As warmer temperatures approach, the Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) recommends that farmers use this spring season to develop plans for pathogen elimination on their farms.
SHIC Associate Director Dr. Lisa Becton emphasizes that while freezing temperatures may still occur, the onset of spring is an ideal time to strategize and implement methods for reducing disease threats in swine populations.
Dr. Becton said PRRS identification had decreased slightly this month in the wean-to-finish sites. Overall, spotters are detecting more lineage L1C.5 in 2025.
“This is even more than the historical amounts seen in 2024, and it does bear watching because, if there are continued changes in this virus across all age categories, that is of concern.”
For porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) and porcine delta coronavirus, case positivity has increased in the new and facility categories, including truck washes and vehicles. This rise is significant when comparing it to farm sites. Overall, there has been increased positivity for PED and delta coronavirus, particularly noted in Indiana, where levels exceeded expectations.
“However, it is essential to note that PED levels for this winter have remained within expected ranges.”
Dr. Becton said that with spring weather, it is very important to continue assessing bio-security, especially during some freezing temperatures.
“So, look at people, vehicles, and supply movements in and out of farms because viruses will typically survive longer in cooler, wet environments typically seen in spring.”
Dr. Becton said the latest update incorporates a new PEDV and PD-CoV PCR detection category. This new category reflects the changes observed in sample submissions to various diagnostic labs, highlighting a shift from typical animal sampling strategies to increased environmental sampling by veterinarians and producers. These environmental samples provide a broader picture of disease status and risks across a system, allowing for more targeted intervention strategies such as washing and disinfection.
“The samples may include swabs or other types of environmentally sourced materials from areas like truck washes, trailers, service staff vehicles, and facilities and are not derived from animals themselves.”
She said this new environmental sampling information aims to identify potential areas of contamination on farms and determine where the virus is persisting. Producers and veterinarians can apply different strategies to reduce contamination risks by understanding these factors. This information benefits producers and their veterinarians as they assess the overall health of their farms and identify additional risk points, whether on the farm or within transportation and bio-security interfaces.
“Collecting and reporting this data is to provide a comprehensive understanding of where risks are occurring, which in turn helps guide strategies for reducing viral contamination and improving disease management practices,” said Dr. Becton.
There is a lot of activity on the global stage regarding swine health. African Swine Fever continues to pose a significant challenge worldwide, alongside emerging issues in Asia. Europe, Asia, and even the Dominican Republic are still experiencing circulating viruses. Foot and mouth disease (FMD) has also emerged as a critical virus to monitor, with no new cases reported in Germany. Still, a recent case was documented in Hungary, which warrants close attention. Additionally, there is a resurgence of the Japanese encephalitis virus, with the first detection since 2022 occurring in South Queensland.
Dr. Becton said these changing patterns raise alarm bells for North America, as understanding the origins of outbreaks in countries like Germany and Hungary is crucial for assessing potential risks. “There are ongoing discussions about how smuggled meats or meat products may contribute to spreading these viruses, emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance and prevention strategies in North America.”
She said this highlights the urgent need for enhanced surveillance of incoming goods and products into the U.S. Additionally, it prompts an assessment of other potential risk factors, such as feed and travellers. These concerns reinforce the importance of current bio-security procedures and practices related to international travel and the necessity for rigorous border surveillance. “Ongoing attention to these areas is crucial for maintaining a robust defence against the introduction of foreign animal diseases.”
Dr. Becton noted that, with decreasing pathogens detected, spring is a great time to start assessing potential plans for elimination, knowing that warmer months are ahead. •
— By Harry Siemens