Pork Industry Safety & Health Resources
Protecting the health and well-being of the people who keep the pork industry moving is essential on every operation. Access to practical, relevant information can make a difference in managing those risks. Resources here cover key areas including:
- Tick awareness and prevention
- Mental health support
- Influenza prevention and preparedness
- Sun protection
- On-farm safety
Tick Prevention: Protecting Your Health in the Field
Warmer weather brings increased exposure to ticks, especially during long days spent in the field. While easy to overlook, tick bites can have lasting impacts. In some cases, they’ve been linked to Alpha-gal syndrome, which can trigger an allergy to mammalian meat and complicate both diet and livestock exposure—making prevention especially important for pork producers.
Taking a few simple precautions can significantly reduce your risk. Wear long sleeves and pants when possible, use EPA-registered insect repellents, and consider treating clothing and gear with permethrin. Stick to mowed or cleared paths when you can, and avoid walking through tall grass or brush where ticks are common. At the end of the day, check your body, clothing and gear for ticks and shower as soon as possible to help remove any that haven’t attached.
Staying aware and building these habits into your routine can go a long way in protecting your health and keeping you in the field all season long.
Mental Health Resources
Long hours, physical labor, financial stress, isolation, and uncertainty due to weather and market conditions — these factors can contribute to increased stress, anxiety and depression among farmers.
It’s important to take the time to check in with yourself, your family and your neighbors.
Sun Protection: Simple Steps for Long Days Outside
Summer workloads often mean extended time outdoors, making sun protection an important part of your daily routine.
A few simple habits can help reduce exposure. Wear lightweight clothing that covers exposed skin, choose a hat that provides shade for your face and neck and use sunglasses outdoors when possible. Applying sunscreen before heading outside and reapplying during the day can also help, especially during peak afternoon hours. Staying hydrated and taking breaks in shaded areas when available are additional ways to stay more comfortable during hot summer days.
Small preventative steps can go a long way during the busiest time of year.
Influenza Prevention & Preparedness
New cases of Influenza A have been detected in both livestock and humans. As pork producers, understanding the potential threat of influenza viruses in our industry is crucial. Although Influenza A (H5N1) virus has not been confirmed in U.S. swine herds at this time, it is recommended that producers implement biosecurity measures to help reduce the potential spread.
African Swine Fever Prevention and Preparedness
U.S. pork producers must take the necessary steps to protect their farms and the domestic pork industry from the threat of African swine fever (ASF).
The Pork Checkoff has taken a leading role in collaborating with multiple government and industry partners to protect the U.S. from ASF.
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