In 2020, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the funding of the United States Swine Health Improvement Plan (US SHIP) pilot program with the goal of enhancing biosecurity, traceability, and disease surveillance for swine.
Twenty-eight states expressed initial interest and enrolled in the US SHIP program. There are now 38 participating states including Wisconsin, and the national program is undergoing codification. Currently, US SHIP addresses risks associated with African Swine Fever (ASF) and Classical Swine Fever (CSF), although stakeholders are investigating the addition of other diseases.
This voluntary program is a collaborative effort with industry, state, and federal partners designing a program to improve the health and marketability of US swine and pork products. US SHIP provides a national platform for standards defined and updated annually by stakeholders. Joining the US SHIP program benefits swine producers for several reasons, including:
- Improving biosecurity, traceability, and disease surveillance for swine health.
- Mitigating the incursion risks of ASF and CSF which is crucial for the health and marketability of U.S. swine.
- Allowing producers to obtain voluntary health certification of disease-monitored status for ASF and CSF.
- Limiting disruptions to international and interstate commerce should U.S. outbreaks occur.
Secure Pork Supply Plan
Secure Pork Supply (SPS) plan is a voluntary national program spearheaded through the Pork Check-off. It is designed to help pork producers protect their herds from Foreign Animal Diseases such as ASF, CSF, and Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), as well as domestic diseases. SPS plan provides opportunities for pork producers to increase their animal disease preparedness. Secure Pork Supply provides guidance for biosecurity, surveillance, traceability, quarantines, and movement controls of swine.
More information can be found: Secure Pork Supply Plan
More information about other species' supply plans can be found: DATCP Home Secure Food Supply
Why SHIP and Secure Pork Supply Plan?
Although the United States is classified as free from ASF, CSF, and FMD, the threat of those diseases entering the U.S. still stands. ASF, CSF, and FMD are highly contagious viral diseases of swine with severe economic consequences. Adopting proven biosecurity principles and participating in the U.S. SHIP program can help mitigate the risk of acquiring or transmitting these diseases and others.
There are many domestic infectious swine diseases, including Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV) and Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS). The best weapon for fighting the spread of infectious diseases is biosecurity: minimizing contact between pigs from different locations, cleaning and disinfecting anything coming in contact with swine and swine products and establishing a “clean crossing" or line of separation between potentially infected and clean areas.
How to Enroll
To enroll in SHIP please fill out this form: U.S. Swine Health Improvement Plan - Single Premises US SHIP Enrollment Form. This form can then be emailed to Sydneys.uselman@wisconsin.gov to get enrollment and certification started.
For more information about the US SHIP program, Secure Pork Supply planning, or creating your own SPS Plan, contact Sydney Uselman, US SHIP Coordinator:
For more information regarding other species' secure food supply plan, contact Rich Lavigne, Secure Food Supply Coordinator: