U.S.: National Swine Health Strategy moves from planning to implementation

The U.S. pork industry is advancing the implementation of the National Swine Health Strategy (NSHS), a producer-driven initiative aimed at improving herd health and strengthening disease prevention at the national level. Led by the National Pork Board (NPB), the strategy aligns industry priorities and resources to address both endemic and emerging disease challenges.

The NSHS is built around two main objectives: reducing the impact of domestic diseases and preventing the introduction of foreign animal diseases. To achieve this, the plan integrates ongoing industry programs and identifies new areas for coordination among key organizations, including NPB, NPPC, AASV, SHIC, and state pork associations.

Among the priority actions, the strategy includes the development of elimination frameworks for diseases such as PRRSV and PEDV, supported by economic assessment and pilot programs. In parallel, efforts are being made to improve biosecurity practices, including benchmarking, transport biosecurity, and potential validation systems.

Prevention of foreign and emerging diseases is another central pillar. The strategy reinforces preparedness tools such as the Secure Pork Supply Plan, traceability systems, and global disease monitoring. Ongoing work also includes responses planning for emerging threats such as H5N1 and New World screwworm.

A key aspect of the strategy is producer participation, where industry leaders emphasize that progress will depend on collaboration, transparency, and adoption of practices at the farm level. The next phase will focus on providing practical tools, targeted research, and clearer guidance to support implementation.

Overall, the NSHS represents a long-term effort to improve the health and resilience of the U.S. swine producers, with a coordinated approach throughout the industry and measurable outcomes expected at the production level.