Purdue Extension pork conference to offer PEDv update

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue Extension and Indiana Pork are teaming up to present the fourth annual Southern Indiana Pork Conference during which experts will offer pork industry updates - including information about porcine epidemic diarrhea virus.

The March 11 conference will run from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (EST) at the Schnitzelbank Restaurant, 393 Third Ave., Jasper.

Kenneth Eck, Purdue Extension educator in Dubois County and one of the conference organizers, said the goal is to bring together pork producers, academics, veterinarians and others in pork business to talk about key industry issues. Topics will focus on livestock regulations, updates in swine production and health and environmental issues.

Veterinarian John Baker of the Warrick Veterinary clinic will present "Health Concerns - Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus" - a topic of concern in the swine production sector. PEDv is a virus of swine that carries with it a mortality rate of nearly 100 percent for infected piglets that are less than two weeks old. While it offers no threat to human health or food safety, the virus is devastating to swine herds.

Additional conference topics and speakers:

* "Swine Theft and Biosecurity" by Eck and Stan Leinbach, Dubois County pork producer.

* "Feeder Designs - Impact When Considering Your Building Remodel" by Brian Richert, Purdue Extension swine specialist.

* "State Regulatory and Legislative Issues and How They'll Affect You" by Indiana Pork's Josh Trenary, executive director, and Ben Wicker, director of producer outreach.

* "Update on Reproductive Technologies" by Kara Stewart, Purdue Extension Reproductive Physiologist.

* "Pork Quality Assurance Plus (PQA+) Certification" by Eck.

Indiana Pork will provide lunch. Conference attendance and lunch are free, but reservations are required by March 4 to Wicker at 317-396-9352.

Source: Purdue University