Recent disease surveillance data from the Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) reveal significant shifts in pathogen activity across North American swine operations during January 2025. The report, presented by SHIC Associate Director Dr. Lisa Becton, highlights a notable rise in case positivity for Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) as well as increased detection rates for Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED) and Porcine Deltacoronavirus (PDCoV). In contrast, diagnostic figures for Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and Influenza A have shown a downward trend.
Key Findings
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PRRS Detection Across Age Groups:
The surveillance data indicate that PRRS has been detected in all age categories, with the wean-to-finish group exhibiting a case positivity rate exceeding 40%. Dr. Becton attributes much of this surge to the L1C.5 strain, although an uptick in the L1C.2 strain was also observed.“For the month of January, PRRS was seen increasing in all different age categories with a greater than 40 percent case detection of samples within the wean-to-finish age grouping. A lot of this is coming from the L1C.5 strain of PRRS, but there’s also increased activity in the L1C.2.” – Dr. Lisa Becton
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Trends in PED and PDCoV:
The report notes increased detection of PED, particularly in sows and the wean-to-finish population—a seasonal pattern consistent with historical data. Meanwhile, PDCoV detection has also risen, adding to the growing concerns about multiple concurrent respiratory and enteric challenges in the herd. -
Improved Diagnostics for Other Pathogens:
Encouragingly, there has been a decrease in the detection of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae in the wean-to-harvest group, with current diagnostic figures marking the lowest levels recorded at key diagnostic laboratories. Influenza A detection has similarly declined.
Emphasis on Biosecurity
As the swine industry transitions into spring—a period marked by fluctuating temperatures and environmental conditions—Dr. Becton underscores the critical need for vigilant biosecurity practices. The challenges of rapid temperature changes, from thaw to freeze, necessitate rigorous adherence to sanitation protocols and proper management of vehicle de-icing and cleaning procedures.
“Springtime can be a challenge because of the wavering temperatures between cold and warm, thaw and freeze. A lot of the routine biosecurity steps—as far as maintaining sanitation and making sure vehicles can unthaw while washing—still hold in play. It’s also important to continue to survey and identify any potential changes that occur with any of the pathogens that we manage.” – Dr. Lisa Becton
Enhanced surveillance, combined with robust biosecurity measures, is key to managing the heightened pathogen activity observed in January and to preventing potential outbreaks as environmental conditions continue to change.
Looking Ahead
The latest SHIC findings serve as a critical reminder for swine producers to maintain strict biosecurity and to remain alert to shifts in disease patterns. With PRRS, PED, and PDCoV posing significant challenges, the focus on early detection and swift intervention is more important than ever. Continued monitoring and strategic management will be essential in safeguarding herd health and ensuring sustainable production in the face of evolving pathogens.
For ongoing updates and detailed information on swine disease trends, industry stakeholders are encouraged to stay connected with SHIC and other authoritative sources in swine health management.
