The Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) has issued a second Request for Proposals (RFP) aimed at closing critical research gaps related to H5N1 and its potential impact on the U.S. swine industry.
H5N1, a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus historically associated with wild birds and poultry, emerged as a broader livestock concern in 2024 after confirmed detections in U.S. dairy cattle. While the virus has not been identified as a widespread swine health issue, its demonstrated ability to infect mammals has heightened industry vigilance.
In collaboration with the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research and the National Pork Board (Pork Checkoff), SHIC is now calling on qualified researchers to submit proposals addressing outstanding H5N1-related research priorities.
According to SHIC Associate Director Dr. Lisa Becton, the second call builds on work initiated in 2025.
“We did fund 10 projects, but there were still some priorities and topics that were unaddressed in that first call for research,” said Dr. Becton. “Our goal with this second round is to fully address the priorities identified as concerns for swine producers.”
Why This Matters for Pork Producers
Although H5N1 primarily affects avian species, its detection in dairy cattle underscores the importance of understanding cross-species transmission risks. Research conducted by USDA and other institutions has begun exploring how the virus behaves in swine under controlled conditions, including:
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Clinical presentation in pigs
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Detection challenges
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Response strategies
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Surveillance and introduction pathways
However, significant knowledge gaps remain.
“There are still a lot of questions about what this virus looks like and its presentation in swine,” Dr. Becton noted. “The RFP continues to focus on surveillance and introduction — all things we need to understand to respond effectively if the virus is found in pigs.”
Industry-Wide Collaboration Encouraged
SHIC is encouraging collaborative submissions involving:
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Pork industry stakeholders
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Allied industry partners
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Dairy and poultry sectors
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Academic institutions
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Public-private partnerships
Proposals must be submitted by March 24, 2026.
The full proposal template and submission instructions are available through SHIC’s February eNewsletter at swinehealth.org.
Strategic Takeaway
While H5N1 is not currently a swine production crisis, SHIC’s proactive funding approach signals a clear industry priority: preparedness through science.
As emerging disease dynamics continue to evolve across species, coordinated surveillance and research remain foundational to protecting herd health, trade stability, and producer confidence.
