ACTION ALERT: PRRS CAP2 Needs Your Support

October 11, 2006 — 

Dr. Bob Rowland, Project Director PRRS CAP2, is requesting letters of support from AASV members to support future funding of the project through USDA. Letters need to be received by October 20, 2006 for inclusion in the renewal proposal submitted to USDA.

The USDA NRI-funded program, known as the Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) Coordinated Agricultural Project (CAP), is undergoing program renewal by the USDA. The program is expected to be funded at a level of $4.8 million over four years. PRRS CAP-related activities are performed at research institutions throughout the U.S. and have made significant contributions towards the control of PRRS, including 1) an increased understanding of the virus and how it moves through a production system, 2) the investigation and testing of novel vaccine and diagnostic approaches, and 3) the scientific support of PRRS control projects in the field. In addition, the PRRS CAP supports the training of scientists, producers and practitioners. Over the next fours years, the program will continue these activities as well as investigate new areas of research, outreach and education.

The successful funding of the PRRS CAP depends on the support of stakeholders, which includes producers, practitioners, companies and supporters of the swine industry. As Project Director of the next PRRS CAP, Dr. Rowland is requesting from you a letter supporting the PRRS CAP project entitled "The control and elimination of PRRS".

Some points that you may include in your letter:

1. The economic impact of PRRS to yourself and/or fellow producers/practitioners.
2. The support of the CAP2 project on PRRS control and elimination, which will be devoted to new vaccines, improved diagnostics, risk assessment tools and practical methods that can be used to eliminate PRRS and keep PRRS from re-entering a farm.
3. Indicate the overall value of research in developing new technologies for the control of swine diseases.

Your letter will be included in the renewal proposal as documentation supporting PRRS research and educational activities. You may send an email or a signed letter in electronic format (PDF or Word file) to browland@vet.ksu.edu . Or by regular mail to:

Dr. Raymond R.R. Rowland
Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology
1800 Denison Ave
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS 66506

The renewal will be sent to USDA in late October, so please submit your letter before October 20, 2006. Feel free to distribute this request to others interested in supporting PRRS research and education.