Industry Leaders Honored at 20th International Swine Viral Disease Conference

January 25, 2024 — 

The 2023 NAPRRS/NC229 International Conference of Swine Viral Diseases, hosted and organized by the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, wrapped up its 20th anniversary celebration with a special banquet and awards ceremony.

Held November 30 through December 2, the premier conference for addressing viral disease threats facing pork production brought more than 150 participants to Chicago, Ill. Within the global swine disease research community, this conference holds a special place by focusing on basic research, diagnostics, and disease control in the field.

"It is fitting that this unique global conference is hosted by our college's Department of Pathobiology, the academic home of several of the world's premier researchers focused on swine viral infections and vaccines," said Peter Constable, dean of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. "Their work, like the PRRS conference, advances innovative science that addresses real-world needs of the global pork industry."

Special Recognition

Two industry leaders who retired in 2023 were recognized with awards at the conference's closing banquet.

Dr. Scott Dee was honored for distinguished research and service to U.S. pork industry. He has been awarded more than $12.5 million in research funding throughout his 36-year career. He was the first to publish data proving that porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) and African swine fever virus (ASFV) can be transmitted via feed. His research has led to the development and implementation of biosecurity protocols for managing the importation of feed and feed ingredients, which has resulted in positive economic changes within commercial swine production.

Dr. Paul Sundberg was honored for his outstanding leadership, dedication, and contribution to swine health. A globally recognized expert in swine health, Dr. Sundberg spent the past 30 years in national leadership roles, including Director of Veterinary Issues at the National Pork Producers Council, Vice President of Science and Technology for the National Pork Board, and Executive Director of the Swine Health Information Center. He championed the strategy of providing funding to swine disease researchers to address emerging disease concerns within the pork industry.

Read the rest of the story and full release at University of Illinois

[Source: University of Illinois 8 January 2024 ]