Guests:
Dr. Scott Dee, Pipestone Holdings
Dr. Gordon Spronk, Pipestone Holdings

The Real Science Exchange is open again for a great discussion this time shifting to the swine industry. The host Scott Sorrell was joined by Dr. Eric Altom, a technical nutritionist with Balchem’s Companion and Monogastric segments. Scott and Eric are joined by Dr. Scott Dee and Dr. Gordon Spronk, both of Pipestone Holdings. Dr. Dee and Dr. Spronk both have extensive experience with African Swine Fever and they discussed their experience viewing the virus from the research lens and the practical use lens.

Dr. Spronk’s experience in China with African Swine Fever also closely aligns with his experience with COVID-19 in China. 7:06

Even before we were talking about African Swine Fever, we worried about PED virus and the damage it can do to a pig herd. Dr. Dee and Dr. Spronk discuss the value in having the field day-to-day knowledge to pair with the research when it comes to virus spread, identify and isolating the cause. 12:32

Dr. Spronk dives into why they pushed for research related to feed and the tie to virus spread. 18:40

Since it’s been identified African Swine Fever can spread through feed, Dr. Dee discusses what happens if the virus is identified in a feed mill. 27:02

Not only can African Swine Fever spread through domestic pigs or feed, but it is also spread by wild boar populations. 33:39

The group discussed the most likely way that African Swine Fever could get into the United States. 38:10

Dr. Spronk shared his ah-ha that it’s important for us to remember that the world’s worst swine virus entered into the world’s largest swine herd. That is a game changer. 48:49

Dr. Dee added that, in his experience, it’s pivotal that scientists do field observation. It can be uncomfortable, but researchers need to get out of the lab. 49:58

Thanks for joining for another discussion around the table at the Real Science Exchange. To recommend a topic for future podcasts, email [email protected]