Researchers report an analysis of trends in swine pathogens over 50 years that identifies emerging infectious diseases and global networks of research collaboration and pig trade. Pathogens affecting swine can have widespread global impacts, since pork represents more than one-fourth of all protein consumed and more than one-third of all meat produced. Globalization enhances the threat of pathogens to pork production, but little research has addressed global trends in infectious diseases that affect swine. Kimberly VanderWaal and John Deen reviewed more than 57,000 publications from 1966 through 2016 that represented research on 40 swine pathogens. The authors examined trends in publications on pathogens over time, given that publication trends likely reflect trends in research priorities. The number of publications in the last 15 years covering eight pathogens increased faster than general publication trends, suggesting that the pathogens may be emerging and have received increased research funding priority. Additionally, the authors examined multinational networks of swine pathogen research, identifying factors leading to international research collaboration. The authors found that countries were more likely to collaborate if they belonged to the same region, shared a common language, and had a colonial relationship. According to the authors, the results suggest that a global view of emerging threats and established networks can help the swine industry establish policies to reduce vulnerability.
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Article #18-06068 : "Global trends in infectious diseases of swine," by Kimberly VanderWaal and John Deen
MEDIA CONTACT : Kimberly VanderWaal, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN; tel: 530-204-8555; e-mail: kvw@umn.edu
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences