AASV President Dee Attends OSHAB Meeting

May 2, 2006 — Scott Dee

The Ontario Pork Industry Council's Swine Health Advisory Board (OSHAB) held its latest regular meeting April 25 - 27. Dr. Scott Dee, representing AASV, attended this meeting and provides the following information summarizing the Board's activities.

OSHAB, chaired by Dr. Gaylan Josephson, is an organization made up of the Ontario Association of Swine Veterinarians (OASV), swine producers (Ontario Pork Industry Council), and numerous industrial partners. Its mandate is to provide clarity and solutions for economically significant diseases affecting swine production. Their primary focus is on PRRS.

Dr. Dee participated in meetings with the OASV, and representatives from the Ontario feed industry, AI/genetics sector, pig trader group and the transport sector. Topics discussed at each meeting included a review of information on PRRSV transmission and biosecurity as it pertained to the individual sectors and the North American and Minnesota PRRS Eradication Task force efforts.

OSHAB is growing in stature throughout the province. The group continues to build funding reserves and has been asked to become involved in directing research and to address issues associated with Porcine Circovirus Associated Diseases (PCVAD) as well.

One specific action item that came forward was the need to establish standardized definitions for classifying the PRRS status of pig populations that originate in Canada and enter the US. This would enhance communication between vets, producers and traders. Furthermore, a set of standardized monitoring protocols to determine status is also needed. The OASV has developed a draft set of definitions which Dr. Dee has asked that the AASV PRRS committee review. He has challenged the committee to prepare a final document encompassing a set of definitions and monitoring protocols for consideration by the AASV Board of Directors during their 2006 fall meeting in October.

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Dr. Scott Dee, AASV President