Dr Roy Schultz, Avoca, Iowa, was honored with the Heritage Award by the AASV Foundation during the AASV annual meeting in San Diego. The prestigious award recognizes individuals who have lifelong outstanding achievements in swine veterinary medicine. A charter member and past president of the AASV, Dr Schultz’s veterinary career spans nearly 50 years. He is an internationally recognized consultant and speaker, and has received numerous awards over the years for his service and contributions of knowledge and expertise to the swine industry.

Mary Lou Hogg presented a plaque to Dr Christa Irwin, Ames, Iowa, recognizing her as the recipient of the first AASV Foundation Hogg Scholarship. Established in memory of Dr Alex Hogg, the scholarship is awarded to an AASV member who has been accepted into a qualified graduate program after years as a swine practitioner. Dr Irwin is pursuing a master’s degree in veterinary preventive medicine at Iowa State University. Previously, she was a staff veterinarian at Murphy Brown, LLC. The $12,000 inaugural scholarship was presented during the association’s annual meeting in San Diego.

Foundation announces 2008 research support

The AASV Foundation is pleased to announce the selection of three research proposals for funding in 2008. The funding – in the amount of $6000 per proposal – will support research efforts at four Midwest universities.

At the University of Minnesota, work is underway to develop a real-time PCR for the detection of Actinobacillus suis. Foundation support for this project will enable primary investigator Dr Simone Oliveira to employ a veterinary student to participate in the research effort and submit the results for publication and presentation during the AASV annual meeting.

Drs Locke Karriker and Alex Ramirez at Iowa State University are leading a project to create a swine medicine field manual. The foundation funds will assist with the peer review and publication of the first edition of the manual, which consists of a compilation of field diagnostic techniques for swine veterinarians and students. The manual will be produced in electronic as well as print format.

The third project funded by the AASV Foundation involves a joint effort by researchers at Kansas State University and Michigan State University, and private practitioners. The proposal, submitted by Dr Megan Potter at Kansas State, will explore the use of PCV2 vaccine as a tool in the elimination of PCV2 from infected swine herds. The foundation contribution will support the diagnostic testing needed to complete the third phase of the study.

“Funding of research with direct application to the profession” is one of the five action points in the foundation’s mission to increase the effectiveness of swine veterinarians. Projects funded by the AASV Foundation are to be completed within 12 months, with a report due within 60 days of completion. For additional information regarding the AASV Foundation, see www.aasv.org/foundation or contact the AASV. Tel: 515-465-5255; E-mail: aasv@aasv.org.

Funding increased for swine externship grants

The AASV Foundation recently increased the grant amount available to veterinary students who complete a swine externship. To help offset the cost of travel and lodging, the foundation will provide from $200 to $500 to eligible students. The actual grant amount is based upon a budget submitted with the student’s application prior to the externship.

To qualify, veterinary students must spend 2 weeks or more working in a swine practice or a mixed practice with a considerable swine component. Both the student and at least one member of the hosting practice must be AASV members. The application and anticipated budget should be submitted prior to the externship dates, along with a letter from the hosting practice outlining details of the externship. The application and grant requirements are available at www.aasv.org/students/externgrant.htm.

There is a limit of one grant per student. Previously, the grants were provided only to students in their senior year, but that requirement has been removed, enabling any AASV veterinary student member to apply. Since the program’s inception in 2002, the foundation has awarded externship grants to 50 students.

For more information, contact the AASV. Tel: 515-465-5255; Fax: 515-465-3832; E-mail: aasv@aasv.org.