The American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) held committee meetings, a closed door session and the planning meeting for the upcoming 2008 Annual meeting during the 2007 World Pork Expo.
Over 100 AASV members participated in a members-only session to discuss the animal health impact of Porcine Circovirus Associated Disease (PCVAD) on the U.S. swine industry. The group heard from researchers, practitioners and private lab representatives during the session conducted by Butch Baker, AASV vice president. The session provided an opportunity for members to participate in a frank discussion of the disease impact and challenges associated with control measures and vaccination.
Approximately 25 members met on Friday to discuss the plans for the 2008 AASV Annual meeting to be held March 8 – 11, 2008 in San Diego, CA. The group proposed a very exciting and educational program aimed at addressing a number of issues pertinent to swine veterinarians including disease management (SIV, PRRS, PCVAD, respiratory diseases, and enteric diseases), feed issues, sow gestation concerns, foreign animal disease, and facility design (air filtration). The planning committee also decided to bring back the ever-popular Practice Tips session as a pre-conference seminar.
The PCVAD and Professional Development committees also met on Thursday morning. Both committees had good attendance and discussed issues key to each committee. Watch for upcoming publication of the minutes from the committee chairs Dr. Tom Gillespie and Butch Baker respectively.