The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has proposed establishing the U.S. Swine Health Improvement Plan (US SHIP) as a national, voluntary program to enhance the health status of U.S. swine herds. This initiative aims to certify participating sites as monitored for diseases like African swine fever (ASF) and classical swine fever (CSF), thereby safeguarding the industry and facilitating uninterrupted commerce during disease outbreaks.
APHIS is currently seeking public comments on this proposal, with the comment period open until January 30, 2025. Stakeholders, including swine producers, veterinarians, and industry representatives, are encouraged to review the proposed regulations and provide feedback to ensure the program’s effectiveness and practicality.
In Oklahoma, the swine industry plays a significant role in the state’s agricultural economy. As of December 1, 2024, Oklahoma’s hog and pig inventory was estimated at 2.14 million head, a 1% increase from the previous year. The state’s pig crop for 2023 totaled 8.77 million head, marking a 3% rise from 2022. Additionally, Oklahoma’s pork production in 2023 reached 2.07 billion pounds, reflecting a 3% increase from the prior year.
Given the importance of swine production in Oklahoma, local producers and industry stakeholders are particularly encouraged to participate in the public comment process. Engaging with the proposed US SHIP regulations offers an opportunity to influence policies that directly impact the health and sustainability of swine operations within the state.
To review the proposed rule and submit comments, visit https://www.regulations.gov/document/APHIS-2022-0061-0001.
For more information about swine diseases and the existing US SHIP pilot program, visit the APHIS website. For educational purposes only. This blog post does not constitute legal advice.
References:
- APHIS Announces Proposed Rule to Establish U.S. Swine Health Improvement Plan as a Federal Regulatory Program. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/news/program-update/aphis-announces-proposed-rule-establish-us-swine-health-improvement-plan. Visited Jan. 14, 2025.
- Quarterly Hog and Pig Report, December 2024 https://data.nass.usda.gov/Statistics_by_State/Oklahoma/Publications/Recent_Reports/2024/spr-hogs-12-2024.pdf. Visited Jan. 14, 2025.
- Annual Pork Review, August 2024. https://data.nass.usda.gov/Statistics_by_State/Oklahoma/Publications/Recent_Reports/2024/ok-pork-review-2024.pdf. Visited Jan. 14, 2025