The objective of this project was to develop a surveillance system to monitor the genetic variability and molecular epidemiology of swine bacterial pathogens. The specific aims of this projects were: 1) to develop and validate genotyping techniques for Streptococcus suis, Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, and Actinobacillus suis; 2) to create a genomic fingerprint database, and 3) to develop an online identification, reporting, and sharing system to facilitate the use of information stored in the genomic fingerprint database by swine veterinarians and other laboratories. The surveillance system created for swine bacterial pathogens is an important tool that veterinarians and producers can use directly for disease control programs. Bacterial genotyping is now offered as a service to field veterinarians at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. Genotyping information can be used in several ways: 1) to identify prevalent strains causing disease in specific herds, 2) to select strains to be included in autogenous (or universal) vaccines, 3) to identify new virulent strains introduced into the herd, and 4) to track potential sources of these virulent strains. Field veterinarians can now use the online database to obtain additional information beyond the genotype level regarding specific strains. For example, the database will include the isolation date, the age of the affected pig, the tissue from which it was isolated and the serotype of that particular strain. Each bacterial strain and herd of origin was assigned a unique code for confidentiality purposes. In sum, this database is an important resource for sorting through the epidemiology of swine bacterial pathogens which can be applied directly for disease control and eradication. The genomic database for swine bacterial pathogens is available for consultation at: http://molecularbacteriology.com/database.aspx and is maintained by Dr. Simone oliveira ([email protected]).