The Swine Health Information Center partnered with the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research and the Pork Checkoff to fund a $4 million research program to enhance prevention, preparedness, mitigation, and response capabilities for H5N1 influenza in the US swine herd. The first RFP was announced in November 2024 and resulted in 10 H5N1 research projects being funded in 2025 for a total of $2.2 million. A second RFP was announced in January 2026 outlining seven priorities not yet adequately addressed in the first 10 projects. By March 2026, a total of 42 proposals were received from 26 different organizations across three countries. Proposals will undergo competitive review for funding recommendations based on value to US pork producers.
The continued outbreaks of H5N1 influenza in livestock, poultry and other species highlight the potential threat of this pathogen to the US swine industry. Research priorities for the second H5N1 Risk to Swine RFP are designed to further strengthen US swine industry prevention and preparedness as well as inform response efforts should H5N1 be introduced into the commercial swine herd. The 42 proposals received are expected to address H5N1 Risk to Swine research priorities described in the detailed Request for Research Proposals including topic areas of 1) diagnostic surveillance, 2) introduction and transmission risks, 3) caretakers of pigs, 4) biosecurity practices, 5) safety of pork, 6) mitigating production impact, and 7) business continuity.
Upon completion of the competitive review process, project awards are expected to be announced in the summer of 2026. Projects demonstrating the most urgent needs and timeliness of completion, providing the greatest value to US pork producers, and showing efficient use of funds will be prioritized for funding. Results will be shared with producers and veterinarians as soon as they become available.
Critical research investments are necessary to understand and prevent H5N1 incursion, ensure rapid detection of H5N1 if introduced, protect animal and caretaker health, inform stakeholder response, mitigate production losses on the farm, identify effective control measures, and develop clear messaging to consumers on the safety of pork. Outcomes from the funded proposals will provide critical information that producers, veterinarians, and industry stakeholders can use to better prevent incursion and develop preparedness plans if H5N1 is identified in commercial swine herds within the US.
Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research
The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) builds public-private partnerships to fund bold research addressing big food and agriculture challenges. FFAR was established in the 2014 Farm Bill to increase public agriculture research investments, fill knowledge gaps and complement the U.S. Department Agriculture’s research agenda. FFAR’s model matches federal funding from Congress with private funding, delivering a powerful return on taxpayer investment. Through collaboration and partnerships, FFAR advances actionable science benefiting farmers, consumers and the environment.
Swine Health Information Center
The Swine Health Information Center, launched in 2015 with Pork Checkoff funding, protects and enhances the health of the US swine herd by minimizing the impact of emerging disease threats through preparedness, coordinated communications, global disease monitoring, analysis of swine health data, and targeted research investments. As a conduit of information and research, SHIC encourages sharing of its publications and research. Forward, reprint, and quote SHIC material freely. For more information, visit http://www.swinehealth.org or contact Dr. Megan Niederwerder at [email protected] or Dr. Lisa Becton at [email protected].
