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Pig Flow Connections, Mycoplasma, Database Enhancements Now in SHIC-Funded MSHMP

The Morrison Swine Health Monitoring Program MSHMP, partially funded by the Swine Health Information Center (SHIC), continues to expand its capacity and, as a result, delivers more and higher quality information on pathogen activity in US swine herds. Recent MSHMP capacity expansion improves and enlarges the program's ability to collect and report pathogen data from an increasing number of volunteer cooperators. Their goal is having the capacity to manage data from as many producers as are willing to participate. Sow data is now being complemented with growing pig site information from participants. Presently, a total of 922 growing pig sites in seven states are included in MSHMP databases. These sites include the production flow of 68 sow farms (252,900 sows). More growth with additional growing pig site inclusion is anticipated soon.

The MSHMP database also grows with more data characteristics added. Staff has a plan to adapt to this growth and related demands, customizing the database and managing its increasing complexity. This includes the ability to add pathogens to the database when needed. Additionally, due to expansion efforts, the ability to assign a status based on a classification previously established by the program is now possible. MSHMP tested this ability by successfully adding Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae.

Further database expansion created the ability to keep a history of reported changes in breeding herds, such as when a farm was filtered or purchased by another production system. As a result, the program is able to maintain historical incidence data linked to the farm for future analysis. Pig flow management is another area where the MSHMP database was improved. The ability to link farms to connect sow and growing pig sites in the future has been tested with work ongoing to assign downstream flow status. The next step of expansion will be the inclusion of boar studs in the system, further connecting and tracking pathogen activity across sites, farms, and systems.

An additional layer of security was also added to the database. The present system allows few users to access the database, however, each time they do access and make changes, it is tracked. With the additional security, maintaining quality and control of MSHMP data is assured.

At its inception, MSHMP began to measure and monitor porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) occurrence in the US, then later became a valued reporting system for porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDv) activity, Senecavirus A (SVA) information, and central nervous system (CNS) cases. MSHMP relies on production companies and veterinarians who work collaboratively and voluntarily to report disease status data, as well as farm location and other pertinent data, to advance preparedness for endemic and emerging diseases weekly. These cooperators represent about 50 percent of the domestic sow herd and include integrated companies, managed production, veterinary practices, and regional control projects. This ongoing effort provides invaluable data and reports back to SHIC and the industry. With enhanced capacity to help the swine industry respond to emerging pathogens - a key factor in why SHIC helps to financially support the program - MSHMP delivers timely data used by practitioners and producers to ensure herd health. Aside from the weekly data MSHMP provides on surveillance, the program includes a report that serves to educate and inform the industry about the project findings.

As the world deals with the COVID-19 pandemic, SHIC continues to focus efforts on prevention, preparedness, and response to novel and emerging swine disease for the benefit of US swine health. As a conduit of information and research, SHIC encourages sharing of its publications and research. Forward, reprint, and quote SHIC material freely. SHIC is funded by America's pork producers to fulfill its mission to protect and enhance the health of the US swine herd. For more information, visit http://www.swinehealth.org or contact Dr. Sundberg at psundberg@swinehealth.org.