Turkey Market Development Council (TMDC)
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INDIANA |
Paul Wm. Brennan |
Dear Poultry Associate:
Recent events are rapidly changing and evolving the structure of the entire poultry industry. It is important for poultry producers and allied industries to join together to exchange information on current events, focus perspective on government issues and regulations, as well as continuing Indiana’s excellent track record on poultry health and efficiency.
E-Mail Information Service
The ISPA offers a comprehensive poultry e-mail service targeted at Indiana and Midwestern poultry producers. Whether your interests lie in disease control, the environment, food safety, or well being issues, I urge you to take advantage of ISPA’s e-mail information service. Our office offers the most current news on a variety of poultry topics. Multiple company members may take part in this fast breaking information service. Over the last year, updates on Avian Influenza in the U.S. and internationally have brought close attention among our members. This is a unique opportunity to have the latest poultry news and disease updates sent directly to you.
Disease Control
The last few years have been extraordinary years for major poultry diseases in the United States. In 2002, to better control AI, the ISPA and the Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH) took the lead in developing a National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) proposal to monitor and control avian influenza. At the 2004 NPIP Biennial Conference the proposal was approved. Again teaming up with BOAH, the ISPA has actively participated in the development of the U.S. Animal Health Association’s (USAHA) AI recommendations to the USDA, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). At the 2005 USAHA annual meeting the ISPA authored the USAHA resolution urging the USDA to expedite the publication of the Commercial AI program approved by the 2004 NPIP delegation. The regulation was published in the Federal Register in September, 2006.
As part of the new NPIP LPAI Commercial Program, each state is required to have their emergency poultry disease plan approved by APHIS. In April, Indiana’s Emergency Poultry Disease Plan was revised to prepare for the new LPAI program. Indiana’s revision process engages industry, university, and regulatory officials in the process. Currently, the ISPA is working with each of Indiana’s poultry companies and those in surrounding states to assist in the development of individual Company Emergency Poultry Disease Response Plans. A well attended NPIP LPAI meeting was held last November to discuss the new plan and how it affects Indiana’s poultry producers.
To help producers respond, should a poultry disease emergency develop, the ISPA held Incident Command Structure training and Mass Depopulation seminars throughout the state last September.
Finally, ISPA is working with APHIS, Veterinary Services, and the Indiana State Board of Animal Health to insure, that should a Notifiable Avian Influenza be diagnosed in or near Indiana, we will be able to swiftly demonstrate the compartment boundaries; assuring product safety, and providing quick resumption of market place deliveries.
Environmental Regulations
After years focused on animal industry water regulations, the EPA is now driving forward with compliance of its highly controversial Air Consent Agreement and other air quality regulations. The new EPA pursuit looks at animal production operations in a perspective foreign to most producers. Much of the research is just beginning; we will be wrestling with agricultural air issues for years to come.
Working with Indiana Regulatory and Emergency Response officials, the ISPA was able to explain the impact of EPCRA/CERCLA reporting requirements would have on producers and local emergency responders. Indiana’s Director of Homeland Security, Dr. Eric Dietz wrote to the EPA in support of the poultry industry’s request for an exemption
Member Interaction
Throughout the year, many opportunities exist for interaction among our members. Quarterly Board Meetings, Food Safety Roundtables, Legislative Banquet (February 26, 2007), Spring ISPA Golf Tournament (May 24, 2007), and the Indiana State Fair (August 8-19, 2007), all combine to make connecting with other members exciting and productive.
Despite the challenges, the future of the poultry industry is bright. However, these challenges require more communication and cooperation than ever before. Please join us as we energize and protect Indiana’s vigorous poultry industry.
Sincerely,
Indiana State Poultry Association
Paul Brennan
Executive Vice President