Effective October 31, Dr. Robyn Fleck is returning to work for Schering-Plough Animal Health as Manager, Swine Technical Services. She was most recently employed by the National Pork Board, and will continue to be an active member of their Swine Health Committee. Updated contact information for Dr. Fleck may be found at http://www.aasv.org/members/only/directory.php. Are you on the move? If so, let us know at aasv@aasv.org.
Monthly Archives: October 2005
AASV Foundation requests research proposals
As part of its planned annual schedule, the American Association of Swine Veterinarians Foundation seeks research proposals for funding in 2006. Up to $12,000 will be disbursed, with a maximum of $6000 ($US) awarded per project. Proposals are due January 31, 2006. The selection and announcement of projects for funding will take place in March.
AMDUCA Revisited
In 1996, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a final rule implementing the Animal Medicinal Drug Use Clarification Act of 1994 (AMDUCA). This rule delineated the guidelines governing the extra-label use of animal and human drugs and applies to both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. Prior to the enactment of AMDUCA, the use of any drug except in a manner specifically outlined on the label rendered the drug “unsafe” in the eyes of the law.
AASV Foundation Chair Honored at the University of Illinois
On October 20, 2005, Dr. Kenneth T. Wright (K.T. to most of us) received the Erwin Small Distinguished Alumni Award. The award, presented by the University of Illinois, College of Veterinary Medicine and the University of Illinois Veterinary Medicine Alumni Association, is given to distinguished Illinois graduates who have made significant contributions to the profession or College.
Quebec Lifts Hog Moratorium
According to an article in the October 15th Montreal Gazette summarized on AnimalNet, the Quebec government has voted to lift the 3-year moratorium on new and expanded pig farms. The Environment and Sustainable Development Department will enact an inspection system to ensure contaminants from manure do not taint ground water. The move upset environmental groups while Quebec pork producers applauded the move indicating that the moratorium had cost producers $400,000 – $500,000 CDN in 2004. Opposition groups plan a protest march on October 21st.
AASV Board Accepted Nominations for VP
During its fall meeting on October 12th, the AASV Board of Directors accepted the nominations of Dr. Kerry Keffaber and Dr. Mike Sheridan for the office of AASV Vice President for 2006. Both of these individuals have served as District Representatives on the AASV Board and are active in the Association. Please join the Board in thanking these candidates for their willingness to serve and watch for more information on the candidates in the January-February edition of JSHAP. Ballots will be mailed to all AASV voting members, and the selection announced at the annual meeting in Kansas City, Mo.
AASV Establishes Position Statement on PRRS Eradication
During its fall meeting on October 12, 2005 in Kansas City, the AASV Board of Directors adopted a position statement regarding the eradication of PRRS. Dr. Scott Dee offered a draft statement to the Board for consideration which the Board evaluated, modified and adopted. It was the opinion of the Board that PRRS eradication is the ultimate goal and the AASV should take a lead role in supporting the endeavors of researchers, practitioners and producers as they strive to achieve this goal. The Board revisited the success of the PRV eradication program and indicated that the success of that program was the direct result of stakeholder direction and involvement.
AASV Board Holds Fall Meeting
The AASV Board of Directors held its fall board meeting and strategy session October 11 – 12, 2005 in Kansas City, MO. During the meeting, the Board considered a number of motions to address a variety of issues including membership, influenza, PRRS, educational materials, the annual meeting and the Association budget.
Dr. Rick Sibbel Seeks to Serve on AVMA Executive Board
AASV Past-President Dr. Rick Sibbel has announced his candidacy to represent District VII on the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Executive Board. District VII includes Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota.
USDA Declares Arkansas a Disaster Area
Deputy Agriculture Secretary Chuck Conner announced the designation of all 75 counties in Arkansas as disaster areas due to severe drought and high temperatures. This designation makes all qualified farm operators eligible to receive low-interest emergency loans from the Farm Service Agency (FSA).