SHIC REQUESTS RESEARCH PROPOSALS TO ADDRESS EMERGING SWINE DISEASE CHALLENGES

Jan 29, 2024

Research provides critical information and resources to help pork producers as they face emerging disease challenges in their swine herds. Research priorities and topics identified in the SHIC 2024 Plan of Work help the Swine Health Information Center fulfill its mission to generate new intelligence for preventing, preparing, and responding to emerging swine disease threats. SHIC has now issued a formal request for proposals inviting submissions to specifically address 11 of the 36 research priorities and topics published in the 2024 Plan of Work, across three of the Center’s five strategic emphases. Proposals are due March 1, 2024, and will undergo a competitive review process for value to the pork industry by a SHIC working group which will provide funding recommendations.

The specific research priorities included in this RFP focus on monitoring and mitigating risks to swine health, responding to emerging disease, and surveillance and discovery of emerging disease. The intent of the RFP is to encourage researchers to develop and submit proposals that specifically address these identified priorities, broaden awareness of funding opportunities to advance SHIC’s 2024 Plan of Work, and to expand the scientific network of researchers and institutions conducting critical research on emerging swine diseases. Funding timely research is an essential component of SHIC providing project outcomes that drive action for emerging disease prevention, preparedness, and mitigation.

Proposals should clearly state the targeted priority that will be addressed through the project. Collaborative projects that include the pork industry, allied industry, academic institutions, and/or public/private partnerships are highly encouraged. Projects that demonstrate the most urgent and timely completion, provide the greatest value to pork producers, and show efficient use of funds will be prioritized for funding. Projects are requested to be completed within a 12-month period with justification being required if the project duration extends beyond 12 months.

Funding available for the SHIC 2024 Plan of Work Research Program priorities included in this RFP is $1.1 million. Individual awards are anticipated to be between $50,000 and $150,000. Budgets exceeding this range require sufficient justification. Projects should strive to be unique, have a high impact, and have industry-wide benefit.

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Video: Swine Industry Advances: Biodigesters Lower Emissions and Increase Profits

Analysis of greenhouse gas (GHG emissions) in the Canadian swine sector found that CH4 emissions from manure were the largest contributor to the overall emissions, followed by emissions from energy use and crop production.

This innovative project, "Improving Swine Manure-Digestate Management Practices Towards Carbon Neutrality With Net Zero Emission Concepts," from Dr. Rajinikanth Rajagopal, under Swine Cluster 4, seeks to develop strategies to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.

While the management of manure can be very demanding and expensive for swine operations, it can also be viewed as an opportunity for GHG mitigation, as manure storage is an emission source built and managed by swine producers. Moreover, the majority of CH4 emissions from manure occur during a short period of time in the summer, which can potentially be mitigated with targeted intervention.

In tandem with understanding baseline emissions, Dr. Rajagopal's work focuses on evaluating emission mitigation options. Manure additives have the potential of reducing manure methane emissions. Additives can be deployed relatively quickly, enabling near-term emission reductions while biodigesters are being built. Furthermore, additives can be a long-term solution at farms where biogas is not feasible (e.g., when it’s too far from a central digester). Similarly, after biodigestion, additives can also be used to further reduce emissions from storage to minimize the carbon intensity of the bioenergy.