OMAHA (DTN) -- Much attention has been given to the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) among dairy cattle this year, with 197 confirmed cases in 14 states as of Sept. 4. But other livestock, including hogs, are also susceptible to the virus, which means producers should consider proper biosecurity measures to protect their animals, according to an Extension specialist.

BIOSECURITY PLANS PROTECT HOGS

So far, only one case of H5N1 has been reported in hogs in the United States, and it was in a feral hog. But the disease can most certainly affect hogs, according to Cory Bromfield, a University of Missouri Extension swine veterinarian. Low-pathogenic avian influenza has been detected in circulating swine strains five times from 1999 to 2015, according to a University of Missouri news release (https://extension.missouri.edu/…).

Waterfowl are the main reservoir of H5N1 in the spread of infection to poultry operations. Biosecurity for confinement hogs controls a lot of that risk, as waterfowl can't get into swine barns, Bromfield said.

Hogs and humans are mixing vessels for influenza, and new forms can result from the mixing, Bromfield said. Producers who practice biosecurity can have a huge advantage in protecting their livestock against diseases, she said.

Some key components of biosecurity include such measures as have ventilation controls, use masks and respirators when animals have influenza-like illnesses, and have workers with flu symptoms stay home, she said.

Producers should have a biosecurity plan in place. MU Extension can help hog producers by evaluating their current biosecurity plans, Bromfield said.

SEVEN STEPS TO START A BIOSECURITY PLAN

The Pork Checkoff has a website dedicated to biosecurity (https://porkcheckoff.org/…).

The checkoff recommends producers work with their herd veterinarian to write a site-specific enhanced biosecurity plan. This will help prevent exposing animals to disease and maintain business continuity in the event of an outbreak and the limited movement of animals.

There are seven steps to start a biosecurity plan, according to the Pork Checkoff.

1. Draw a strict line of separation. Producers should draw a line of separation and always maintain it. A line of separation divides the inside, clean area of a hog facility from the outside, contaminated area.

2. Establish clothing and showering requirements. On sow farms, showering in and out is a fixture, but it is less common on growing pig sites. A shower is not always necessary, but at a minimum, everyone should be required to change into dedicated farm clothes and shoes before entering. Handwashing is also important.

3. Keep up with maintenance. Good equipment maintenance goes hand in hand with a good biosecurity plan. Ensure feed is not spilling out under bins, which attracts birds, rodents and wildlife. The cost of regular repairs also helps avoid wasting feed.

4. Share farm rules with incoming crews. While onsite workers should be trained in the biosecurity rules, occasional visitors pose a higher risk. Make sure they know the biosecurity rules and stay focused and don't be tempted to bend the rules.

5. Prioritize loadouts. Prioritize clean trailers for the first cut of market hogs because there are not enough truck washes, time or personnel to wash, disinfect and dry every trailer every time.

6. Avoid mistakes when bringing in supplies. The pass-through windows, UV chambers and disinfectant rooms for incoming supplies are common areas for mistakes. All surfaces need to be exposed for disinfection, and everything coming into a barn should be addressed.

7. Follow a biosecurity plan when removing culls and mortalities. Both are high-risk events, and it is important to respect the clean/dirty line. If rendering is required, an off-site pickup location is important. Sometimes a design change is needed to prioritize biosecurity when designing new production sites and building or when remolding.

DTN has written several articles in 2024 detailing the H5N1 influenza:

-- "Biosecurity Helps Keep Cattle Safe," https://www.dtnpf.com/…

-- "Fewer Cows at Fairs Due to H5N1 Testing," https://www.dtnpf.com/…

In addition, DTN reported on Thursday that a vaccine is being tested for dairy cattle:

-- "H5N1 Vaccine Tested for Dairy Cows," https://www.dtnpf.com/…

Russ Quinn can be reached at Russ.Quinn@dtn.com

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