV-negative or PRRSV-positive stable vac¬cinated with modified-live vaccine at placement, Musskopf explains. Sites completed a detailed biosecurity survey covering 17 categories, including local swine site density. Oral fluid samples were col¬lected every four weeks from placement to market, refrigerated, and submitted to the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory for analysis.

The “Finisher” Problem

The results showed finisher sites were the most vulnerable, with an 82.4% outbreak rate, compared to wean-to-finish (66.7%) and nurseries (33.3%).

“These findings show that site type and farm density are key driv¬ers of PRRSV outbreaks, with finishers in dense areas at greatest risk,” says Musskopf, a graduate student at Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Some of the top risk factors discovered include:

Local Farm Density: For every additional swine farm within a one-mile radius, the odds of a PRRSV outbreak increase by 62%.
Carcass Disposal: Using rendering services was associated with a 6.47 times higher odds of an outbreak.
Human Connections: Employees who live with others who also work in the swine industry face a 6.15 times higher odds of bringing the virus to their site.

Proven Protective Measures

There’s power in downtime. Implementing overnight downtime for employees who work across multiple sites significantly associated with lesser outbreaks, providing a critical window to prevent cross-contamination.

The study suggests prioritizing biosecurity and surveillance on high-risk finisher sites is beneficial, especially those located in “swine-dense” geographic areas.

Controlling PRRSV requires looking beyond the sow farm, Musskopf says.

“Veterinarians and production systems can use this knowledge to improve surveillance and biosecurity on high-risk sites, review practices adopted during carcass disposal and employee downtime, and cohabitation,” Musskopf says. “Targeting these factors can reduce opportunities for virus introduction and improve regional PRRSV control.”

The Path from PRRS Control to Elimination

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 15:00:13 GMT

The “why” behind elimination of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is clearer than ever, veterinarian Reid Philips said during the Alex Hogg Memorial Lecture at the American Association of Swine Veterinarians Annual Meeting.

The statistics are staggering, he points out.

• PRRS costs the U.S. industry $1.1 billion annually.
• Acute breaks lead to a 278% increase in injectable treatments and pre-weaning mortality rates as high as 100% in some weeks.
• A single system can lose $1 million to $3 million in the 10 weeks following a break.

So, what holds producers back from eliminating this devastating virus? Philips believes the fear of reinfection is heavy on the minds of some pork producers. Only after controlling the virus and reaching a stable status can producers decide if they want to eliminate it or not, he adds.

“The fear there may be having a naive herd and then having a reintroduction of a new heterologous virus, and experience the break,” he says. “That’s the fear I would have. Can I prevent the rebreak?”

That’s a tough question to answer, Philips says.

Moving Beyond the Silver-Bullet Mentality

The industry has gained a lot of information and knowledge through research and experience since the “mystery disease” made its entrance in the late 1980s.

“We know there is not one tool in our toolbox that is a silver bullet, but if we can apply all the tools in a systematic and coordinated fashion, we can move the needle,” he says.

The industry should strive to get breeding herds to a stable status where they are weaning negative pigs, Philips says.

“We need to focus on managing the virus and in wean-to-finish flows, beat it down to a more manageable level and reduce the viral risk,” he adds. “I think we can employ pilot projects, whether they be system-based or regional-controlled pilot projects. We have the knowledge, tools and protocols to do that and prove that we can achieve not only regional control, but even regional elimination and minimize rebreaks.”

He knows this won’t be easy, but he believes it’s doable.

A Five-Step Checklist

In his mind, this is not just a science- and evidence-based discussion. It’s a business one. He encourages producers to consider a step-by-step approach to PRRS:

Step 1: Identify the goals of the program.
Step 2: Determine current PRRS virus status.
Step 3: Understand current constraints.
Step 4: Develop solution options.
Step 5: Implement, monitor and measure preferred solution inclusive of complementary components of a PRRS virus control program.

The Impossible Just Takes a Little Longer

Through the efforts of field-applied research and continuous learning, Philips says the industry is overcoming obstacles and turning them into opportunities.

“We have the tools (biosecurity, immunity management and diagnostic monitoring) and knowledge to apply what we’ve learned in a systematic, coordinated process to improve our ability to control and eliminate PRRS virus,” Philips says. “The components of regional control offer framework for programs to mitigate its economic, health and welfare impact.”

The effort will require industry leadership as well as patience and persistence. It will also take time, along with collaboration, coordination and communication with all stakeholders.

“It’s a long journey to the top of the mountain,” Philips says. “It’s never easy, but when you get there, the view at the top is well worth the trip. As the U.S. Marines often say, ‘The difficult things we do immediately; the impossible, it just takes a little longer.’”

Small Decisions Drive Big Victories for Disease Elimination

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 15:06:24 GMT

In the world of livestock health, the “impossible” is often just a goal that hasn’t been met yet.

Years ago, as a veterinary student at Iowa State University, Dusty Oedekoven spent his days bleeding pigs on sow farms and spinning down samples in the lab. At the time, the industry was locked in a battle with pseudorabies. Many producers believed the virus was too pervasive to ever truly disappear.

But Oedekoven watched as the industry rallied, developed vaccines, and made the thousands of small, disciplined decisions required to win. In 2004, the U.S. was finally declared free of the disease.

This isn’t his only experience with disease elimination. For nearly 20 years, he worked for the South Dakota Animal Industry Board, serving 13 of those years as the state veterinarian. From bovine tuberculosis in cattle to scrapie in sheep, Oedekoven is no stranger to the “impossible.”

Now, as chief veterinarian for the National Pork Board, he is facing a new “impossible” in the swine industry: the elimination of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) and porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV).

The Psychology of Elimination

In March 2025, the National Pork Board (NPB) received an advisement at National Pork Industry Forum asking the industry to facilitate the creation of a producer-led national swine health strategy.

During 47 listening sessions across 36 states, Oedekoven heard a recurring theme from producers. They were “PRRS fatigued.” The disease had made raising pigs “not fun anymore.” It was a heavy, endemic weight that felt permanent.

But Oedekoven saw a parallel to this struggle in a place far from the barn: the wrestling mat.

“This year was my son Alex’s fifth time to wrestle in the state tournament,” he says. “This was his third time in the championship match. He’s lost that championship two other times, and while we were so glad he made it that far, when you get to that point and you lose, it is hard.”

It might have been easy to accept that a title just wasn’t in the cards. Instead, Alex used those losses to fuel a year of disciplined, small decisions—extra practices, better nutrition and mental focus. Last week, Alex finally stood at the top of the podium as the South Dakota State A Champion at 144 lb.

Oedekoven believes the pork industry is at a similar crossroads. He presented an update on the next steps for the National Swine Health Strategy at the National Pork Industry Forum. He says this isn’t just a set of technical goals; it’s a mindset shift. The strategy aims to keep foreign diseases like African swine fever out while aggressively moving to eliminate PRRS and PEDV that drain producer morale.

Moving From Management to Eradication

Just as Alex’s title was won in the extra time and attention to detail in the practice room months before the tournament, Oedekoven argues that the battle against endemic disease is won in the mundane, daily adherence to biosecurity protocols.

Eliminating PRRS won’t be easy, he adds. It’s a significant challenge and there is a long list of reasons why this disease causes so much heartache in the industry.

“We know we can eliminate PRRS from a single farm,” Oedekoven says. “We have several examples of what happens when appropriate resources, knowledge and training are all in place – you can eliminate PRRS. Now, how long can you keep it from being reintroduced? I think there’s a lot of factors to that, but we know it can be done.”

The tools are already in place for elimination, but the real power doesn’t live in a lab, Dusty points out. It lives on the farm. It’s in the hands of the producer who enforces a strict biosecurity protocol one more time, or the system leader who chooses transparency over silence.

“It’s a mindset,” he says. “It’s believing that we can do it, believing that we should do it, and taking actions that align with that belief.”

Bringing everybody together around common goals is at the heart of the National Swine Health Strategy. It will take coordination, communication, collaboration and making difficult choices in some cases, Oedekoven says.

“We have a lot of work to do in understanding how we contain the disease on the farm,” he says. “What are the alternatives to moving pigs from a known positive sow farm to an area that was just getting over an outbreak? How do we share information within the industry to protect confidentiality, protect liability, and yet give producers the information they need to make the best decisions? We know that coordinated effort to reduce the viral load is going to pay dividends for everybody.”

Again, those are things the industry doesn’t have all the answers to, Oedekoven adds. But if we don’t change our actions to align with our beliefs, then we’re going to continue to struggle with these viruses.

The road to eliminating PRRS and PEDV will be long, and there will likely be setbacks. But as Oedekoven looks back on the victory over pseudorabies and his son’s journey to the podium, he remains optimistic. Success isn’t found in one giant leap; it’s found in the hundreds of small, purposeful decisions made every single day.

Check out the National Swine Health Strategy tactics here and engage with your state pork associations.

You can listen to more of Oedekoven’s personal experience with disease elimination and his perspective on PRRS on “The PORK Podcast” on YouTube or follow The PORK Podcast anywhere podcasts are found.

Don’t Leave the Feed Mill Out of Your Farm’s Biosecurity Plan

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 21:20:01 GMT

Biosecurity programs in commercial swine production typically focus on animal housing and the immediate farm perimeter. However, upstream inputs — particularly feed and ingredient supply chains — represent critical and sometimes under-recognized pathways for pathogen introduction.

Feed is unique among production inputs because it is delivered directly into animal environments and consumed daily. As veterinarians supporting the Carthage System’s 30-plus sow farms, our collaboration with feed mills extends beyond diet formulation. It also includes verification of ingredient sourcing, mill biosecurity design, and delivery logistics to minimize infectious disease risk.

Making feed safer

Modern swine diets include not only major ingredients such as corn, soybean meal and distillers byproducts, but also a range of micro-ingredients — including amino acids, trace minerals and vitamins — that are frequently sourced through global supply chains. Some originate from regions where foreign animal diseases (FADs) not present in the United States, including foot-and-mouth disease, African swine fever and classical swine fever, are endemic.

To mitigate this risk, mills supplying Carthage System farms preferentially source ingredients from FAD-negative regions. When procurement from affected regions is unavoidable, imported micro-ingredients are held in segregated, climate-controlled storage to allow time-temperature inactivation of potential viral contaminants. Inventory planning is structured so incoming ingredients can complete the designated holding period before use.

Feed mitigants are also incorporated during manufacturing, particularly during higher-risk seasons when environmental survivability of enveloped viruses may be extended.

Feed mills themselves operate with internal and external clean-dirty line (CDL) separation, analogous to farm biosecurity zoning. Within the facility, traffic flow and personnel movement are structured to prevent cross-contamination between raw ingredient receiving, processing and finished feed load-out. Externally, physical separation of incoming ingredient trucks and outgoing feed delivery vehicles reduces cross-contact risk. In some mills, traffic lanes and access points are designed so inbound and outbound vehicles never intersect, with only the truck scale shared.

Safety in deliveries

While FAD exclusion remains a top priority, endemic U.S. swine pathogens — particularly porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) and porcine deltacoronavirus — continue to drive production losses. Feed delivery vehicles moving among farms represent a recognized mechanical transmission risk.

To reduce this risk, Carthage System mills and farms use a structured delivery sequencing model referred to as a biosecurity pyramid. Farms are categorized by health status, and delivery routes are scheduled from highest-health to highest-risk sites to avoid reverse contamination.

Health status classifications are reviewed at least weekly and adjusted as outbreaks occur or sites recover. If logistical constraints require deviation from sequence — for example, urgent delivery to a lower-status farm — the vehicle undergoes full wash, disinfection and downtime before returning to higher-health routes, in addition to routine sanitation protocols.

Seasonal environmental contamination also requires management. Winter road conditions in the Midwest can accumulate organic debris on truck undercarriages that may harbor pathogens. Mills typically require removal of this material before trucks enter load-out areas or pass over delivery pits. Farms may also increase on-site feed inventory ahead of forecast thaw events (“sludge days”) to reduce delivery frequency during high-contamination periods.

The importance of mill–farm relationships

For independent producers, the primary takeaway is the need for structured communication with feed suppliers. Vertically integrated systems with dedicated mills can implement unified protocols more readily, but toll and cooperative mills serving multiple clients can also operate at high biosecurity standards when expectations are clearly defined.

Producers should work collaboratively with their veterinarians, nutritionists and mill managers to establish and verify feed-related biosecurity measures. Within the Carthage System, veterinary teams conduct mill biosecurity audits every 6-12 months to verify compliance and incorporate emerging science and technologies. At minimum, annual review is recommended.

Another risk-reduction strategy involves eliminating porcine-derived animal byproducts in swine diets. Ingredients such as spray-dried plasma, serum and other blood products provide highly digestible protein and energy, but also present significant pathogen transmission risk within species. Carthage System diets use alternative sources to reduce this exposure pathway.

Feed biosecurity is not solely a mill responsibility or a farm responsibility. It is a shared system that requires alignment across the entire supply chain.