The current social trend in sow housing is away from gestation stalls. This change has lead to Ontario pork producers examining management skills to facilitate the change from gestation crates to group housing. Listed below are a number of practices which have been shown to reduce aggressive sow behavior when housed in group pens. The following suggestions are listed in order from the least to the greatest difficulty (based on labor and cost) to implement.
Monthly Archives: May 2008
MJ Biologics Offers Autogenous PRRS Vaccine
Research conducted by MJ Biologics and the University of Minnesota has led to the decoding of the PRRS virus and the development of a new inactivated subunit vaccine according to a recent press release.
2008 IPVS Update
The 20th IPVS Congress kicks off in 6 weeks time. With just on 1600 delegates already registered we believe that we will get close to our target of 2000 delegates.
ISU Study Finds E. Coli O157:H7 in Swine
E. coli O157:H7, an organism that causes gastrointestinal disease in humans, is generally associated with cattle, but it can also be recovered from swine to a lesser extent.
The Value of a Desiccant in the Cleaning and Disinfection of Swine Housing
This study looked at the use of a commercial desiccant to determine if its use can aid in the cleaning and disinfection of commercial pig production surfaces. The product was applied after routine cleaning and cleanliness was determined by swabbing the surface and counting the number of bacterial colonies.
Farm Bill Becomes Law
Congress voted to override the Presidential Farm Bill veto on May 22nd.
Former AASV Executive Secretary Dies
Dr. Fred Wertman (ISU ’40) passed way on May 19, 2008, at the age of 91. Dr. Wertman was the first AASV executive secretary and treasurer, serving for eight years. He was also executive director of the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association during that time. From 1940 to 1960, he was a mixed animal practitioner. In addition to his veterinary degree, Dr. Wertman was a certified association executive, from the Institute for Association Management.
Welfare and Epidemiology Conference
Iowa State University, the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph and the Norwegian School of Veterinary Science will co-host an international symposium July 14-16, 2008 entitled ” Across species, across disciplines, across borders; opportunities for welfare and epidemiology scientists.”
One Health Request for Proposals
The Global “One Health” Leadership Fund catalyzes new partnerships focused on the increasingly complex dilemmas at the convergence of animals, humans and the environment. These Funds are intended to provide start-up money for new public-private-academic partnerships, recognizing the synergy that comes from transdisciplinary approaches bridging multiple sectors of society. The intent is to fund innovative proposals that demonstrate new collaborations with significant potential for addressing global “One Health” challenges through research, education or outreach.
PRRS CAP Request for Research, Extension and Education Applications
The $4.8 million USDA supported PRRS Coordinated Agricultural Project (CAP) is announcing funding opportunities to support Research, Extension and Education activities directed at porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS).