SHIC Encourages Use of Standardized Outbreak Investigation App

Sep 16, 2024

The Swine Health Information Center’s Standardized Outbreak Investigation Program (SOIP), introduced in early 2023, includes both a downloadable standardized outbreak investigation Word-based form and a web-based application. Developed to meet an industry need for a standardized tool to conduct disease outbreak investigations, this expert-built application provides a mechanism for consistent data collection to identify gaps and drive sustainable progress on biosecurity. For use of the web-based version, veterinarians should contact the Iowa State University-based administrator for access, a one-time process, at soip@iastate.edu.

While both a downloadable and web-based version of the standardized outbreak investigation form is available, its developers and SHIC encourage the use of the app due to the benefits listed below:

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Video: Agriculture Secretary Rollins Speaks at American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim

One of the highlights at the 2026 American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim, California, was an address by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. During her remarks, she thanked America’s farmers and ranchers and said the Trump Administration is fully aware that food security is national security.

She also acknowledged the challenging times in Farm Country with low commodity prices and high input costs and said that’s why the President stepped in to help with the recent Bridge Assistance Program.

Montana Farm Bureau Federation Executive Vice President Scott Kulbeck says that Farm Bureau members are appreciative of the help and looks forward to working with the American Farm Bureau Federation and its presence in Washington, DC to keep farmers and ranchers in business.

Secretary Rollins said the Trump Administration is also committed to helping ranchers build back America’s cattle herd while also providing more high-quality U.S. beef at the meat case for consumers.

And she also announced more assistance for specialty crop producers who only received a fraction of the $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA).

It’s important to note that producers who qualify for Farmer Bridge Assistance can expect the Farm Service Agency to start issuing payments in late February. For more information, farmers and ranchers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center.