New and expanding swine production facilities in North Carolina are required to use manure management systems that meet the strictest environmental performance standards in the nation. Fortunately, Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists and cooperators have developed a system that exceeds state benchmarks for controlling pollutants from swine farms.
Monthly Archives: April 2009
“””Optimizing Resources”” is focus of AASV Summer Conference”
From ventilation systems and injection technologies to marketing strategies and diagnostic testing, attendees at the 3rd annual AASV Summer Conference will learn how to optimize the resources available to them as they help swine producers stay in business during these challenging economic times. The conference – which features interactive sessions and small-group, hands-on lab modules – is set for Monday and Tuesday, June 22 & 23 at the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine in Ames, Iowa. Conference details and registration are now online at http://www.aasv.org/summerconf/.
Opportunity for Veterinary Students to attend Leman Swine Conference
The National Pork Board is sponsoring an exciting opportunity for students with an interest in Swine Production Medicine! Up to fifteen students will have the opportunity to:
Flu Update & Sample Submission Guidelines
Following is the latest update on the H1N1 influenza outbreak:As of the 1:00pm EDT update, CDC is confirming 40 cases in 5 states (CA, TX, KS, OH & NY). None have any reported direct contact with swine. The outbreak continues to be transmitted human to human.According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the virus has been confirmed in 4 countries — Mexico, U.S., Canada and Spain.The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) is recommending that a more appropriate name for the virus would be “North-American influenza” since there has been no evidence of animal involvement.NVSL & NADC have received the virus isolated from cases in California and are beginning work to investigate questions associated with:diagnostic testing,swine susceptibility, transmission and pathogenesis,vaccine efficacy,etc. They have already determined that the current matrix test available in the National Animal Health Lab Network (NAHLN) labs will detect this virus, but a differential test is still being developed. Serology will be of limited value since the HA component of this virus is common in normal circulating SIV.5 countries (Russia, China, Philippines, Serbia & Kazakhstan) have announced bans on some pork imports from the U.S. and Mexico while the WHO confirms that pork is safe to eat.Market hog prices were down the limit today.
USDA Issues SIV Statement and Requests Case Reports
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack issued a statement expressing his concern regarding the recent swine influenza outbreak and reassured the public that pork continues to be safe to eat.
Human cases of SIV – Update (4/24/09)
As you have probably read (7 Human SIV Cases Confirmed and Swine Influenza A (H1N1) Infection in Two Children with No Swine Exposure), the CDC has now identified 8 cases of swine influenza in people in the southwestern U.S. over the past month. At this point, there is no known pig contact involving these 8 people and the virus has not been identified in U.S. swine.
Congratulations, Executive Veterinary Program Graduates!
Thirty-nine veterinarians recently completed a two-year continuing education program at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine designed to enhance the business, communication, and planning skills of busy animal health professionals. The Executive Veterinary Program (EVP), which consisted of ten two-day interactive modules, focused on swine health management. The program covered essential aspects of swine production and health maintenance to enhance the management, consultation, and problem-solving skills faced by veterinarians in the field of swine medicine. There were 39 veterinarians from 12 states who completed the program.
7 Human SIV Cases Confirmed
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is reporting that seven cases of human exposure to swine influenza virus (SIV) have now been confirmed in the U.S. All of the affected people have fully recovered and none report any recent contact with swine.
Technologies Improve FMD Detection and Control
Improving the detection and control of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in cattle could result from technology being developed and tested by Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists.
Swine Influenza A (H1N1) Infection in Two Children with No Swine Exposure
On April 17, 2009, CDC determined that two cases of febrile respiratory illness occurring in children who resided in adjacent counties in southern California were caused by infection with a swine influenza A (H1N1) virus. Neither child had contact with pigs; the source of the infection is unknown.