Delaware Valley University Leads Project to Improve Swine Production Biosecurity in Pennsylvania

Credit: Delaware Valley University. The University is seeking Pennsylvania producers to participate in a questionnaire, which will be used to create resources for producers based on current experiences and challenges.

The University is seeking Pennsylvania producers to participate in a questionnaire as part of the project.

Delaware Valley University, in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Center for Poultry and Livestock Excellence and Penn State Extension, is leading efforts to better understand how Pennsylvania swine producers recognize biosecurity issues and risks. The project is currently seeking Pennsylvania swine producers to provide honest feedback through a brief questionnaire.

The goal is to create a more resilient swine production system in Pennsylvania. Through a producer questionnaire, the University is seeking to better understand how producers think about their roles and options in addressing biohazard risks to their swine production systems.

The results of the questionnaire will be used to create instructional materials tailored to producers’ needs and directly applicable to their production practices. These materials, based on current producers’ experiences and challenges, will more effectively meet the needs of Pennsylvania producers while reducing unnecessary burdens.

The biosecurity questionnaire is being funded through Pennsylvania’s Center for Poultry and Livestock Excellence.

DelVal senior animal science student, Libby Brownawell '20, who is a livestock producer herself, encourages producers to participate in the questionnaire.

"The survey is designed to recognize the changing needs of producers regarding biosecurity, and how the Center for Poultry and Livestock Excellence can provide for those needs," said Brownawell. "This project is not only to benefit the current swine industry and producers, but an effort to create lasting results for the future generations of livestock producers.”

How to Take the Questionnaire:
This questionnaire is for swine producers. It should be completed by the lead operator—that is, the person who makes the most management decisions for the operation. Click here to participate in the questionnaire. If preferred, producers can call the study coordinator to schedule the questionnaire to be taken over-the-phone. Please provide the best day and times for the project team to call back. Additionally, hard copy questionnaires will be mailed through participating organization mailing lists.

For more information, please contact the study coordinator, DelVal Assistant Professor of Animal Science Dr. Chris Gambino at christopher.gambino@delval.edu or 215.489.2332.