Protecting Farms, Food and the Future Through Biosecurity

On this page:

• Tools and Resources Available for Producers
• Supporting Show Pig Biosecurity

Strong biosecurity and traceability practices are at the heart of a safe, sustainable and resilient food system. Taking proactive steps to prepare and prevent the spread of disease is critical not only for health and the success of each producer's animals and operations but also to safeguard the entire pork industry and supply chain. Upholding proper biosecurity and traceability measures protects farms, our food supply and the future of agriculture.

Tools and Resources Available for Producers

The National Pork Board uses Pork Checkoff funds to equip producers with the right resources and technology to protect both their herds and their operations. The following tools are available for all types of producers to use for planning, preparing and preventing disease outbreaks.

• Secure Pork Supply (SPS) is a practical business plan for farmers to strengthen their FAD preparedness. This plan provides producers with the tools to be prepared in the event of a disease outbreak, reducing the risk of disease spread by enhanced biosecurity measures. Producers have access to a wide range of resources like checklists, templates, biosecurity manuals, plan examples, signs and posters that support both them and their employees to safeguard the herd against disease.

• AgView® is a contact tracing platform that helps mitigate the spread and damage caused by a potential FAD outbreak. This tool helps producers of all types and sizes securely share location and pig movement data with officials immediately, which helps effectively contain threats and determine where the disease is or is not present. Having traceability tools implemented on farms allows for rapid identification and response that minimizes damage to individual operations and the entire pork industry.

• Certified Swine Sample Collector (CSSC) is a training program that prepares producers to collect and submit diagnostic samples during an outbreak, which is the first action if an outbreak occurs. It is vital to have the training needed to quickly collect the sample and send it in to detect, confirm and control the disease. The curriculum includes FAD videos, resources addressing biosecurity and various sample submission methods.

• U.S. Swine Health Improvement Plan (US SHIP) is a national strategy that involves industry, state and federal partners to safeguard, improve, and report the health of pigs throughout the country and within the supply chain. US SHIP establishes a playbook of technical standards and certifications centered on disease prevention. Enrolling in US SHIP protects, improves and communicates the health of pigs throughout the U.S. At the end of 2024, USDA proposed making U.S. SHIP an official program for "safeguarding, improving and representing the health status of U.S. pigs."¹

Supporting Show Pig Biosecurity

All sectors of the industry, including show pig producers, have a role in keeping pigs healthy and securing the U.S. pork supply. NPB and its state partners are committed to working with the show pig community and providing guidance and resources specific to the industry sector's needs and circumstances.

Team Pork is a state-led initiative designed to strengthen the connection between the show pig sector and the broader pork industry. Launched in 2024 with grant funding awarded to Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio through the Pork Checkoff's state grant program, the initiative has since been represented at shows and events nationwide. Today, multiple states actively participate in key show pig events, promoting youth involvement, biosecurity, and traceability throughout the industry.

As part of its outreach, Team Pork created a video series specifically for show pig producers. The series offers practical tools and highlights biosecurity best practices, while encouraging participation in key state and national programs such as PQA Plus®, YQCA, SPS, AgView®, and U.S. SHIP. These resources emphasize how strong biosecurity and traceability measures can help protect pig health, safeguard the U.S. pork supply, and ensure the long-term sustainability of the show pig industry for future generations.

This summer, exhibitors can catch Team Pork at major events including The Exposition, Team Purebred's National Summer Show, and the National Junior Summer Spectacular.

Team Pork was present at numerous shows and events throughout 2025 and can be found at other major livestock exhibitions this fall.

Follow, support and share the work of the Team Pork initiative through its YouTube, Facebook and Instagram channels.

1: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/news/program-update/aphis-announces-proposed-rule-establish-us-swine-health-improvement-plan