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Abstract: Shortening Duration of Swine Exhibitions to Reduce Risk for Zoonotic Transmission of Influenza A Virus

Abstract: Shortening Duration of Swine Exhibitions to Reduce Risk for Zoonotic Transmission of Influenza A Virus

Reducing zoonotic influenza A virus (IAV) risk in the United States necessitates mitigation of IAV in exhibition swine. We evaluated the effectiveness of shortening swine exhibitions to <72 hours to reduce IAV risk. We longitudinally sampled every pig daily for the full duration of 16 county fairs during 2014-2015 (39,768 nasal wipes from 6,768 pigs). In addition, we estimated IAV prevalence at 195 fairs during 2018-2019 to test the hypothesis that <72-hour swine exhibitions would have lower IAV prevalence. In both studies, we found that shortening duration drastically reduces IAV prevalence in exhibition swine at county fairs. Reduction of viral load in the barn within a county fair is critical to reduce the risk for interspecies IAV transmission and pandemic potential. Therefore, we encourage fair organizers to shorten swine shows to protect the health of both animals and humans.

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Turning Data into Better Decisions: BioCV's Intelligent Monitoring System for Modern Pork Producers

Video: Turning Data into Better Decisions: BioCV's Intelligent Monitoring System for Modern Pork Producers

In this exclusive interview, Jens Kjaer, CEO of BioCV Inc., discusses the North American launch of the BioCV Intelligent Sow Monitoring System and how advanced sensor technology and machine learning are changing the way producers manage sow herds. Using smart ear tags that continuously monitor temperature, behavior, and movement, the system provides real-time alerts for heat detection, farrowing, fever, lameness, and other critical health events—often before they become visible to barn staff.

Kjaer explains how the technology helps producers improve breeding efficiency, reduce non-productive days, identify health challenges earlier, and better support sows during farrowing. He also shares how BioCV's predictive analytics can help operations optimize labor, improve piglet survival, reduce sow losses, and enhance overall productivity in today's increasingly data-driven swine industry.

Learn how this innovative technology is giving producers actionable insights on every sow, every day, helping teams move from reactive management to proactive decision-making while improving both animal welfare and profitability. www.biocv.info/lisa-sow