Swine Health Information Center officials are working with Kansas State University researchers to look at using dust samples to monitor for swine pathogens in U.S. feed mills. The Center’s Executive Director Dr. Paul Sundberg says the work they’ve done so far shows it’s possible to transmit swine pathogens through feed.
He says a single swab of feed mill dust can be analyzed for multiple feed-based bacteria and viruses, a low cost tool that could be used to help address feed safety.
Sundberg says the strategy of using dust samples can be employed to minimize the risk of Foreign Animal Disease entry into feed mills including viruses such as Foot and Mouth Disease and Seneca Virus.
Sundberg sees this research as an innovative way to define herd health risks for pork producers. He adds this is the first time this type of research has been attempted.
