Update on the AASV PRRS Risk Assessment Tool

July 3, 2007 — 

Dr. Derald Holtkamp was instrumental in the development of the PRRS Risk Assessment Tool while at Boehringer Ingelheim and has continued his involvement with the project since its transfer to AASV and his move to Iowa State University. He recently provided e-Letter with this update on the project's progress.

Since accepting the gift of the PRRS Risk Assessment Tool in 2006, AASV has offered seven training courses for member veterinarians. To date, 96 veterinarians have been trained to use version 2 of the PRRS Risk Assessment Tool for the Breeding Herd. 499 assessments have been completed and entered into the version 2 database. This is in addition to 320 assessments completed using version 1 of the tool. At least two research projects utilizing the Tool have been recently funded as well.

Recently, much of Derald's time has involved coordinating development of a web-based version of the Tool which began Beta testing on June 29, 2007. AASV is planning the first training session on the web version for November 7th during the ISU Swine Disease Conference in Ames, IA. To insure the validity and quality of the data collected with the assessments, use of the tool is restricted to AASV members completing the training sessions which are offered free of charge.