This recent expansion of H5N1 into novel livestock species and resulting in novel clinical presentation warrants the need for a close investigation of this virus and its potential for incursion into U.S. commercial swine herds.
Critical research investments are necessary to prevent H5N1 incursion, ensure rapid and accurate detection of H5N1, inform stakeholder response, mitigate production losses on farm, identify effective control measures and develop clear messaging to consumers on the safety of pork.
SHIC/FFAR/NPB are inviting proposal submissions from qualified researchers for funding consideration to address H5N1 Risk to Swine Research Program priorities described in the detailed Request for Research Proposals (RFP) on the SHIC website.
H5N1 Risk to Swine Research Program Priorities
- Vaccines
- Clinical Presentation
- Mammary Transmission
- Surveillance
- Introduction Risks
- Caretakers
- Biosecurity
- Pork Safety
- Production impact
- Pig Movements
Collaborative projects that include the pork industry, allied industry, dairy or poultry industries, academic institutions and/or public/private partnerships are highly encouraged. Projects that demonstrate the most urgent and timeliness of completion, provide the greatest value to pork producers, and show efficient use of funds will be prioritized for funding. Projects are requested to be completed within a 12–18-month period with sufficient justification required for extended project duration.
Individual awards are capped at $250,000, but proposals may exceed the cap if sufficient justification is provided. Matching funds are encouraged but not required; the $250K cap applies to only those funds requested from SHIC/FFAR/NPB. All projects should strive to have a high impact, show value to pork producers and have pork industry-wide benefit.
View FFAR/SHIC Webinar Recording
Additional FFAR collaborations with SHIC include a comprehensive approach to enhancing Wean-to-Harvest Biosecurity, funded in partnership with the Pork Checkoff, and proactive investigations to prevent and prepare for a potential Japanese encephalitis virus incursion. This Oct. 22, 2024, webinar included representatives from FFAR and SHIC discussing the benefits of collaborative approaches to protect the U.S. swine herd from emerging disease threats.