Diagnostic samples were collected from pigs exhibiting clinical signs suggestive of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) at the same British slaughter facility where the 2001 FMD outbreak was first confirmed.
Monthly Archives: October 2006
Sioux Falls’ Morrell Expansion Delayed
John Morrell & Co.’s $100-million, 232,000-square-foot expansion to upgrade the aging Sioux Falls, S.D., plant won’t happen this year, and may be scrapped completely.
Emergence and predominance of an H5N1 influenza variant in China
The development of highly pathogenic avian H5N1 influenza viruses in poultry in Eurasia accompanied with the increase in human infection in 2006 suggests that the virus has not been effectively contained and that the pandemic threat persists.
Pork Checkoff to Discuss Impact of Distillers Grains
Given the dramatic rise in ethanol production, livestock producers are faced with increasing feed costs and the necessity to consider supplementing diets with by-products such as Dried Distillers Grains (DDGs). The National Pork Board’s Pork Checkoff is sponsoring a conference to discuss the implications to swine producers.
Feral Pigs may have Spread E. coli to Spinach Field
Investigators exploring the source of E. coli-tainted spinach implicated in 200 illnesses and 3 deaths have suggested that feral pigs may have contaminated the spinach field with bacteria from an adjacent cattle ranch.
Research to Identify Salmonella Origins in Swine and Pork Products
A USDA research study designed by Iowa State University veterinarians Annette O’Connor and James McKean will explore the link, if any, between on-farm and carcass Salmonella isolations.
Training on PRRS Risk Assessment November 8
Another opportunity is being offered for AASV members interested in receiving training on the AASV’s PRRS Risk Assessment Tool. The training will take place on Wednesday, November 8 from 1:00 – 5:00 pm in Ames, Iowa, just prior to the Iowa State University Swine Disease Conference (Nov 9 & 10). Successful completion of a training session is required to obtain a copy of the Risk Assessment Tool.
Upcoming Meeting: IPVS 2008
Plans are moving forward for the 20th Congress of the International Pig Veterinary Society. The congress, hosted by the Pig Veterinarians of South Africa, will be held June 22-25, 2008 at the International Convention Centre in Durban, South Africa. Additional information regarding the congress is available on the IPVS 2008 website: http://www.ipvs2008.org.za.
Kansas Establishes Feral Hog Control Effort
The feral hog population has increased significantly in Kansas as well as a number of other states. Recently, the Kansas Animal Health Department (KAHD), in cooperation with the Wildlife Services Division of USDA, APHIS, instituted a program to locate and control the feral swine population.
National Legislative Issues of Interest
The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives are currently in recess until after the November elections. This means that your elected representatives are back home campaigning in their local districts. This is an excellent opportunity to meet with them to discuss issues of importance to you, your profession and the swine industry. The AVMA and the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) are actively engaged in a number of legislative issues of concern to veterinarians and swine producers. Following is a short synopsis of those issues and the AVMA or NPPC position.