Number of New Cases Reported — Weekly aggregate update of new cases. USDA Veterinary Services is now publishing the weekly report which not only includes the weekly accession information you are used to seeing but also additional data derived from the premises information collected as a result of the June 5, 2014 Federal Order. The accession information, as always, reports the number of positive cases tested at the veterinary diagnostic labs that week. The premises data, however, reports the number of positive and presumptive positive cases entered into the USDA’s Emergency Management Response Services (EMRS) database. Therefore, the data contained in the accession and premises charts may not represent samples submitted to the diagnostic labs on the same week. Also, this report will only contain data collected since June 5th. USDA maintains all historic data on their SECD website at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal-health/secd. For the week ending 12/27/14, the report indicates there were 50 positive accessions from the 457 submissions. In addition, there were 22 and 8 confirmed and presumptive positive premises (respectively) entered into EMRS. There are currently 33 states with at least one confirmed positive case of PEDV. The report also includes information on cases submitted for porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) as well. Last updated: 12/31/14 for the week of 12/21/14. [Cumulative graph]
Monthly Archives: December 2014
Molecular Characterization of H3N2 Influenza A Viruses Isolated from Ontario Swine in 2011 and 2012
Background Data about molecular diversity of commonly circulating type A influenza viruses in Ontario swine are scarce. Yet, this information is essential for surveillance of animal and public health, vaccine updates, and for understanding virus evolution and its large-scale spread.
Scientists Examine Dynamics of Influenza Infection in Swine Populations
An epidemiologist with the University of Guelph is confident, by gaining a better understanding of influenza, scientists will be better equipped to deal with more complex viral infections. Scientists working on behalf of Swine Innovation Porc have kicked off a three year project which is looking at the dynamics of influenza infection in swine populations. The objective is to gain a better understanding of the epidemiology of influenza viruses in swine and improve surveillance and control strategies. [Source: Farmscape, November 25, 2014]
UMN Identifies Third PEDV Strain
Three naturally occurring US PEDV strains have been identified: the original PEDV, the PEDV with changes in the spike gene (INDEL), and the PEDV strain (S2aadel) reported in this article. The role of genetic changes in the US PEDV strains to clinical disease has yet to be reported. The clinical presentation of diarrhea in this case was reported as equally or more severe than such presentation in cases caused by the prototype PEDV Colorado/2013. Other factors such as concurrent infections and the rate of group exposure, which is rapid in most PEDV cases affecting neonatal piglets, may influence the clinical presentation.
Enhanced Passive Surveillance – Coming to a Tablet Near You
The Department of Homeland Securityâs Science & Technology Directorate-funded Enhanced Passive Surveillance (EPS) pilot program continues to make progress towards the goal of developing and testing a system designed to provide early indicators of disease and enhance situational awareness of animal health in the U.S. The program has seen significant progress, which was the culmination of many months of hard work. [Source: Institute for Infectious Animal Diseases]
Position Announcement: Swine Veterinarian
Iowa Select Farms is recruiting for a Swine Veterinarian for its all Iowa-based production system. Weâre seeking an experienced swine veterinarian to be responsible for implementing preventative herd health strategies as well as identifying and diagnosing herd health issues.
AASV Vice President Candidates: Drs. Alex Ramirez and Jeff Harker
The annual election for AASV Vice President is underway. The nominees are Drs. Jeff Harker (Frankfort, Indiana) and Alejandro “Alex” Ramirez (Ames, Iowa). Information about the candidates appears in the January/February 2015 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 20 will be counted. The election results will be announced at the AASV 2015 Annual Meeting in Orlando.
Happy Holidays — AASV Office Hours
Happy New Year!In observance of New Yearâs, the AASV office will close at noon on December 31 and reopen January 2.
Markets to Require PIN Tags in Cull Breeding Stock
Effective January 1, 2015, the majority of packers processing cull breeding stock will begin requiring official premises identification number (PIN) tags as a condition of sale. Specifically, the following packers have indicated their plan to participate in the PIN tag requirement: Johnsonville, Hillshire Brands, Calihan Pork Processors, Bob Evans Farms, Wamplerâs Farm Sausage, Pine Ridge Farms, Pioneer Packing Co., Pork King Packing and Abbyland Pork Pack. Some have indicated that they will either no longer accept cull breeding stock or may discount the price paid.
Swine Practitioners: Mentor a Veterinary Student
The AASV Foundation is pleased to announce that the National Pork Industry Foundation has renewed funding for the NPIF Internship Stipend for 2015. This program, now in its seventh year, provides internship opportunities to six veterinary students who are interested in swine medicine but have limited means to gain experience early in their education. The AASV Student Recruitment Committee is seeking six US swine practitioners to be mentors for the students. Commitments include answering one student’s questions regarding the industry throughout the year and hosting the student for a minimum of 1 month in the summer. If you are interested in being a practitioner mentor, please contact Dr. Chase Stahl at cstahl@fmtvets.com or 515-851-7822.