Fourteen issue- and membership-based committees met during the 2020 American Association of Swine Veterinarians’ (AASV) Annual Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia. The AASV Board of Directors establishes committees to address specific issues associated with swine veterinary medicine and provide recommendations for actions to the AASV leadership. The AASV committees are an integral part of the leadership structure within AASV and they also serve as a great way for members to participate in developing positions for the association, learn about critical issues, network with other members, and develop their own leadership skills. During 2019, more than 350 AASV members volunteered to serve on at least one committee, with many serving on multiple committees, providing expertise and valuable experience focused on swine health, public health, animal well-being, production, and member services.
The following are some highlights from the committee meetings:
- The AASV Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) Task Force recommended the AASV Board of Directors consider modifying the PRRS Elimination position statement. The PRRS Herd Classification Guidelines, an important document developed by the PRRS Task Force, is nearing completion.
- The Boar Stud Biosecurity Committee voiced their support of continued collaboration with the AASV Pig Welfare Committee and the National Pork Board to identify the best methods for large boar and sow euthanasia. Like other committees, the Boar Stud Biosecurity Committee is concerned with African swine fever (ASF) and other foreign animal diseases. The Committee stressed the importance of boar stud participation in the Secure Pork Supply Plan. They also requested the AASV Board of Directors support more research into the possible transmission of ASF via semen.
- During the well-attended Committee on Transboundary and Emerging Diseases meeting, the committee recommended modifications to the Premises Registration position statement and recommended reaffirmation of the Federal Funding for Swine Disease Research position statement. During 2020, the Committee will work with AASV staff to create a centralized location for ASF resources on the AASV website. They plan to develop a list of necessary items each production site should have to create a mini foreign animal disease investigation kit.
- The Communications Committee’s discussions centered around member services, including the AASV website update and student-directed online resources (student-focused podcast series) and the e-Letter. The committee is also exploring ways to fill gaps in the AASV photo library.
- During their meeting at the faculty breakfast, the Collegiate Activities Committee discussed the AASV Annual Meeting General Session presentation, “Current and future vision of swine medicine education.” They agreed to collect and discuss feedback from the presentation to develop recommendations for AASV.
- The newly established Early Career Committee meeting was full of enthusiastic early career veterinarians as well as a few more experienced veterinarians eager to offer support. Discussions during their meeting centered around identifying resources needed by early career veterinarians and how AASV can help fill those gaps. The committee’s short-term goals include a more expedited and informal way for early career veterinarian peer communication, a podcast series highlighting topics for early career veterinarians beginning with financial literacy in 2020, a 2021 preconference session, and an early career board liaison. A long-term goal is an early career conference in conjunction with another swine conference, modeled after the American Association of Bovine Practitioners’ early career conference. The committee formed subcommittees to further discuss a mentorship program and an easy access wallet-card of available members willing to serve as specialty-topic resources.
- The Human Health and Safety Committee requested AASV consider a podcast series for AASV members highlighting veterinarian well-being through stories of trials, triumphs, and tips for success offered by AASV member swine veterinarians.
- Following one of the best-attended preconference sessions, the Influenza Committee recommended continuing every other year influenza preconference sessions at the AASV Annual Meeting. The committee is working toward increasing participation in their influenza survey, and they intend to distribute a What’s New with Flu quarterly article for members.
- Discussions of the Nutrition Committee centered around potential topics for a preconference session for the 2021 annual meeting.
- The Operation Main Street (OMS) Committee encouraged AASV to hold an OMS training preconference session at the 2021 Annual Meeting. The OMS program will once again try to reach every US veterinary school.
- The Pharmaceutical Issues Committee plans to review and update the Basic Guidelines of Judicious Use of Antimicrobials in Pork Production and submit for approval at the Board of Directors fall 2020 meeting. They updated the Disease Prevention Toolbox antibiotic preventative use document.
- The Pig Welfare Committee recommended a position statement addressing pig welfare during a stop movement situation. The Committee heard updates about the ongoing projects to identify best methods for large boar and sow euthanasia and pain mitigation in pigs.
- The Pork Safety Committee supports continued industry collaboration with the National Pork Board, National Pork Producers Council, North American Meat Institute, and others.
- The Student Recruitment Committee recommended AASV continue offering student activities during the Annual Meeting and recommended supporting The Swine Medicine Talks: An AASV and SMECast Series for Veterinary Students.
The committees are a critical part of the AASV leadership, and AASV members, leaders, and staff appreciate the efforts of the volunteer members. If you are interested in learning more about committee activities, visit the committee web pages at aasv.org/members/only/committee. Contact the committee chair or the AASV office to join a committee.
Abbey Canon, DVM, MPH, DACVPM
Director of Public Health and Communications