The past 2 years have been challenging for most producers as the market has offered few times to lock in profits. Recently, the market has improved and forward prospects at the time of this writing do look good for the coming year.
Regarding pig health, I have three major predictions and offer my recommendations for farmers in preparing for the year ahead:
Predictions
1) Post-weaning E. coli will continue to challenge many systems.
Over the past 5 years, there has been a significant increase in the challenge producers face with E. coli post weaning. This is likely driven by multiple factors – some of them being:
- Duroc boar lines with lower resistance to this pathogen.
- Pressure to cut costs by removing animal-based proteins and sugars from diets.
- Reduced use of antimicrobials nationwide.
- The shift from Nursery-to-Finish to Wean-to-Finish systems.
2) Disease will continue to pressure U.S. swine producers.
While there are no major health breakthroughs on the horizon, endemic diseases such as PRRS, Mycoplasma, and PED will persist. The industry must remain vigilant against emerging PRRS variants, as history shows a new, more virulent strain often appears every three to four years. An increase in virulence from the severity of the current viruses hopefully will push our industry towards standards of biosecurity that today we cannot agree on.
3) The risk of African Swine Fever (ASF) introduction remains a serious threat.
The virus can spread rapidly through both direct and indirect contact, and its introduction would have devastating consequences on the swine herd, with the potential for culling significant populations and a collapse of pork exports due to trade restrictions. In response to these threats, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the pork industry have been working on enhancing surveillance, tightening biosecurity measures, and improving rapid response systems. If these initiatives remain successful, the U.S. swine industry will likely be able to keep ASF at bay, but it will require continued vigilance, especially in light of global trends in animal movement and the rise of international trade.
Recommendations
1) Develop a targeted plan for controlling E. coli.
Work closely with your veterinarian to address post-weaning E. coli challenges. Key strategies may include:
- Dietary modification of standard nursery phase diets, specifically by inclusion of a complex carbohydrate source, the addition of elevated levels of zinc oxide, or other changes
- Acidification of the site water system targeting a pH ~4.0 at the piglet drinker
- Vaccination – there is a novel vaccine coming to market shortly that has shown progress in the research barns
- Environmental sanitation – use of white wash or other protocol
2) Implementation of biosecurity protocols that are proven to reduce the risk of later movement of endemic swine diseases
- Biosecurity measures at most wean-to-finish sites are poor at best. Implementation and execution of basic biosecurity measures are low cost in nature, but are not being performed – how do we hold ourselves to account?
- Truck sanitation: It’s concerning that in some areas, washing and disinfecting trailers after hauling pigs isn’t standard practice. This lax approach is a key reason why PED rates spike during the winter months. Make it a priority to work closely with your haulers to ensure trailers are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected every time. Don’t hesitate to hold them accountable if expectations aren’t met—clean trailers are non-negotiable for protecting herd health.
- Depop-repop strategies: When a severe PRRS strain is identified, depopulating and repopulating can be an effective way to halt its spread. Too often, infected pigs continue shedding the virus, leading to outbreaks across neighboring farms. By stopping the transmission at its source, we can help minimize the spread of severe variants and reduce the risk of the next “new” strain taking hold.
3) Stay Prepared for ASF
- Complete your SPS plans – Having a plan for your site will at a minimum give you a starting point if we have an introduction of ASF into the US.
- Implement and execute biosecurity protocols (see #2)
- Stay connected with happenings at NPB and other industry groups to stay up to date
Each new year brings its share of challenges and opportunities, and 2025 is no exception. By taking proactive steps now, producers can strengthen their operations and contribute to a healthier, more resilient swine industry. The road ahead may not be easy, but with preparation and vigilance, we can meet the challenges head-on. Let’s make 2025 a year of progress and growth—our industry’s future depends on it.
Article by Cameron Schmitt, DVM
The Stuart, Iowa, native is a second-generation large animal veterinarian and earned his DVM and MS from Iowa State University. He joined Pipestone in 2002 and now practices and leads the vet team as the Executive Vice President of Veterinary Services.
