In 2004, the Food Supply Veterinary Medicine Coalition (FSVMC) was formed to reinforce the important role the food animal veterinarian plays in ensuring a safe, wholesome and abundant food supply. The FSVMC is comprised of a number of specialty veterinary organizations, including the AASV, and USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). In May 2004, the Coalition commissioned a far-reaching research program to examine the demand and supply patterns for food animal veterinarians. The AVMA is publishing the Executive Summary of the findings of that research in a series of 3 articles published in subsequent issues of the JAVMA beginning with the June 1st issue.
Monthly Archives: May 2006
Position Announcement: Nursery/Grow-Finish Swine Production Veterinarian
Christensen Farms has an opportunity for a veterinarian in our Midwest operations, to be centralized in southern Minnesota/northern Iowa. This position will support and execute existing operating procedures with a focus on production diagnostics, disease treatment and post mortem/tissue submission training within our nursery/grow-finish farms. This is a great opportunity for an entry level graduate. For a more complete description of this role, please visit our website at http://www.christensenfarms.com.
Two FMD Serotypes Circulating in Vietnamese Pigs
Recent reports to the World Animal Health Organization (OIE) appear to confirm the circulation of two different serotypes of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) virus in pigs in the ongoing outbreak in Vietnam.
Wisconsin Approves CAFO Revisions
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources approved revisions to its rules governing Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs), NR 243, at its May 24th meeting. These revisions affect manure handling on livestock operations having greater than 1000 animal units (approximately 2500 pigs).
Pork Delegation Discusses Antibiotic Residues with Japan?s Food Agency
A U.S. delegation including representatives of the U.S. Meat Export Federation and the National Pork Board’s Pork Checkoff traveled to Japan to meet with the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare to discuss the new residue limits in food products available to Japanese consumers. The new standards go into effect on May 29, 2006.
U.S. House Passes FY07 Agriculture Appropriations Bill
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the fiscal year 2007 agriculture appropriations bill on May 23rd. In total, the FY 07 bill appropriates $93.6 billion to various agriculture related programs. The bill provides $75.2 billion in mandatory spending and $18.4 billion in total discretionary resources. The discretionary appropriation represents a decrease of $96 million below the FY06 enacted level and $564 million over the President’s budget request. The Senate has yet to consider its version of the bill.
PRV Outbreak in Bolivia
The National Service for Animal and Plant Health and Food Safety (SENASAG) in Trinidad has reported to the World Animal Health Organization (OIE) an outbreak of Aujeszky’s Disease (pseudorabies) on a farm in Gran Chaco province in Carapari district in Bolivia. The disease has killed 31 suckling pigs aged less than 3 months. It is reported that another pig farm, located in the vicinity of the affected farm, introduced animals purchased from the zone where the previous outbreak of the disease occurred in July 2005 (Monteagudo district, Chuquisaca department).
Nebraska Livestock Producers Eligible for Tax Credit
The Nebraska legislature has passed a bill allowing livestock producers modernizing their facilities to receive a tax credit.
Last call: Update your listing for the 2006 Membership Directory
The AASV 2006 membership directory will be going to press soon! If you haven’t already done so, please check your listing for accuracy at http://www.aasv.org/members/only/directory.php (password required; contact aasv@aasv.org to obtain). A typical directory listing includes the following, if supplied: name, mailing address, business phone, fax, mobile phone, home phone, and one email address. Updates received by Tuesday, May 30 will be included in the print directory to be distributed to AASV members later this summer.
Canadian Pork Producers Prepare for Animal Care Assessments
Canadian pork producers are preparing to undergo certification beginning next year to meet the quidelines set forth in the Canadian Pork Council’s Animal Care Assessment (ACA).