Emerging Disease Communications Action Plan – Make the Call

May 17, 2017 — 

When an emerging swine disease arises, early communication about outbreaks is essential. Most of the time veterinarian-to-veterinarian or producer-to-producer contact is the right thing to do. Talking and sharing ideas helps manage the outbreak. But, in cases where broader industry response might be needed or maybe to just notify someone that something different is going on, an additional telephone call could be appropriate.

The Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) participated with the other industry associations in development of a process (Communications Action Plan) so producers and veterinarians can have confidence that, when that broader call is made, there will be thoughtful steps to assess the situation and decide what further actions, if any, are needed. That process provides for initial confidentiality of the producer, veterinarian, or site identifiers making initial calls. Any actions because of those calls will maintain initial confidentiality to the level requested by the producer or veterinarian unless state or federal swine health regulations dictate otherwise.

In the majority of cases, the diagnostics with routine testing will be completed and the pathogen will be identified. If further investigation is needed, resources are available through SHIC's Diagnostic Fee Support process, click here for more information.

Should these diagnostics point to a new or emerging pathogen, producers and/or their veterinarians can contact a veterinarian with any one of the following pork industry organizations: American Association of Swine Veterinarians, National Pork Board, National Pork Producers Council or the Swine Health Information Center. This is not meant to replace routine veterinarian to veterinarian calls and communications but to supplement those in cases where it's possible the incident could have industry implications. Even in what might seem a more routine case, it could be helpful to contact someone in those organizations because what might look like an isolated incident could be just one of multiple that might be happening in different parts of the country.

That initial call will be followed by a quick triage that could include the associations' veterinarians, the producer or veterinarian of the case or subject matter experts, as needed. Together, it will be determined if further action may be needed.

The information and data available will be used to coordinate possible responses. Monitoring and follow up may be sufficient. Or, in partnership with the producer or veterinarian, additional steps might be recommended.

The Communication Action Plan offers a transparent structure for sharing information, informing industry stakeholders, engaging resources, and assuring the US swine herd is protected. The first step toward a timely, coordinated response to a new or emerging disease is quick notification so a collaborative action plan can be developed. Make the call. There is a plan to ensure that any call or notice is important, will be followed up on and doesn't 'fall through the cracks'.

The mission of the Swine Health Information Center is to protect and enhance the health of the United States swine herd through coordinated global disease monitoring, targeted research investments that minimize the impact of future disease threats, and analysis of swine health data. For more information on the Communications Action Plan, visit http://www.swinehealth.org or contact Dr. Paul Sundberg at psundberg@swinehealth.org.