policy

Agriculture Technology Helping Food Safety This year's National Institute for Animal Agriculture conference provided a cross-section of the livestock industry unlike any other event. Of note is the session track focused on Foot and Mouth Disease preparedness. The working session was especially valuable given the range of industries represented.

What Happens If a Disease Outbreak Occurs? Dr. Patrick Webb, Director - Swine Health Programs, National Pork Board, points out the choke points in the process of an animal disease outbreak occurring. Dr. Webb goes through specifics of how an outbreak is monitored and managed over time. He recommends that farms provide accurate information, have secure supply plans, and that industry continue to provide duration and resources.

Grand Societal Challenges Mr. Lowell Randel digs into the challenges facing agriculture and how animal sciences can play an important role to funding, research, and policy. Issues to tackle? Water use, understanding pathogens, and growing food in a changing climate.

Ag's Financial Impact of Tomorrow Ms. Deborah Perkins presents a three part session to cover: 1) key drivers behind technology developments; 2) factors affecting uptake of technology; and 3) implications from a financier’s perspective. Take away: "Technologies with a positive impact on profitability will be attractive to players all along the chain."

A New Approach to Pseudorabies and Swine Brucellosis: A Concept Dr. Troy Bigelow overviews the paper "A New Approach to PRV and SB: A Concept" and the proposal for changing the regulations of pseudorabies and swine brucellosis. Dr. Bigelow points out that the regulations currently in place from 1970's and the effort to change them is a must so that the public are protected.

PRRS Working Group Update Dr. Lisa Becton believes that PRRS is at a crossroads after 20 years of work. She talks about the future of PRRS and presents several views of PRRS' focus. Dr. Becton asks the audience if management, control and/or elimination of the virus, and how funding models will be created to support one or more of the focal points. She mentions there is continued National Pork Board support for PRRS elimination, as reaffirmed by the Swine Health Committee. To close Dr. becton highlights the 2014 plan of work.