Cut Down Influenza A with Sequivity(R) IAV-S NA

SHIC Funding for SHMP Capacity Building Detailed in Final Report

The Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) funded the Morrison Swine Health Monitoring Project (MSHMP), based at the University of Minnesota, to achieve four objectives benefiting US swine herd health. In MSHMP's annual update, it was confirmed the study provides valuable insight in these areas: developing capacity to capture and analyze movement data, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSv) sequence evolution and impact, monitoring trends in pathogens incidence and prevalence, and finally, expanding producer participation in monitoring work for greater inclusion. Due to SHIC's funding, MSHMP has provided new information for better monitoring and prediction of disease impacts.

One objective of the SHIC-funded work with MSHMP involves developing capacity to capture and analyze movement data. Newly implemented technology has been generating truck movement data consistently. A total of 12 vehicles (eight trucks and four trailers) are being monitored in one of the MSHMP participating systems. Data structure and processes for downloading data are still being understood and procedures developed to facilitate the data analysis. Data will help producers improve their movement plans to possibly reduce transport-related spread of pathogens.

MSHMP's work has resulted in a successful PRRSv sequence capturing process. Analysis continues and their database currently has 30,603 sequences from 31 systems. Preliminary analysis showed that PRRSv sequences cluster in time and space as expected. Similarity analysis was conducted to understand how viruses have changed when compared to the reference strain VR2332. The majority of viruses are 10% to 15% different while a subset of viruses lie between 2% to 5%. Study of the different sequences will help researchers understand which of these viruses may change and continue to spread, providing preventive information for producers.

MSHMP monitors PRRSv, porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDv), porcine delta coronavirus (PDCoV), Senecavirus, and central nervous system associated viruses in time and space. The 2018-2019 season ended with the second lowest PRRSv breeding herd cumulative incidence (21.3%) during the last 10 years of monitoring. MSHMP also noted herds that break remain in category 1 for longer periods. PEDv followed the same trend and maintained a low level of cumulative incidence with few cases being reported throughout the country. PDCoV continues to be present, clustered in specific regions. Their work also revealed PDCoV incidence is low as cases of this disease are not reported frequently. Information on these diseases, their prevalence and movement within the reporting systems, helps producers make decisions about movement in their own system.

The fourth SHIC-funded objective is to expand producer participation in the project. Expansion continues with two additional production companies being part of the MSHMP project, bringing the total to 38. The search for new potential participants will continue.

Funded by America's pork producers to protect and enhance the health of the US swine herd, the Swine Health Information Center 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.