Agenda

Tue
Jun 24
PreConference Schedule

International Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae Eradication Workshop 2226 Patterson Hall, 1800 Christensen Dr, Ames, IA 50011
Sponsored by Zoetis and the ISU Field Epidemiology

8:00am Welcome

Dr. Chris Rademacher, Clinical Professor, Iowa State University, Ames, IA

8:05am Why Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae Eradication?

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?

8:25am Danish Perspective on Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae Eradiation

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?

8:40am What are the Diagnostic Trends for Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae in the U.S.?

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.

8:55am Herd Closure

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.

9:10am Antibiotics and Vaccination

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.

9:25am Maschhoff Mass Homogenization Protocols

Dr. Corrine Fruge, Herd Veterinarian, The Maschhoffs, Arnold, NE

The evolution of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae elimination protocols at The Maschhoffs.

9:40am Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae Eradication Diagnostic Tools and Monitoring Guidelines

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.

10:00am Q & A Panel

10:15am Break

10:35am How We did it and Lessons Learned

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.

10:45am How We did it and Lessons Learned

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.

10:55am How We did it and Lessons Learned

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.

11:05am Pipestone Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae Elimination

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.

11:15am The Case for Maintaining Mycoplasma Inoculation in a System

Ian Levis, Operations Manager, Seaboard Foods, Iowa Falls, IA

Offering viewpoints and reasons for maintaining purposeful Mycoplasma inoculation in a production system.

11:25am Q&A panel

11:55pm Closing Remarks

Dr. Daniel Linhares, Professor and Director of Graduate Education, Iowa State University, Ames, IA

Quick highlights of what was learned and potential next steps.

12:00pm Lunch Provided

International PRRS Management Workshop 2226 Patterson Hall, 1800 Christensen Dr, Ames, IA 50011
Sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health

12:30pm Welcome Notes

Dr. Chris Rademacher, Clinical Professor, Iowa State University, Ames, IA

12:35pm Updates from the PRRS outbreak management program!

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.

12:45pm PRRS Virus LVI NGS Results

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?

12:55pm Association between PRRSV infection and antibiotic usage in the growing pig population

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?

1:05pm Effect of Cross-Fostering Piglets on the Within-Litter Transmission of PRRSV Under Field Conditions

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?

1:15 pm Piglet Immunization in the Face of Sow Herd Instability

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

1:25pm Q & A Panel

1:35 Break

1:55pm Non-negotiables for PRRS Control and Elimination in Denmark

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?

2:15pm Tools to Control and Eradicate PRRS from Herds/Regions

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.

2:35pm The Difference Between Elimination Programs for PRRS and PEDV

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?

2:50pm PRRSv Elimination Experiences on Independent Farms

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.

3:05pm PRRSv Elimination Experiences on System Farms

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?

3:20pm PRRS Management in a Large Geographically Diverse and Dynamic Integrated Production System.

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.

3:35pm Q & A Panel

3:55pm Break

4:10pm Clinical Experiences with Using Two Full Doses of PRRS MLV Vaccine

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.

4:25pm Partial Dosing Strategy

Dr. Pete Thomas, DVM, Iowa Select Farms, Iowa Falls, IA

MLV works, but it has a cost. Does partial dosing work economically?

4:40pm Current Use of Modified-Live PRRSV Vaccines: An Invitation to Reassess and Reflect

Dr. Cesar Corzo, Associate Professor, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN

Responsible use of MLV

4:55pm Measuring the Impact of Interventions Under Field Conditions: A PRRSV MLV Example

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.?

5:10pm Q & A Panel

5:20pm Closing Remarks

Dr. Daniel Linhares, Professor and Director of Graduate Education, Iowa State University, Ames, IA

5:30pm Reception

Wed
Jun 25
Main Conference Schedule
Gateway Hotel and Convention Center, 2100 Green Hills Dr, Ames, IA 50014

7:00am Registration opens

Plenary Session

Garden Room

Moderator: Elisa De Conti & Isadora Coelho

8:00am Welcome

Speaker: Dr. Locke Karriker, Department Chair, Veterinary Diagnostic & Production Animal Medicine

8:15am Update on the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and the U.S. Swine Health Improvement Plan as it Transitions to a USDA Swine Health Program

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.

8:45am Sustainable Veterinary Medicine - Tackling the challenges of a dynamic industry

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.

9:30am ISU Science in Practice Award and Roy Schultz Graduate Student Awards

Dr. Chris Rademacher, Clinical Professor, VDPAM, Iowa State University, Ames, IA

9:45am Break

10:15am Navigating the Changing Tides of Today's Ag Economy

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.

11:00am Danish PRRS Reduction Strategy -Progress, Lessons Learned, Next Step

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.

 

12:00pm Lunch provided

Afternoon Concurrent Session #1: Scientific Track

South Prairie Ballroom

Moderators: Ana Paula Silva & Elly Kirwa

1:10pm Emerging Trends of Escherichia coli Virulence Factors in the United States Swine Industry

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.

1:25pm Characterization of Pathogen Diversity and Preparation Practices for Live Virus Inoculation (LVI) Materials Used in Breeding Herd Stabilization Programs

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.

1:40pm Characterization of Virulence, Antibody Responses, and Cross Protection of Contemporary Porcine Sapovirus Isolates in Weaned Pig Under Experimental Conditions

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.

1:55pm Groundwater Surveillance of Swine Pathogens from Private Wells Supplying Swine Farms in Iowa

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.

2:10pm Hemoglobin as a Practical Assessment for Managing Prolific Sow Health and Farrowing Resilience

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.

2:25pm Feed Preferences Post PRRS Infection

Dr. Nick Gabler

2:40pm The Next Bacterial Pathogen to Eliminate: Opportunities and Challenges in Swine Health

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.

3:00pm Break

3:20pm Under Pressure: Barn Filtration Challenge and Opportunities

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.

3:40pm Repeated Success of Early At-Risk Sow Identification to Reduce Sow Mortality

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.

4:00pm SPF System and Coordinating Biosecurity Transportation

Sara Dalsgaard, DVM, MSc (Rhet.), Danish Agriculture & Food Council

4:20pm H5N1 in Swine – Research Updates

Bailey Arruda

4:40pm Development of a National Swine Health Strategy

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.

Afternoon Concurrent Session #2: Applied Cases Track

Garden Room

Moderators: Thinh Tran Pham Tien & Thuc Quyen Le

1:10pm Real-Time PRRSV Surveillance System: Porcine Regional Information Management Ecosystem

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.

1:25pm Veterinary Diagnostics: Moving From an Individual Case to Live Aggregated Diagnostic Data to Aid in Solving Animal Health Threats

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.

1:40pm Enhancing Biosecurity and Physical Security with Camera Auditing

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.

1:55pm Digital Movement Monitoring: A Systems Approach to Mitigating Pathogen Transmission Risk in Swine Supply Chains

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.

2:10pm Reducing Sow Mortality: Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) Repair

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).

2:25pm Sow Mortality: Understanding the Factors that Contribute to Sudden Death

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.

2:40pm Risk Factors Associated with PRRSV Outbreaks in Sow Farms and Wean-to-Harvest Sites

Dr. Mariah Negri Musskopf, Masters’ Student/Research Assistant, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
Dr. Kate Dion, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Iowa State University, Ames, IA

3:00pm Break

3:20pm Batch Farrowing as a Control Strategy Against Emerging Health Challenges in Spain

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.

3:40pm K88 E. Coli Sudden Mortality in Suckling Pigs

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.

4:00pm Japanese Encephalitis - From Outbreak to Vaccine

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.

4:20pm Evaluation of Porcine Circovirus 3 (PCV3) in Clinical Cases and its Association with Reproductive Failure in Sows

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.

4:40pm Clinical Experiences with Streptococcus Suis Autogenous Vaccines

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.

5:00pm Conference adjourns

ISU Networking Social
Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center, 2508 Mortensen Rd, Ames, IA 50014

5:30pm Bar opens and barbeque service begins

Organized and sponsored by AB Vista, Iowa Pork Industry Center, Lynch Livestock and TechMix