SHIC Domestic Swine Disease Monitoring Report Expanded to Include E. coli PCR Genotyping

Oct 27, 2025

The addition of E. coli PCR genotyping to the Swine Health Information Center's domestic swine disease monitoring report is allowing pork producers and veterinarians develop prevention and treatment strategies tailored to their farms.Because of its many strains and diverse pathogenicity, E. coli presents a significant challenge within swine populations.

The Swine Health Information Center has added E. coli PCR genotyping to its monthly Domestic Swine Disease Monitoring Report.SHIC Executive Director Dr. Megan Niederwerder explains the domestic swine disease monitoring reports provide diagnostic data from six university veterinary diagnostic labs and allow pork producers to better understand what endemic pathogens are circulating in their regions.

Quote-Dr. Megan Niederwerder-Swine Health Information Center:

Historically the swine disease reporting system has reported out data for eight endemic pathogens including PRRS, PEDV, Porcine delta coronavirus, Influenza A, Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, PCV2, PCV3, TGEV and now the addition of E. coli makes nine endemic pathogens that the report monitors and includes data for on a monthly basis.It's really important as we look at these domestic swine disease monitoring programs to understand what would provide additional value to producers and veterinarians.

The decision to add E. coli was in response to requests from the swine disease reporting system advisory board, made up of producers, veterinarians, diagnosticians and other stakeholders in the U.S. swine industry.

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Video: You Be The Judge: Evaluating 8 Breeding Rams!

It's time for some honest feedback here at Ewetopia Farms! Today, we’re showing you all eight rams we used for breeding this year. Instead of just presenting them, we thought it would be fun to create a “Ram Report Card” — where we point out both their strengths and areas for improvement.

But here’s the twist: you be the judge! In the comments, let us know what you like about each ram and what you think could be improved. No ram is ever perfect, but every one of them brings something valuable to the flock. By sharing perspectives, we all learn more about what to look for in good breeding stock.

At Ewetopia Farms, we raise registered Suffolk and Polled Dorset sheep, focusing on high-quality genetics, structure, and friendly temperaments. Evaluating breeding rams is part of the bigger picture of building stronger flocks — and we’re excited to share the process with you.

If you enjoy seeing how we evaluate our animals, follow along by subscribing to our channel. We share daily insights into the joys and challenges of sheep farming here in Canada.