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Swine Health Committee
April 9, 2003

Chair: Dr. Howard Hill
Co-Chair: Dr. David Nolan

The Swine Health Committee met on April 9, 2003 from 1:15 to 5:00 pm. An outstanding seminar “PRRS Virus, A perspective from clinical medicine” was presented by Dr. Steve Henry. A question and answer period followed stimulating a great deal of discussion on the importance of PRRS to the US pork industry. It was noted that PRRS has established itself as an endemic disease in all major swine producing regions of the US and outbreaks of the disease are costing the industry millions of dollars annually. PRRS is clearly the most economically important disease affecting the swine industry today.

There was extensive discussion on the need for funding of basic research, elimination plans, epidemiology and field studies on PRRS. A resolution (PRRS Research Need) requesting USDA to increase funding for PRRS research was developed following the discussion.

A business meeting followed the seminar. New resolutions were developed; one regarding research funding for PRRS research and one supporting Interstate Movement Regulations for swine.

A motion to accept resolution PRRS Research Need was made by Jim Stocker and seconded by John Korslund. Motion passed.

In response to the passing of the PRRS Research Need resolution the Funding For Infectious Disease Research and Field Studies resolution was amended to eliminate the reference to the requesting of funds from Congress and identifying the source of determining priorities as the Swine Health Committee of the National Pork Board. A motion was made by Jim McKean to approve the amended resolution and John Korslund seconded. Motion passed.

There was discussion on the Swine Health Protection Act in regard to processing of food waste. The committee amended the Swine Health Protection Act Enforcement resolution 78 adding a request for USDA to provide an annual report of compliance of all garbage feeding operations in the United States. A motion was made by Jim McKean to approve the amended resolution and seconded by Jim Leafstedt. Motion approved.

There was much discussion of the Swine Health Protection Act and NIAA’s role in its support. The issue of support for new technology and alternative methods and processing and handling food waste is both a concern for the swine industry and the nation as a whole because of potential introduction of FAD. A recommendation that this issue be referred to the NIAA Animal Health and Emergency Management committee as this issue transcends multiple animal species failed. The Swine Health Committee supported continued focus by reaffirming the Swine Health Protection Act Support resolution. Jim Leafstedt motioned to reaffirm and Lawrence Birchmier seconded the motion. Motion approved.

Howard Hill asked those present for ideas or suggestions for next year’s annual committee meeting. Some suggestions included: More information on garbage feeding. Presentation describing port control. Other presentations focused on industry priorities.

2003 NIAA Swine Health Committee Participation (from sign in sheet)

NIAA Members: 

Non-Members: 

Dr. Warren Wilson

Intervet, Inc.

Dr. Lowell Anderson

USDA APHIS VS

Dr. Adam Grow

APHIS – VS