The importance of swine welfare has grown in Latin America, driving universities in this region to place significant efforts in developing educational opportunities to better prepare future animal professionals. While students' perspectives are central to assess the efficacy of these programs, research remains limited. To tackle this issue, this study aimed to explore, through an online survey, Latin American future animal professionals' perceptions and attitudes toward swine welfare and examine their confidence in discussing and addressing welfare issues specific to pigs. The survey was distributed among universities located in Ecuador, Brazil, Chile, and Honduras to undergraduate and graduate students in veterinary and animal science programs. Participant responses (n = 216) were analyzed using cluster and risk factor analysis. Cluster analysis revealed three distinct groups, all of which agreed on the importance of animal welfare but varied in how students value swine welfare education and in their confidence to communicate and address swine welfare issues. Additionally, risk factor analysis revealed that students' source of information was an important cluster membership predictor. Overall, this study provided insights into students' perspectives, values, and confidence regarding swine welfare, as well as recommendations for future research that universities and researchers should consider to further enhance the education of future animal professionals in the region and beyond.

Animal depopulation is a critical component of emergency planning across U.S. livestock industries. Class A water-based foam (WBF) and high-expansion nitrogen foam (N2F) have been researched to help provide the swine industry with alternative tools to perform depopulation at larger scales. At this time, there is little data on perceived advantages or barriers identified by individuals, such as operation owners and employees, who would be closely involved in the initial phase of depopulation. Our aim was to survey farm personnel to gather logistics-focused insight upon viewing WBF and N2F demonstrations. Survey questions reflected method-specific difficulties scored using a 4-point Likert scale, along with respondent demographics and free response comments. Select survey sections were analyzed using multivariable linear regression models. Other sections, demographic data, and free response comments are presented descriptively. Data from 51 WBF and 76 N2F surveys were available, with 121 responses disclosing career position. Average (± SD) respondent age was 49.9 (± 13.2) years, with 22.3 (± 16.0) years for average experience in the swine industry. Respondents consisted of 42.2% (51/121) veterinarians, 32.2% (39/121) other farm staff, 13.2% (16/121) owners of their organization, 9.1% (11/121) animal handlers, and 3.3% (4/121) classified as "other". Depopulation method was the only variable of interest associated with differences in scores for performing tasks and method implementation, with N2F perceived as more difficult than WBF (P < 0.05). Largest proportions of comments for both methods pertained to ease of use and cost. At least one respondent suggested pre-assembled kits or services for either method. The input from a wide range of respondents emphasizes the perceived importance of method practicality for emergency planning. Our findings suggest that method demonstrations alone are insufficient; future work must focus on efforts to meet the need for developing avenues for user education for both WBF and N2F.

The United States (U.S.) swine industry has increasingly relied on North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) visa program workers (TN-Visa) to combat labor shortages. However, high turnover rates are also reported among TN-visa workers, but the underlying causes are mainly unknown. The study objectives were to 1) describe TN-Visa participants' demographics and 2) explore underlying factors for job satisfaction, stress levels and the likelihood of changing employers for TN-Visa workers. A survey consisting of a mix of demographic, ranking, and open-ended questions was created and translated to Spanish. The survey was distributed online (N = 50) and in-person (N = 211) to TN-Visa workers in Iowa, Missouri, Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and North Carolina. Mixed multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify predictors of job satisfaction, stress levels, and job change intent. High stress levels were associated with lower job satisfaction. Respondents with over 72 months of TN-visa program tenure were 80% less likely to experience a high level of job satisfaction compared to those with shorter experience, but older TN-visa workers showed higher job satisfaction compared to younger workers. High job satisfaction or moderately sized farm employment decreased the likelihood of considering changing their employer. Previous animal husbandry experiences doubled the likelihood of considering changing their employer compared to workers with no previous animal husbandry experience. These findings underscore the relevance of a One Health approach, as worker wellbeing and retention are closely linked to animal health and welfare; and overall farm sustainability, with improved job satisfaction and reduced stress potentially benefiting both human and animal health outcomes. This study is one of few to present underlying factors for self-reported job satisfaction, stress, and changing employment for TN-visa workers and provides the U.S swine industry stakeholders with important insights into TN-visa working conditions.

Abstract The U.S. swine industry has been increasingly dependent on foreign professionals joining the workforce through the Trade NAFTA (TN) visa program due to ongoing labor shortages. No research has been conducted about their demographics, education, or prior work experience, despite the increased utilization of this labor. Hence, the goal of this study was to produce evidence-based background, experience, and demographics of TN-visa workers to provide retention strategies and support their long-term contributions to the swine industry. A research team from the University of Missouri, The Ohio State University, North Carolina State University, and the University of Minnesota developed and administered a bilingual (Spanish and English) survey. The project was reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board Committee (2101146-MU) at the University of Missouri and The Ohio State University (2024E0680). Seven themes were covered in the survey, which was conducted in seven leading pork-producing states: (1) farm information; (2) demographics; (3) cultural and professional background; (4) career goals; (5) training opportunities; (6) job benefits and working conditions; and (7) retention drivers. A total of 261 responses were collected from fifteen states, mostly from in-person interviews (81%) and the remainder from an online survey. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics using frequencies and proportions. The responses revealed that 88% of TN-visa workers come to the US in their late twenties and thirties. Two-thirds are males and the rest identified as female. Roughly half grew up in rural areas, with the remainder from urban origin. Sixty-seven percent bring experience in crops, dairy and beef cattle, small ruminants, poultry, greenhouses, and equine, but not in swine. Forty-three percent of them were found working on farms with more than 5,000 heads, and two-fifths were assigned to the farrowing department. Over half 53% have been employed between 3-6 years. Nearly all (97%) held a bachelor’s degree in agriculture or livestock and even 10% had earned a master’s degree. When asked to self-assess their English proficiency, only 5% of TN-visa workers reported feeling comfortable speaking English, while 35% rated their skills as intermediate or advanced.” Over 25% held a top-management position and 75% expressed the desire to apply for a promotion predominantly for department head or team lead (53%). To improve retention, employers should offer tailored production training aligned with workers’ expertise and comprehension levels. Enhancing communication through bilingual resources can support both English and Spanish literacy. In addition, creating temporary leadership roles with some attained incentives. Lastly, providing training in employee management, leadership, and mental health for both supervisors and TN-visa workers may foster a more culturally supportive work environment. These strategies can help reduce turnover and promote long-term sustainability.

The U.S. swine industry faces ongoing challenges in hiring and retaining a skilled workforce. Therefore, it heavily relies on foreign workers from the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) through the TN-visa program. TN-visa workers also experience high turnover rates, which shows a strong need to examine the retention of these workers in greater detail. The objectives of this research were to determine the demographics, motivation, and experience of this critical workforce. Furthermore, it was to determine predictive variables of career advancement and role attainment. A survey was conducted with 261 TN-visa workers. Thirty farms surveyed reported approximately 40% of TN-visa employees within their workforce. In addition, two-thirds of TN-visa holders move to the U.S. in their early to mid-thirties, have high educational attainment (10% earned a master's degree) and prefer to speak Spanish (80%). They expressed the desire for better salaries, and financially supporting family in Mexico was the primary driver for employment in the U.S. Professional motivations were highly rated as acquiring new skills and experiencing a positive and supportive work environment. Cultural adaptation was the greatest obstacle for resettling workers, particularly navigating language barriers, which hindered their ability to communicate effectively in the workplace and integrate into the local community.  The multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression revealed that TN-visa workers with 3-6 years and over 6 years of experience in the TN-visa program demonstrated three-fold (OR = 3.15; P = 0.005) and four-fold (OR = 4.00; P = 0.014) elevated odds of holding managerial positions, respectively, in comparison to those with less experience in the program. Moreover, employees that were aware of promotion opportunities at their workplace had over four-fold higher odds of working in upper management compared to workers that did not (OR = 4.4; P = 0.003). Also, females tended to have two-fold higher odds of holding a management position compared to males (OR = 2.00; P = 0.065). Furthermore, extensive organizational support designed to mitigate the social and linguistic obstacles associated with cross-border professional relocation is crucial for enabling TN-visa professionals to effectively integrate and thrive in their positions. Addressing these systemic issues will be crucial for the U.S. swine industry to stabilize its workforce and fully leverage the expertise of these skilled employees.

Point-of-care (POC) testing involves conducting diagnostic assays near patients to enable rapid decision-making and timely intervention. To date, evaluation of POC devices under field conditions in veterinary medicine has been limited. The objective of this study was to describe the use and performance of a POC system in the field and with varying sample conditions using influenza A virus in swine. Seventy oral fluid samples were collected from ten swine farms and aliquoted into five treatments: portable PCR performed on farm (FARM), while driving (RIDE), after 24 h incubation at room temperature (RT), on ice (ICE), and as a gold standard, samples were also submitted for testing at the Ohio Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (LAB). Influenza A virus was detected at least in one oral fluid sample for six out of the ten farms sampled according to gold standard results; within-herd prevalence in positive farms varied from 16.7 to 100.0%. POC system's Ct values were statistically associated with the gold standard results. POC tests showed high specificity, with median estimates ranging from 0.954 to 0.958 and 95% credible intervals (CrIs) consistently above 0.91. Sensitivity of POC tests varied more substantially, with the lowest observed in the ICE setting (median 0.805; 95% CrI: 0.607-0.945) and the highest in the RT setting (median 0.926; 95% CrI: 0.766-0.995). Our study showed that the POC PCR system was a promising method for on-site diagnostic testing, providing results consistent with official laboratory results.

In the United States (US), a national control program from bovine tuberculosis (bTB) has been successful at greatly reducing the incidence of Mycobacterium bovis infection in domestic cattle and mitigating exposure to humans. However, experience in many countries, including the US, has demonstrated that eradication of animal tuberculosis (TB) from wildlife can complicate disease control programs. Wild pigs may serve as an important maintenance species for TB, contributing to outbreaks in cattle and hampering disease control programs. In the US, on the Hawaiian island of Molokai, wild pigs facilitated TB transmission, but risk factors contributing to infection of TB were not characterized. To fill this gap, we retrospectively analyzed data from an outbreak of M. bovis in wild pigs and domestic cattle in California during 1961-1967. Using generalized linear models we investigated demographic risk factors (age and sex) for TB infection in wild pigs as well as the association among wild pig and domestic cattle prevalence. Our models demonstrated a predictive accuracy of 87.8 % and suggest adult female wild pigs have significantly lower odds of being TB positive (odds ratio (OR) = 0.41, p value = 0.022). Furthermore, our models identified a possible positive association between male wild pigs and TB status (OR = 2.37, p value = 0.055). We also found evidence of differences in geographic risks. Our findings contribute to the existing literature describing risk factors of M. bovis infection in wild pigs and can be used to support targeted surveillance activities in wild pigs.

Movement of live cattle is a known risk for pathogen spread. Understanding movement patterns, particularly at high-risk commingling facilities, is essential for targeted pathogen surveillance and disease mitigation strategies. This repeated cross-sectional study investigated calf movement patterns and detection of Salmonella spp. (including Salmonella Dublin) within a Midwestern livestock dealer facility, a critical yet underexplored component of the US cattle supply chain. From May to October 2023, records of 1,184 calf movements were analyzed alongside identification of Salmonella spp. by culture and Salmonella Dublin via PCR from environmental sampling. Weekly network metrics were assessed, including number of incoming sources, density, and source stability (Jaccard similarity indexes [JSI]). Mixed-effects logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between movement patterns and pen-level pathogen detection. Results revealed a high number of sources and animals passing through the facility, with fluctuating connectivity over time. Environmental sampling confirmed variable Salmonella Dublin presence, with a significant decreasing trend over time, despite peak Salmonella spp. detection in late summer. Weekly movement networks showed variability in source stability, with lower JSI values (i.e., more variation in source ZIP codes) typically preceding increased detection of Salmonella Dublin, suggesting that introduction of new or shifting sources may be a risk factor. These results highlighted the need for further research into which characteristics of these new sources, such as geography, management practices, or biosecurity, might contribute to Salmonella Dublin presence and potential persistence. Findings from this study underscored the role of livestock dealer networks in pathogen occurrence and reinforced the need for targeted mitigation strategies at such facilities. Strengthening external biosecurity through accurate and accessible intra- and interstate movement records and environmental monitoring is vital for mitigating the risks of Salmonella Dublin, a pathogen of critical concern for public and animal health.

Objective:To investigate the extent of fluid incursion throughout the respiratory tract of anesthetized pigs terminated using 3 different depopulation methods compared to termination by water submersion (H2O). Methods:Inclusion criteria included pigs aged approximately 40 days. The study occurred over 2 consecutive days during spring. Pigs were anesthetized and terminated using their assigned method: water-based foam, high-expansion nitrogen foam, carbon dioxide gas, or H2O. Respiratory tracts were evaluated 3 ways: CT, gross examination, and histopathology. Immediately after death, pigs were CT scanned, and opacity changes were scored. After gross examination, representative tissues were scored microscopically. Results:48 pigs were assigned to 4 treatment groups of 12 pigs each. Compared to all other methods, H2O had higher odds of increased opacities on CT in several proximal structures and bronchi and pulmonary parenchyma of multiple lung lobes. All groups had pulmonary petechiae to regional hemorrhages and subpleural hemorrhages. Emphysema aquosum was observed exclusively in H2O pigs (4 of 12 [33.3%]). Histologically, carbon dioxide gas had 97.8% decreased odds of pulmonary hemorrhage compared to H2O after accounting for sex. Conclusions:Postmortem lesions and CT opacity patterns associated with water-based foam and high-expansion nitrogen foam are dissimilar to H2O. Foam-based methods involve mechanistic differences from drowning through either environmental or occlusional anoxia, not overt fluid inundation of airways. Clinical Relevance:Foam-based methods are valuable candidates for US swine production and must be separated from the mislabel of drowning. Our findings provide new information regarding large-scale depopulation tools for emergency response efforts.

Surplus calves are animals produced by the dairy industry but not retained on the farm as herd replacements, namely, male calves and excess females. These animals primarily enter dairy-beef or veal production systems. In recent years, surplus calf production has come under scrutiny due to welfare concerns, such as health outcomes and housing. To design and implement effective interventions, it is critical to understand the perspectives of industry stakeholders (i.e., calf marketers and calf raisers). However, little research has been conducted in the post-dairy farm surplus calf value chain in the United States. Therefore, the objective of this study was to understand surplus calf marketer and calf raiser perspectives of the strengths and challenges within the surplus calf system in the United States. Twenty-two telephone interviews were conducted from June 2023 to January 2024. Participants included 7 dairy-beef raisers, 6 veal industry stakeholders, 5 livestock market representatives, and 4 calf dealers. Individuals were located throughout the Northeast and Midwest United States. The interview was designed to take ∼20 min to complete. Mean (range) interview duration was 31 min (11 to 69). Interviews were recorded, anonymized, and transcribed. Transcripts were then analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Most participants expressed satisfaction with their day-to-day management strategies (e.g., health and nutrition programs, proficient personnel). When questioned about challenges or opportunities for improvement, participants discussed labor issues, lack of industry expertise in advisors, and concerns regarding long-distance transport as a stressor for calves. Disaggregation and lack of communication between stakeholders was perceived to cause difficulties during surplus calf transport. Improving communication between stakeholders may improve transport conditions and subsequently address other challenges expressed by participants, such as calf health on arrival at calf raisers. Future work to streamline calf marketing, as well as bolstering resources available to calf growers, may be beneficial to the industry. Additional qualitative work to ensure a broad representation of stakeholder perspectives, particularly from other regions, may yield additional research avenues.

The risk of a foreign animal disease coming into the United States and threatening the swine industry necessitates the need for enhanced biosecurity plans to mitigate risks to premises. Although most biosecurity information is aimed and created for larger producers and isn't appropriate for smaller producers, such as swine exhibitors. Swine exhibitors are a niche group who raise swine differently than large producers and travel extensively with their animals. This study sought out to; develop a SPS plan template adapted from the SPS framework that would be suitable for swine exhibitors' biosecurity features; describe basic demographics and existence of biosecurity plan (and their features) for the target population; and investigate the association between having a previous biosecurity plan on site and demographic factors (number of pigs, type of housing, presence of other animal species in the premise and geographical region) as well as potential exposure to feral swine under their current housing conditions. These objectives were accomplished by attending twelve swine exhibitions within a year and a half to assist 161 individuals in the creation of personalized biosecurity plans for their premises, while obtaining additional study data. This study found no significant relationship between demographic factors and previously having a biosecurity plan, but that only 31.8 % of participants had previous biosecurity plans on their premise. However, swine exhibitors with existing biosecurity plans had more than 3-fold higher odds of acknowledging housing conditions with potential of feral swine contact compared to swine exhibitors without preexisting biosecurity plans. These findings indicate the need for additional efforts to assist swine exhibitors in creating biosecurity plans at shows across the United States.

Water-based foam (WBF) is an effective depopulation method for poultry, pigs, and cattle. We evaluated WBF as an effective means for the depopulation of sheep and goats. First, anesthetized sheep and goats (N = 6 per species) were terminated to prove lethality. Then, conscious animals (N = 58 sheep, 60 goats) were observed for distress behaviors during foam administration, with a subset of animals implanted with bio-loggers to determine time to cessation of movement (COM) and cardiac death. Two vocalizations were counted in sheep, while no distress behaviors were observed in goats. Average times (mm: ss ± SD) to COM and fatal cardiac rhythm were 03:05 ± 00:13 and 11:09 ± 04:32 in sheep, and 02:55 ± 00:14 and 11:01 ± 05:18 min in goats, respectively. In a separate trial, electroencephalogram (EEG) waveforms were captured (N = 13 per species) to determine time to cortical death. Average time from WBF application to transitional EEG and isoelectric EEG was 02:40 ± 00:12 and 04:10 ± 00:13 in sheep and 01:48 ± 00:14 and 3:28 ± 00:19 in goats, respectively. Based on our findings, we found WBF to be a reliable and efficient method for depopulating adult sheep and goats.

The increasing threat of emerging infectious diseases affecting animal and human populations has prompted closer investigation into how movement-linked interactions contribute to geographic spread of pathogens. Animal movements are a key factor in the spread of diseases like Foot-and-Mouth-Disease and Avian Influenza. Network analysis of animal movement data has become a powerful tool for identifying transmission dynamics and informing disease control. However, a systematic evaluation of its applications across species is lacking. This study addresses this knowledge gap through a systematic evaluation of existing evidence. A modified scoping review was conducted following PRISMA-ScR guidelines and a Population, Index test, and Target condition research structure. Articles published between 1975 and 2024 were retrieved from six databases. Inclusion criteria focused on network analysis research explicitly mentioning livestock and poultry movements. Quantitative analyses in R and thematic analysis in NVIVO provided insights into key network applications. Our review of 203 studies across 52 countries highlighted a steady rise in network-based approaches since 2006, particularly after the 2001 Foot-and-Mouth-Disease outbreak. Cattle (40.3%) were the most studied species, followed by swine (33.2%) and poultry (13.0%). Five themes emerged: network structure, epidemic modeling, targeted control, outbreak analysis, and network inference. These applications demonstrated the flexibility of network analysis in veterinary epidemiology. However, challenges persist due to data accessibility, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Limited standardized movement data hinder cross-country comparisons and epidemiological insights. Expanding data collection, incorporating weighted connections, and integrating economic and geographic factors could enhance network-techniques. In conclusion, network analysis is a powerful framework for identifying high-risk nodes and designing targeted interventions. Future efforts must improve data standardization, temporal movement dynamics, and incorporate multiple transmission pathways to fully capture the complexity of movement networks and their role in pathogen spread. Moreover, strengthening industry-academic collaborations is crucial for optimizing network-based strategies.

Air quality on swine farms has long been a concern for both human and swine health as it has been previously linked with respiratory issues; the main cause being the inhalation of small airborne particulate matter (PM) < 10 μm in diameter. Negative ionizing systems have previously been successfully used to improve air quality in human residential- and commercial buildings as well in agricultural settings. However, less is known about the efficacy of negative ionizing systems in commercial swine farrowing environments. Thus, the objective of this study was to use a swine farrowing environment to evaluate the effects of a negative air ionization system on 1) the quantity of airborne gaseous and particulate matter, and 2) swine health and production parameters. Six farrowing rooms containing 60 sows each were installed with 30 negative ionization systems per room. Three out of six rooms were randomly allocated between active ionization (L-ON) or inactive ionization (L-OFF) between farrowing rounds (N = 4). For each round, measurements of PM2.5, PM10, Ammonia (NH3), hydrogen sulfide gas (H2S), temperature, and humidity were collected twice a week, in the morning and afternoon at two heights, pig level (61 cm) and human level (152 cm). Pig performance metrics (parity, number of piglets born, number of live piglets born, piglet mortality, fostered piglets, and number of weaned pigs) were collected at the end of each batch. Comparisons between L-ON and L-OFF treatments were conducted by averaging room and day specific measurements for all days when rotating rooms shared contrasting treatments. Each room-specific L-ON treatment was then compared to all other L-OFF rooms using a linear regression model. No statistically significant differences were found between treatments for PM2.5 or PM10 at the pig nor human level. However, numerical reductions in the cumulative increase of PM2.5, and PM10 for L-ON rooms compared to L-OFF rooms were found in 60% of the L-ON rooms. One out of five L-ON rooms showed statistically slower buildup of NH3 concentrations compared to L-OFF rooms (P < 0.01) and 60% of the L-ON rooms had significantly slower buildup of H2S concentrations compared to L-OFF rooms (P < 0.01). No effect on production metrics were found between treatments. In conclusion, indications of improved air quality were found in this study, but given the complexity of these types of assessments, further work is needed to conclude the efficacy of negative ionization systems in commercial farrowing systems.

Ornithobacterium rhinotrachealis (ORT) and Pasteurella multocida (PM) are two major bacterial pathogens affecting the United States (US) commercial turkey industry. This retrospective observational case-case study aimed to investigate the association between land cover and confirmed disease occurrences attributed to PM or ORT in commercial turkey sites located in the Midwestern US A total of 65 farms from one poultry production company were included, where 28 had PM disease occurrences and 37 had ORT disease occurrences between 2014 and 2021. Risk factors of interest included land cover types (wetlands, forest, urban, pasture, herbaceous, barren, shrub), poultry-farm density in the area, and season and year of confirmed outbreak(s). A multivariable logistic regression model revealed that for every 1 m increase in distance from a farm to the nearest wetland, the odds of a confirmed disease occurrence related to PM decreased by approximately 0.24% compared to an ORT-related disease occurrence (p = 0.004). Meanwhile, PM occurrence during 2014-2017 was 98.5% higher than 2018-2019 and 93.2% higher than in 2020-2021. Broadly, the findings contribute to the dearth of research on land cover and turkey respiratory diseases and demonstrate that land cover is an important consideration for farm management and future study.

Influenza A virus (IAV) in swine is a major respiratory pathogen with global significance. This study aimed to characterize the macroepidemiological patterns of IAV detection using reverse transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-rtPCR) assays, including subtype identification, in samples submitted between January 2004 and December 2024 to veterinary diagnostic laboratories (VDLs) participating in the Swine Disease Reporting System (SDRS). A secondary objective was establishing an IAV monitoring capability to inform stakeholders of weekly changes in IAV detection patterns. Of the 372,659 samples submitted, 31% tested positive for IAV RNA via RT-rtPCR. The most frequent sample types were oral fluids (44.1%) and lung tissue (38.7%). Submissions from the wean-to-market category had a higher positivity rate (34.4%) than those from the adult/sow farm category (26.9%). IAV detection followed a seasonal pattern, with peaks in spring and fall and lower positivity rates in summer. Of the total of 118,490 samples tested for IAV subtyping using RT-rtPCR, the most frequently detected subtypes were H1N1 (33.1%), H3N2 (25.5%), H1N2 (24.3%), H3N1 (0.2%), mixed subtypes (5.4%), and partial subtype detection (11.5%). Mixed IAV subtypes were detected in individual samples—including lung tissue, nasal swabs, and bronchoalveolar lavage—indicating co-infection with two or more IAV strains. For IAV forecasting, a combined model using dynamic regression and a neural network outperformed individual models in 2023, achieving the lowest root mean square error (RMSE) and an improved overall skill score. This study highlights the importance of using laboratory submission data for IAV surveillance and macroepidemiological analysis. The findings provide valuable insights into IAV dynamics and highlight the need for standardized monitoring systems in VDLs to enhance understanding of IAV in swine populations across the United States.

Timely and humane euthanasia is crucial for animal welfare on swine farms, yet challenges persist in its implementation, particularly in Brazil, where the responsibility often falls to caretakers lacking training. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of swine caretakers regarding euthanasia across non-integrated farms (ranging from 1,000 to 3,500 housed sows) and different experience levels (from less than a month to 40 years working with pigs). A total of 117 people directly working with pigs participated in a survey designed to evaluate their decision-making skills, euthanasia competencies, and understanding of Brazilian guidelines for euthanasia methods. Using Cluster analysis, we identified two distinct groups of caretakers: (1) Empathetic, self-sufficient, apathetic about euthanasia; and (2) Empathetic, knowledge seeker, uncomfortable with euthanasia. Both Clusters exhibited high empathy toward pigs and confidence in identifying sick animals but differed in their attitudes toward euthanasia. The risk factor analysis showed a tendency for younger respondents (under 36 years old) and those from smaller farms (less than 2,000 sows) were more likely to belong to Cluster 2, while older caretakers (over 36 years) and those working on larger farms (more than 2,000 housed sows) tended to belong to Cluster 1. Furthermore, a significant proportion of caretakers lacked knowledge of the euthanasia Brazilian guidelines, as evidenced by incorrect responses regarding acceptable euthanasia methods, such as performing cardiac perforation or using non-penetrating captive bolt guns on growing-finishing pigs. This study highlights the variability in caretaker experience and attitudes toward euthanasia, suggesting a critical need for targeted training programs and euthanasia protocols that address both emotional and practical aspects. Improved understanding of caretaker attitudes can enhance both human and animal welfare on farms.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is the most important swine pathogen affecting the United States of America (USA), leading to significant economic losses. Despite advances in diagnostic testing, there remains a gap in understanding the genetic evolution of PRRSV, especially in tracking the emergence of novel sequences and their spread across different regions and production stages. This research addresses this gap by developing a systematic methodology for directly collecting and analyzing PRRSV ORF5 sequences from veterinary diagnostic laboratories. The study aimed to identify trends among collected sequences and emerging PRRSV sequences by integrating nucleotide sequence data with metadata, providing critical insights into their geographic distribution, collected specimens, swine age groups, lineages, variants, and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) patterns. As of December 2024, the database housed 115,643 PRRSV ORF5 sequences. Sublineages 1B, 1A, 1H, and 1C.5 were the major wild-type PRRSV sequences detected over time, whereas vaccine-like strains comprised mostly of sublineages 5A and 8A. A novel sequence detection system was implemented, categorizing sequences based on similarity thresholds, ambiguities, and length criteria, identifying 167 novel sequences for the period between 2010 and 2024, whereas only three had continued detection in the field over time, forming clusters of detection. The analysis of these novel sequences highlighted significant trends, including the dominance of grow-finish animals in sequence origin and the high number of detections of sublineage 5A. Production sites located in states with the largest swine inventory have contributed to the most frequent detection of new PRRSV strains. Additionally, the development of a web-based tool provides end users with the capability to search sequences similar to their query sequence, providing macroepidemiological information and genetic sequence features to support PRRSV management and control. Real-time PRRSV sequencing data analysis informs producers and veterinarians of any upcoming novel sequences and trends of detection. The findings are intended to enhance current surveillance efforts and support more effective strategies for managing PRRSV outbreaks, ultimately safeguarding animal health, economic sustainability in the swine industry, and ultimately contributing to national food production sovereignty through pork-derived products.

The emergence and rapid spread of Foreign Animal Diseases (FADs) pose ongoing threats to animal and human health. Specifically, the swine industry faces constant risks of disease introduction, with African Swine Fever among the foremost concerns. Despite numerous national and local initiatives aimed at supporting swine stakeholders in FAD preparedness, the focus has predominantly been on large commercial operations, neglecting small-scale stakeholders. This study aimed to assess baseline knowledge and evaluate the effectiveness of an outreach session within small swine stakeholders in the state of Ohio, United States. Utilizing pre- and post-session surveys, we measured changes in short-term knowledge levels among 31 participants across five sessions. Results indicated a significant improvement in participants' knowledge post-session regarding various aspects of FADs recognition, transmission, and outbreak response. Additionally, our analysis identified educational level as the sole factor significantly associated with higher pre-session knowledge levels. These findings highlight the potential of outreach programs designed for small-scale stakeholders to improve biosecurity practices and FAD preparedness.