The following is a message from Dr. Ron DeHaven (AVMA CEO) regarding his thoughts on livestock welfare and the role of AVMA. The original article was published in the AABP newsletter.
Monthly Archives: May 2008
President Vetoes Farm Bill, Override Expected
Congress has finally completed the long overdue Farm Bill. Both houses have approved a compromise bill, officially known as H.R. 2419, the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008, and sent it to the White House.
Past AASV Member Receives North Carolina?s Highest Award
Dr. C.B. (Charlie) Randall from Kinston, NC received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award from NC Governor Mike Easley on May 16th. This award is the highest civilian honor that a citizen of North Carolina can receive.
Chinese Livestock Industry Damaged by Earthquake
According to press reports, Chinese agriculture was significantly damaged as a result of the recent earthquake.
USDA to Prohibit Slaughter of All Downer Cattle
The US Department of Agriculture is preparing a proposed rule to prohibit the slaughter of all disabled non-ambulatory cattle. This rule would eliminate the exception allowed in the current regulation for the re-inspection of “downer” cattle which went down following the initial pre-slaughter inspection.
Colorado Governor Signs Ban on Veal Crates, Sow Stalls
Gov. Bill Ritter has signed off on a bill that phases out swine gestation stalls and veal crates in Colorado. The new law reflects a deal brokered between the Colorado Pork Producers Council and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), which was threatening to push a ballot initiative that also included a ban on battery cages for layer hens.
Position Announcement: Swine Veterinary Extension Specialist
The University of Missouri is seeking a Swine Veterinary Extension Specialist to work on the Commercial Agriculture Swine Focus Team. The Swine Focus Team is an interdisciplinary group of economists, engineers, nutritionists, geneticists and veterinary medicine swine specialists who conduct applied research and develop and deliver advanced educational programs and seminars. The team also provides on-site consultation to the commercial swine industry and associated agri-businesses. As the veterinary medicine component of the team, this person will be responsible for developing state-wide programs related to swine health and reproduction. Attention should be directed toward programs that focus on the adoption of new technology, quality assurance and economic viability.
2008 International PRRS Symposium
The 2008 International PRRS Symposium: “PRRSV Reverse Genetics: From the Laboratory to the Field” will be held Friday December 5, 2008 to Saturday December 6, 2008 at the downtown Marriott in Chicago. The symposium will precede the Conference of Researcher Workers in Animal Diseases (CRWAD).
Last chance to register for the AASV Advanced Techniques conference
This is the last week to register for AASV’s 2nd annual conference, Advanced Techniques for Swine Veterinarians, to be held next Wednesday and Thursday, May 28 & 29, in Ames, Iowa. The program and online registration are available at http://www.aasv.org/summerconf.
The National Pork Board Goes YouTube
Recent Humane Society of the United States Internet videos of non-ambulatory cattle demonstrate again the power of the Internet, specifically the growing popularity of YouTube, a site where almost anyone can share videos. The Pork Checkoff is now a player in this new medium.