*H1N1 Flu Virus Update* With today’s announcement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture that pigs in Minnesota tested positive for the 2009 novel H1N1 virus, the National Pork Producers Council reiterates that pork is safe to eat and handle and that, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu viruses cannot be transmitted through food.
Blueprint focusThe news reports announcing the discovery of the H1N1 Flu Outbreak Virus on April 24, 2009 increased the urgency for proper biosecurity measures in hog operations. Producers continually face the challenge of managing the biosecurity of pigs, people, packages and pests as they redouble efforts to stave off costly swine diseases and retain their access to pork markets in this age of economic uncertainty. Pinpointing the Principles of BiosecurityBy Scott Dee, DVM; Andrea Pitkin, DVM; and Satoshi Otake, DVM, University of Minnesota In today's pork industry, perhaps no issue is as critical to protecting and maintaining the health and efficiency of swine herds as a scientifically based... |
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Building Functional Biosecurity PlansBy Rodney “Butch” Baker, DVM, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University Biosecurity efforts cost considerable resources, both human and financial, and must be predicated on economic considerations. However, when we consider... |
Routine Sampling Helps Keep Herd Health StableBy Brad Leuwerke, DVM, and Darwin Reicks, DVM, Swine Vet Center, St. Peter, MN Biosecurity programs, designed to prevent new disease entry and control diseases that already exist, have two parts: Procedures used every day to keep... |
News Flash
First Commercial Case of Novel H1N1 Virus In Swine Discovered in Indiana
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is confirming the first U.S. case of the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus has been found in a commercial swine herd. USDA said the pigs as well as the workers on an Indiana hog farm have all recovered and none of the swine are showing clinical signs of the virus ...
Swine Genome Unlocked with USDA, Pork Checkoff Investment
A team of international researchers has unlocked the genetic code for swine, which is expected to produce advancements in agriculture, medicine, conservation and evolution...
Purdue Specialist Advises Testing Corn Before Feeding to Hogs
Pork producers should test the new corn crop before feeding it, according to a Purdue University Extension swine specialist...
China Plans to Open Market to U.S. Pork
U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that China intends to reopen the Chinese market to U.S. pork and live swine, consistent with science-based international standards...
Current Issue
Costs, Price Pressures Ease Just a Little
There was a lot to be positive about in the pork industry the last week of October. I realize it is difficult to be optimistic when you are still losing $25 to $30/head. I also realize that positive news at this point could be as dangerous as it is welcome. But facts are facts, and we must recognize them. ...
Current Issue
The "Good" and "Bad" Sides of a Cheaper Dollar
As I begin this week's column, I"m reminded of two different "flip side" statements that may help characterize the topic at hand. The first is the old Archie Campbell schtick - "That's good - no that’s bad," which I have used before. The second reflects President Truman's frustration with economists' incessant use of the qualifier - "on the other hand" - to introduce the contrary opinion on a given topic. President Truman once demanded in his usual colorful language: "Will someone please find me a *!&%$*?>
