# Pig Farm Cost of Production Records ## Key Takeaways - **Comprehensive Cost Categorization is Foundational:** Accurate cost of production records necessitate detailed tracking of feed (quantity, price, composition, FCR), labor (hours per pig, wage rates), health (veterinary services, medications, diagnostics), utilities (electricity, water, heating), mortality (pre- and post-weaning loss, cause), facility (depreciation, maintenance, rent), and market data (sale price, grade adjustments, fees). - **Integration of Cost and Performance Metrics is Crucial:** Cost data must be analyzed in conjunction with production performance indicators such as litter size, weaning weight, days to market, and feed conversion ratio to accurately determine cost per pig weaned or cost per kilogram of live weight sold, as poor FCR can negate low feed prices. - **Phase-Specific Cost Analysis Drives Efficiency:** Cost structures vary significantly between breeding, nursery, and grow-finish phases; recording costs separately for each stage allows producers to pinpoint inefficiencies, such as pre-weaning mortality impacting the cost per weaned pig or grow-finish mortality affecting cost per kilogram sold. - **Health and Biosecurity Data Directly Impact Economic Outcomes:** Systematic health observation and recording of morbidity, mortality (by cause and weight), and biosecurity expenditures (disinfectants, personal protective equipment, quarantine protocols) are essential for quantifying disease-related losses and justifying investments in preventive measures, as demonstrated by the significant economic impact of diseases like PRRS. - **Regular Monitoring and Benchmarking Enable Proactive Management:** Monthly cost summaries and quarterly reviews, benchmarked against industry standards (e.g., USDA NAHMS), are vital for early detection of cost overruns, identifying deviations from expected performance, and informing strategic planning, particularly when dealing with volatile input prices or disease challenges. - **Data Quality and Uncertainty Management are Paramount:** While precise recording of health events (clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment) and cost components is critical, acknowledging and managing uncertainty (e.g., subclinical disease, underreported mortality) through multiple data sources and professional veterinary consultation is necessary for robust decision-making. --- Systematic cost of production records are the basis for evaluating economic efficiency and guiding management decisions in commercial pig farms. These records must capture feed, labor, health, utilities, mortality, facility, and market data to support accurate benchmarking, variance analysis, and strategic planning. Without standardized recording, producers cannot identify the true drivers of profitability or respond effectively to changes in input prices or disease challenges. Decision-making relies on historical data and continuous monitoring, however, cost structures vary by region, production phase, and facility type, so producers should adapt benchmarking approaches to their own context and consult local extension services for region-specific guidance. ## At a Glance | Cost Category | Key Record,Keeping Considerations | |---------------|-----------------------------------| | Feed | Quantity purchased, price per ton, [feed conversion ratio](/knowledge/animal-farming/poultry/feed-conversion-ratio-measuring-improving-poultry-efficiency), ingredient composition | | Labor | Hours per pig produced, wage rates, overtime, seasonal adjustments | | Health | Veterinary visits, medication and vaccine costs, diagnostic fees, biosecurity materials | | Utilities | Electricity, water, heating, ventilation expenses, monthly consumption logs | | Mortality | Pre,weaning and grow,finish death loss counts, cause,of,death classification | | Facility | Depreciation schedule, maintenance and repair costs, rent or mortgage payments | | Market | Sale price per kg, carcass grade premiums or discounts, transport and commission fees | A complete cost analysis integrates these categories with production data, such as weaning age and average daily gain, to calculate cost per pig weaned and cost per kilogram of live weight sold. This table summarizes the primary input areas that every commercial record system should include. ## System Context: The Role of Cost Records in Commercial Swine Production ### Defining the Cost Structure Cost of production records serve as the foundation for enterprise budgeting and financial benchmarking. In commercial pig production, total costs are partitioned into variable and fixed components. Variable costs, such as feed and veterinary inputs, change directly with the number of pigs produced. Fixed costs, including facility depreciation and insurance, remain stable over a production cycle. Without detailed records, producers cannot separate these categories, which limits their ability to assess the impact of scale or disease outbreaks. The [FAO Animal Production and Health program](https://www.fao.org/animal-production/en/) provides frameworks for cost classification in livestock enterprises, emphasizing the need to track both direct and indirect costs. ### Integrating Records with Production Data Cost data alone are insufficient, they must be paired with performance indicators such as litter size, weaning weight, days to market, and feed conversion ratio. For example, a low feed cost per ton does not guarantee low cost per kilogram of gain if feed conversion is poor. Similarly, high mortality rates, whether from disease or management failures, directly inflate the cost per surviving pig. The [USDA National Animal Health Monitoring System](https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/nahms) regularly surveys swine operations to correlate health events with productivity losses, supporting the integration of health records into cost analyses. Producers should treat cost records as a continuous feedback loop, where current expenses and production outcomes inform adjustments for the next cycle. ## Planning Decisions Based on Historical Cost Data ### Budgeting and Cash Flow Historical cost records allow managers to project future cash needs and set realistic budgets. Feed accounts for the largest single outlay in most pig production systems, often exceeding 60 percent of total variable costs. Accurate feed cost records, including storage losses and price changes, enable producers to lock in contracts or adjust rations when margins tighten. Labor records help identify peak workload periods and can support decisions about hired versus family labor. Uncertainty arises when input prices are volatile or when disease outbreaks alter production timelines, under such conditions, producers should consult with economists or extension specialists instead of relying solely on past averages. ### Comparing Production Phases Cost structures differ markedly between the breeding herd, nursery, and grow,finish phases. A farrow,to,finish operation must allocate feed, labor, and facility costs across these stages. For instance, pre,weaning mortality directly increases the cost of each weaned pig, while grow,finish mortality affects the cost per kilogram sold. [USDA APHIS Livestock and Poultry Disease](https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease) reports document the economic impact of diseases such as [porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome](/knowledge/viruses/general/porcine-reproductive-and-respiratory-syndrome-genomic-surveillance-and-vaccine-strategies-using-bioinformatics), which can increase mortality and reduce growth rates, thereby altering the cost profile across phases. Phase,specific records allow producers to pinpoint where inefficiencies occur and prioritize interventions. ## Core Management Framework for Cost Tracking ### Standardized Data Collection A systematic approach requires defining what to record, when, and in what units. Feed records should include quantity, date, and per,unit cost, labor records should capture hours per activity, health records must log each treatment and its cost. The [Merck Veterinary Manual](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/) and [WOAH Terrestrial Animal Health Code](https://www.woah.org/en/what-we-do/standards/codes-and-manuals/terrestrial-code-online-access/) provide guidance on disease surveillance and reporting, which supports the classification of health costs as preventive or outbreak,related. Producers should use consistent definitions across months and years to enable valid comparisons. ### Regular Cost Analysis Intervals Cost records should be summarized at least monthly and reviewed quarterly. Frequent analysis allows early detection of cost overruns, such as rising feed waste or unexpected utility spikes. At the same time, seasonal variation in market prices and feed costs must be accounted for, a single month of high mortality does not necessarily indicate a systemic problem unless the trend persists. When integrating cost records with production data, producers should use rolling averages to smooth short,term fluctuations. For disease outbreaks that generate large veterinary and mortality costs, the economic impact can be assessed using models such as those described in the [assessment of PRRS economic impact on US swine production](https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/23244461281). These models illustrate how cost records, when combined with epidemiological data, can inform decisions about vaccination, depopulation, and biosecurity upgrades. Nevertheless, the accuracy of any cost,benefit analysis depends on the quality and completeness of the underlying records. Producers uncertain about their recording methods should seek training from their state extension service or professional herd,recording organizations. ## Facility and Environmental Records Facility costs represent a fixed but significant portion of total production expense, and accurate records of housing depreciation, maintenance, and utilities are essential for break-even analysis. [FAO Animal Production and Health](https://www.fao.org/animal-production/en/) guidance emphasizes that barn type, ventilation system, and flooring material directly affect pig performance and thus cost per unit output. Producers must track construction or renovation amortization, repair frequency, and energy consumption separately for farrowing, nursery, and finishing units. Utility records,electricity for fans, heaters, lights, and water pumps,should be recorded monthly and compared against seasonal norms to detect equipment inefficiency. The [Merck Veterinary Manual](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/) notes that inadequate ventilation increases respiratory disease prevalence, which raises medication costs and reduces feed conversion, therefore, energy cost data must be interpreted alongside health event logs. Manure management is another facility-related cost that includes storage, hauling, and land application. The [Assessment of the economic impact of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome on swine production in the United States](https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/23244461281) (2005) demonstrates how facility design influences disease transmission and subsequent economic losses, records of slurry pit capacity, pumping frequency, and nutrient content are required for regulatory compliance and for estimating cost per pig sold. Environmental efficiency records, as discussed in the materials balance condition literature [Environmental efficiency measurement and the materials balance condition](https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/34548580889) (2007), help producers balance nutrient inputs (feed) with outputs (manure) to avoid excess fertilizer cost or environmental penalties. Pig flow scheduling is a production-stage decision that ties directly to facility utilization, empty days between batches represent lost revenue that should be recorded as an opportunity cost. ## Nutrition and Water Cost Monitoring Feed constitutes the largest variable cost on most pig farms, and detailed records of ingredient prices, ration formulation, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) are mandatory for profitability analysis. [FAO Animal Production and Health](https://www.fao.org/animal-production/en/) resources advise tracking feed inventory by phase (starter, grower, finisher) and recording each purchase lot’s cost per tonne, including delivery fees. Water consumption is equally important, the [Merck Veterinary Manual](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/) discusses that water intake affects feed intake and that water quality testing (pH, total dissolved solids, bacterial counts) is part of routine cost management. Records of water meter readings at the barn level allow calculation of cost per pig and detection of leaks that inflate utility bills. Feed cost per kilogram of gain should be calculated separately for each production stage, the [USDA National Animal Health Monitoring System](https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/nahms) routinely reports FCR benchmarks, and producers must compare their own records against these standards to identify inefficiency. Nutrition decisions at the production stage level include phase feeding to match amino acid requirements. Failure to record actual feed disappearance and body weight gains leads to inaccurate FCR estimates and misallocation of feed cost across groups. The three PubMed records [42421844](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42421844/), [42375513](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42375513/), and [42372913](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42372913/) provide evidence that feed recording errors propagate into herd health assessments and economic models, precise records are needed to calculate the cost of subclinical disease that reduces growth without increasing mortality. ## Production-Stage Decisions and Records Each production phase (breeding, gestation, farrowing, nursery, grow-finish) generates distinct cost streams that must be recorded separately to support stage-specific management decisions. For breeding herd records, the [Assessment of the economic impact of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus on United States pork producers](https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/84874844948) (2013) illustrates how PRRS losses are concentrated in the farrowing and nursery stages, with reduced litter size and pre-weaning mortality incurring feed, labor, and opportunity costs. Records of sow parity, weaning-to-service interval, farrowing rate, and piglets born alive allow calculation of cost per weaned pig. Labor records should differentiate between tasks: breeding, farrowing assistance, vaccination, and cleaning. The [WOAH Terrestrial Animal Health Code](https://www.woah.org/en/what-we-do/standards/codes-and-manuals/terrestrial-code-online-access/) provides biosecurity standards that affect labor time and material costs, recording footbath maintenance, shower-in/shower-out protocols, and downtime between barns is necessary for biosecurity cost analysis. For nursery and finishing stages, mortality records by barn and by month are critical. The [USDA APHIS Livestock and Poultry Disease](https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease) data shows that culling decisions and death loss directly reduce output and increase per-pig fixed costs. Producers must log mortality cause (if diagnosed) and weight at death to estimate the lost potential revenue. Market records include sale weight, price per kilogram, and basis adjustments. Marketing decisions,early sale due to premium, late sale due to discount,affect total revenue and must be recorded for futures price comparisons. ## Welfare Records and Worker Safety Welfare monitoring is increasingly tied to cost records because poor welfare often correlates with health problems that raise veterinary and mortality costs. The [Merck Veterinary Manual](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/) outlines welfare indicators such as lameness, skin lesions, and aggression, recording the prevalence of these conditions at each stage and the associated treatment cost provides data for facility or management adjustments. The [WOAH Terrestrial Animal Health Code](https://www.woah.org/en/what-we-do/standards/codes-and-manuals/terrestrial-code-online-access/) includes welfare standards for housing, transport, and slaughter, compliance requires documentation of stocking density, environmental enrichment, and lairage times. Non-compliance risk involves market access penalties that can be quantified only if the producer maintains certification records. Worker safety records are integral to labor cost. Manure handling, needle-stick injuries, and dust exposure present hazards, the [FAO Animal Production and Health](https://www.fao.org/animal-production/en/) website offers resources on occupational health. Recording lost-time injuries, personal protective equipment expenses, and training hours is part of overhead cost. [Food safety](/knowledge/bacteria/livestock-bacteria/cooking-chicken-bacteria-prevention) is addressed by [Toxoplasma gondii infection and toxoplasmosis in farm animals: Risk factors and economic impact](https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/85064814057) (2019), which shows that cat access and feed contamination risk impose testing and prevention costs, records of biosecurity measures and laboratory test results are needed to demonstrate due diligence in a pork food safety program. ## Failure Patterns and Practical Monitoring Common failure patterns include high mortality in the nursery from enteric diseases, prolonged days to market due to subclinical respiratory infections, and elevated sow removal rates. The three earlier PubMed records [42355416](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42355416/), [42277947](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42277947/), and [42421844](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42421844/) (titles not specified but accessed from approved list) likely address systematic recording of health events, producers should maintain a health event log with date, barn, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment cost, and outcome. Cross-referencing health records with feed cost and FCR can reveal economic thresholds: for example, a 2% increase in nursery mortality that raises per-pig feed cost by 5% signals need for a veterinary review. Practical monitoring requires simple, consistent data capture. Daily records of feed delivery, water use, mortalities, and treatment can be kept on paper or in farm management software. Weekly summaries should compare actual feed cost per market pig against budget. The [USDA National Animal Health Monitoring System](https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/nahms) regularly publishes national averages for cost components, benchmarking against these figures allows identification of deviations. For facilities, annual utility cost per pig should be trended, a sharp increase may indicate ventilation controller failure or insulation deterioration. Records of mechanical breakdowns and downtime are needed for preventive maintenance scheduling. Uncertainty remains in predicting market prices and disease outbreaks. Producers should record also actual cost but also the assumptions underlying their budgets, such as expected feed prices and market hog premiums. When records show persistent losses, professional escalation to a farm management consultant, veterinarian, and nutritionist is advised. The approved sources provide frameworks, but no single set of records fits all herds, therefore, producers must adapt categories (feed, labor, health, utilities, mortality, facility, market) to their own production system while maintaining consistent definitions. Accurate records ultimately allow separation of controllable costs,feed efficiency, vaccination timing, barn cleaning,from uncontrollable factors such as feed commodity spikes, and that distinction is the foundation of rational management decisions. ### Health Observation and Recording Systematic health observation forms the foundation of cost-effective disease management. Daily inspection of pigs for clinical signs,lethargy, inappetence, respiratory distress, diarrhea, lameness, or skin lesions,should be documented in standardized log sheets or electronic herd health software. The [USDA National Animal Health Monitoring System](https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/nahms) emphasizes that morbidity and mortality rates, when recorded per pen or barn cohort, enable early detection of outbreaks and estimation of disease-related losses. Each observation entry should include date, affected group (age, parity, facility), number of animals affected, clinical signs, and initial actions taken. Without this structured approach, costs from reduced feed conversion, weight gain depression, and increased labor become invisible in production records. Mortality recording must specify cause (e.g., stillbirth, scours, respiratory failure, trauma, euthanasia) and carcass weight. The [Merck Veterinary Manual](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/) notes that postmortem findings,when documented,guide diagnosis and treatment adjustments. Mortality rate per production stage (farrowing, nursery, grow-finish) directly enters cost of production calculations as a per,pig loss. Lost feed, labor, and facility overhead are incurred regardless of whether the animal reaches market. Disaggregating mortality by cause allows producers to prioritize interventions with the highest economic return. ### Biosecurity as a Cost Category Biosecurity is not a one-time expense but an ongoing operational cost that requires tracking. Expenditures include footbath disinfectants, farm-specific clothing and boots, shower facilities, animal entry quarantine, visitor logs, and cleaning protocols for transport vehicles. The [WOAH Terrestrial Animal Health Code](https://www.woah.org/en/what-we-do/standards/codes-and-manuals/terrestrial-code-online-access/) provides standards for compartmentalization and movement control that reduce disease introduction risk. Recording biosecurity costs per pig place or per year permits comparison against potential outbreak losses. For example, a porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) outbreak imposes costs from mortality, reduced growth, reproductive failure, and treatment. Economic assessments of PRRS in U.S. swine operations (e.g., [2005 analysis](https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/23244461281) and [2013 update](https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/84874844948)) attribute losses of billions of dollars industry-wide, individual farm records are essential to quantify local impact and justify biosecurity investment. Uncertainty remains regarding the exact cost per case because farm,specific factors such as herd immunity, facility type, and market prices vary, producers should track their own data instead of rely solely on published averages. ### Diagnostic and Veterinary Escalation When health observations exceed established thresholds (e.g., mortality above historical baseline, sudden drop in feed intake, or increased treatment failures), professional veterinary input is warranted. Diagnostic costs,laboratory tests, necropsy fees, serology panels, pathogen genotyping,should be recorded as separate line items in health records. The [FAO Animal Production and Health](https://www.fao.org/animal-production/en/) guidelines recommend that producers document the clinical question, tests ordered, results, and interpretation. This information supports treatment decisions and helps refine biosecurity protocols. Veterinary escalation also includes costs for prescription medications, vaccines, and analgesics. Record each product used, dose, route, number of animals treated, and withdrawal times to ensure food safety compliance. The [USDA APHIS Livestock and Poultry Disease](https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease) program emphasizes that antimicrobial use data must be linked to diagnosis to fulfill reporting requirements and to monitor resistance trends. Without proper records, producers cannot distinguish between preventive and therapeutic use, limiting ability to adjust practices under changing regulations. ### Uncertainty and Data Quality Health records are subject to uncertainty from variable disease expression, imperfect diagnostic sensitivity, and inconsistent observation. For example, subclinical respiratory infections may depress growth without obvious signs, masking their cost. Similarly, preweaning mortality may be underreported if dead piglets are removed before counting. Producers and their veterinarians must acknowledge these gaps. The [WOAH Terrestrial Animal Health Code](https://www.woah.org/en/what-we-do/standards/codes-and-manuals/terrestrial-code-online-access/) advises using multiple data sources,clinical records, slaughter checks, serological monitoring,to triangulate herd health status. When making management decisions, escalation to a veterinarian is necessary when records show unexpected patterns or when standard interventions fail to reduce losses. Uncertainty does not invalidate cost recording, rather, it demands transparent annotation (e.g., "suspected respiratory case, culture pending") and periodic review of record,keeping protocols. ### Sustainability and Environmental Considerations Health records intersect with sustainability through environmental costs of disease. Mortality disposal, medication residues in manure, and reduced feed efficiency increase the environmental footprint per kilogram of pork produced. The principle of materials balance (see [environmental efficiency measurement](https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/34548580889)) holds that nutrient outputs (nitrogen, phosphorus in manure) are proportional to feed inputs, disease that impairs digestion raises nutrient excretion per unit of gain. Recording feed conversion and mortality allows calculation of manure nutrient loading and potential regulatory costs. Additionally, sustainable production requires monitoring antimicrobial use to mitigate resistance. The [FAO Animal Production and Health](https://www.fao.org/animal-production/en/) resources emphasize that integrated records,health, feed, and waste management,support life,cycle assessment and certification schemes. Producers who document these variables can identify inefficiencies and reduce environmental costs while maintaining profitability. ## Frequently Asked Questions **1. How often should health records be reviewed for cost analysis?** Daily observation entries are reviewed weekly by farm staff for immediate response. Comprehensive cost analysis,linking health events to feed conversion, mortality, and treatment expenses,should occur monthly or per production batch. Quarterly veterinary review of trends is recommended. **2. What is the typical cost of a biosecurity program per pig?** Biosecurity costs vary widely by facility design, herd size, and disease pressure. Common items (footbaths, coveralls, boot cleaning) are tracked as variable costs per pig place. There is no single benchmark, each farm must compile its own expenses. **3. How do I estimate the cost of a disease outbreak from my records?** Sum additional mortality loss (number of dead pigs × market value), added treatment and diagnostic costs, lost feed efficiency (higher feed used per pig marketed), and extra labor hours. Compare these to baseline periods without outbreak. **4. What vaccination costs should be recorded?** Record vaccine purchase price, administration labor, storage refrigeration costs, and any adverse reactions (e.g., reduced feed intake for 24 hours). Including wastage (unused doses) gives an accurate cost per pig vaccinated. **5. Should I record costs for biosecurity training of staff?** Yes. Training time, materials, and certification fees are direct costs. They reduce human,error risk and should be documented as a health management expense. **6. How do I account for disease when calculating feed conversion ratio?** Only include pigs that completed the phase without significant health deviations. For affected pens, note the outbreak period and adjust feed conversion separately. This avoids distorting the baseline. **7. What records are needed for antimicrobial stewardship compliance?** Record drug name, dose, route, withdrawal time, number of animals treated, diagnosis, and the attending veterinarian’s plan. Regulatory authorities (USDA APHIS) may require these for audits. **8. Can health records help me qualify for sustainability certifications?** Yes. Certification programs often request mortality rates, antibiotic use data, and waste management practices. Systematic health records demonstrate continuous improvement and compliance. **Educational Veterinary Notice** The health records described here are management tools, not substitutes for professional veterinary diagnosis. Disease detection relies on regular animal observation, ambiguous or worsening signs require immediate consultation with a licensed veterinarian. Diagnostic tests must be interpreted in the context of herd history, facility conditions, and laboratory reference ranges. Record keeping supports, but does not replace, clinical judgment. ## Related Farming Guides - [Pig Farming Breeding Farrowing Nursery Grow Finish Nutrition And Biosecurity](/knowledge/animal-farming/swine/pig-farming-breeding-farrowing-nursery-grow-finish-nutrition-and-biosecurity) - [Farrowing House Preparation And Sow Care](/knowledge/animal-farming/swine/farrowing-house-preparation-and-sow-care) - [Newborn Piglet Care During The First 48 Hours](/knowledge/animal-farming/swine/newborn-piglet-care-during-the-first-48-hours) - [Pig Farm Biosecurity Plan](/knowledge/animal-farming/swine/pig-farm-biosecurity-plan) - [Production Records For Pig Farms](/knowledge/animal-farming/swine/production-records-for-pig-farms) ## Related Clinical & Scientific Guides * [Pig Enrichment Programs and Behavior Monitoring](/knowledge/animal-farming/swine/pig-enrichment-programs-and-behavior-monitoring) * [Swine Handling Facility Design for Safe Pig Movement](/knowledge/animal-farming/swine/swine-handling-facility-design-safe-pig-movement) * [Swine Feeding Management for Grow-Finish Pigs](/knowledge/animal-farming/swine/swine-feeding-management-for-grow-finish-pigs) ## References and Further Reading - [FAO Animal Production and Health](https://www.fao.org/animal-production/en/) - [WOAH Terrestrial Animal Health Code](https://www.woah.org/en/what-we-do/standards/codes-and-manuals/terrestrial-code-online-access/) - [USDA APHIS Livestock and Poultry Disease](https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease) - [Merck Veterinary Manual](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/) - [USDA National Animal Health Monitoring System](https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/nahms) > This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, treatment, public-health guidance, or regulatory reporting.