Pork biosecurity workshops planned

     The recent spread of African Swine Fever in China has elevated the importance of biosecurity measures in reducing the risk of a domestic or foreign animal disease entering farms.

     Iowa Pork Industry Center and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach swine specialists have developed a workshop program to provide information and deeper understanding of critical steps necessary in biosecurity and health management for producers, employees, veterinarians and industry partners.

     The no-cost workshop, “Biosecurity Best Practices for Pork Producers,” uses a variety of methods to help attendees learn about, develop and prioritize biosecurity practices. Case studies, demonstration and lecture will guide participants in prioritizing the highest ranking risk events for their own operations, with a focus on employee entry, traffic patterns, bench entries and other measures.

     The workshops closest to Monticello are Nov. 29, 2-4 p.m. at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, contact Colin Johnson, colinj@iasatate.edu or 515-291-9287; and Dec. 5, 1-3:30 p.m. at ISU Extension and Outreach in Manchester, contact Mark Storlie, mstorlie@iastate.edu or 563-425-3331.

     Other workshops are scheduled for Dec. 6 in Harlan, Dec. 7 in Orange City, Dec. 7 in Cherokee, Dec. 10 in Emmetsburg, Dec. 11 in Nashua, Dec. 11 in Washington, and Dec. 18 in Oskaloosa.

     The program is delivered by the swine specialist team of ISU Extension and Outreach professionals in collaboration with Dr. Derald Holtkamp of Iowa State’s department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine.

     Session topics include diseases of concern, carrying agents, risk event, intervention strategies, prioritizing farm risk, creating a biosecurity culture and Secure Pork Supply. The workshop agenda also includes round table discussions and a demonstration of how disease may pass a clean/dirty line.

     Attendance is free, but preregistration is strongly encouraged. For more information or to preregister, contact the specialist listed by the location you wish to attend.