The Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) and the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) have jointly awarded $1.3 million to six research projects aimed at enhancing the U.S. pork industry's preparedness for Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). This proactive initiative is driven by the increasing risk of JEV introduction into the U.S., as the virus has recently spread to new regions, including Australia.
JEV Overview
- Transmission: Spread via infected mosquito bites
- Impact on Swine: Causes reproductive failures, abortions, stillbirths and weak piglets in breeding herds
- U.S. Risk: As a transboundary disease, JEV poses a significant threat to swine health and production
Research Program Overview
- Launched in February 2024, the SHIC/FFAR JEV Research Program sought proposals addressing prevention, detection, mitigation and consumer communication
- From 26 proposals submitted by 23 institutions, six were selected based on their potential impact on U.S. pork producers
- Projects focus on transmission, vector competence, wildlife roles, diagnostics, challenge models and vaccine development
Funded Projects and Goals
Transmission and EpidemiologyPI: Brendan Cowled, Ausvet Pty Ltd
- Study JEV transmission in Australian piggeries
- Identify risk factors for outbreaks
Competent VectorsPI: Angela Bosco-Lauth, Colorado State University
- Evaluate JEV transmission by U.S. mosquito species
- Assess vaccine protection against JEV in swine
Role of WildlifePI: Daniel Peach, University of Georgia
- Investigate the role of wild pigs in JEV spread to farms
DiagnosticsPI: Katharine Bossart, Integrated Research Associates, LLC
- Develop diagnostic tools, including ELISA kits, for JEV detection
Challenge ModelsPI: Juergen Richt, Kansas State University
- Create a pregnant sow model to study JEV’s effects on gestation
Vaccine DevelopmentPI: Thomas Monath, Substipharm Biologics SA
- Adapt the human JEV vaccine (IMOJEV) for use in swine
Expected Outcomes
- Duration: Projects range from 9 to 24 months
- Results will inform preparedness strategies, diagnostic advancements and consumer communication efforts to protect the U.S. swine herd
About SHIC and FFAR
- SHIC: Launched in 2015, SHIC focuses on minimizing the impact of emerging swine diseases through research and communication
- FFAR: Established in 2014, FFAR funds collaborative, impactful food and agriculture research to benefit farmers, consumers and the environment
For more details, visit Swine Health Information Center or contact Dr. Megan Niederwerder ([email protected]) or Dr. Lisa Becton ([email protected]).
