Developers of SOIP and SHIC encourage the use of the app due to the following benefits:

• All outbreak investigation data and related information (diagnostic reports, animal movement information, etc.) are stored in a centralized database system for easy access and management.
• The platform allows multiple investigators/production/farm staff to access, share, and contribute to the investigation enhancing collaboration across teams.
• The system automatically generates site maps and incorporates daily local weather data during the investigation period.
• Users can generate custom forms allowing for targeted data collection to focus on pathogen entry events during the investigation period.
• The application helps users identify risks through built-in logic to flag responses that may indicate potential biosecurity hazards.
• Completed investigation forms can be automatically compiled into comprehensive reports.
• Facilitates collective learning from the experiences of veterinarians and producers by highlighting the most frequent biosecurity gaps identified across the US swine industry.

For use of the web-based application, veterinarians should contact the Iowa State University-based administrator for access, a one-time process, at [email protected].

The SOIP application can be used by veterinarians and producers to identify and prioritize biosecurity hazards, manage and prevent pathogen introduction, and prepare for seasonal challenges so that production systems can enhance biosecurity control measures accordingly. The development of resources that support continued utilization of the SOIP helps SHIC fulfill its mission to protect and enhance the health of the US swine herd by supporting efforts to prevent, respond to and mitigate emerging, re-emerging, and transboundary swine diseases.