By Jamie Martin
2024 marks a milestone year for the Swine Health Information Center (SHIC), as outlined in their latest progress report.
With a budget of nearly $4 million, SHIC has led the charge in enhancing the health and biosecurity of the U.S. swine herd through comprehensive research and strategic collaborations.
SHIC's Executive Director, Dr. Megan Niederwerder, highlighted the year's achievements, "SHIC received the greatest number of proposals and awarded the highest dollar amount for research projects in a single year in 2024." This included funding 32 research projects that address critical health concerns for U.S. pork producers.
Significant efforts included the Wean-to-Harvest Biosecurity Research Program, a joint venture with the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research and the Pork Checkoff, allocating $2.3 million to develop biosecurity strategies from wean to harvest. Results from these projects are now aiding producers in preventing disease and enhancing herd health.
Additionally, SHIC launched research programs targeting Japanese Encephalitis Virus and H5N1, with substantial budgets dedicated to tackling these emerging threats.
The commitment to research and development is clear as SHIC continues to provide invaluable resources like their monthly newsletter, webinars, and the SHIC Talk podcast to keep stakeholders informed and engaged.
As SHIC moves into 2025, their continued focus on disease prevention and response through innovative research and effective communication strategies promises further advancements in swine health management.
Access the 2024 Progress Report Here.
Photo Credit: istock-deyanarobova
Categories: National