Collaborative H5N1 Swine Industry Working Group Remains Vigilant – Response Preparation and Protection of the US Swine Herd Key Missions

By Abbey Canon

The US swine industry has proactively united to combat the potential threat of H5N1 influenza, a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) that has impacted poultry flocks and dairy herds, humans, and a few pigs on an isolated Oregon hobby farm. Since March 2024, a dedicated working group, comprised of representatives from the American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV), National Pork Board (NPB), National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), and Swine Health Information Center (SHIC), has been working continuously. Their mission: to prevent and prepare for a potential H5N1 outbreak response in commercial US swine herds.

Collaboration: A Unified Front Against H5N1

The emergence of H5N1 in dairy cattle in March 2024 was an eye-opening occurrence, prompting the immediate formation of the swine industry working group.  Dr. Heather Fowler, director of producer and public health, NPB, emphasizes the need for multi-species, interdisciplinary collaboration to adequately prepare for and respond to an H5N1 outbreak. Dr. Marisa Rotolo, director of swine health, NPB, echoes this, highlighting how the outbreak has prompted livestock commodity groups to strengthen relationships and share knowledge across the barnyard.

This unified approach ensures a more efficient and effective response. As Dr. Fowler states, “By collaborating we are not only sharing the load but also making sure the right people are involved in the conversation at the right time.” This synergy leverages the unique strengths and expertise of each organization, ultimately benefiting producers and veterinarians. AASV, for instance, has leveraged its committees, comprised of global experts in influenza viruses, to review and provide feedback on the draft response plan, ensuring it is as realistic and useful as possible.

Single H5N1 Diagnosis in U.S. Backyard Pig

In October 2024, the US swine industry learned of the first detection of H5N1 influenza in a pig on a small backyard mixed-species farm in Oregon. NPPC and SHIC immediately shared this detection with pork industry stakeholders. SHIC prepared and deployed both a timely eblast and monthly newsletter article. While the detection on the Oregon farm was isolated and the crossover to swine limited, it reinforced efforts by SHIC, NPB, NPPC, and AASV to remain diligent in ongoing endeavors to monitor H5N1 spread and learn more about its risks to commercial swine.

“Ensuring timely and valuable communications across all stakeholder audiences is part of the SHIC mission to minimize the impact of emerging diseases,” said Dr. Megan Niederwerder, executive director of SHIC. “Confirmation of H5N1 in a backyard pig by USDA raised questions regarding this emerging threat and coordinating communications to inform veterinarians and producers was critical.”

Proactive Measures and Key Learnings

Stakeholders recognized the importance of being at the forefront of planning. Dr. Abbey Canon, director of public health and communications, AASV, notes that swine veterinarians and producers understood it’s best to be at the table and be part of the planning process, a foresight commended by USDA and state animal health officials.

A critical realization for the working group has been the complex nature of an H5N1 response, extending beyond the swine industry itself. Dr. Anna Forseth, director of animal health, NPPC, points out that the process has been far more than just what is best for the swine industry alone, considering the zoonotic potential, susceptibility in other species, and the foreign animal disease classification for poultry.

Early on, SHIC started gathering broad input with industry partners from veterinarians, pork producers, and state/federal animal health officials on potential gaps in knowledge and research priorities for H5N1 in commercial swine operations. “We wanted to understand what research questions would generate the highest value data and information for US pork producers,” noted Dr. Niederwerder.