SHIC Wean-to-Harvest Program Supports PRRS Biosecurity Enhancement for Fall Season

Sep 29, 2025

The Swine Health Information Center, along with the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research and the Pork Checkoff, launched the Wean-to-Harvest Biosecurity Research Program in the fall of 2022. Goals of the research program were to investigate cost-effective, innovative technologies, protocols, and ideas to enhance biosecurity implementation during the wean-to-harvest phases of swine production. Results received to date provide opportunities for US pork producers to understand potential risks, identify steps to prevent PRRS transmission, and make changes to immediately enhance their herd biosecurity as the fall respiratory disease season approaches.

At wean-to-harvest sites, biosecurity practices remain inconsistent and less rigorously enforced than at sow or boar stud sites, increasing the risk for disease introduction and transmission. The Wean-to-Harvest Biosecurity Research Program addresses several key biosecurity areas, including bioexclusion (keeping disease off the farm), biocontainment (keeping disease on the farm after an outbreak to lessen risk to neighbors), and transportation biosecurity. A total of 24 projects have been funded through this program to provide a comprehensive approach to advancing biosecurity of US farms. The Wean-to-Harvest Research Program reflects SHIC’s responsiveness to an identified swine health vulnerability and its collaborative efforts to leverage producer Checkoff dollars to safeguard the health of the US swine herd.

Projects focusing on disease introduction risks, using PRRSV as one of the targeted pathogens at wean-to-harvest sites, have identified key knowledge and tools that producers and veterinarians can apply at the farm today to combat PRRS transmission and introduction into the herd. Outcomes relevant for fall biosecurity are summarized here from two projects, including an industry-wide assessment of bioexclusion practices led by Dr. Gustavo Silva and an assessment of manure pumping effects on disease onset led by Dr. Daniel Linhares, both at Iowa State University.

Investigations of factors influencing the risks of disease introduction and transmission at wean-to-harvest sites and during transportation have provided key takeaways informing biosecurity enhancement for PRRS management and control:

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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.