It is with great sadness that AASV learned of the passing of Dr. Bradley Robert Gramm, 53, Bloomington, IL. Brad died at 3:55 p.m. Thursday (April 28, 2011) at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, Normal, IL. The service was held May 2nd at Apostolic Christian Church, Bloomington, with ministers of the church officiating. Arrangements were being handled by Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington. Survivors include: wife, LuAnn Richardson Gramm, Bloomington; mother, Nola (Mel) Gramm Schrock, Normal; three children, Alec, Ashlyn and Reid Gramm, at home in Bloomington; and two sisters, Barb (Mike) Prevo, Gridley, and Jackie (Jeff) Leman, Southordan, Utah.
Monthly Archives: April 2011
New Program Cultivates Business, Leadership Skills for Pork Industry Professionals
Management-level professionals in the pork industry now have the opportunity to strengthen their leadership and business skills through a two-year certificate program uniquely tailored for their needs.
Smithfield Foods Announces Sale of Texas Hog Production Facility
Smithfield Foods, Inc. announced today that it completed the sale of its hog production facility located in Dalhart, Texas to Cargill, Inc. for approximately $33 million.
Wanted: Your Participation in the AASV 2011 Salary Survey!
Now that you’ve filed your 2010 income taxes, it’s time to complete something much simpler and less painful: The AASV Salary Survey. If you’re an Active AASV Member (non-retired veterinarian) in the US or Canada, please go to http://www.aasv.org/members/ (username and password required) to obtain a security code and access the survey (click “Generate a code” under Member Preferences). The online survey is brief and requests no personally identifiable information. Once the data collection period has ended, the survey results will be pooled and shared with the AASV membership. The survey serves the members of the AASV by allowing greater insight into the value of the professional services provided by swine veterinarians and as a tool to encourage veterinary students to pursue careers as swine veterinarians. The survey will close on June 3.
2011 Podcast Series: Dr. Jason Kelly
During the AASV Annual Meeting, 28 veterinary students interviewed conference speakers to gain additional information about their presentation topic. The next of these MP3 audio interviews is now available to members on the AASV website at http://www.aasv.org/members/only/pod/. Student member Joshua Duff interviewed Dr. Jason Kelly who presented “Evaluation of sudden death in finishing pigs” as part of the “Case Studies from the `Young Guns of the AASV'” pre-conference seminar. Watch for additional podcast interviews in the coming weeks!
Future veterinarians learn how to combine Individual Pig Care and communication skills to gain optimum results
Twenty-four veterinary students from Iowa State University participated in a unique learning experience combining the identification of sick pigs and communication skills. The first Individual Pig Care training/certification program for veterinary students was held on March 26, 2011 at Iowa State University and was sponsored by Pfizer Animal Health.
Ruen to Serve on AVMA Steering Committee on Veterinary Oversight of Antimicrobials
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has established a committee to collaborate with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on issues associated with veterinary oversight of antimicrobials. Dr. Paul Ruen, AASV Past President, is one of five veterinarians selected to serve on the committee.
2011 Annual Meeting Video: Montserrat Torremorell
The 2011 Tuesday PRRS Update presentation by Dr. Monteserrat Torremorell is now available online at http://www.aasv.org/members/only/video/2011.php Dr. Torremorell’s address is titled, “What have we really learned from PRRS research?” Videos from the AASV Annual Meetings are collected at http://www.aasv.org/members/only/video/ and generally are available both for viewing online with high-resolution slides shown side-by-side or for downloading to portable video players such as iPod.
FDA Approves Alternative to Surgical Castration for Pigs
Pfizer Animal Health has announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved IMPROVEST® (gonadotropin releasing factor-diphtheria toxoid conjugate). Farmers have the option to use this safe and effective veterinary prescription product for temporary immunological castration and reduction of boar taint in intact male pigs intended for pork.
FSIS Announces Final Rule for Interstate Shipment of State-Inspected Meat and Poultry Products — State-inspected meat and poultry can cross state lines, expanding markets
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced a final rule today that will broaden the market for smaller state-inspected plants. By participating in this voluntary cooperative interstate shipment program, select establishments will have the option to ship meat and poultry products, bearing an official USDA mark of inspection, across state lines.