Routine monitoring for shifts in laboratory test results can reveal trends in pathogen activity, seasonality and provide evidence of pathogen emergence, according to a study from the Swine Health Information Center. Study scientists from six veterinary diagnostic labs evaluated different surveillance models to predict novel enteric coronavirus emergence.
Early detection of novel pathogen emergence, even without immediate identification of the specific pathogen, will provide stakeholders with opportunities for proactive responses, biocontainment, resource allocation, diagnostics and awareness.”
Source: National Hog Farmer, August 30, 2024. Link.
INSIGHTS: Not an easy read, the broad take home here is that, if we’re paying attention, there are opportunities to proactively get ahead of an all-out disease break. Studies like this can help animal health pros mitigate risks for producers and understand the value of surveillance.