AASV position statement on sow housing

As swine veterinarians, our mission is to protect and improve the health and well-being of the animal. Given the variability inherent in different housing systems, the American Association of Swine Veterinarians supports the use of sow housing configurations that

• Provide every animal with access to appropriate food and water;

• Protect sows and piglets from detrimental effects associated with environmental extremes, particularly temperature extremes;

• Reduce exposure to hazards that result in disease, pain, or injury to sows or piglets;

• Allow sows and piglets to express appropriate behaviors and minimize expression of inappropriate behaviors within the constraints of the housing type;

• Minimize aggression and competition between sows;

• Promote good air quality and allow proper sanitation; and

• Facilitate evaluation and care of individual animals while protecting worker safety.

We strive to foster these essential components, where supported by the scientific literature, in all housing systems. Our goal is to teach and promote appropriate stockmanship, which is as important as housing type in meeting the needs of the animals.

At the request of the AASV leadership, the Pig Welfare Committee reviewed the association’s position statement on pregnant sow housing approved in July 2002. Following its review, the committee proposed a revised sow-housing position statement for consideration by the AASV board during its 2012 fall meeting. The board modified the proposed wording and adopted the statement in the text box.

Schultz receives ISU Alumni Award from ISU’s College of Veterinary Medicine

Roy Schultz, DVM, was honored with the William P. Switzer Award in Veterinary Medicine during an awards ceremony held at Iowa State University on Friday, October 26, 2012. The Switzer Award was established in 1998 to recognize exemplary individuals who have made significant contributions to society through their achievements or have made major contributions to enhancement of the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Throughout his 50-year career, Dr Roy Schultz has stood out among a very elite cadre of swine veterinarians who have established themselves through education, hard work, and outstanding service to the profession and the industry.

Dr Schultz is a world-recognized authority on the pathogen Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae in growing swine. His groundbreaking discoveries for cultivation and the characterization of the organism and his efforts in diagnostic-testing improvements have led to the prevention and control of this once devastating disease. His commitment to the college and its alumni has been evidenced through his support of educational programs and mentorship of numerous veterinary students and new graduates. He has been a resource for practical information and solutions for several generations of veterinarians.

A charter member of the American Association of Swine Veterinarians, Dr Schultz has served as its president and been the recipient of many of its awards, including the prestigious Heritage Award for lifetime achievements in swine medicine. He was named one of the 50 innovators in pork production by National Hog Farmer magazine in 2000 and one of 10 Pork Masters in 2007.

Now retired, Dr Schultz continues his efforts as a conservationist. He is the co-founder of the Foundation for North American Wild Sheep, a nonprofit conservation organization. Through his efforts, more than $75 million has been raised and the population of wild sheep has expanded from 40,000 to over 250,000 in the 30 years of the project.