A Message From the Governor

    As Governor of Iowa, it is a pleasure to welcome you to the USDA-ARS National Animal Disease Center's Virtual Conference. Whether you are participating from within Iowa or from the other side of the world, I am sure you will learn a great deal from this first-of-its-kind virtual scientific conference.

    In Iowa, we have been working to use the Information Superhighway for a long time to improve education and expand knowledge. In 1989, we created the world's first statewide, state-owned fiberoptic network to connect every school district in the state with our state universities, community colleges, independent colleges, universities, libraries, hospitals, and National Guard armories. We realize that telecommunications and the free exchange of information is essential to the quality education our people need to compete in the 21st Century.

    Many years ago, Thomas Jefferson said, "Information is the currency of democracy." That has never been more true than today.

    I hope you find this virtual conference both informative and intriguing as you travel along the Information Superhighway.

         Sincerely

TERRY E. BRANSTAD
Governor of Iowa