The producer-led boards of the Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) and National Pork Board (NPB) have approved an agreement to integrate SHIC into NPB by the end of 2026. For pork producers, the integration is designed to preserve SHIC’s emerging-disease capabilities while connecting them more directly to the industry’s broader swine health priorities.
SHIC’s established system for identifying and responding to emerging disease threats, from surveillance and monitoring to reporting and research, will continue throughout the transition. Continuity in these services and support to producers, researchers, veterinarians and industry partners is a top priority for both boards.
“When producers created SHIC, they asked it to watch for emerging disease threats around the world and move quickly when risks appeared,” said Joe Dykhuis, Michigan pork producer and SHIC board president. “SHIC built that capability through disease monitoring, focused research and practical information. This integration sustains that work and positions it to serve producers into the future.”
Aligning SHIC’s monitoring, research investments and resources with the producer-led National Swine Health Strategy will strengthen coordination, focus producer dollars and help turn science into practical tools and action on farms.
“Producers benefit when researchers, veterinarians and industry organizations are aligned around shared priorities and focused on outcomes at the farm,” said Chad Groves, National Pork Board president. “Bringing SHIC’s information, expertise, research and producer support into the National Swine Health Strategy strengthens that connection.”
The National Swine Health Strategy provides a long-term framework for protecting the U.S. swine herd and improving overall herd health. Its priorities include stronger industry coordination and improved prevention, preparedness and response for endemic, emerging and foreign animal diseases.
