REMINDER: 2006 International PRRS Symposium in Chicago

November 1, 2006 — 

The 2006 International PRRS Symposium will be held at the Annual Conference of Research Workers in Animal Diseases (CRWAD) Meeting in Chicago, IL, Friday, December 1, 2006 and Saturday, December 2, 2006.

Both the Conference of Research Workers in Animal Disease and the PRRS Symposium will be held at the Downtown Chicago Marriott, Chicago, IL. The PRRS International Symposium is an annual public meeting held immediately prior to the Conference of Research Workers in Animal Diseases (CRWAD) and hosted by the NC-229 PRRS Committee. Researchers, students, swine health specialists, and pork producers interested in PRRS virus research are invited to attend.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus is the most economically significant disease of swine in the U.S. A recent study estimated that PRRS virus causes $560 million in losses each year to the industry (Neumann et al., 2005). By comparison, annual losses in the U.S. to classical swine fever (hog cholera) and pseudorabies were estimated at $364 million (Wise, 1981) and $36 million (Hallam et al., 1987), respectively, prior to their eradication. This meeting brings together an international group involved in all aspects of PRRS research. A broad range of topics - from field studies to highly technical investigations - will be discussed.

Organizers are currently soliciting scientific abstracts for presentations and poster displays (Deadline August 26, 2006). There is no charge for attending the 2006 International PRRS Symposium, but registration is required. Register for the meeting and submit abstracts through this Symposium website. Email Dr. Bob Rowland browland@vet.ksu.edu, Dr. Joan Lunney JLUNNEY@anri.basc.usda, or Dr. Pam Zaabel pzaabel@pork.org