FAGOPORK Operational Group: Control of enteric diseases in swine through the use of phages

The FAGOPORC project will develop a collection of enteropathogenic bacterial strains of interest, enabling the identification and characterization of relevant pathogens affecting swine production. Expected results include a greater understanding of bacterial diversity, improved diagnostic capabilities, and the selection of appropriate targets for bacteriophage development. In practice, this collection will support research and innovation activities by providing well-characterized strains for testing and validation, contributing to more effective and targeted interventions. The solution complies with EU biosafety regulations and fosters scientific advancement, enabling more efficient, evidence-based disease control strategies in swine production. FAGOPORC thus provides a valuable biological resource that enhances research capacity and facilitates technological innovation in animal health.

The FAGOPORC project will isolate and characterize bacteriophages active against selected enteropathogenic bacterial strains, enabling the identification of effective phage candidates for therapeutic application in swine production. Expected results include the selection of highly lytic and specific bacteriophages, a better understanding of phage-host interactions, and the establishment of a robust collection of phages targeting relevant pathogens. In practice, these bacteriophages will be used to design targeted treatments that can be administered via feed or water, both preventively and therapeutically, contributing to improved disease control and reduced antibiotic use. The solution complies with EU regulatory frameworks and supports sustainable livestock production, enabling more precise and environmentally friendly health management strategies in the swine sector. FAGOPORC provides a foundation for the development of effective phage products, driving innovation in animal health.

The FAGOPORC project will develop the design of viable and reproducible bacteriophage cocktails, combining selected phages to act effectively against enteropathogenic bacteria in swine production. Expected results include the optimization of phage combinations with a broad host range, greater stability and efficacy, and the development of standardized formulations suitable for large-scale application. In practice, these phage cocktails can be administered via feed or water, both preventively and therapeutically, ensuring consistent performance, improved disease control, and reduced antibiotic dependence. The solution complies with EU regulations and supports sustainable livestock production, enabling reliable and scalable health management strategies in the swine sector. FAGOPORC thus provides a robust, ready-to-use phage solution that improves productivity and facilitates innovation in animal health.

The FAGOPORC project will evaluate the safety of bacteriophage cocktails in laboratory animal models, ensuring their suitability for use in swine production. Expected results include confirmation of the absence of adverse effects, assessment of tolerance and biocompatibility, and validation of safe dosage ranges under controlled conditions. In practice, these studies will allow for the establishment of safe administration protocols and facilitate regulatory approval processes, guaranteeing reliable and responsible use under real-world production conditions. The solution complies with EU regulations on animal experimentation and product safety, supporting the development of safe and sustainable alternatives to antibiotics. FAGOPORC thus provides robust safety evidence for phage-based products, reinforcing their applicability and acceptance in the livestock sector.

The FAGOPORC project will evaluate the ability of bacteriophage-based treatments to reduce the bacterial load of E. coli and Salmonella spp. in laboratory animal models, providing experimental evidence of their efficacy. Expected results include a significant reduction in pathogen load, validation of phage efficacy under controlled conditions, and a better understanding of the in vivo treatment dynamics. In practice, these results will allow for the optimization of dosing strategies and treatment protocols, facilitating the transfer of phage applications to real-world production conditions. The solution complies with EU regulations on animal experimentation and supports the development of evidence-based alternatives to antibiotics, enabling more effective and sustainable disease control strategies. FAGOPORC thus provides a validated proof of concept for phage-based interventions, reinforcing their potential for commercial application in swine production.

The FAGOPORC project will establish application protocols for bacteriophage cocktails, defining the optimal conditions for their effective use in pig production systems. Expected outcomes include determining appropriate dosage regimens, routes of administration, and timing strategies to maximize efficacy against target pathogens. In practice, these protocols will allow farmers to apply phage cocktails via feed or water in a standardized and reliable manner, both preventively and therapeutically, ensuring consistent performance and improved disease control. The solution complies with EU regulatory requirements and supports the implementation of evidence-based management practices, contributing to more efficient and sustainable livestock production. FAGOPORC thus provides clear and validated guidelines for the practical use of phage-based products, facilitating their adoption and integration into pig production systems.

The FAGOPORC project will determine the capacity of bacteriophages to reduce the bacterial load of E. coli and Salmonella spp., with validation on an experimental farm under controlled conditions. Expected results include reduced pathogen levels under real-world production conditions, validation of phage efficacy beyond the laboratory, and demonstration of consistent on-farm performance. In practice, these results will enable the implementation of phage-based treatments on pig farms, confirming their efficacy through administration in feed or water and facilitating their adoption by farmers. The solution meets EU regulatory requirements and supports the transition to field application, contributing to more reliable and sustainable control strategies. FAGOPORC thus provides validated evidence under real-world conditions regarding the efficacy of phage-based solutions, reinforcing their applicability in pig production.

RD1 involves designing and implementing a project dissemination plan that establishes the communication strategy, target audiences, and tools to be used. This plan will include the creation of both digital and physical dissemination materials (templates, brochures, posters, etc.), as well as online dissemination through platforms, websites, and social media. Furthermore, effective internal communication among partners will be fostered through digital tools, regular coordination meetings, and monitoring of progress, risks, and potential corrective measures. This activity is aimed at project partners, has a national scope (Extremadura and Castile and León), and will be carried out throughout the project's duration.

RD2 focuses on disseminating the project through participation in events and the organization of its own workshops. On the one hand, it will promote its presence at relevant agricultural and livestock sector fairs and meetings, both nationally and internationally. On the other hand, it will organize specific workshops, including one aimed at young people and a final workshop to present the results. Furthermore, it will foster cooperation with other Operational Groups by organizing an annual networking event. These activities will target professionals in the sector, producers, cooperatives, government agencies, young people, and other key stakeholders. The activity will have a local, regional, national, and international reach, utilizing various communication channels such as workshops, informational materials, newsletters, websites, and social media. It will be developed throughout the project, with specific milestones for certain workshops.

RD3 focuses on the digital dissemination of the project through various online channels. This includes publishing content on the EU-FarmBook platform, as well as on the websites and social media of the partners, using a common identity and the project hashtag. At least three electronic newsletters will also be produced and sent throughout the project (at the beginning, mid-term, and end) to communicate progress and results. In addition, a corporate video will be produced to enhance the project's visibility. These activities are aimed at a broad audience, including the agricultural, livestock, and pig farming sectors, public administrations, cooperatives, businesses, and the general public. Thanks to digital media, the activity will have a global reach and will continue throughout the project.

RD4 focuses on disseminating the project through media outlets and final publications. This includes preparing and distributing press releases throughout the project to highlight its progress and results in local, regional, and national media. A final document summarizing the main results achieved will also be produced. These activities are aimed at industry professionals, the scientific community, and the general public. Dissemination will take place through newspapers, radio, television, technical journals, and conferences, in both digital and print formats, and will continue throughout the project, culminating in a final publication at its conclusion.

RD4 focuses on disseminating the project through media outlets and final publications. This includes preparing and distributing press releases throughout the project to highlight its progress and results in local, regional, and national media. A final document summarizing the main results achieved will also be produced. These activities are aimed at industry professionals, the scientific community, and the general public. Dissemination will take place through newspapers, radio, television, technical journals, and conferences, in both digital and print formats, and will continue throughout the project, culminating in a final publication at its conclusion.