Producers and allied industry representatives are invited to attend the third annual South Dakota State University Swine Day to hear the latest information about the risk of African swine fever and other foreign animal diseases through feed as well as updates from SDSU swine nutrition and reproduction researchers. This year’s event will be held Nov. 5 at 9 a.m. Central at McCrory Gardens on the SDSU campus in Brookings.

Megan Niederwerder from the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine will be the keynote speaker in the morning and will present her talked entitled “Risk of African swine fever and other foreign animal diseases through feed.” Niederwerder's latest analysis shows that the half-life of the ASF virus in feed ranges from 9.6 to 14.2 days after exposure to varying temperature and humidity conditions simulating transoceanic shipment. The new study expands on Niederwerder’s previous work confirming the likelihood of ASF transmission through feed and can be used to implement science-based management practices such as storage time to reduce this risk.

Attendees will also get to hear an update that morning on the new South Dakota Animal Disease Research Diagnostics Laboratory from Jane Christopher-Hennings, ADRDL director. The $58.6 million expansion and renovation ensures the facility meets federal standards and provides more space to accommodate new technologies. The updated facility features a Biosafety Level 3 space to contain dangerous pathogens, offers greater security against bioterrorism as well as upgraded air, water and electrical systems. A drive-up window for dropping off samples was also added to provide clients with easy access to the lab and to enhance biosecurity.

In addition to SDSU faculty highlighting some of their completed and ongoing research at the swine units, the afternoon session will include Bob Thaler, SDSU Extension swine specialist, who will share the latest on SDSU’s involvement in Operation Main Street. A National Pork Board Program, Operation Main Street has provided SDSU student volunteers the opportunity to tell the pork industry’s story of innovation, quality and stewardship. 

Attendees are asked to register by Nov. 4. Lunch will be served and attendees can choose which option they prefer when registering. For more information contact Ryan Samuel, assistant professor and SDSU Extension swine specialist at 605-688-5165 or by email.

Source: SDSU Extension, which is solely responsible for the information provided, and wholly owns the information. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.