Despite several high-profile Salmonella outbreaks during the past few years, the incidence of the most common foodborne illnesses has changed very little over the past three years, according to a 10-state report issued today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Monthly Archives: April 2009
HSUS to take Prop 2-like Action to Ohio
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is taking its campaign to eliminate tight housing quarters for farm animals on the road. Next stop: Ohio.
Application of Real Time PCR for Diagnosis of Swine Dysentery
Evaluation of a genetic diagnostic technique using real time PCR of Swine Dysentery (SD) was performed using nox primers. Culture, ordinary PCR and real time PCR were compared in this experiment. Sixty-seven specimens from pigs with clinical signs of SD brought to a slaughterhouse in Shibaura, Tokyo, were used. B. hyodysenteriae was isolated from 49 of the pigs, was detected by ordinary PCR in 49 of the pigs and was detected by real time PCR in 54 of the pigs. Furthermore, we were able to determine the numbers of B. hyodysenteriae cells in all positive specimens by real time PCR. The rapid diagnostic technique established in this experiment was useful for detection of B. hyodysenteriae because it was more effective than ordinary PCR and culture.
AASV Foundation Golf Outing set for August 19
Mark your calendar now for the AASV Foundation’s annual Midwest Golf Outing, to be held Wednesday, August 19 at Fox Ridge Golf Club in Dike, Iowa. Golfers attending the outing can expect a warm welcome at this new location, as the club is owned by AASV member Dr. Steve Menke, who practices in Ottumwa, Iowa. Dr. Menke’s son, Michael, manages Fox Ridge and serves as its head golf professional. The 18-hole championship course is considered one of northeast Iowa’s best public golf courses, featuring the variety of fine golf grasses typically seen only on private courses.
USDA Offers CVI Training
USDA is offering training for accredited veterinarians covering creating and finding electronic Certificates of Veterinary Inspection (eCVI). The agency’s Veterinary Services Process Streamlining (VSPS) program has scheduled 7 training webinars (see schedule below).
District 2 Director Election Underway
Drs. Matthew Turner and Perry Harms are candidates in the election for a new AASV District Director to represent the southeastern US. Ballots have been mailed to all eligible voters in District 2, which includes the states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Ballots must be returned by mail to the AASV office no later than Monday, May 18.
Cargill Achieves Eight Critical Animal Welfare Assurance Goals
Cargill Pork today announced it has achieved eight priority animal welfare assurance objectives. Advancements are in the production, handling, transportation and harvest of hogs.
AASV PRRS Task Force Asks for Your Help
The American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) PRRS Task Force is assessing the opinions and experiences of swine veterinarians regarding the control eradication of the PRRS virus. The goal of this survey is to determine the need for and scope of additional educational programs, research and on-farm mechanisms for control and surveillance of the PRRS virus.
AASV PRRS Task Force Asks for Your Help
The American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) PRRS Task Force is assessing the opinions and experiences of swine veterinarians regarding the control eradication of the PRRS virus. The goal of this survey is to determine the need for and scope of additional educational programs, research and on-farm mechanisms for control and surveillance of the PRRS virus.
Position Announcement: Technical Consultant
Elanco Animal Health, a division of Eli Lilly and Company, is seeking to fill a key position that will serve as Technical Consultant for the Swine Business Unit in Latin America (Andean & Caribbean Basin Region countries).