A study conducted by the University of Missouri (MU) found the historical transition from raising pigs outdoors to indoor housing has improved animal health. This enhancement in pig health has translated to higher quality pork products for consumers, according to an MU veterinarian.
Monthly Archives: December 2009
AASV Holiday Office Hours
The staff at AASV wishes you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Christmas/New Years office hours: Thursday Dec 24 -office closes at noon Friday Dec 25 – office closed Thursday, Dec 31 – office closes at noon Friday Jan 1 – office closed
Research Study to Evaluate Effectiveness of Needleless Injectors
A research study planned for the new year will provide producers the information they’ll need to decide whether to adopt new needleless injection technology for administering medications to swine.
Swine Influenza Surveillance Update
The USDA implemented a voluntary swine influenza surveillance program on May 22, 2009. The program analyzes samples submitted to National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) labs for the presence of influenza viruses. Diagnostic samples are subjected to a variety of tests to confirm the presence of influenza virus and differentiate the particular strain involved.
OSHA Publishes H1N1 Fact Sheet for Swine Workers
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently published a Fact Sheet offering worker health and safety guidance to employers who operate swine farms and pork production facilities where workers are in close contact with pigs. According to OSHA, the goal of this Fact Sheet is to protect workers exposed to pigs with known or suspected flu infection and to protect live swine from people with flu.
Nationwide Ketamine Recall
Teva Animal Health, Inc. is expanding a nationwide voluntary recall of Ketamine Hydrochloride Injection, USP CIII 100mg/mL in 10mL vials for all lot numbers within their expiration dates to the Veterinary Level. This product had previously been recalled to the distributor level and is being expanded as a result of an increased trend in serious adverse events associated with this product. Adverse events have included lack of effect, prolonged effect, and death.
AASV Vice President Candidates: Drs. Tara Donovan and George Charbonneau
The annual election for AASV Vice President is underway. The nominees are Drs. George Charbonneau (Stratford, Ontario) and Tara Donovan (Spring Green, Wisconsin). Information about the candidates appears in the January/February 2010 issue of the Journal of Swine Health and Production. Ballots have been mailed to all AASV Active Members (veterinarians in the US, Canada, and Mexico) and must be returned by mail. Only official ballots received in the AASV office by February 26 will be counted. The election results will be announced at the AASV 2010 Annual Meeting in Omaha.
Nominations Sought for AASV District Directors
Have you ever considered serving the AASV in a governing role? Nominations for the office of AASV District Director are being sought in three AASV districts. Nomination cards have been mailed to all eligible voters in districts 3 (Missouri, Kentucky, and Arkansas), 6 (Iowa), and 8 (Nebraska and South Dakota). Nominations must be received by mail in the AASV office by January 22.
FDA-CVM Offers Summer Intern Program
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) is offering a 10 week summer internship program for interested students.
MERC Offers Pork Industry Scholarships
The Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) is offering their annual scholarships to four college students who intend to pursue careers in the pork industry. NPPC administers the Lois Britt Memorial Pork Industry scholarship selection process. This marks the 20th year of the CME scholarship program, which recognizes outstanding youth in the pork community. To be eligible, students must be undergraduates in a two-year swine program or a four-year college of agriculture, provide a brief letter describing their expected role in the pork industry, write an essay on an issue affecting the pork industry and submit two letters of reference from professors or industry professionals. Entries are due by January 15, 2010. For more information on the program and eligibility requirements, click the following link: Pork Industry CME Scholarship.