Kansas State University has selected Dr. Steven C. Henry, Solomon, Kan., as the 2010 Alumni Fellow in the College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Henry was selected to receive this award for distinguishing himself as a successful veterinarian and industry leader through his accomplishments in swine medicine and production with the Abilene Animal Hospital veterinary group in Abilene, Kan.
Monthly Archives: February 2010
Study into the Efficacy of Sow AI Strategies
Research by the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), Northern Ireland, UK, has compared the efficacy of various insemination strategies in sows. Success in their use ‘would greatly depend on accurate and timely heat detection and subsequent insemination.’
Science Should Guide Discussion of Antibiotic Use in Livestock
As former Deputy Undersecretary for Food Safety (USDA) and a scientist who has actively researched food safety for over 20 years, I’m disappointed by recent media reports that blame antibiotic use in livestock for most antibiotic resistance in humans.
USDA to Abandon NAIS, Pork Industry Continues Support of Swine ID Plan
The USDA has announced plans to abandon the National Animal Identification System (NAIS) and will develop a new, flexible framework for animal disease traceability.
Racketeering Lawsuit Fingers Humane Society of the United States
In a landmark RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) lawsuit certain to have far-reaching implications for the animal rights movement, Feld Entertainment and the Ringling Brothers circus sued the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), its lawyers, and several other animal rights groups last week. The nonprofit Center for Consumer Freedom (CCF) unearthed the lawsuit in federal court records today. CCF is making the lawsuit available online at its newest website, http://www.HumaneWatch.org.
Antibiotics Found to Aid Reduction of E. coli in Swine
Animal producers know that the current trend is to discourage the continued use of antibiotics in livestock. But recent Food Safety Consortium-supported research at Iowa State University shows that antibiotics may be helpful in reducing the pathogen E. coli O157:H7 among swine.
Early Weaning has Minimal Effects on Pig Growth
New Australian research suggests that piglet weaning age predominately influences growth immediately after weaning, and does not have a major influence on lifetime growth performance or body composition at commercial slaughter weights.
AASV Committees to Meet at the Annual Meeting
As in years past, the AASV Committees will be meeting on Saturday morning during the association’s Annual Meeting in Omaha, NE. Committee meetings are open to all AASV members. If you serve on a committee or would like to attend a committee meeting, please be sure to plan your travel accordingly. Meeting times and locations have been posted on the AASV website.
Veterinary Accreditation Changes Effective February 1
The USDA is enacting sweeping changes of the veterinary accreditation program beginning February 1, 2010. The National Veterinary Accreditation Program (NVAP) will require all accredited veterinarians to select between two categories of accreditation and will require continuing education prior to renewal. Although accreditation is a voluntary program, the United States depends extensively on accredited veterinarians to carry out many of its animal health programs and services–including animal inspections, testing, and certifications. Accredited veterinarians serve as the first line of defense in ensuring the health of the Nation’s livestock.
IPVS 2010 Early Registration Ends March 31
Online Registration is now open for the 21st International Pig Veterinary Society (IPVS) Congress. Participants can register online or by downloading the IPVS 2010 Congress Registration Form. Early registration ends March 31.