Dr Tom Burkgren (back row, left) and Richard Fritz (back row, right) pose with a delegation of Vietnamese veterinarians, government officials, and translators during their visit to the AASV office in Perry, Iowa

Due to its off-the-beaten-path location, the AASV office does not often receive visitors, so it was an eventful day on September 10 when a large tour bus delivered a dozen veterinarians, government officials, and translators from Vietnam to the AASV front door in Perry, Iowa. The delegation was accompanied by Richard Fritz, the Executive Director of the Food and Agriculture Export Alliance (FAEA), the US organization that arranged the visit.

The visitors included high-level officials of Vietnam’s National Assembly and its Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, in addition to a representative from the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) Foreign Agricultural Service in Hanoi. Their purpose was to gather information to assist in the drafting of an Animal Veterinary Law to be submitted to the Vietnam National Assembly later this year.

The group’s stop in Perry was one of several made during a 5-day tour of the United States to learn more about veterinary drug use, animal-health issues, and the various roles of government agencies and organizations like AASV. In bringing the delegation to the United States, the FAEA hoped to support Vietnamese efforts to pass a veterinary law that will strengthen the use and control of veterinary drugs, establish animal quarantine procedures, enhance food safety, and maintain and expand trade.

With the assistance of translators, AASV Executive Director Dr Tom Burkgren made a presentation describing the AASV, its role in addressing animal-health issues, and its interaction with other organizations and government agencies. The delegation members posed a number of questions and were particularly interested in the US process for veterinary licensure and continuing education. At the conclusion of the visit, the group expressed their appreciation and posed for a group photo before departing for the next stop on their trip.

AASV releases salary survey results

The AASV’s fifth salary survey of veterinary members in the United States and Canada is complete, and a summary of the results is available for members to access on the AASV Web site at www.aasv.org/members/only/SalarySurvey2014.pdf. The summary has also been printed and mailed to US and Canadian members. The 2014 survey gathered salary and employment details for the year 2013.

The AASV salary survey is intended to benefit the members of the AASV by allowing greater insight into the value of professional services provided by swine veterinarians. In addition, it functions as a tool to encourage veterinary students to pursue careers as swine veterinarians.

There were 920 US and Canadian members eligible to participate in the 2014 survey, a slight increase from the most recent survey conducted in 2011. However, the response rate was somewhat lower than in past years: 35%, compared to earlier response rates of 40% or more.

As in previous survey efforts, the AASV membership was classified into two categories, with members in each category receiving a different survey: Practitioners, defined as veterinarians working in private practice and veterinarians working within production systems; and Public/Corporate Veterinarians, defined as veterinarians working within the allied pork industry and academia. The 35% response rate was consistent across both categories.

The survey results are presented in a series of tables and figures comparing salary levels with other surveyed parameters, including age, gender, hours worked, number of employees supervised, employer/practice type, and position. The survey also includes a comprehensive list of fringe benefits that indicates the percentage of respondents who reported receiving each benefit.

The AASV is indebted to IT Specialist David Brown for his management of the online survey instrument, as well as his expertise in compiling the survey results and preparing them for publication.

Dr James Bailey honored by South Dakota Veterinary Medical Association

Dr James H. Bailey, recipient of the South Dakota VMA Distinguished Service Award.

The South Dakota Veterinary Medical Association (SDVMA) recently recognized AASV Charter and Life Member Dr James Bailey with the Distinguished Service Award, presented during the SDVMA 123rd Annual Meeting in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The award honors an individual who has brought distinction to the veterinary profession through his or her devotion to the care and well-being of animals, support for the profession, and contributions to the community. The individual exemplifies the profession, both personally and professionally, through support of veterinary medicine, research, colleagues, and/or students and through civic participation. The individual’s contributions have advanced the profession and serve as an inspiration to veterinarians and the clients he serves.

Dr Bailey’s imprint and impact on veterinary medicine span decades. He received his veterinary education from Iowa State University. In 1968, Dr Bailey joined the South Dakota State University (SDSU) faculty as the Extension Veterinarian. He retired in 1985 and was granted the status of Extension Veterinarian Emeritus. He served as the SDVMA Secretary/Treasurer from 1972 to 1985, and was the Executive Director of the SDVMA from 1985 to 1996.

Dr Bailey was a charter member of the American Association of Swine Practitioners in 1969. He served as the organization’s first secretary in 1972 and as the president in 1980-1981. He was granted the Howard Dunne Memorial Award in 1986 for extraordinary service to veterinary medicine and the swine industry. In a “Heritage Video” recorded for AASV and available for members to view at https://www.aasv.org/members/only/video/Bailey/, Dr Bailey shared recollections of his background and career.

Dr Bailey’s distinguished career includes numerous accomplishments. In 1969, Bailey was one of the original extension personnel to compile the fact sheets that became the Pork Industry Handbook. He contributed information on respiratory diseases and arthritis in swine. He was honored by the American Association of Extension Veterinarians as the Veterinarian of the Year, and also received the SDVMA Veterinarian of the Year award.

He served on the South Dakota Hog Cholera and Pseudorabies Eradication Committees. He was a member of the South Dakota Livestock Foundation from 1970 to 1996. He served on the Livestock Conservation Institute’s Parasite Committee from 1970 to 1981. Dr Bailey received the South Dakota Pork Producers Council Distinguished Service Award in 1976 and was named an Honorary Pork Producer.

Dr Bailey served as a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association’s House of Delegates through the 1970s and on the Council on Biologics and Therapeutic Agents during the 1980s. Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine presented Dr Bailey with the prestigious Stange Memorial Award for distinguished alumni in 1984.

He was an instrumental part of the beginning of the annual Herd Health Conference at SDSU, which was first held in 1988. In 1997, the conference was renamed the James Bailey Herd Health Conference in recognition of Dr Bailey’s contributions to veterinary medicine in South Dakota.

Dr Bailey and his wife Roberta live in Brookings. They have five children, 10 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

Applicants sought for alternate student delegate on AASV Board of Directors

The AASV Student Recruitment Committee is accepting applications from veterinary students interested in serving as the alternate student delegate on the AASV Board of Directors. This student will represent student interests and serve as a non-voting member of the AASV board. This experience will provide the student with a unique perspective of the inner workings of the AASV. The term of service is 2 years: the first year as alternate student delegate and the second year as the student delegate.

The alternate student delegate and student delegate are required to attend the AASV board’s two meetings each year: the spring meeting held during the AASV Annual Meeting, and the fall meeting, which is usually held in October. The student delegate presents a summary of board activities to the student membership at the student breakfast during the AASV Annual Meeting, and outlines student opportunities in AASV to the AASV student members at that time. In addition, the delegate and alternate delegate are voting members of the AASV Student Recruitment Committee, and are invited to participate in committee conference calls and meetings. The delegates receive reimbursement to cover travel and lodging expenses for the fall board meeting and transportation expenses for the spring meeting.

Interested students must be members of AASV in their freshman or sophomore year. Applicants are required to submit the following documentation to the AASV (830 26th Street, Perry, IA 50220-2328; E-mail: aasv@aasv.org):

1. An introductory letter, not to exceed one page, describing why they want to serve as the alternate student delegate for AASV, their level of interest or background in swine medicine, and their future career goals.

2. A one- or two-page resume featuring the student’s interest and experience in production medicine, particularly swine medicine.

3. A statement of recommendation from a faculty member.

The deadline for submission of necessary documentation is November 10, 2014. The delegate will be chosen by members of the AASV Student Recruitment Committee following review of the submitted materials. Applicants will be notified of the committee’s decision by December 15.

The term of service is 2 years, beginning at the AASV Annual Meeting. During the first year, the student will serve as the alternate student delegate. The alternate delegate will automatically succeed as student delegate, beginning at the annual meeting the following year. The alternate delegate will serve in the capacity of delegate if the student delegate is unable to carry out his or her duties. Each year, a new alternate delegate is selected by the AASV Student Recruitment Committee.

Questions may be directed to the chair of the AASV Student Recruitment Committee, Dr Nathan Schaefer, nathan.schaefer@boehringer-ingelheim.com.

Nominate exceptional colleagues for AASV awards

Do you know an AASV member whose dedication to the association and the swine industry is worthy of recognition? The AASV Awards Committee requests nominations for the following five awards to be presented at the upcoming AASV annual meeting in Orlando.

Howard Dunne Memorial Award – Given annually to an AASV member who has made a significant contribution and rendered outstanding service to the AASV and the swine industry.

Meritorious Service Award – Given annually to an individual who has consistently given time and effort to the association in the area of service to the AASV members, AASV officers, and the AASV staff.

Swine Practitioner of the Year – Given annually to the swine practitioner (AASV member) who has demonstrated an unusual degree of proficiency in the delivery of veterinary service to his or her clients.

Technical Services/Allied Industry Veterinarian of the Year – Given annually to the technical services or allied industry veterinarian who has demonstrated an unusual degree of proficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of veterinary service to his or her company and its clients, as well as given tirelessly in service to the AASV and the swine industry.

Young Swine Veterinarian of the Year – Given annually to a swine veterinarian who is an AASV member, 5 years or less post graduation, who has demonstrated the ideals of exemplary service and proficiency early in his or her career.

Nominations are due December 15. The nomination letter should specify the award and cite the qualifications of the candidate for the award. Submit to AASV, 830 26th Street, Perry, IA 50220-2328; Fax: 515-465-3832; E-mail: aasv@aasv.org.