WVPA reports on successful Congress

The XIXth World Veterinary Poultry Congress was a great success for both WVPA and its local South African branch, who organized the event in Cape Town, South Africa. The event attracted some 1,300 delegates from 70 or so countries who attended presentations on all aspects of poultry disease and its diagnosis, management and control.
The Congress was dedicated to the memory of the Association’s last president, Trevor Bagust, who died in office a year or so ago and was officially opened by his widow, Joanne, by the symbolic beating of an African drum.
The opening ceremony also featured the induction of a further 10 distinguished poultry veterinarians and poultry health scientists to its Hall of Honour, which can be viewed at www.wvpa.net,and the presentation of three awards. These were the Bart Rispens Award (supported by MSD Animal Health) that is awarded for the best paper in the Association’s journal, Avian Pathology, that went to Australian Kylie A. Hewson, the WVPA-Zoetis Young Poultry Veterinarian Award that went to Malaysian, Maximillian Sim Kwang Hui, and their new award, the WVPA-Merial Innovation in Vaccination Award, for which the first recipient was Siba K Samal from the USA.
During the meeting a new president and two new vice presidents were elected into office, the president is British poultry veterinarian, Nigel Horrox, and his vice presidents are Nicolas Eterradossi from France and Prof Aini Ideris from Malaysia.
Nigel told us, “WVPA is going from strength to strength with new branches from India, Iraq, Kenya and Nigeria coming on board at this Congress and three great meetings to look forward to in the near future, the outlook looks good for our association.” Forthcoming events include the Asian WVPA Meeting in Manila, Philippines in Oct. 2016, WVPAC2017 in Edinburgh, Scotland and WVPA2019 in Bangkok, Thailand.

Poultry Science Association honors veterinarian

The Poultry Science Association (PSA) has recognized Dr. Ross E. Wolfenden, vice president of research and development for Pacific Vet Group-USA (PVG), with the organization's Early Achievement Award. The award is given to recognize achievements of PSA members in the early stages of their poultry industry careers.
Wolfenden, 32, was raised in northwest Arkansas. He completed his undergraduate degree in poultry science at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, and began his poultry industry career as an assistant pedigree complex manager for Cobb-Vantress Inc., where he managed nearly every aspect of live production.
In 2007, he was awarded a distinguished doctoral fellowship at the University of Arkansas and accepted a position as a graduate student at the John Kirkpatrick Skeeles Poultry Health Laboratory with Dr. Billy Hargis and co-workers.
After earning his doctoral degree in 2009, Wolfenden joined Pacific Vet Group, a rapidly growing biotechnology company focused on science-based health and nutrition products for the poultry industry. In his position as director of product development, he continued work with technologies PVG has licensed from the University of Arkansas. He also acted as primary technical representative for the company, coordinating field trials and providing expertise on product applications worldwide.
Wolfenden was promoted to his current position in 2012. He is responsible for overall guidance of PVG's research and development, quality systems and process development. He also is involved in research projects at five major universities and in collaborations with two partner organizations in the animal health industry.
Wolfenden says his research interest is the "development of innovative, first-in-class products that will enhance animal performance, improve animal welfare, increase the sustainability of food animal production and improve the safety of our food supply." His company will introduce two of these products later in 2013.
"We have recognized and benefited from Ross's talents and expertise at Pacific Vet Group," says William Davies, president of Pacific Vet Group-USA. "We are pleased that his colleagues in the Poultry Science Association have granted him this honor."

WVPA Gala Dinner recognizes poultry professionals

The Great Elephant ushered guests to their tables at the World Veterinary Poultry Association Gala Dinner.

The Gala Dinner at the end of the penultimate day of the XVIII World Poultry Veterinary Association (WVPA) Congress took place at The Machine Gallery, Nantes, France.
To move guests from the cocktail reception to the formal dinner, a larger animal than usually encountered was used -- the huge machine Great Elephant. To the amazement of assembled guests, this made its way through the middle of the reception to the dining area and attendees followed behind.

Hall of Fame
Dr. Trevor Bagust, WVPA president, used the evening to announce the Hall of Fame, created to be the highest honor for any poultry veterinarian. All those members -- one per annum since the establishment of the association -- were announced and the induction ceremony and awarding of certificates took place while guests ate.
The evening was also used to announce the recipient of the Young Poultry Veterinarian of 2013 award. This was presented to Philip Hammond, from the UK, who is a partner at Crowshall Veterinary Services, which is responsible for a significant proportion of the UK poultry industry.
For the second year running, the award has been sponsored by Zoetis Global Poultry, and Hammond will receive a grant to attend poultry meetings of his choice anywhere in the world. On receiving the award, he said that the key to being a good poultry veterinarian is good communication and ensuring that everything possible is done to meet clients' needs.
Bagust commented: "Philip is a great communicator and a fantastic ambassador for the profession. I am really happy that we can acknowledge and support his passion for poultry health, and help him to further his experience at a global level."
Details of the next WVPA Congress, to be held in South Africa in two years' time were given by Dr. Hannes Swart, and he urged guest to come to South Africa to see some real elephants.
This was followed by the announcement that the 20th conference will be held in Scotland, UK, in 2017. 

Role of veterinarians in poultry industry highlighted at summer meeting

Veterinary and non-veterinary delegates of the British Veterinary Poultry Association recently attended their summer meeting, hosted and sponsored by Aviagen. The event, aimed at summarizing recent findings within the poultry veterinary sector, took place in the Budongo Lecture Theater at Edinburgh Zoo in Edinburgh, Scotland. Aviagen is United States-based poultry breeder.
The meeting highlighted the important role the veterinary profession has played in the expansion of the poultry industry. Within two decades, veterinarians have gone from being seen as dealing with somewhat inferior breeds to being at the forefront of development and specialization within the veterinary profession.
"Chicken makes up such a large part of the growing population's protein source, so it is critical that the industry and vets work together to ensure optimal productivity and welfare within this highly intensive business. Poultry veterinarians are seen by poultry producing companies as the custodians of their birds' welfare, and this, along with efficient production, are integrally linked to bird health," said Keith Warner, president of the British Veterinary Poultry Association.
Delegates heard from a variety of speakers. Aviagen's United Kingdom Breeding Director, Jim McAdam, gave an overview of the tools his team uses as part of the selective breeding process. Simon Girling from Edinburgh Zoo also discussed the role of the zoo vet in relation to avian species.
The challenges faced by the poultry industry and vets remained a key topic. Aviagen microbiologist Fraser Gormley held a discussion on extended-spectrum beta-lactamases, chemicals produced by bacteria that break down antibiotics, and campylobacter. Compartmentalization, the initiative pioneered in Europe by the United Kingdom and first adopted by Aviagen, was also discussed.
Warner added, "Meetings such as this bring together like minded people, who are involved and intensely interested in poultry health and welfare, and the industry. A significant number of attendees are scientists at the forefront of international research, and by coming together, we were able to share knowledge, get advice and develop ourselves.
"In doing so, we help to ensure we and other players within the British poultry industry like Aviagen remain relevant and significant to the field of international poultry science."

Poultry medicine residency offered at Purdue University

Thanks to an anonymous donor, the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine now offers a fully endowed teaching program in poultry medicine.
The program supports one or more graduate students in a training and residency program in the college's Department of Comparative Pathobiology. The program helps meet a need for poultry veterinarians, said Pat Wakenell, associate professor of avian diagnostics at Purdue and co-head of avian diagnostics at the Indiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory. "With the rise in popularity of the general public running hobby farms, there is a lack of knowledge and skills needed to address the health and wellness of poultry and other livestock," Wakenell said.
She said the program helps provide a solution by integrating poultry medicine into the block schedule for fourth-year doctor of veterinary medicine students. Three 2012 Purdue veterinary graduates went on to pursue jobs in the field.
In addition, the residency program will provide training in all major areas of an active poultry medicine practice such as diagnostic pathology and farm visits, Wakenell said. It also incorporates a training curriculum designed to lead to board certification in either the American College of Veterinary Pathologists or the American College of Poultry Veterinarians.
Purdue's first resident in the program, Yuko Sato, a 2012 doctor of veterinary medicine graduate, started the program in August 2012 and plans to continue for three years. Wakenell said the program plans to have a second resident start in July.
"One of the goals is to graduate a poultry veterinarian every year," Wakenell said. "We've had great support from the Indiana State Poultry Association, which is providing financial assistance with travel for residents who are working with clients around the state. We're seeking additional private fundraising to further grow the endowed teaching program."  

Veterinarians stress education on preventative antibiotic use

A panel of veterinarians stressed that efforts must be made to educate the public that antibiotics are not just placed into feed to help prevent an outbreak of any random disease. Instead, a specific risk must be identified.
William Flynn, deputy director for science policy at the Food and Drug Administration's Center for Veterinary Medicine, was one of four veterinarians who took part in a panel discussion "The role of the Veterinary Feed Directive - The Future of antibiotics in poultry production," hosted by WattAgNet.com and sponsored by Zoetis. Their discussion can be viewed on an online video.
According to Flynn: "There may be some misperceptions that when we talk about disease prevention that it's in a generic sense, that antibiotics are being put into feed, for example, to sort of prevent whatever disease comes along. That's not at all what we're talking about here, and we wouldn't consider this to be a judicious use of that drug.
"You are specifically identifying a disease that you believe a specific group of animals is at risk of being exposed to and having an outbreak of a disease, and based on that risk, made the decision that its warranted to administer the drug or antibiotic in a preventative modality," Flynn said.
Flynn was joined in the discussion by G. Donald Ritter, Mountaire Farms director of health services; Randy Singer, associate professor, University of Minnesota Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences; and Stephen Sutherland, Zoetis senior director of regulatory affairs.  

Virginia state veterinarian advocates traceability rule

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services's final rule on traceability will benefit both the states and the industries as a whole, according to Virginia state veterinarian Dr. Richard Wilkes.
"This final rule from USDA veterinary services gives us a framework to allow us to plan more effectively the steps we're going to try to accomplish with our industries to come into compliance with traceability," said Wilkes. "I think it will enhance our industry by improving the effectiveness with which we can respond to recognition of diseases of concern that we need to deal with from a state and federal government's perspective."
Wilkes also thinks the traceability rule will be good for the international trade of U.S. poultry and red meat products. "I think it will enhance our industry's viability in the international community by being able to document that our surveillance is effective and make our trading partners more comfortable with our products."
The traceability rule will take effect March 11.

Pfizer announces '10 under 40' swine veterinarian award winners

Pfizer Animal Health has announced the first winners of the "10 under 40" swine veterinarian award program, a biennial program designed to recognize 10 veterinarians under the age of 40 who are making significant contributions to swine medicine.  
The award was open to American Association of Swine Veterinarians members under 40 years of age, residing in the U.S., in practice, academic or consulting capacities. Nominees were to devote a minimum of 60% of their time to swine medicine. 
The winners are:

• Tara Donovan, DVM - Donovan serves as vice president of health management at The HANOR Family of Companies, Spring Green, Wis.
• Jason Hocker, DVM, M.S. - As a partner at AMVC and managing partner of AMVC Production in Audubon, Iowa, Hocker was also the lead organizer of the Iowa State University/AMVC Swine Medicine Education Center.
• Marlin Hoogland, DVM, M.S. - In Algona, Iowa, Hoogland acts as the Midwest lead finishing veterinarian at Murphy-Brown Western Operations.
• Darin Madson, DVM, Ph.D. - Madson is an assistant professor in the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa.
• Jeremy Pittman, DVM - Pittman serves as staff veterinarian at Murphy-Brown North Division in Waverly, Va. He is also an adjunct faculty member at North Carolina State University.
• Sarah Probst Miller, DVM - Probst Miller recently started her own business, AgCreate Solutions, Inc. She is based in Monticello, Ill.
• Chris Rademacher, DVM - Rademacher is the director of production improvement at Murphy-Brown Western Operations in Ames, Iowa. 
• Cameron Schmitt, DVM, M.S. - In Independence, Iowa, Schmitt is one of the owners and veterinarians at Pipestone Veterinary Clinic of Iowa.
• Matthew Turner, DVM - Turner serves as staff veterinarian at Prestage Farms in Clinton, N.C. and also is as an adjunct professor at North Carolina State University.
• Amy Vincent, DVM, M.S., Ph.D. - Vincent is a veterinary medical officer at the United States Department of Agriculture Agriculture Research Service. She works at the National Animal Disease Center in Ames, Iowa. 

SPACE 2011: Health of French poultry, egg sectors

The French poultry industry is relatively stable, but behind this stability both meat and egg producers have challenges and difficulties to deal with. Pascale Rigomier, poultry veterinarian with Chene Vert Conseil, explained that both the broiler and layer sectors have their own difficulties to deal with.
As far as egg production is concerned, producers need to be up to date with the welfare regulations coming into force in January 2012, said Rigomier, and the majority of farms are already equipped in compliance with the new laws. However, smaller farms are ceasing production, and some older farmers have also decided to leave the industry — investment is often difficult, but particularly if there is not time to see a return on investment.
There has been an increase in the size of farms, as some producers exit the market and others take up their production, and new farms are being set up with meat producers moving into egg production. While French farmers may have been a little late in taking action to comply with the 2012 rules, they have been thorough — the French authorities have said that they will close down any producer who, come January, is acting outside the law.
There has also been a diversification of production, with more free range and fewer cages. France may have been late in moving in this direction when compared to the UK and northern Europe, but there has been increased aviary production.
This summer saw an increase in infectious bursal disease in France, resulting in a decline in egg production. On some farms this decrease has been as much as 40%. Other problems include brachyspira and mycoplasma synoviae, the latter emerging some three years ago and spreading. It can lead to anywhere from 2% to 10% of eggs being rejected and while the problem is being challenged, it is hard work.
Meat production must also comply with welfare legislation. This is particularly a problem for those involved in exports. In order to remain competitive, producers have to operate close to maximum stocking densities, so ventilation, mortality rates, leg and skin quality all need particular attention, said Rigomier.

Pig Care program teaches veterinary students about swine health

Iowa State University veterinary students participate in Individual Pig Care. Students learned how to identify pigs at the onset of sickness, plus gained experience in communicating treatment and protocol information most effectively to people working on farms.

Veterinary students from Iowa State University participated in the Individual Pig Care training/certification program, which focused on the identification of sick pigs and communication skills.
The March 26 event, sponsored by Pfizer Animal Health, taught students how flexing to behavioral tendencies and experience levels can enhance communication. They then used these skills to communicate their observations on husbandry practices to caregivers. "We had the opportunity to take what we learned in the classroom and apply it in a pig production setting, doing health assessments and incorporating communication skills based on various personality types to ensure that protocols are followed," said Chase Stahl, third-year veterinary student at Iowa State and president of the school's AASV student chapter.
Another part of the Individual Pig Care training/certification program allowed students to walk through the pig barn and learn how to identify pigs at different stages of sickness and then report their observations in a role-play exercise. "We learned a lot about how to find sick pigs at the onset of disease and then were able to do one of the hardest things, practice communicating those observations to others in the operation," said Stahl. "With the role-play exercise, we were able to facilitate our observations using different communication styles and get feedback from experienced veterinarians. It was a great learning experience."
Faculty of Iowa State and Pfizer Animal Health veterinarians assisted students with sick pig identification, conducted communication practice sessions and provided feedback on the students' observations after each session

Kemin expands into veterinary market

Kemin Industries Inc. has expanded into the veterinary market with the launch of a new division, Kemin Vet Innovations, set to provide products, solutions and services for the veterinary community serving the livestock, poultry, equine and companion animal markets worldwide.
The division will be led by Andrew Yersin, former director of research and development for Kemin AgriFoods North America. “This is an exciting addition to Kemin’s growing global presence,” said Yersin. “We look forward to expanding our product offerings across regions and supporting the veterinary market with innovative, molecular solutions.
Kemin Vet Innovations will be based at Kemin’s corporate headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa and will have additional representation in the Middle East, China, Mexico, India and Asia Pacific.

Britain rules against antimicrobials advertising ban

New regulations on veterinary medicines to be introduced in the United Kingdom on April 1, 2011, will continue to allow antimicrobial products to be advertised to farmers, the British government’s Veterinary Medicines Directorate has announced.
A ban on advertising antimicrobials had been among proposals made to the government for changes to the existing rules, in light of increasing concerns about the growth of antimicrobial resistance. But it brought warnings about the impact on the section of farm media for which health product advertisements represent a significant part of their income.
The decision not to impose a ban was called disappointing by the British Veterinary Association. Its president, Harvey Locke, said it had supported restrictions on advertising as a sensible approach to the responsible use of antimicrobials. “New antimicrobials are heavily advertised by pharmaceutical companies to vets and farmers so it is vital that the message of responsible use is not lost," said Locke. “Antimicrobial resistance is a serious issue for both animal and human health and we are disappointed that the VMD is not restricting the advertising of these products to farmers. The pharmaceutical companies must now undertake to advertise responsibly.”

Pfizer promotes cattle veterinary practice with 'Commitment to Veterinarians'

Pfizer Animal Health's Commitment to Veterinarians externship program promoted an interest in livestock animal medicine to 112 students in 2010.
The program, which gives first- and second-year veterinary medicine students hands-on training, has expanded after two years to veterinary schools all across the U.S. “We have students who were not previously considering practicing in rural communities and certainly not working with food animals,” said Dr. Mike Nichols with Beef Veterinary Operations at Pfizer. “After their externship, the response they give is that this is an area of practice they were previously unaware of. They are appreciative of the opportunity and are now strongly considering entering that type of practice.”
In addition to the externships, the Commitment to Veterinarians program provides scholarships to third-year college students preparing to enter the work force. “We want to be there to support them with scholarships to help offset educational expenses,” said Nichols. “The cost of veterinary education is enormous. This year at the 2010 AABP Convention, Pfizer Animal Health awarded $147,000 in scholarships to 29 students from across the U.S. specifically pursuing bovine practice. These veterinary students are now in their final year of studies and will become practicing veterinarians after graduating next spring.” Pfizer has also partnered with the American Veterinary Medical Foundation to establish a national scholarship program that will provide $2 million in its first three years.

Intervet department to focus on veterinary vaccines

Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health has opened a specialized filling and dry-freezing unit at its Biosciences Center in Boxmeer, the Netherlands.
The extension of the existing department began in September 2008 and cost a total of $18 million to complete. "With this significant investment into the new unit here in Boxmeer we ensure the high standards and efficient manufacturing process at this important facility in our manufacturing network and enable the people who work here to continue contributing to the success of our growing vaccine business," said Senior Vice President Malte Greune.
The new filling line can accommodate speeds up to 24,000 glass vials per hour, while the freeze-dryer can process 136,000 vials per batch.

Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica requests proposals for 2011 PRRS research awards

Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc. (BIVI) is again seeking research study proposals focused on porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), to help swine producers and veterinarians better manage the disease.
For the last eight years, BIVI has contributed $75,000 or more annually through its Advancement in PRRS Research Awards, which fund three selected research programs. The company’s PRRS research award program is open to swine veterinarians, diagnosticians or public and private researchers in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Selected programs are designed to investigate new ways to diagnose, control and eradicate this costly swine disease.
Research proposals must be submitted by Jan. 1, 2011, and awards will be presented during the 2011 American Association of Swine Veterinarians Annual Meeting in Phoenix, Ariz. Proposals will be selected by an independent review board based on established criteria, including potential economic impact to the swine industry, originality and scientific quality and probability of success in completing the year-long study.
This year, BIVI recognized three veterinarians and researchers for the 2010 Advancement in PRRS Research Award: Robert Morrison, DVM, Ph.D., University of Minnesota; Paul Yeske, DVM, MS, Swine Vet Center, St. Peter, Minn.; and Mark Wagner, DVM, Fairmont Veterinary Clinic, Fairmont, Minn.
To participate in the research program, submit a proposal, cover sheet, curriculum vitae and two letters of recommendation by Jan. 1, 2011, to:
Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc.
Attn: Trudy LutherThe Advancement in PRRS Research Award
5506 Corporate Dr. Suite 1600
St. Joseph, MO 64507-7752

Aviagen breaks ground on new vet lab

Poultry breeder Aviagen announced it has started constructing a new veterinary services laboratory in Elkmont, Ala. At about 14,000 square feet, the lab will give the company almost twice the space of the existing lab when it’s complete in 2011.
Designed to meet biosafety level 2 standards, the facility, located less than a mile from its current laboratory, will employ 20 people and support Aviagen’s continued growth. It will perform diagnostic protocols mandated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the National Poultry Improvement Plan, as well as other molecular diagnostics that support procedures aimed at meeting all export requirements.

Lallemand Animal Nutrition launches fiber digestibility site

Lallemand Animal Nutrition has launched a new mini website that focuses on fiber digestibility to help dairy farmers, nutritionists, veterinarians and distributors understand ways of improving feed and forage utilization.
This new tool summarizes the latest scientific results obtained with the rumen specific live yeast Levucell SC (Saccharomyces cerevisiae I-1077) and in particular its effect on improving fiber digestibility.
To promote the launch of this new website, Lallemand is holding a competition online called "Stimulate with Levucell SC" in which two people can win a new iPad. Visit the site for moreinformation.

Congressional members, ag groups hold educational briefings on antibiotics

Livestock and poultry groups hosted educational briefings on Capitol Hill about the importance of access to antibiotics in raising healthy food animals.
“Taking FDA-approved animal drugs off the market would leave farmers and veterinarians with very limited options for preventing and controlling disease in livestock and poultry, which would have serious repercussions for animal health and preventing foodborne disease, with the strong likelihood that there would be no improvement in human health,” said Timothy Cummings, clinical poultry professor for the Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine at Mississippi State University. “It's absolutely vital that any decisions about the care of animals and the safety of our food be based on sound science rather than unsubstantiated concerns.”
Presenters explained that the industry has developed responsible-use programs to give feed companies and producers specific guidelines on the safe and proper use of antibiotics in health management systems. They countered claims that the use of antibiotics on farms contributes significantly to antibiotic resistance in humans, and said that the responsible use of these products enhances animal welfare and health.
The briefings were held in cooperation with Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, and Reps. David Scott, D-Ga.; Randy Neugebauer, R-Texas; Zack Space, D-Ohio; and Roy Blunt, R-Mo. The informational sessions were co-hosted by the National Chicken Council, National Pork Producers Council, National Turkey Federation
, National Meat Association, American Meat Institute, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and National Milk Producers Federation.

China opens first veterinary association

China’s first national veterinary association was recently established in Beijing to improve the domestic veterinary system and enhance international cooperation, announced China’s Agriculture Ministry (MOA).
This non-government, nonprofit organization will contribute to animal disease control, animal welfare improvement, industry standard normalization, local veterinarian training and further involvement in global veterinary affairs, Vice Minister of MOA, Gao Hongbin, said in its inaugural meeting.
Jia Youling and Zhang Zhongqiu were named president and secretary general of the association.