New Producer Led Strategy to Strengthen U.S. Pork Herd Health
The National Pork Board (NPB), in collaboration with the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), is developing a National Swine Health Strategy to protect the U.S. swine herd.
This producer-led plan responds to rising challenges from endemic diseases and foreign animal diseases, aiming to create a united, long-term health approach.
Meredith Petersen, NPB's director of swine health, shared key findings: “NPB recently conducted a producer survey, and 98% of producers identified swine health as important to the future success of the industry.” This insight is guiding a three-year plan focused on measurable health improvements.
The strategy goes beyond past disease-specific goals and aims to include areas like nutrition, biosecurity, and farm management. Dr. Anna Forseth from NPPC said, “It was time to re-evaluate the six African swine fever priorities and potentially broaden the scope of the topics we work on.”
Patrick Webb of NPB added that better health also means better profitability: “Endemic diseases pose real challenges... These national resources must be allocated strategically to provide the best return on investment.”
To build this strategy, feedback is being collected through online and phone surveys, events, and conversations. State pork associations are helping gather input from all types of producers and swine professionals. A diverse advisory group is reviewing this input to shape priorities. An update is expected at the 2026 Pork Forum.
The finished strategy will guide coordinated efforts to boost herd health, improve animal welfare, increase profits, and align the entire pork sector toward common goals.