Animal health was a major talking point during the 2016 World Pork Expo, and Dr. Liz Wagstrom, DVM, Chief Veterinarian for the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), was on hand to discuss several of the most hot button animal health issues facing the pork industry today.
In an interview with AgWired’s Jamie Johansen, Dr. Wagstrom dug into some of the latest details surrounding the looming FDA Guidance 209 on antibiotic stewardship. The final guidance states that as of January 1st, 2017, growth promotion uses of medically important antibiotics will be prohibited, and therapeutic uses of medically important antibiotics will require either a prescription or a veterinary feed directive (VFD) from a veterinarian.
“We’re really encouraging producers to sit down with their veterinarian, and then get their feed mill looped in so that you’re all on the same page, know how you’re intending to do the paperwork and that everyone is interpreting the rules the same way so there are no surprises on January 2nd of next year and you’re able to get your antibiotics when you need them,” said Dr. Wagstrom.
Dr. Wagstrom also discussed the role that NPPC, as well as a diverse variety of other industry organizations, has been working to help producers navigate this new legislation as smoothly as possible, advocate in Washington for the necessity of antibiotic use in animal agriculture, and bring the story of livestock production’s commitment to antibiotic stewardship into the public eye.
“There is lot of activity happening right now between producer groups, veterinary groups, and advocacy groups, and we are all really working together to try to get word out to our customers, whether its retailers or restaurants, as well as to consumers that there are major changes happening,” she said. “There’s a lot of coordination among these groups to try and get this out there in a positive light, tell real stories about what’s happening on the farm and what the impact is going to be, and stress the industry’s commitment to animal and public health.”
Listen to Jamie’s full interview with Dr. Wagstrom to hear their entire discussion about Guidance 209, Foot and Mouth Disease, and other issues related to swine health: Interview with Dr. Liz Wagstrom, DVM, NPPC
View and download photos from the event here:2016 World Pork Expo Photo Album
