Carthage Veterinary Service COVID-19 Pork Industry Update May 13, 2020

  1. Carthage Veterinary Service is working diligently to support you and the industry through the current crisis.  This is a status update to hit industry highlights and our focus on the following 3 KEY areas:

    1. Keep packing plants running in full production 
    2. If required, support depopulation and disposal 
    3. Indemnity payments for loss of livestock

Keeping Plants Open

    1. Regional idle plant capacity is sitting at 26% as of Tuesday, May 12. All plants are operating at some level after those that were closed got rolling again. A few other plants improved operating rates while others are still struggling due to physical distancing requirements and return of their workforce. Up to date operating capacity for regional plants:

      2.  

Depopulation and Disposal

    1. The National Pork Board issued a call for proposals to evaluate depopulation methods. A funding decision for the proposals will be made today so that projects can get underway quickly.  CVS submitted two proposals to NPB to evaluate electrocution euthanasia in wean pigs and sodium nitrite for grow-finish pigs.
    2. IPPA has funded the construction of 3 trailers that can be used for euthanizing market hogs. The Maschhoffs are currently building these trailers.  IPPA will coordinate deploying these trailers in the event they are needed.  If you need more information about this, please contact CVS or Jennifer Tirey at IPPA.
    3. Illinois recently updated the Dead Animal Disposal Act rules for the next 150 days. Highlights:
      • For on-site disposal:
        • Burial – Limitations regarding ratio of animals to surface area, 3,000 lb max, and site usage were all removed. Shallow burial is now allowed. From an environmental perspective, burial needs to be limited to the site from which the animals originated, or sites under common ownership. Transfer of animals for burial purposes cannot be between sites of different ownership because of unpermitted landfill concerns. Any dirt moving on site should be limited to less than one acre to avoid IEPA stormwater permitting requirements.
        • Swine composting – General guidelines were clarified, static composting now allowed.
        • Composting generally – Surface water diversions, setbacks from streams and wells, and residential setbacks all still apply.
        • Rules for transportation of dead animals was also expanded to include: the owner, operator, caretaker or animal collection service may dispose of bodies of dead animals, poultry or fish by transporting the bodies to a licensed landfill for disposal or by transporting to a composting site as approved by the Department.

Indemnity

    1. No new updates on indemnity – NPPC continues to lobby congressional and government agencies on your behalf.

Updates

    1. IPPA now has a Producer Call Center for questions related to COVID-19 issues. You can text the number 24/7 or call Monday – Friday from 8 am to 5 pm.  The number is (217) 393-8498.
    2. The U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Committee introduced new legislation to supplement economic assistance to industries impacted by the pandemic. Called the "Heroes Act," the bill includes favorable provisions for livestock producers, including expanded direct payments, compensation for euthanized livestock and additional funding for animal health and surveillance laboratories. NPPC is very supportive of these provisions and will be advocating for adoption in final legislation.
    3. USDA CFAP Webinar – Direct Payments: The USDA will host a webinar on Thursday, May 14 to provide producers with guidance for applying for direct payments as provided for in the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). Click HEREfor more information.  Representatives from CVS will be on the webinar and we will send out a summary later this week if you are unable to attend.