The Illinois Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory will soon contribute swine diagnostic data to the Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) monthly domestic swine disease monitoring report, further strengthening one of the pork industry’s most important tools for tracking disease trends across the United States.
With Illinois now participating, data from seven veterinary diagnostic laboratories will be included in SHIC’s reporting system, representing approximately 97 percent of swine diagnostic samples submitted nationwide. This expanded coverage enhances the industry’s ability to monitor domestic disease activity, identify emerging threats, and support timely, informed decision-making.
Expanding Diagnostic Coverage
According to Dr. Megan Niederwerder, executive director of SHIC, the organization is focused on improving both diagnostic capabilities and the quality of information shared with producers and veterinarians.
The monthly domestic swine disease monitoring reports provide a transparent view of:
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Trends in domestic swine disease detection
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Regional and state-level changes in diagnostic activity
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Early indicators of emerging or shifting disease risks
The reports are published monthly and are publicly available, allowing stakeholders across the industry to better understand how disease risks may be changing over time.
Practical Value for Producers and Veterinarians
These reports are designed to be practical tools for the field. Producers, veterinarians, academics, and researchers can use the data to guide herd health strategies, refine biosecurity plans, and support proactive decision-making at the farm and regional levels.
In addition to expanded diagnostic participation, SHIC’s December eNewsletter highlights 12 projects approved under its 2025 Plan of Work, many of which focus on developing new tools, strategies, and technologies to help reduce the risk of emerging diseases in U.S. swine herds.
Turning Research into Action
Beyond monitoring and reporting, SHIC’s goal is to ensure that new research outcomes and disease mitigation strategies reach producers and veterinarians quickly and effectively. By expanding diagnostic collaboration and continuing to invest in applied research, SHIC reinforces its commitment to protecting herd health through science-based solutions and industry-wide cooperation.
The SHIC eNewsletter and monthly domestic swine disease monitoring reports are available at swinehealth.org.
