COLUMBIA, Mo. – Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) costs the swine industry hundreds of million dollars each year. But groups in several states are working to control and eradicate the disease.
Brent Sandidge from Ham Hill Farms in Marshall, Mo., will talk about the effort July 20 at the Missouri Swine Health Symposium. Sandidge is a leader of a Saline County group that communicates about swine health and keeps track of pigs entering the area.
“Brent is going to talk about some of the experiences they’ve had in their area, some success stories of how they help fellow producers and ways they’ve kept PRRS out of the area,” says University of Missouri Extension state swine specialist Tim Safranski.
One goal is to grow this PRRS control area to make it statewide. Safranski says if the group is successful in communicating with one another and educating producers, PRRS could be eradicated from the state.
The symposium is presented by MU Extension and the Missouri Pork Association. Speakers include Safranski and other MU faculty, swine practitioners, state veterinarian Linda Hickam, and representatives from the National Pork Producers Council and National Pork Board.
“We have a range of topics, from very practical, ‘in-the-barn’ issues to cutting-edge technology, and a little looking into the future,” says Safranski.
The symposium takes place 8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. July 20 at the MU Bradford Research Center, several miles east of Columbia at 4968 S. Rangeline Road.
It is open to pork producers, veterinarians and members of the industry. There is no cost to attend the event, but you must register before July 14.
Source: University of Missouri