Agenda
Sponsored by Zoetis and the ISU Field Epidemiology
Dr. Chris Rademacher, Clinical Professor, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
Dr. Paul Yeske, Veterinarian, Swine Vet Center, P.A., St. Peter, MN
What are the benefits of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae elimination, including gains in productivity, savings in health costs, and margin over cost of production? What is the overall success rate, and survival for breeding herds or finishing sites?
Dr. Bjoern Lorenzen, Chief Consultant, DVM, Certificate in Swine Health Management, MBA
What percentage of the Danish herd has eliminated Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae? What are the most common methods to do so, and how to keep them negative?
Dr. Guilherme Cezar, SDRS Coordinator, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
A brief situation update on the microepidemiology of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae activity in the US over time, geography, age groups, and herd types.
Dr. Paul Yeske, Veterinarian, Swine Vet Center, P.A., St. Peter, MN
Deep dive into the herd closure method: key differences between PRRSV and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae; expected cost of closure per sow; combination with other health interventions (meds); how soon to start closure post outbreak; how long to expect the closure for; and criteria to declare success and ‘re-open’ the herd.
Clayton Johnson, Director of Veterinary Services, Carthage Veterinary Service, LTD, Carthage, IL
The expected effect of antibiotic and vaccination on the timeline of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae shedding and transmission dynamics.
Dr. Corrine Fruge, Herd Veterinarian, The Maschhoffs, Arnold, NE
The evolution of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae elimination protocols at The Maschhoffs.
Dr. Amanda Sponheim, Senior Key Account Veterinarian, Swine; PhD candidate, Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA, Inc; University of Minnesota, Osage, IA
Current trends in M. hyopneumoniae eradication program diagnostics, including guidelines to confirm the start and end of a herd closure and medication program, extended detection of M. hyopneumoniae under herd closure conditions, the importance of sanitary sample collection measures, and the development of a web-based resource for eradication program planning.
Dr. Corrine Fruge, Herd Veterinarian, The Maschhoffs, Arnold, NE
Detailed protocol(s) implemented for Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae elimination, rationale to choose the methods. Info on success rate, costs & benefits; challenges observed, and tips for whoever is doing it tomorrow.
Dr. Paul Yeske, Veterinarian, Swine Vet Center, P.A., St. Peter, MN
Detailed protocol(s) implemented for Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae elimination, rationale to choose the methods. Info on success rate, costs & benefits; challenges observed, and tips for whoever is doing it tomorrow.
Dr. Elise Toohill, Associate Veterinarian, Carthage Veterinary Service, Carthage, IL
Summary of my experiences working with clients to eliminate Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and lessons learned. Will share a few different approaches that have varied depending on the client’s risk tolerance, stability of the farm and other ongoing herd closures.
Dr. Emily McDowell, Veterinarian, Pipestone Veterinary Services, Pipestone, MN
Pipestone has been learning and applying what we have learned to eliminate Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae on farms for 8-10 years.
Ian Levis, Operations Manager, Seaboard Foods, Iowa Falls, IA
Offering viewpoints and reasons for maintaining purposeful Mycoplasma inoculation in a production system.
Dr. Daniel Linhares, Professor and Director of Graduate Education, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
Quick highlights of what was learned and potential next steps.
Sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health
Dr. Chris Rademacher, Clinical Professor, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
Dr. Ana Paul Silva, Research Scientist, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
What are we seeing in terms of key factors influencing time-to-stability and production impact? A look at the most aggressive lineages to immunologic solutions, herd closure, and other factors. Also, a quick glance at the tracking & benchmarking your PRRS outbreak
recovery report, which helps producers to make sure their herds are recovering smoothly and timely in terms of productivity and stability.
Mariamawit Mohammed, Graduate Researcher, Iowa State University, Ames IA
What is in LVI? How many PRRSV RNA copies are people using? How many PRRSV’s are in the sample, and which other pathogens are being identified? Also, what is the minimum meaningful fragment length (contigs) than can be used for analysis from WGS output?
Isadora Machado, Graduate Student, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
How much more antibiotics are needed in different stages post PRRSV outbreak in growing pigs, compared to negative or stable flows?
Dr. Elisa De Conti, Research Assistant, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
How many new viremic piglets are attributed to cross-fostering in a breeding herd reaching Stability?
Dr. Reid Philips, DVM, Boehringer Ingelheim-sponsored, Parkville, MO
Summary of field applicable research describing PRRS immunization protocols in piglets relative to the PRRSV status at weaning
Dr. Nicolai Weber, Manager, Danish Agriculture & Food Council, Kobenhavn V, Denmark
Denmark continues to march towards PRRSV elimination, by implementing a series of nationwide coordinated efforts. The map of country continues to shift from red (positive) to green (negative). Looking back what were the non-negotiables that enable them to get where they are?
Dr. Daniel Linhares, Professor and Director of Graduate Education, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
Quick overview of tools and programs available in the US to support and monitor progress of PRRSV control at the herd, production system, and/or regional level.
Dr. William Hollis, President, Professional Swine Management, Macro Island, Florida
The excitement towards PEDV elimination in the US continues. What should happen, or what’s missing to allow us to jump on a US PRRSV reduction plan?
Dr. Matt Ackerman, Private Practitioner, Innovative Veterinary Services, New Palestine, IN
In this presentation, Dr. Ackerman will discuss load, closure, and exposure strategies, as well as key considerations regarding timing, testing, and procedural approaches employed in PRRS elimination protocols utilized by their clients.
Dr. Kayla Henness, Senior Herd Veterinarian, The Maschhoffs, Pittsfield, IL
Some of the non-negotiables on PRRS outbreak response plan for farms within production system. Are all farms the same? How do we classify them in “buckets”, and how to streamline the responses to outbreaks?
Dr. Jeremy Pittman, Sr. Director, US Veterinary Services, Smithfield Hog Production, Waverly, VA
Presentation will provide insight into how a system that is dynamic and spans a large footprint thinks about and attempts to manage PRRS. Discussion around strategies of control, elimination, response and the influences and influencers around those decisions.
Dr. Attila Farkas, DVM, Carthage Veterinary Service, Carthage, IL
A brief overview of field outcomes and practical insights from using two full doses of PRRS MLV vaccine in swine herds.
Dr. Pete Thomas, DVM, Iowa Select Farms, Iowa Falls, IA
MLV works, but it has a cost. Does partial dosing work economically?
Dr. Cesar Corzo, Associate Professor, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN
Responsible use of MLV
Dr. Gustavo Silva, Assistant Professor, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
How do I test, under “my” field conditions different health intervention protocols, adjusted for the circulating lineages, co-infections, herd immunity, comingling, etc.?
Dr. Daniel Linhares, Professor and Director of Graduate Education, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
Gateway Hotel and Convention Center, 2100 Green Hills Dr, Ames, IA 50014
Garden Room
Moderator: Elisa De Conti & Isadora Coelho
Speaker: Dr. Locke Karriker, Department Chair, Veterinary Diagnostic & Production Animal Medicine
Dr. Rodger Main, Professor & Director, Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Lab, Ames, IA
Dr. Vienna Brown, USDA US SHIP Senior Coordinator
The session will provide timely updates on ISU VDL’s recent transition into the new Veterinary Diagnostic Lab Building and the tremendous progress being made towards the establishment of the US Swine Health Improvement Plan as an officially recognized (codified) program for certifying the health of US Swine.
Dr. Chris Richards, Apiam Animal Health, Bendigo East, Australia
The rapidly evolving veterinary industry has seen changes in workforce dynamics clash with traditional veterinary service models – resulting in significant workforce challenges. This presentation will review these challenges and explore how through innovation and a people-focused approach, we can adapt to industry challenges, empower our teams, and meet our client’s expectations.
Dr. Chris Rademacher, Clinical Professor, VDPAM, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
Bernt Nelson, Economist, American Farm Bureau Federation
Bernt brings a unique perspective with a farm background, an economics degree and a career as an economist in Washington. This presentation will open up changes in the broader Ag economy, why it matters, and how leadership plays a role in navigating today’s uncharted waters.
Dr. Nicolai Rosager Weber, DVM, PhD, Manager, Danish Agriculture & Food Council
The Danish PRRS reduction strategy has successfully reduced the prevalence of PRRS in Danish pig production over the first three years. Continued strong local support and careful management are essential for ongoing success. The road is paved for a national eradication of PRRS.
South Prairie Ballroom
Moderators: Ana Paula Silva & Elly Kirwa
Dr. Elisa De Conti, DVM, FieldEpi – ISU, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
E.coli molecular data from six major VDLs in the United States has been collated and used to reveal megatrends on Escherichia coli genotyping and virotyping detection. The E. coli PCR genotyping and virotyping are demonstrated over time, age group, and geographic regions. Moreover, a classification is proposed to present trends based on pathogenic potential established from genotype combinations.
Mariamawit Mohammed, Graduate Researcher, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
Exploring the variation in live virus inoculum preparation practices, the genetic diversity of PRRSV strains identified and their potential implications. In addition, the presence of other important swine pathogens is examined to better understand the broader microbiological landscape of LVI.
Ethan Aljets, PhD candidate, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ames, IA
This study aims to characterize the virulence phenotypes, the duration of virus shedding, the dynamic antibody responses, and cross protection of two contemporary porcine sapovirus genogroup III isolates in naive weaned pigs under experimental conditions.
Dr. Gabi Doughan, Post Doctoral Research Associate, Swine Medicine Education Center, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
Water is an underestimated and poorly understood biosecurity risk and should be evaluated to understand its potential for pathogen transmission on swine farms. This study evaluated the presence of swine pathogens in groundwater sources supplying drinking water to 40 swine farms in Iowa.
Katlyn McClellan, PhD Student, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD
Anemia is highly prevalent in sows and is associated with prolonged farrowing, reduced reproductive performance, and increased risk of early removal from the herd. Hemoglobin is a valuable biomarker that can be used as a practical tool for identifying at-risk sows.
Dr. Nick Gabler
Dr. Mario Jose Clavijo, Research Associate Professor, ISU-VDPAM, Sant Cugat del Valles, Barcelona
This talk will explore which bacterial pathogens should be the next targets for elimination in swine production. We’ll review key candidates, the role of molecular epidemiology and NGS in setting priorities, and practical challenges to implementing successful elimination programs. Field examples and emerging trends will be highlighted to guide future strategies.
This presentation will summarize two studies that identified risk factors associated with PRRSV outbreaks in sow farms and wean-to-harvest sites, in addition to lessons learned.
Dr. Brett Ramirez, Associate Professor, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
We will examine the pressing challenges associated with barn filtration systems and explore opportunities to enhance their effectiveness. Attendees will gain valuable insights into design/management as well as implementing robust biosecurity measures to ensure the health and productivity of swine herds.
Dr. Chris Rademacher, Clinical Professor, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
We will review several case studies which have all demonstrated effective reduction in sow mortality by using the early at-risk sow identification protocol developed from the Improving Pig Livability Grant from the NPB and FFAR.
Sara Dalsgaard, DVM, MSc (Rhet.), Danish Agriculture & Food Council
Bailey Arruda
Dr. Meredith Petersen, Director of Swine Health, National Pork Board, Ankeny, IA
The National Pork Board is facilitating the development of a producer-led National Swine Health Strategy. This interactive session will provide background on the National Swine Health Strategy and allow for audience feedback on top swine health challenges in the US pork industry.
Garden Room
Moderators: Thinh Tran Pham Tien & Thuc Quyen Le
Swaminathan Jayaraman, Graduate Research Student, ISU VDPAM, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
That’s not what I expected! Here are field examples of modified live PRRS vaccines given at different times that found each other and mixed to make something different.
Dr. Darin Madson, Clinical Professor, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
Dr. Giovani Trevisan, Assistant Professor, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
Darin and Giovani will talk about the ISU VDL Enterprise Services and some usage cases where it has helped ISU VDL clients sort out animal health issues.
Clayton Johnson, Director of Veterinary Services, Carthage Veterinary Service, LTD, Carthage, IL
“The eye in the sky doesn’t lie” – Video recording of Clean/Dirty Lines allows for routine compliance audits and rapid feedback when opportunities are observed. Stored video supports disease outbreak investigations as well as physical farm security investigations following theft events. This presentation will review how observations can be collected, evaluated and utilized to improve our biosecurity monitoring, training and ultimately, disease outbreak rates.
Dr. Christine Mainquist-Whigham, Director of Health, Pillen Family Farms and DNA Genetics, Columbus, NE
This presentation reviews a production system’s application of GPS tracking and geofencing technologies to monitor and control the movement of personnel and vehicles across swine production sites and other associated locations. By integrating real-time location data into biosecurity protocols, we can identify high-risk contact points, enforce movement restrictions, and enhance outbreak response. This talk will provide insights into how digital movement monitoring supports spatial epidemiology and strengthens system-wide disease prevention strategies.
Dr. Lauren Glowzenski, Veterinarian, Pipestone Veterinary Services, Danville, IA
This presentation will provide safe, effective, low-cost, and easy options for repairing vaginal and rectal prolapses in commercial swine. By the end of this short presentation you should feel comfortable bringing these protocols back to your farm(s).
Laura Solis, Assistant Researcher, Iowa State University
Through a systematic necropsy-based investigation, this presentation highlights key causes of sow mortality in modern swine production. The findings aim to support data-driven strategies for improving sow health, welfare, and longevity.
Dr. Mariah Negri Musskopf, Masters’ Student/Research Assistant, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
Dr. Kate Dion, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
Dr. Jean Paul Cano, Veterinarian, Soluciones Integrales Veterinarias, Sant Cugat del Valles, Barcelona
JP will provide an overview of the current health challenges affecting the Spanish swine industry, explore available tools to mitigate their impact, and share insights from the implementation of batch farrowing as a strategic approach to disease control.
Dr. Chris Sievers, Swine Vet Center, Storm Lake, IA
Presentation will be a case study of diagnosing and treatment of a novel K88 E coli causing acute mortality in neonatal piglets.
Dr. Chris Richards, Apiam Animal Health, Bendigo East, Australia
A Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) was detected in the Australian commercial pig industry in 2022, with subsequent cases occurring in 2025. This presentation will describe the factors leading to this FAD incursion, the clinical disease that occurred and the development of a vaccine.
Dr. Paul Yeske, Swine Vet Center, P.A., Saint Peter, MN
Dr. Pablo Pineyro, Associate Professor, ISU-VDPAM, Ames, IA
Porcine Circovirus 3 (PCV3) and its potential association with reproductive failure in sows. Highlights the current research efforts to understand the virus’s epidemiology, pathogenesis, and diagnostic findings in reproductive failure.
Dr. Attila Farkas, DVM, Carthage Veterinary Service, Carthage, IL
Streptococcus suis remains a significant challenge. Autogenous vaccines are part of an integrated health management plan and can be a valuable tool when tailored appropriately.
Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center, 2508 Mortensen Rd, Ames, IA 50014
Organized and sponsored by AB Vista, Iowa Pork Industry Center, Lynch Livestock and TechMix