November 14, 2002

USDA Scrapie Expert Headlines N.D. Lamb and Wool Producers Convention

Katherine O’Rourke, USDA research microbiologist in Pullman, Wash., will speak on scrapie prevention at the annual convention of North Dakota Lamb and Wool Producers Association. O’Rourke, one of the nation’s leading experts on scrapie, developed the first preclinical diagnostic test for scrapie.

The convention will be Friday, Dec. 6, and Saturday, Dec. 7, at the Seven Seas Motel in Mandan. The convention will start Friday at 6 p.m. with the North Dakota Bred Ewe/Ewe Lamb sale and registration. Roger Haugen, NDSU sheep specialist, will talk on stress management. A fund raiser auction will also be held.

On Saturday registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. and the convention will end at 4:15 p.m. Events will include reports on NDSU research at the Hettinger Research Extension Center and in Fargo, a National Wildlife Service update and a scrapie pilot project review from the state veterinarian. O’Rourke will talk at 10:15 a.m. Also included in the day will be talks on the 2002 farm bill, CRP hay, successful feedlot management and a scrapie question and answer period.

Registration at the door for adults is $20 with the Saturday luncheon or $10 without. Children are $10 with the luncheon and free without. The fee includes Friday night activities and food and breaks on Saturday.

Room reservations should be made directly to the Seven Seas at 1-800-597-7327 or (701) 663-7401. A special rate will be given when indicating that you are attending the sheep convention.

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Source: Roger Haugen, (701) 231-7645, roger.haugen@ndsu.nodak.edu
Writer: Stephanie Renner, (701) 231-8371, srenner@ndsuext.nodak.edu
Editor: Tom Jirik, (701) 231-9629, tjirik@ndsuext.nodak.edu