VIDO launches Beef Technical Group

Saskatoon, Sask., July 30, 2002

The Veterinary Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) has launched a new technical group to provide technology transfer to producers on key issues in beef production.

"Technology and information transfer becomes increasingly important as production expands and the demand for beef quality, food safety and accountability increases," says Stuart Bond, VIDO Associate Director, Producer Relations. "The VIDO Beef Technical Group brings together people with a broad spectrum of expertise in the beef industry. Their mandate is to provide relevant and current information to benefit beef producers, and to bring animal health concerns of cattle producers to VIDO for consideration."

Representing beef producers on the Group are: Chairman Art Devick, Heffley Creek, B.C.; Gene Rawe, Strome, Alta.; Randy Kaiser, Hussar, Alta.; Brian Weedon, Swift Current, Sask.; Judson Willms, Dundurn, Sask.; and Marlin Beever, Rivers, Man.

Beef industry representatives are Dr. Bart Lardner, Western Beef Development Centre, Saskatoon, Sask.; Dr. Erasmus Okine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.; Dr. Joyce Van Donkersgoed, veterinarian and veterinary consultant, Lacombe, Alta.; and Mike McMorris, General Manager, Ontario Cattlemen's Association, Guelph, Ont.

VIDO representation includes senior scientists Dr. Philip Griebel (Immunology), Dr. Don Wilson (Clinical Research) and Dr. Hugh Townsend (Epidemiology). Sherri Hueser, Administrative Assistant, and Stuart Bond, Associate Director, Producer Relations handle administrative duties and liaison between the Group and VIDO.

"Support from the livestock industry over the past 25 years has been a cornerstone of VIDO's success in becoming a world leader in vaccines for infectious disease and food safety," says Bond. "This is one way in which VIDO can give back to the beef industry. The strength of the VIDO Beef Tech Group is the broad range of experience and skills within its ranks."

VIDO, a not for profit research organization wholly owned by the University of Saskatchewan, is a global leader in food animal and poultry vaccine research for infectious diseases. It operates with substantial support from the Province of Alberta and the Province of Saskatchewan. Specific funding for the VIDO Beef Technical Group comes from all four western provincial cattle producer associations: British Columbia Cattlemen's Association, Alberta Cattle Commission, Saskatchewan Horned Cattle Trust Fund, Saskatchewan Cattle Marketing Deductions Fund and the Manitoba Cattle Producers' Association.

For more information, contact:

Stuart Bond
Associate Director, Producer Relations
Veterinary Infectious Disease Organization
Phone: (306) 966-7465
Fax: (306) 966-7478