The Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) has recently released updated fact sheets on Pseudorabies, Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV), Ebola, and Reston. These updated fact sheets are now available on the SHIC website, swinehealth.org. The release of these updated fact sheets is part of SHIC’s ongoing commitment to providing science-based, publicly accessible resources that support its mission of minimizing the impact of emerging disease threats through effective communication and improved swine health information.
Dr. Lisa Becton, SHIC Associate Director, emphasized the importance of these updates in addressing new research findings and recent disease outbreak information. According to Dr. Becton, the recent updates incorporate new research, outbreak details, and virology insights. For example, the Ebola Reston fact sheet now includes revised virus taxonomy, updated transmission data, and new research findings. It also highlights Ebola’s zoonotic potential, which remains a significant concern.
The updates also reflect advancements in understanding other diseases, such as Pseudorabies, Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV), and disease outbreak demographics. The fact sheets provide new information on strains of Pseudorabies emerging from China, insights from the 2022 outbreak of JEV in Australia, and enhanced focus on outbreak patterns, areas of impact, and age-related infection trends. Additionally, the fact sheets outline detailed surveillance strategies for detecting and managing these pathogens.
Each fact sheet integrates peer-reviewed research to provide robust, actionable information for disease management, control, and identification. Dr. Becton emphasized the importance of staying current on these pathogens to understand changes in disease presentation and their impact. This information is crucial for ensuring that producers and stakeholders are prepared to respond swiftly and effectively if a pathogen is identified.
Producers and stakeholders can access these comprehensive fact sheets on the SHIC website, swinehealth.org. By providing up-to-date information on emerging diseases and outbreaks, SHIC aims to equip the swine industry with the knowledge and resources needed to effectively manage and mitigate the impact of disease threats.
In conclusion, the release of these updated fact sheets by the Swine Health Information Center is a significant step in advancing disease prevention and control efforts in the swine industry. By providing timely and accurate information on emerging diseases, SHIC is helping to safeguard the health and well-being of swine populations and support the sustainability of the industry. Stakeholders are encouraged to utilize these resources to stay informed and prepared to respond to any emerging disease threats effectively.