While the US swine industry is a global enterprise, federal legislation and regulation can obviously impact how the industry functions. Over the years, the AASV, in collaboration with producer organizations, has interacted with legislators and regulators to advocate for policies that enhance swine health and well-being as well as protect public health while ensuring access to domestic and international markets for US pork products. Although no one gets everything they want, we have been reasonably successful maintaining a balance at the national level.
More recently, however, it seems the challenges are often focused at a much more local level. Actions at the state and local levels can have significant impacts on the swine industry and how veterinarians practice. The Proposition 12 legislation in California, various state and sometimes local challenges to the right to farm, and antibiotic use are perfect examples of the impact activist activities at the state and local level can have on the swine industry. Similarly, changes in state practice acts involving things like the veterinarian-client-patient relationship, access to drugs, and continuing education requirements can alter the way food animal practitioners spend their day.
Historically, AASV has not routinely monitored or often commented on local or state activities, but that focus may need to change. The challenge is how do we keep up with all those legislative, regulatory, and practice act changes? We are a small association without adequate staffing or funding to effectively track all these potential challenges. For us to effectively keep you informed and advocate on your behalf and that of the pigs we care for, we need to access a myriad of resources. These resources include working closely with the National Pork Board (NPB), National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), and Swine Health Information Center. In addition, we interact with the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and other food animal producer and veterinary groups. Membership in the United States Animal Health Association also offers an opportunity to network with state animal health officials who can be a great resource for information and partnership.
The AVMA is a fabulous resource for information on state-level legislative and regulatory activities. There is a department within AVMA focused solely on monitoring veterinary-related activities at the state level. They rely heavily on feedback from the state Veterinary Medical Associations (VMAs) and the VMAs, in turn, benefit from the support the AVMA can provide. That is a definite benefit of membership. Similarly, NPB and NPPC have a network of state pork associations that can help keep them up to date on local and state activities. So, it is important that AASV remains actively engaged in collaborating with and supporting these organizations.
While these are all valuable resources for local information, no one knows swine veterinary issues better than swine veterinarians. That is why AASV needs all our members to be our eyes and ears on the ground in your local communities. I encourage you to become observant of local legislation, regulation, or practice act changes. If AASV is going to effectively advocate for your interests, we need for you to reach out to us when you hear of something going on that could impact the pigs we care for, the industry we serve, or the practice we cherish.
Harry Snelson, DVM
Executive Director