The National Pork Board (NPB) has established a new Swine Health Advisory Committee, which held its inaugural meeting this month in Des Moines, Iowa. The producer-led committee will provide strategic input and guidance to help ensure the National Swine Health Strategy remains aligned with industry priorities and delivers meaningful progress.
The National Swine Health Strategy aims to reduce the impact of domestic diseases like porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), lessen the spread of disease, and keep foreign and emerging diseases out.
“I look forward to collaborating with others across the industry to take this important next step and moving the needle on swine health for the future sustainability of our industry and the well-being of our animals and caregivers,” continues Krantz.
The advisory committee will offer ongoing strategic input and recommendations to NPB staff and board members in three areas of their work:
- Prioritizing proposed plans to find efficiencies and opportunities across industry resources;
- Defining clear actions and measurable outcomes to track progress and demonstrate impact on turning research into action; and
- Addressing both the risk of transboundary diseases and the ongoing burden of disease, including PRRSV and PEDV.
“The formation of this new producer-led advisory committee is an important step in advancing the National Swine Health Strategy and continuing to transform valuable research and resources into practical, slat-level solutions for producers,” says NPB Chief Veterinarian Dr. Dusty Oedekoven. “I am excited and energized at the opportunity to collaborate with this group of engaged, wise and generous producers who are willing to contribute their time and expertise to help improve swine health for the entire pork industry.”
NPB Swine Health Advisory Committee members include:
- Dr. Matt Anderson, Suidae Health and Production
- Paul Ayers, The Maschhoffs, NPB board member
- Dr. Alexandra Buckley, USDA Agricultural Research Service
- Cheryl Day, Ohio Pork Council
- Joe Dykhuis, Michigan producer
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