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SHIC Helps Protect the US Swine Herd Health with Information Sharing

November 14, 2018 — Paul Sundberg

The Swine Health Information Center's (SHIC's) mission to protect and enhance the health of the United States swine herd requires providing information to producers, practitioners, and related stakeholders. Because your time is spent focused on the health of the pigs under your care, it is easy to miss the latest information on disease activity around the globe, how the industry is preparing in case a foreign animal disease is discovered in the US, as well as the latest in virus-related research and mitigation steps. SHIC, along with other pork industry organizations, works diligently on monitoring, preparedness, and prevention on your behalf. We consistently ask, "What if..." then investigate to find the answers. Do you know the latest on African swine fever (ASF) movement in Asia and Europe? Are you aware foot-and-mouth disease is active in South America? Did you realize there is concern over feed ingredients being a conduit for virus transmission? SHIC and the other pork industry organizations can help inform you!

Because farm broadcasters play an important role in communicating this crucial information to producers, Dr. Paul Sundberg, executive director of SHIC, attended the 75th Anniversary of the National Association of Farm Broadcasters Trade Talk last week in Kansas City. During Trade Talk, Dr. Sundberg visited with farm broadcasters from across the country, updating them on the latest details about ASF, recent research results, and steps producers can take to help keep their herds safe. A common message was to never assume a diagnosis when a morbidity or mortality event happens on the farm. Always involve the veterinarian to get a professional diagnosis because often times ASF or classical swine fever can clinically look like other, endemic production diseases. In addition, new materials developed by SHIC and related pork industry organizations, including the Seven Questions to Ask Your Feed Supplier, were discussed and shared with the broadcasters.

Other channels for sharing this information include the SHIC website, monthly e-newsletter, special reports as warranted, articles shared with the American Association of Swine Veterinarians, as well as industry media. Swine veterinarians and producers are invited and encouraged to subscribe to the SHIC e-newsletter by clicking here.

Additional resources included on the SHIC website include:

Funded by America's pork producers to protect and enhance the health of the US swine herd, SHIC focuses its efforts on prevention, preparedness, and response. As a conduit of information and research, SHIC encourages sharing of its publications and research for the benefit of swine health. Forward, reprint, and quote SHIC material freely. For more information, visit http://www.swinehealth.org or contact Dr. Paul Sundberg at psundberg@swinehealth.org.

Paul Sundberg, Executive Director, Swine Health Information Center