The Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) has announced its comprehensive 2025 plan of work, focusing on innovative strategies to bolster biosecurity and advance diagnostic methodologies within the swine industry. Dr. Megan Niederwerder, SHIC’s Executive Director, highlighted several key initiatives aimed at mitigating disease risks and improving herd health.
Enhanced Biosecurity Measures
SHIC plans to investigate the risks associated with multispecies operations, particularly the potential for disease spillover from other livestock or wildlife into swine populations. Efforts will include developing strategies to strengthen transport biosecurity, such as reducing trailer contamination at packing plants and exploring improved cleaning and disinfection protocols. Additionally, the center aims to enhance biosecurity in mortality management and at cull sow and secondary market facilities.
Innovations in Diagnostic Techniques
The 2025 plan emphasizes the exploration of novel diagnostic approaches, including the utilization of alternative sample types like wastewater, environmental samples, and air samples. SHIC is interested in automating sample collection processes to alleviate labor demands and increase efficiency. By identifying easier-to-collect sample types, the center seeks to enhance the effectiveness of diagnostics and safeguard swine herd health.
Dr. Niederwerder expressed enthusiasm for these initiatives, stating, “We want to ensure that effective information is produced in these areas… understanding those sample types that might be easier to collect at a larger level.”
For a detailed overview of SHIC’s 2025 plan of work, visit swinehealth.org.
These initiatives reflect SHIC’s commitment to advancing swine health through proactive research and the development of practical solutions for the industry’s evolving challenges.
