International Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Congress

May 13, 2015

The Planning Committee is pleased to announce that the International Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (IPRRS) Congress will be held on June 3rd-5th, 2015, in the historical city of Ghent, Belgium.

For students applying for the Benfield Travel Fellowship, extra funding has been made available to support student travel for qualified graduate students conducting graduate studies in the US. All qualified students who apply by the March 31 deadline will receive some level of support for up to a $2,000 maximum. For travel fellowship instructions, click here: http://www.prrscongress.ugent.be/page2/page2.html

The first day will be devoted to review progress in the field of PRRSV evolution, replication cycle, pathogenesis and immunity. The second day will cover all aspects linked to PRRS control, including diagnostics and vaccines. A round table aiming at defining strategies for future PRRS control actions in Europe, America and Asia will be organized. Veterinarians, virologists, academics, authorities, pharmaceutical industries as well as PhD students are encouraged to participate.

Source: AASV

Video: FLEECED! Sheep Shearer Hands Over Clippers!

It's sheep shearing day at Ewetopia Farms! ?? Our Dorset lambs and ewes are getting fleeced — and for the first time, our shearer hands over his clippers to a beginner. We finish shearing the last of our adult ewes and this year’s Dorset ewe lambs.

From moving the sheep between barns, loading them into chutes, and watching the wool come off, this is always one of the most satisfying days on the farm. But this video has a twist — we welcomed a new helper, Gian, who’s not only lending a hand but also learning how to shear! With guidance from our experienced shearer, he got a crash course in sheep shearing and even tried his hand at shearing a couple of lambs himself.

You’ll see firsthand how both teacher and student handled this unique challenge. Shearing is more than just removing wool — it’s about sheep health, comfort, and giving us a closer look at the flock. It’s always amazing to see the transformation from woolly sheep to freshly shorn ewes and lambs.