Scott Dee is passionate about helping producers through applied on-farm research. Several science-based biosecurity protocols used on farms today came from his studies on porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus transmissibility through mechanical, aerosol and feed-based routes. Additionally, corresponding biosecurity protocols were developed, including transport sanitation, air filtration supply entry and feed mitigation.
Dee has had nearly 170 papers published in peer-reviewed journals covering transmission and biosecurity implications of PRRS, African swine fever (ASF) and other severe animal health risks.
Dee’s college experience at Mayo Clinic Institute Hills Research Farm in Rochester, Minnesota, was his first exposure to pig herds, the application of animal models for human disease and how pathogens manifest themselves in animal populations.
In 1983, Dee was accepted to the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine where he specialized in swine microbiology and earned his master’s and doctorate degrees. He is a board-certified veterinary microbiologist.
He worked as a swine practitioner in Morris, Minnesota, for 12 years. After that, he conducted research and was a professor at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine for 12 years. He became the chair of the Veterinary School Admissions Committee, revising the admissions process to develop an application that equally weighted cognitive measures, experiential learning and non-teachable competencies.
Since 2011, he has been the director of research for Pipestone Applied Research, researching the viral transport and transmission in feed, feed biosecurity and antimicrobial resistance at the farm level.
Dee is intuitive to test ideas and design projects to solve industry problems. For example, in 2014 when the industry was testing the spread of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDv), he noticed only certain pigs housed in a single barn consuming feed from a specific bin were getting sick. Therefore, he used a paint roller with a long handle to collect dust and particles on the inside walls of the feed bin. As suspected, infectious PEDv was present and transmission through feed consumption was published.
This work with feed translated into impactful research about the spread of foreign animal disease, such as ASF and foot and mouth disease, through feed.
Dee lives in Alexandria, Minnesota, with his wife, Lisa, and their two children, Nicholas and Ellen. He is an avid musician who plays bass guitar in The Abiders, along with being a fan of The Beatles.
The pork industry is grateful for his inspiration to others and for his commitment over the years.
Thank you, Dr. Scott Dee, for your many years of service and invaluable contributions to the industry.
