From 4eb45b03c883f284a2356b79e321ee010d5b021b Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Fize Jacques <jacques.fize@cirad.fr> Date: Thu, 16 May 2019 10:49:10 +0200 Subject: [PATCH] DEBUG + Joblib --- auto_fill_annotation.py | 8 +- data/_depreciated/miscaellenous/epidemio.json | 2017 ----------------- generate_str.py | 8 +- strpython/pipeline.py | 20 +- 4 files changed, 22 insertions(+), 2031 deletions(-) delete mode 100644 data/_depreciated/miscaellenous/epidemio.json diff --git a/auto_fill_annotation.py b/auto_fill_annotation.py index f6b0f29..676ce18 100644 --- a/auto_fill_annotation.py +++ b/auto_fill_annotation.py @@ -30,9 +30,9 @@ def main(dataset, matrix_sim_dir, raw_graph_dir, selected_graphs, threshold, inc from joblib import Parallel,delayed # - Parallel(n_jobs=4,backend="threading")(delayed(annotate_eval_sample)(annotater, fn, os.path.join(last_step_output, os.path.basename(fn)),size_str) for fn in tqdm(glob.glob(os.path.join(first_step_output,"*.csv")),desc="Annotate sample")) - #for fn in tqdm(glob.glob(os.path.join(first_step_output,"*.csv")),desc="Annotate sample"): - #annotate_eval_sample(annotater, fn, os.path.join(last_step_output, os.path.basename(fn)),size_str) + #Parallel(n_jobs=4,backend="threading")(delayed(annotate_eval_sample)(annotater, fn, os.path.join(last_step_output, os.path.basename(fn)),size_str) for fn in tqdm(glob.glob(os.path.join(first_step_output,"*.csv")),desc="Annotate sample")) + for fn in tqdm(glob.glob(os.path.join(first_step_output,"*.csv")),desc="Annotate sample"): + annotate_eval_sample(annotater, fn, os.path.join(last_step_output, os.path.basename(fn)),size_str) min_carac_dict=None if min_carac_fn != "" and os.path.exists(min_carac_fn): @@ -163,7 +163,7 @@ def annotate_eval_sample(annotater, csv_file, output_file, size_str): try: return annotater.all(None, None, x.G1, x.G2) except Exception as e: - print("Error",e) + return [0, 0, 0, 0,300000,0] df["res"] = df.apply(lambda x: foo(x), axis=1) diff --git a/data/_depreciated/miscaellenous/epidemio.json b/data/_depreciated/miscaellenous/epidemio.json deleted file mode 100644 index 77a3335..0000000 --- a/data/_depreciated/miscaellenous/epidemio.json +++ /dev/null @@ -1,2017 +0,0 @@ -{ - "title": "Epidemilogy_press_articles", - "data": [ - [ - "Rivers govt. eliminates chickens infected by flu", - " \n \n\tThe Rivers State Government said on Tuesday that it had killed hundreds of fowls infected by the Avian Flu in a privately owned farm in Port Harcourt.\nThe Commissioner for Agriculture, Emma Chinda, said that the farm had been quarantined and decontaminated.\nHe also said no human infection had been recorded.\n“On January 14, we got a report from a farm that was worrisome. The report we got suggested that the farm may have been infected by the highly pathogenic avian influenza.\nAccording to the commissioner, samples of the flu were taken to the Veterinary Research Institute in Vom, Plateau State.\n“The result came out on January 17 and it read positive of highly pathogenic avian influenza.\n“On the basis of that, we had to take necessary steps. Apart from quarantining the farm, we had to depopulate the birds in the farm to stop further spreadâ€.\n“Thereafter, we decontaminated the farm. We are containing the situation because officials of government and experts are on ground monitoring the situationâ€, he added.\nMr. Chinda said there was no need to panic because government was well equipped to handle the situation.\nHe said before the outbreak, they received information from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture on avian influenza in Kano and a bird market in Lagos.\n“We were very much on alert and when it happened here, we handled the situation’’, he said. \n(NAN)\n\t " - ], - [ - "Ogun confirms presence of Bird Flu in state", - " \n \n\tThe Ogun State Government on Monday confirmed that some markets tested positive to the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus, known as Bird Flu. \nThe Commissioner for Agriculture, Ronke Sokefun, said this while addressing journalists at her office in Abeokuta, but quickly added that government has put in place measures to contain the spread of the disease.\nShe also gave assurances to poultry farmers that their birds would be protected against the virus, adding that the ministry had re-activated the Emergency Preparedness Plan for the control and containment of the virus and procured necessary disinfectants.\nMr. Sokefun said surveillance and live bird market decontamination was initiated along border towns of the State.\nShe explained that Bird Flu is primarily a disease of poultry that causes a great economic loss to poultry, noting that it has the ability to affect human beings if not properly contained.\n“I wish to inform you that our officers have been able to contain the disease at the markets and we are on the lookout for more of such outbreaks through the surveillance systems of the Veterinary Department of the Ministry. We are also working closely with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, National Veterinary Research Institute, Poultry Association of Nigeria and others,†Mr. Sokefun said.\nThe commissioner ascertained that consumption of poultry products is safe if properly cooked, urging poultry farmers to heighten bio-security measures to their farm and report high rate of mortality among their birds.\nSpeaking earlier, the Director of Veterinary Services, Dotun Sorunke, encouraged poultry farmers to register with the department and patronize registered Veterinary Doctors.\nMr. Sorunke advised members of the public, especially those with backyard poultry farms, to be observant and report any disease and conditions of their poultry.\nHe asked anyone who needs or wants more information to contact the Ministry through the following numbers: 08033892861, 08025195464, 08027370579, 07034500063.\n\t " - ], - [ - "Newcastle Disease Reported in Romania", - "Poultry News Newcastle Disease Reported in Romania 14 November 2014 \n \nROMANIA - There has been a new outbreak of Newcastle Disease reported and confirmed in the Ialomita region of Romania. The outbreak which started on the 1 November 2014, infected a total of 63,294 four-week-old broilers. \nAs a result, 50,807 birds died and the remaining 12,487 were destroyed. \nThe source of the outbreak is still unknown. \n \n \nFurther Reading \nFind out more information on Newcastle Disease by clicking here. \n \nThePoultrySite News Desk " - ], - [ - "Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus Detected in Russia", - "Poultry News Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus Detected in Russia01 October 2014 \n \nRUSSIA - There has been two outbreaks of H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in poultry reported in the Altai Kray region in Siberia in central Russia. The outbreak has affected 326 domestic ducks, geese and chickens which were located in small villages. \nAs a result 322 birds died and the remaining animals were destroyed. \nThe source of the outbreak is thought to be contact with wild species, Probably, hunted ducks and geese trophies had been placed in backyards where mortality occurred later in domestic birds. \n \n \nFurther Reading \nYou can visit the Avian Flu page by clicking here. \n \nThePoultrySite News Desk " - ], - [ - "South Korea to disinfect farms as foot-and-mouth, bird flu spread", - "\nSEOUL South Korea will disinfect farms around the country over the new year and limit the transport of animals, stepping up its effort to contain an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease that has spread close to the capital as well as bird flu.The foot-and-mouth among hogs had been limited to the center of the country until this week but a case has now been confirmed at a farm just 50 km (30 miles) from Seoul in the north of the country.The outbreak began five months ago, raising fears about food safety. Nearly 23,000 hogs have been destroyed to contain the outbreak, according to a statement from the agriculture ministry on Tuesday.All the cases have involved a type of the disease that animals are inoculated against in South Korea. The ministry said additional vaccine would be given to farms in affected areas and all farms in the country would be disinfected on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1.\n \n The late July outbreak was the first in more than three years but it came as authorities struggled to contain a problem with bird flu, which has pushed up the price of pork as consumers bought alternative meat.\n \n In its statement, the ministry said more than 40 poultry farms, mostly in southeastern provinces, plus a market near the capital had been affected since late September and 526,000 birds had been slaughtered. No humans have been infected.The livestock disease problems are a big factor behind a jump in pork imports, mainly from the United States and Germany. These rose 21 percent to 328,241 tonnes in the first 11 months of the year from the same period in 2013, South Korean customs data showed.\n \n (Reporting by Meeyoung Cho; Editing by Alan Raybould)" - ], - [ - "South Korea increases efforts to contain foot-and-mouth outbreak", - "\nSEOUL South Korea is intensifying efforts to contain an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease by inoculating all hogs in affected areas, the agriculture ministry said in a statement on Thursday.South Korea earlier this month confirmed a fresh case of foot-and-mouth disease at a hog farm, five months after an outbreak elsewhere added to fears about food safety.So far nine cases have been confirmed at Chungcheong province, about 100 kms (61 miles) southeast of the capital, Seoul, the ministry statement said.All outbreaks were the type that animals are inoculated against in South Korea, said the ministry.\n \n Over 13,600 hogs have been slaughtered at the affected farms and Seoul has heightened its foot-and-mouth watch level to alert from caution, it added. \n \n The late July outbreak was the first in more than three years but it came as authorities struggled to contain a continuing problem with bird flu, which has pushed up the price of pork as consumers bought alternative meat. Livestock disease problems are a big factor behind a jump in pork imports, mainly from the United States and Germany. These rose 21 percent to 328,241 tonnes in the first 11 months of this year from the same period last year, South Korean customs data showed.\n \n (Reporting by Meeyoung Cho; Editing by Michael Perry)" - ], - [ - "South Korea confirms foot-and-mouth case at hog farm", - "\nSEOUL South Korea has confirmed a fresh case of foot-and-mouth disease at a hog farm, the agriculture ministry said in a statement on Thursday, five months after an outbreak elsewhere that added to fears about food safety.A ministry official said the farm was in Jincheon county, some 85 km (50 miles) southeast of the capital, Seoul, adding that the disease was unlikely to spread as it was one of three types that animals are inoculated against in South Korea.He said there were 15,884 hogs at the affected farm and those that showed symptoms of the disease would be slaughtered.\n \n The late July outbreak was the first in more than three years but it came as the authorities struggled to contain a continuing problem with bird flu, which has pushed up the price of pork as consumers bought alternative meat.\n \n The livestock disease problems are a big factor behind a jump in pork imports, mainly from the United States and Germany. These rose 17.6 percent to 295,485 tonnes in the first 10 months of this year from the same period last year, South Korean customs data showed.\n \n (Reporting by Meeyoung Cho; Editing by Alan Raybould)" - ], - [ - "South Korea FMD outbreaks continue", - "\n \n \n \n \n \n In a report submitted this week to the World Organization for Animal Health (commonly known by its French acronym “OIEâ€), the government of South Korea reports that the 77 outbreaks of foot and mouth disease (FMD) that started in that country in December 2014 are ongoing.\nThe report indicates that South Korea has thus far destroyed 65,951 head of swine and 4 head of cattle as a result of the outbreaks.\nSouth Korea cannot identify the source of this latest FMD outbreak but has implemented measures such as control of wildlife reservoirs, movement control inside the country, vaccination, and stamping-out (destroying) livestock in an effort to arrest the ongoing spread of FMD.\nIn a 2008 risk assessment completed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), the agency emphatically stated that South Korea has implemented all necessary disease prevention measures necessary for “maintaining the Republic of Korea (South Korea) as free of FMD.â€\nWithin three months of APHIS’ optimistic prediction, South Korea had another outbreak of FMD, that one starting in January 2009.\nIn 2010 through 2011 South Korea had 155 outbreaks of FMD that resulted in the destruction of 331,135 swine, cattle and goats.\nUsing the same methodology employed in its inaccurate risk assessment for South Korea, APHIS subsequently completed risk assessments for FMD-affected Brazil and Argentina, claiming that they too have implemented all the necessary disease prevention measures for maintaining themselves free of FMD.\nBased on these risk assessments, APHIS is now proposing to allow Brazil and Argentina to export fresh beef and pork to the United States, products that are known to transmit the FMD virus from one country to another.\nR-CALF USA CEO Bill Bullard said the South Korea experience, with three major FMD outbreaks occurring within six years after APHIS said they would not, “demonstrates that APHIS is incapable of predicting when an FMD outbreak will reoccur in a country where the disease is known to exist.â€\n“For this reason APHIS should immediately abandon its proposed rules that would relax our FMD protections against Brazil and Argentina,†Bullard added.\n " - ], - [ - "Foot-and-mouth scare spreads in S Korea", - "\n\t Tuesday, Jan 06, 2015 The Korea Herald/Asia News NetworkBy Lee Hyun-jeongConcerns over foot-and-mouth disease spreading have escalated across the nation as another suspected case was found in the area surrounding Seoul on Monday, with dozens of cases detected in other regions since last month.Three pigs at a farm in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, were reported to have shown common symptoms of foot-and-mouth disease, with bleeding and blisters formed on their bodies, the city government said.This is a second case found in the region following one confirmed in Icheon, Gyeonggi Province, late last month.The pigs tested positive in a preliminary test, quarantine officials said. The final test results will be available Tuesday.Since the first case broke out in Jincheon, North Chungcheong Province, on Dec. 3, foot-and-mouth disease has spread across the country. As of Monday, more than 26,000 animals at 32 farms have been culled, with most in North Chungcheong Province.The source of the disease outbreak is currently under investigation, but it is suspected to be unvaccinated pigs, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said.The quarantine authorities claim that the spread of the disease will not be as rapid as before, citing vaccination measures.“Once antibodies are created in vaccinated animals, the viral disease will no longer spread,†Agriculture Minister Lee Dong-phil said. “The occurrence rate of this outbreak accounts only for 4 per cent of that in 2010-11.â€More than 800 cases were reported in late 2010.Concerns remain, however, as the infected pigs in Yongin were found to have only been vaccinated after the disease broke out last month.As part of the efforts to contain the foot-and-mouth infection, the government vowed to step up the quarantine measures.All livestock-related trucks will be put under control for disinfection measures on Wednesday, the Agriculture Ministry said. This is the second nationwide sterilization measure following the first one taken last week.Farm owners skipping vaccination will also face toughened penalties such as a fine of up to 5 million won (S$6,012) or cancellation of their livestock permit, the ministry said. The compensation for animal culling will also be reduced for animals that are not vaccinated, it added.South Korea has been hit five times by foot-and-mouth disease since 2000, with three occurrences in 2010.More than 3.4 million animals were slaughtered in the largest outbreak in late 2010, resulting in losses of more than 2.7 trillion won.\n\t" - ], - [ - "Foot-and-mouth disease, avian flu strain authorities", - " \n\t \n\t Foot-and-mouth disease, avian flu strain authorities \n\t Officials struggle to control viruses ahead of the Lunar New Year \n\t Feb 11,2015 \n\t \n\t \n Quarantine authorities are scrambling to prevent the further spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and avian influenza (AI) a week before the Lunar New Year, one of the country’s biggest holidays that prompts mass travel.Those efforts, however, have appeared to have little effect, with both viruses continuing to advance.Hongseong County, South Chungcheong, the country’s largest pig-breeding region, has confirmed two outbreaks of FMD since Friday, the first in four years. After animals at one farm tested positive on Friday, FMD was confirmed at another site on Monday just 20 meters (65 feet) away. There are currently 305 pig farms breeding a total of 494,000 pigs in Hongseong County. The last time the county saw an outbreak of the disease was in February 2011, when more than 50,000 pigs from 127 farms were culled, with damage adding up to 10.76 billion won ($9.82 million).“We put all our efforts into keeping the area disease-free, but there was another infection,†said Lee Byeong-ok, 60, who heads the village where the disease broke out. “We’re worried there could be another outbreak like the one four years ago.â€Quarantine authorities are also trying to prevent FMD from spreading to farms raising hongseong hanu, or native Korean cattle. About 2,600 such farms in the county breed 54,000 cows. So far, there have been no confirmed reports, nor were any cattle farms infected in 2011. Foot-and-mouth disease was also confirmed in Gangwon, the first confirmation of FMD since Dec. 3, in Jincheon County, North Chungcheong. The province’s quarantine authorities suspect the virus spread from an infected farm in Sejong City that continued to sell piglets during lock down.The Gangwon Provincial Office said on Monday that it had culled 610 pigs after confirming FMD at a farm in Cheolwon County. It added that the owner of the site had bought 260 animals from Sejong City on Saturday. At that time, the farm in Sejong City was prohibited from selling or moving its pigs due to an earlier FMD outbreak at a nearby farm. The owner of the farm in Sejong allegedly sold the pigs to four farms, including the one in Cheolwon County. FMD was confirmed at the farm in Sejong City later Saturday.Authorities are currently investigating the farm owner in Sejong City and suspect that he knowingly sold the pigs. The animals are believed to have been showing FMD symptoms on Friday. Gangwon Provincial Office is also considering filing for compensation against the farm’s owner in Sejong.Amid the increase in the number of FMD-infected farms, and the spread of avian flu to the capital city - the first time since AI was confirmed in Korea - local authorities are gearing up to keep the diseases from spreading.The South Gyeongsang Provincial Office recently announced that it would keep its quarantine headquarters open 24 hours a day during the holiday and would heighten its monitoring of local farms and migratory bird habitats. The Seoul Metropolitan Government is also inspecting ducks and geese bred in the city. It lifted a lock down on chickens on Tuesday after none were found to be infected by AI. BY KIM BONG-MOON [bongmoon@joongang.co.kr] \n\t " - ], - [ - "S. Korea orders lockdown to fight animal disease", - "\n \n \n \n \n South Korea has announced a 36-hour lockdown over the weekend on poultry and livestock farms across the country to curb the spread of two highly contagious animal diseases—foot and mouth and bird flu\n South Korea on Thursday announced a 36-hour lockdown over the weekend on poultry and livestock farms across the country to curb the spread of two highly contagious animal diseases—foot and mouth and bird flu.\n \n\t \n\t The agriculture ministry said the movement of animals, people and vehicles at thousands of farms would be banned from 6:00 am (2100 GMT) on Saturday for disinfection. \nA series of outbreaks of foot-and-mouth in recent months have resulted in the slaughter of around 25,000 pigs, and concern has grown as cases have spread to farms close to the capital Seoul. \nThe first cases were detected in July, only two months after South Korea was declared free of the disease at a meeting of the World Organisation for Animal Health in Paris. \nLast week, the agriculture ministry confirmed a case of foot-and-mouth in a cow, the first involving cattle in nearly four years. \nIn 2011 a devastating foot-and-mouth outbreak hit the entire Korean peninsula and resulted in the culling of nearly 3.5 million cattle, pigs and other animals in South Korea alone. \nThe Seoul government estimated the cost of that outbreak at $2.6 billion. \nFoot-and-mouth disease affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, pigs, deer, goats and sheep. \nThe battle to contain foot-and-mouth has coincided with outbreaks of avian flu in poultry farms which have resulted in the culling of more than 500,000 birds in the past four months.\n \n \n Explore further: \n Taiwan culls 1,000 pigs in foot-and-mouth outbreak\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\t © 2015 AFP\n\t\n \n\t" - ], - [ - "Foot-and-mouth disease spreads across S Korea", - "The recent outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease has spread nationwide despite efforts by South Korea's quarantine authorities to contain it, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.\n \n \n \nAs of Thursday, 50 cases of the disease occurred in 13 cities and districts, mostly in the central region of the peninsula. North Chungcheong Province ― the epicenter of the outbreak ― was the hardest hit with 25 regions being affected.Authorities have even confirmed a case of the disease at the nation's administrative capital Sejong, where the quarantine centre itself is located. Over 44,000 livestock ― mostly pigs ― have been slaughtered since the outbreak was discovered on December 3.The infectious and sometimes viral disease has been known to affect cloven-hoofed animals such as pig, cow, sheep and deer." - ], - [ - "Korea considers ban on Canadian beef imports", - " \n \n\tSouth Korean quarantine authorities are examining Canadian beef imports, following a recent notification from the Canadian government of an outbreak of bovine spongiform encephalopathy, or mad cow disease.The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said Sunday that Canadian beef imports here could be categorically banned if found to pose a substantial threat to public health.“We were notified by the Canadian Embassy to Korea on Feb. 11, Canada time, that a full-grown cow at a ranch in Alberta, Canada, had been carrying the BSE virus,†MAFRA stated in a press release. Although the Canadian government confirmed that the BSE-stricken cow was not used in food or livestock feed manufacturing, MAFRA suspended imports of Canadian beef on Feb. 13 and launched an in-depth investigation. While MAFRA has not said how long the investigation will last, some officials expect that the quarantine alert will not lead to years of import bans, as was the case in 2003. “The government ban on bringing in (Canadian beef) seems unlikely to last long,†a Food Ministry official said, emphasizing that this opinion did not represent the ministry’s official stance. In contrast to foot-and-mouth disease, a common livestock illness in Korea, BSE does not spread through contact. A cow with BSE will not spread the disease to other cattle unless they prey on the ill cow, which a MAFRA official called “an unlikely case.â€Canada is the fourth-largest exporter of beef to Korea, but the volume is far smaller than from Australia and the U.S. MAFRA’s data shows that Canadian beef made up only 1 percent of all imported beef to Korea in 2014, up 0.4 percent from a year before. Last month, about 600 tons, or 2.7 percent of all imported beef to Korea, were from Canada. In the same period, Australia was the largest exporter, with 50.3 percent of Korea’s imported beef market. The U.S. came next at 37.3 percent, followed by New Zealand with 2.2 percent. By Chung Joo-won (joowonc@heraldcorp.com)\t" - ], - [ - "Ten Farms in Bauchi State, Nigeria, Hit by Avian Flu", - "Poultry News Ten Farms in Bauchi State, Nigeria, Hit by Avian Flu06 March 2015 NIGERIA - Ten farms in one state, Bauchi, in central Nigeria, are currently battling highly pathogenic avian influenza.Ten poultry farms in Bauchi state were confirmed to have been affected with avian influenza, according to the Ministry of Animal Resources and Nomadic Resettlement. \nLeadership reports that the Commissioner overseeing the Ministry, Alhaji Umar Sale Giade, disclosed the outbreak of the birds’ disease popularly known as Bird Flu during a visit to Toro local government area. \nAlhaji Umar Sale revealed that so far, three local government areas of Katagum, Bauchi and Toro local government have been infected by the disease. \nSeven poultry farms were reportedly affected with the disease in Toro local government area, stressing that 558 birds of various species were affected in the seven farms. \nHe explained that out of the seven affected farms, 9,208 chickens were killed, saying Toro local government area has the highest population of poultry farms in the state. \nThe Care-taker Committee Chairman of the Local Government, Alhaji Adamu Umar Danyaro Geji, had earlier while speaking reiterated his council’s determination to partner with Ministry of Animal Resources and Nomadic Resettlement to fight the disease in the area. \nRepresented by the Head of Administration of the local government, Alhaji Usman Muhammed Mashema, the council chairman commended the state government for its effort towards enlightening poultry farmers on the danger of avian influenza. \n \nFurther Reading \nYou can visit the Avian Flu page by clicking here. \n \n \nThePoultrySite News Desk " - ], - [ - "Further FMD cases in South Korea", - "\n Two new outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease in pigs have been reported in South Korea by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).\n \n The first was discovered in North Chungcheong Province, in the centre of the country, on 12 December, and the second in South Chungcheong Province, on 16 December. In total 457 cases were found, with all infected animals being \"destroyed\".Reuters reported that the government is intensifying efforts to contain the disease by vaccinating all pigs in affected areas. OIE said other measures employed in South Korea are control of wildlife reservoirs, quarantine, movement control, screening and zoning. Seoul has stepped up its foot-and-mouth warning level from ‘caution’ to ‘alert’.The Korea Herald said 13 cases have now been confirmed since the first December outbreak at the beginning of the month, with a total of 14,491 animals slaughtered.An outbreak was also discovered back in July, for the first time in over three years. The country had already been dealing with bird flu problems, which pushed up pork prices as alternative meats to poultry were sought.Reuters reported: \"Livestock disease problems are a big factor behind a jump in pork imports, mainly from the United States and Germany. These rose 21% to 328,241 tonnes in the first 11 months of this year from the same period last year.\" \n \n " - ], - [ - "Foot-and-mouth disease found in east China", - " \n \nBEIJING, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- Live pigs in east China's Anhui Province have been found to be infected with foot-and-mouth disease, the Ministry of Agriculture announced Tuesday. \nThe virus was detected in 556 live pigs in several farms in Maanshan City, 314 of which were dead on Jan. 2, and test results confirmed on Tuesday that the pigs were carrying the A-type virus, said the ministry. \nAll infected pigs and another 56 raised with them have been destroyed, and the epidemic contained, the ministry said. \n \n" - ], - [ - "Subway in China food safety scandal", - "\nPrinted from: http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/27ebb6e6-8f3e-11e4-9ea4-00144feabdc0.html\nPrint a single copy of this article for personal use. Contact us if you wish to print more to\ndistribute to others.\n© The Financial Times Ltd 2016 FT\nand ‘Financial Times’ are trademarks of The Financial Times Ltd.\nPrivacy policy |\nTerms |\nCopyright\n" - ], - [ - "Chinese researchers find vaccine hopes for hand, foot, mouth disease", - "Researchers in China said on Wednesday that a trial vaccine provided “significant†protection against a virus that can cause potentially deadly hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in children.\nIn the final testing phase, the vaccine proved 90 per cent effective, providing protection for at least 12 months against HFMD caused by the enterovirus 71 (EV71), said a study published in The Lancet.\nSince it was discovered in 1969, EV71 has caused major outbreaks of HFMD around the world, affecting mostly children and mainly in Asia.\nHFMD caused by EV71 has caused more than 2,000 deaths out of about six million infections, mainly of children, in the past decade, said the study’s authors.\nIt can also cause other, more severe diseases in young children, such as meningitis and encephalitis.\nThe candidate vaccine was tested in a trial with more than 10,000 healthy children from six to 35 months of age at four sites across China. Half of the children were given the vaccine and half a placebo.\n“The vaccine was well tolerated,†said a statement, and no serious side-effects were noted.\nHFMD starts with fever, painful sores in the mouth, and a rash of blisters on the hands, feet and buttocks, followed in some cases by more serious neurological, cardiovascular and breathing problems.\nNot to be confused with foot-and-mouth disease in cattle, sheep and pigs, HFMD is spread from person to person through direct contact.\nNo vaccine yet exists against the EV71 virus.\nThe study authors said there was no evidence their trial drug would work on coxsackievirus A16 – a virus that often circulates with EV71 and is the main cause of HFMD, though in a milder form.\nIn a comment published with the study, The Lancet described the results as a “notable advance†but said it was limited in dealing exclusively with the C4 strain of EV71 which is predominant in mainland China.\nIt is thus not known whether the trial vaccine would also work on regionally specific strains.\n“This shortcoming affects how the findings can be applied to other countries in Asia,†said the journal.\n“Future studies should assess serum immune responses across different genogroups.â€\nThe comment pointed out that the youngest participants in the study were vaccinated at the age of six months, leaving younger infants vulnerable to EV71 infection.\nIt also said that given the relatively low mortality rate from EV71 infections, the vaccine’s major contribution would be to reduce hospital admissions.\n“The next step is to assess the appropriateness of including an EV71 vaccine in China’s national immunisation programme, including a cost-effectiveness analysis,†the journal stated.\n" - ], - [ - "Sinovac Wins China Government Grant for HFMD Vaccine", - "Sinovac Biotech Ltd., a China-based vaccine manufacturer, announced that it has received notification that a 60 million Renminbi government grant has been approved by China’s Ministry of Finance, National Development and Reform Commission, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and National Health and Family Planning Commission for construction of the Company’s dedicated production facility for its Enterovirus 71 (EV71) vaccine against hand foot and mouth disease (HFMD). Given the severity of HFMD epidemic levels in China and the government’s focus on developing the biotechnology industry, Sinovac’s EV71 vaccine commercial production project was approved as one of the projects supported by the Dedicated Funds for Strategic New Emerging Industry Development. The funding criteria as outlined in this grant are to complete the construction of its production facility in compliance with China’s new GMP guidelines with an annual capacity of 20 million doses of EV71 vaccine and to commercialize the vaccine in China.  The grant will be funded in several tranches, of which RMB 20 million will be provided within the year, and the remaining will be provided after the criteria are met. Mr. Weidong Yin, Chairman, president and CEO of Sinovac, commented: “From 2007 to 2013, over 9 million cases of HFMD have reported in China with approximately 2,700 reported fatalities. This epidemic situation represents a significant unmet medical need for the EV71 vaccine. With the government support for building out the dedicated production capacity, Sinovac is poised to provide the EV71 vaccine to help address this potentially fatal childhood disease for which no commercialized vaccine and no EV71 specific treatment exist. The grant provides the confidence and encouragement that EV71 vaccine is urgently needed and has attracted the attention from the Chinese government. We look forward to working with the regulatory agencies to complete the vaccine registration process as soon as possible.â€Â In March 2013, Sinovac completed the Phase 3 clinical trial for its EV71 vaccine candidate and reported preliminary top-line data that showed approximately 95% efficacy rate for the vaccine against HFMD caused by enterovirus 71 (EV71). Throughout the three phases of the clinical trials, the results demonstrated a good safety, immunogenicity and efficacy profile for Sinovac’s proprietary EV71 vaccine candidate. In May 2013, Sinovac’s new drug application (NDA) for its proprietary EV71 vaccine has been filed and accepted by the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA). Currently, the NDA is under the technological review by Centers for Drug Evaluation. Date: April 24, 2014 " - ], - [ - "Crisis in the skies: China, Japan, the US and the East China Sea ...", - "\n Japan’s refusal to accept that the islands are disputed rules out negotiations leaving China little option.Dr. Jenny Clegg is senior lecturer in Asia Pacific Studies at the University of Central Lancashire. She is also the author of ‘China’s Global Strategy: toward a multipolar world‘\nNo sooner had China declared an air defence identification zone (ADIZ) in the East China Sea area on November 23 than the airspace became filled with military aircraft – Japanese, South Korean, American B-52s, then Chinese.\nWith such heightened tensions, the fear is that a minor incident could spark a larger crisis bringing not only China and Japan but also China and the US, two nuclear-armed superpowers, into collision.\nFrom reading the Western media, anyone would have thought that the next world war was about to break out, with China the instigator.\nYet China is doing nothing unusual let alone illegal: the US, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam have all had ADIZs in operation in the region for many years.\nSome background is necessary. The area in question includes a number of uninhabited islands – known as the Diaoyu to the Chinese and the Senkaku to the Japanese – which are located 140km from Taiwan, 330km from China and 440 km West of Okinawa. They are under Japanese administration but are also claimed by China and Taiwan, who regard the current arrangements as a legacy of Japanese imperial rule.\nThe islands were ceded to Japan in 1895 following China’s defeat in the first Sino-Japanese War. At the end of World War 2, the US took over their control until 1972 when they were returned to Japan, at which point the Chinese asserted their claim.\nOil reserves were discovered in 1968 but the situation is not so much a ‘scramble over resources’ as, for China, a matter of equal treatment: the 1945 Potsdam Declaration stipulated that the ownership of minor islands claimed by Japan was to be defined by the wartime allies, of course including the Republic of China at that time.\nIn denial over its past war crimes, Japan has resolutely refused to recognise that the islands are disputed. Last year, it swapped some of them at will from private to government hands amidst a clamour of right-wing nationalist fervour.\nThis provocation to China received not a word of reprimand from the West.\nIndeed, when in 2010 Japan unilaterally doubled the size of its own ADIZ to within 130 km of China’s coast, this was in effect endorsed just a few months later by Hillary Clinton, then US Secretary of State, who declared the islands to be covered by the US-Japan security pact and confirmed US commitment to opposing any unilateral action that would undermine their administration by Japan.\nRather than being driven forward by an expansionist nationalism, China’s latest move may well be a calculated test of US intentions in the region. The recent easing of tensions in the Middle East has left the US free to concentrate on its ‘Asia pivot’ whilst at the same time the US retreat from military intervention in Syria followed by Obama’s the cancellation of his visit to the Asia Pacific during the US government shutdown has raised questions about US commitment in the latter region.\nDespite dispatching the two B-52 bombers, the US stopped short of calling for China’s ADIZ to be scrapped, much to the chagrin of the Japanese government. Has China succeeded in dividing the US and Japan? Or is it rather that the US seeks the role of ‘honest broker’ here between an increasingly assertive China and Japan’s unapologetic hawks.\nIn this way Obama might reclaim US authority as world leader, a role it has just been denied in the Middle East by Russian diplomacy.\nWith control over the key regional shipping lanes in its hands, the US has the power to cut off world trade with China. If China seeks to change this status quo, it does not mean that its aim is to replace American with Chinese hegemony.\nXi Jinping has repeatedly stated that the Pacific Ocean has enough space for two large countries. China’s serious commitment to power-sharing in North East Asia is clearly indicated by its dogged efforts to get the six party talks on Korean denuclearisation going again.\nThe failure of the US to take the opportunity this year, the 60th anniversary of the Korean war armistice, to open the way to a peace treaty equally suggests that the US is not ready to make way for a multipolar determination of East Asian security.\nThe mixed signals from the US could lead to an even more dangerous confusion within the region.\nThere is still, however, a way back from conflict if the China-India border defence cooperation agreement, signed in October, were to be taken as a model. Both sides here seek to avert an escalation of tensions by committing to avoid the use of force or threat of force, to refrain from provocative actions and not to tail each others patrols.\nJapan’s refusal to accept that the islands are disputed rules out negotiations leaving China little option. What would be the reaction if China declares further ADIZ’s over the seas that bear its name? For the region to descend into a downward spiral of conflict would be a disaster for the world economy.\n \n \n \n \n \n " - ], - [ - "Japan's Meiji quits China baby milk market", - "\nPrinted from: http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/8fb5e98a-3d38-11e3-b754-00144feab7de.html\nPrint a single copy of this article for personal use. Contact us if you wish to print more to\ndistribute to others.\n© The Financial Times Ltd 2016 FT\nand ‘Financial Times’ are trademarks of The Financial Times Ltd.\nPrivacy policy |\nTerms |\nCopyright\n" - ], - [ - "China Connection: Quality still our ace in the hole", - " In the third of a six-part series on exporting to China, Paul Lewis looks at the competitive advantage New Zealand dairy products have – in spite of the recent botulism scare – and the prospects for growth. Workers milking cows at the Hua Xia diary farm near Beijing, China. Photo / Mark Mitchell If there was a reason for optimism about New Zealand's continued growth in dairy exports to China - in spite of its economic slowdown and the Chinese government's efforts to boost the local industry - it was under our feet as we toured a local dairy farm not far from Beijing. It was effluent from the cows, and plenty of it. We padded cautiously in and around it, our shoes protected by plastic bags. The run-off came from hundreds of cows in sheds, their heads craning through the barrier to get at their feed; their rear hooves in the effluent which was sluiced out as the cows headed off to milking. It collects between the sheds and is run into pits - and then pumped into concrete mixer trucks which haul it off to be used as fertiliser elsewhere. It seemed primitive to New Zealand eyes. It was about 31 degrees on a sunny day and the cows were cooled by water sprinklers and fans. No Kiwi should be too holier-than-thou about effluent when the dairy industry is coming under environmental criticism at home for the same run-off and its effect on the country's waterways. In addition, the same company had another farm close by - this one cleaned by an automatic system, the giant 480m-long shed cooled by air conditioning and the cows looking much more comfortable. It showed how China is catching up fast in dairy techniques and production. But, in both operations, something was missing: clean, green, lush New Zealand grass. Even once you overcome the distinctly Kiwi feeling that cows should be in paddocks (acknowledging the existence of indoor farming in New Zealand too), it is noticeable China lacks that grass which produces high quality milk. That is New Zealand's ace in the hole. Any visit to China and a study of its recent dairy history ensures that word 'quality' recurs. Gallery China Connection Already dairy exports are reaching over $16 billion in the year to April and China, our biggest trading partner, takes over a third of that. It's an enormous figure (doubling in the year to April) and is targeted for more growth; quality products which attract a premium are universally seen as the way to achieve that. But it's also a treasure trove that must be carefully guarded. China is full of tales of companies glowing with the benefits of accessing China only to lose market share staggeringly quickly when something goes wrong or trends, patterns and tastes change. The problem for China's dairy industry is not just underfoot, as with effluent and land problems. It is also in the air - literally and figuratively. The government is moving to address the vast pollution problem which stems largely from China's coal-burning power stations, an already large and rising number of vehicles, and industrial expansion. Mark Tanner, managing director of China Skinny - a marketing, online and research agency in Shanghai and the author of one of the most penetrating blogs from China - quotes some chilling statistics. He says research in January (a bad month for pollution in Beijing) showed the air quality in Beijing was worse than being in an airport smoking lounge with 16 people smoking. Deaths from lung cancer rose 400 per cent between 1983-2013 while asthma problems had increased 40 per cent in the last five years. \"The problem [with China's pollution] is that it is made up of very fine particles, much smaller than elsewhere. It gets through your nose hairs and into your lungs; it's toxic.\" \"One quote from a government agency said that Beijing was almost uninhabitable for human beings. Some time ago, the only way you would have heard that was from foreign media. But that quote shows that the government is being a lot more open now about admitting there is a problem.\" Few would bet against China beating its pollution problem eventually. It is that kind of country; little seems beyond it. But it will be a long \"eventually\". Water shortages and quality is a growing issue; so too fading amounts of farm land because of erosion and more pollution. Foot and mouth disease, while there has not been an outbreak for a year, may not have been totally eradicated. About 22 per cent of the national herd was culled after the last outbreak. In the air, figuratively speaking, is another issue - cynicism. Chinese consumers, says Tanner, have been exposed at a very early age to so much advertising and broken promises that they believe little they are told by local commercial interests. He says an example last summer was the new lion at a zoo in Henan province. The new arrival was marketed well and kids flocked to see it. But they were surprised when the \"lion\" began barking. It was a Tibetan mastiff - a mane-like ruff made it look similar but a lion it wasn't. \"From a young age, Chinese consumers are exposed to fakes,\" says Tanner. \"From phony lions to rat meat sold as beef and lamb to bogus Apples stores, it's for good reason that Chinese consumers have trust issues.\" So Chinese consumers, faced with pollution, credibility and quality issues, vote with their shopping trolleys at supermarkets and other outlets. They often look to foreign imports for quality as the consumer base becomes more sophisticated - although the government is making significant moves to shore up the local industry and China's consumer base is also becoming more nationalistic. In 2012, only 14 per cent would buy local branded luxury goods; now it's up to 40 per cent. That means dairy exporters, led by Fonterra, have a delicate line to walk. Fonterra, in spite of the botulism scare, more than doubled its six-month revenue from July 2013-January 2014 to $3.15 billion - compared to $1.28 billion in the same period the previous year. Growth of $1.87 billion from China fuelled most of that growth. What this all adds up to for New Zealand dairy exports is opportunity, even after the botulism scare. Chinese consumers had their confidence in their local industry badly dented after the 2008 melamine scandal which saw 300,000 babies sick; six died. Even reputable local dairy players did not escape the loss of faith. Foreign milk companies rushed in to take advantage while some local firms moved processing offshore to help restore reputation and the quality equation. Then the botulism scare rocked Fonterra last year and prefaced Chinese moves to reduce the number of players in the dairy industry (local and foreign companies, including some from New Zealand). With fewer players, regulation of the industry (ensuring quality) will be easier as will the creation of bigger players with integrated supply chains. Many of China's dairy farmers have small holdings and tiny herds of only a few cows - difficult to control. So the Chinese government is consolidating the local industry and has sought to control dozens of dairy brands of doubtful origins. They are also promoting locally grown milk products over imports to help the local industry recover and grow and there are slightly conflicting opinions on how well Fonterra emerged from the botulism scare. It's agreed that the company - and New Zealand as a whole - did well to take responsibility and face the issue directly. But not everyone thinks that Fonterra escaped unscathed. Tanner estimates that about 50 per cent of the Chinese population still do not realise that the scare was just a scare; the botulism fright was reported widely but not so the fact that it had been a false alarm. Another Kiwi in China, Scott Brown of RedFern Associates, a consultancy which specialises in helping businesses enter the complex China market, says Fonterra were eventually viewed favourably for \"coming out and fronting\" the issue. \"There was a lot of social media about this issue and I remember the comment by a Chinese mother online which basically said that she knew they [Fonterra] had made a mistake but they admitted it - and she said she would continue buying their product for her baby. \"Okay, the timing was terrible and it gave an enormous advantage to Irish, French and Chinese companies in a very competitive market but I believe that is the prevailing attitude about Fonterra.\" He said the damage was to 'Brand NZ' and, while it was recovered, some smaller New Zealand companies paid the price. Now Fonterra is engaged in moves encouraged by the Chinese government to help local companies develop and grow which, to some, looks like giving a competitive business advantage away. The reality, however, is partnerships in China will be needed for Fonterra to grow in the long term. China is not putting all its food and beverage eggs in one basket. Recent acquisitions of international producers have grown as that middle-class hunger for a more affluent diet outstrips China's ability to produce it. Recent acquisitions include US$1 billion for Tnuva, the Israeli cheese and consumer foods company, Weetabix, the UK breakfast brand; China grain trader Cofco recently spent US$1.5 bn on a joint venture in sugar, soya bean and wheat with Hong Kong giant the Noble Group. Zizhong Yang, CEO of Nomura China, told Thomson Reuters this month: \"As China's middle class becomes richer, their taste for goods and services will become more sophisticated. Local supply is not sufficient so they have to look outside China. Food security and safety has been a pivotal issue...with abundant capital, China would rather buy than import.\" There is, too, one other statistic that underlines how long it will take China companies to get anywhere near New Zealand's level as a producer. China wants to grow and consolidate its national dairy herd so that 70 per cent of its farmers have more than 100 cows. In 2008, only 20 per cent had more than 100. By mid-2013, they had reached 35 per cent. So New Zealand's \"trusted partner\" status is an important factor as Fonterra and others strive to help attain the ambitious growth figures for this export market. Some studies strongly suggest more moves into premium products will drive a 20 per cent growth rate in that area. Paul Lewis travelled to China courtesy of the Bank of New Zealand. " - ], - [ - "Hong Kong viral infection figures soaring", - "The number of cases of hand, foot and mouth disease rose dramatically in the first nine months of this year and more adults are getting sick.\nMore than 4,200 cases of the disease were reported in the city, overtaking the total of the previous two years combined.\n \nThe viral infection mainly affects children, but doctors have recently been seeing more cases in adults.\nAcademy of Medicine president Dr Donald Li Kwok-tung said the large number of outbreaks might be related to humid weather and a low overall immunity in the population.\n\"In the past, we hardly ever saw cases in adults, but recently we have been seeing more,\" said the family medicine specialist. \"It may be due to a generally lower resistance against infections in the population, especially when people are tired and stressed.\"\nLaboratory tests by the Department of Health found no unusual genetic characteristics in recent viruses causing the disease, but Li said there might still be slight changes in the viral strains that resulted in people having no immunity to them.\nBoth children and adults who catch the disease usually have a fever, develop painful ulcers inside the mouth and get a rash with vesicles (bubbles filled with liquid) on the hands and feet.\nThe disease is mostly self-limiting and sufferers recover within a week. Severe cases may develop complications like viral meningitis or encephalitis which could lead to death. There were five such cases this year, but no fatalities so far.\nLi explained that the disease seldom occurred in adults because most acquired immunity at young age.\nMedical Association president, paediatrician Tse Hung-hing, also noticed more adult cases recently, and generally agreed with Li's explanations.\nThe Department of Health said the government did not keep age records of the reported cases. The disease was not a statutorily notifiable disease in Hong Kong and only institutions were encouraged to report outbreaks.\nAs of Wednesday, 652 outbreaks had been reported from institutions such as schools and homes for the elderly, with a total of 4,246 people contracting the disease this year. There were 2,216 affected people last year and 1,370 in 2011.\nThe usual peak season for hand, foot and mouth disease is in May to July. This year, the number of cases started climbing in May, fell in July, and rose to another peak in September.\nChinese University paediatrics professor Ellis Hon Kam-lun said the virus was mainly transmitted through touching the saliva or faeces of infected people.\nParents should avoid taking their children to crowded places if possible and sick children should stay at home.\n" - ], - [ - "What China Can Learn From America's Hot Dogs", - "\n \n \n \n \n \n \n By\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Updated June 1, 2013 3:59 p.m. ET\n \n \n \n \n \nBehind the planned takeover of Smithfield Foods Inc. by China's biggest meat processor is an intensifying push by the Asian nation to industrialize its archaic food-production system to address rampant health problems and feed an increasingly wealthy population. \n In addition to Smithfield's enormous distribution network and market share in the U.S., owning the American company would enable Shuanghui International Holdings Ltd. to borrow from Smithfield's playbook to speed the development of hog farms and processing plants in China that mirror the U.S. system. \n The meat business in the U.S. has been refined over decades into a system of mass production similar to making cars or televisions. Last year, 62% of the hogs in the U.S. were raised on farms with at least 5,000 head, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They're often housed in vast, climate-controlled buildings, fed specialized diets of corn and soybean meal, and processed into bacon and ham by big companies like Smithfield in highly mechanized factories designed to ensure the meat is free of disease and contamination. \n China, the world's largest consumer of pork by far, has made strides in modernizing its system, but much of its meat production remains small-scale and outmoded. As of 2010, some 70% of pork in China still came from farms that produced fewer than 500 hogs a year, and 38% from farms with fewer than 50 hogs, according to the U.S. Meat Export Federation. Conditions on smaller farms can be squalid, with a lot of physical contact between farmers and animals, which can transmit disease. And meat processing is equally fragmented: China had some 14,720 pig slaughterhouses by the end of 2012, compared with about 600 in the U.S. Chinese authorities and experts say the disjointed system is much harder to regulate and makes it more difficult to avoid bad practices. They have blamed the problem in large part for scandals that have gutted Chinese consumers' confidence in the nation's food supply, from tainted milk formula that killed six infants and poisoned some 300,000 others in 2008, to a series of incidents involving meat contaminated with illegal additives and frequent outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease, swine flu, and other illnesses. This year, thousands of dead pigs were found in rivers around Shanghai—a spectacle authorities blamed on irresponsible farmers. China's government has pushed modernization, in part by offering subsidies for farmers to build their herd sizes. Chinese companies such as China Mengniu Dairy Co.\n 2319\n \n \n 5.74\n %\n \n \n \n and Shuanghui International have increased the scopes of their operations. And big multinational food companies like Yum Brands Inc.\n YUM\n \n \n -4.17\n %\n \n \n \n are also urging consolidation of farming in China. Yum, which runs its KFC and Pizza Hut chains in China, pledged in February to cut all small scale chicken farmers from its supply chain after negative publicity over one of its suppliers caused sales to plummet. Bright Dairy & Food Co.\n 600597\n \n \n 3.28\n %\n \n \n \n's 2010 purchase of a 51% stake in New Zealand's Synlait Milk Ltd. marked an effort to adopt modern dairy processing techniques following China's infant formula scandal. \n China's efforts are happening at the same time that the U.S. system of food production faces burgeoning backlash from critics at home who deride it as \"factory farming\" that contributes to less-healthful food and environmental problems. A series of documentaries and best-selling books that take issue with the U.S. food industry have helped fuel rising demand for meats and other foods made by organic producers, sometimes on small farms. Some of those critics have complained that the Shuanghui-Smithfield deal will exacerbate such problems as complex supply chains and food-contamination risks. But despite some problems—Smithfield has had a handful of food recalls in the past decade—the U.S. meat-processing industry is generally seen as a global leader in food safety as well as being highly efficient. \"The U.S. meat industry has done a remarkable job of making our meat supply safer,\" said Bill Marler, a Seattle lawyer who has represented victims of food-borne illnesses from meat and other food products for two decades. Smithfield has played a major role in consolidation with acquisitions in the 1990s that turned it into the world's biggest hog farmer. Its plants have capacity to slaughter as many as 110,000 hogs a day. In its last fiscal year, it processed nearly 28 million. Its control of each stage of production helps Smithfield to trace back any problems with pathogens and address them. \"Their traceability is superb,\" said John Mabry, an Iowa State University professor who specializes in swine genetics. \"If they can control everything from reproduction of pigs to processing to the grocery store, they can control food safety.\" Smithfield declined to comment. Shuanghui has grappled with food-safety problems. In 2011, Chinese health inspectors found clenbuterol—a food additive banned in China and the U.S.—in pork products from its subsidiary. The company apologized on its website and said it discontinued partnerships with producers using the additive, which speeds muscle growth in pigs but can cause headaches and an irregular heartbeat when consumed by humans. While Shuanghui and Smithfield have said a big part of the proposed $4.7 billion deal would be to increase imports of Smithfield's pork into China and expand the distribution of those products, Shuanghui also appears intent on relying on the expertise of Smithfield's management team to enhance its pork-processing facilities in China. Shuanghui Chairman Wan Long said Wednesday the deal would give Shuanghui access to Smithfield's \"best practices and operational expertise\" as the company seeks to meet soaring appetite for pork from China's growing population. Hogs in the U.S. are primarily raised in large, enclosed buildings on farms that tend to be spaced miles apart from each other. This helps control disease because the hogs generally have little to no exposure to other animals—including from neighboring farms—and limited contact with human caretakers. U.S. hog farms follow strict protocols to prevent and contain disease outbreaks, and many have close working relationships with veterinarians. \"When you put pigs in a barn, it's like sending kids to school: One snotty nose in class and everyone has it,\" said Mike Haag, who raises 1,200 hogs on his Emington, Ill., farm, most of which are sold to Cargill Inc., one of the biggest U.S. meatpackers. Smithfield and other pork producers in the U.S. follow a set of guidelines developed by the National Pork Board, an industry group, called the \"Pork Quality Assurance Plus\" program that governs the feeding and care of pigs. The system is voluntary, but 84% of the U.S.'s pork producers have gotten certified under the program, representing 75% of the U.S. pig inventory, according to the pork board. Most American hog farmers won't allow someone who has visited another hog farm to come inside theirs for at least 48 hours. Visitors have to wash their hands and suit up in boots and coveralls supplied by the farm. Delivery trucks have to be washed and sanitized before entering some farms. In a method known as all-in, all-out production, a barn that houses a group of hogs sent to slaughter is washed before another group of hogs enters. When a pig is sick, most farmers quarantine it in a \"treatment pen,\" where antibiotics are given only when necessary. In China, slaughtering methods vary and it is unclear how often pigs are stunned first so they don't feel pain. In the U.S., partly in response to complaints by animal-rights activists, handlers at slaughterhouses are supposed to keep pigs calm by moving them along in small groups, and the animals are required to be rendered unconscious and unable to feel pain before they are killed. About half of U.S. slaughterhouses render pigs unconscious by applying electrical prods near the head and heart of the pigs. The other half expose pigs to carbon dioxide—a method pioneered in Europe that has gained favor in America in the past decade because the process prevents meat from bruising and some animal rights advocates feel it is more humane. In the carbon dioxide method, groups of five or six pigs are loaded into an elevator and then lowered into a chamber containing the gas. When they come out they are limp and unconscious. In both cases, the pigs are killed by puncturing their throats. U.S. pigs sent to slaughterhouses are tattooed so that the meat can be traced back to the farm. U.S. Department of Agriculture inspectors are stationed at every U.S. meatpacking plant, where they look for signs of illness upon entry, conduct random samples to detect whether the meat contains antibiotics and where they inspect the organs and skin of the slaughtered pigs for disease. China, in contrast, doesn't have government inspectors on site for the whole process at each meat-processing facility. Some modernized facilities have regular inspectors on hand, according to the USDA. —Zhoudong Shangguan and Curt Thacker contributed to this article. Write to David Kesmodel at david.kesmodel@wsj.com, Julie Jargon at julie.jargon@wsj.com and Laurie Burkitt at laurie.burkitt@wsj.com \n" - ], - [ - "Latvia may declare state of emergency to cope with African swine fever", - "\nRIGA Latvia may declare a state of emergency in the eastern part of the country, near its border with Belarus and Russia to fight, an outbreak of African swine fever in some wild boars and domestic pigs.Swine fever was discovered in Latvia at the end of June and earlier in both Lithuania and Poland. The disease occurs among pigs and wild boars, where its effects are devastating and often deadly, and there is no vaccine. It does not affect humans.So far, a total of eight wild boars and three domestic pigs in Latvia have tested positive.\"Infection has gotten into wild boars and we don't know how long it will continue to spread,\" said Maris Balodis, the head of the country's Food and Veterinary Service. \"Therefore, steps which can be done in an emergency situation are preferable at this moment.\"\n \n Latvia's agriculture minister, Janis Duklavs, said on Tuesday the government wanted to announce an official state of emergency in the region but the final decision will be made by parliament, which is expected to vote on the issue this Thursday.A state of emergency would give officials access to private farms so they can test even unregistered pigs, check vehicles leaving infected areas and implement other measures to limit the potential spread of the disease.\n \n In 2013, Latvia exported live pigs and pork worth around 30 million euros, mostly to other European Union countries. The state of emergency would be declared in an area spanning 5,000 square kilometers, roughly eight percent of Latvia's territory.\n \n Russia has limited pork imports from the EU after African swine fever was found in Lithuania. (Reporting by Aija Krutaine, editing by Mia Shanley and Larry King)" - ], - [ - "FMD prompts DA to ban livestock imports from Korea, China and ...", - "\n \n \n \n \n IM READY\n \n \n PUBLIC SERVICE\n \n \n " - ], - [ - "China Animal Vaccine Industry Report, 2013-2016", - " \n\t \n\t \t \t \n \t \n\t \n\t \n\t \t \n\t \t \t \t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n \n\t \t \t \n \n \n\t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \n\t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \n\t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \n\t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \n\t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \n\t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \n\t \t \t \t \t \t \t \n\t \n\t DUBLIN, Dec. 15, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --Research and Markets\n \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \n\t \n\t (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/8833z6/china_animal) has announced the addition of the \"China Animal Vaccine Industry Report, 2013-2016\" report to their offering. \n \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \n\t \n\t http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130307/600769Animal vaccine is a kind of biological agent that enables inoculated animals to produce active immunity for disease prevention. Europe and the United States and other developed countries are the main force of traditional animal vaccine markets in the world, still taking around 60% nowadays. In recent years, European and American animal vaccine markets have decelerated growth due to quality safety, high maturity and other factors, while the fast-growing animal vaccine market of China and other emerging countries will become a new highlight.In 2004-2013, Chinese animal vaccine market size maintained a high growth rate of 26.3%, reaching about RMB11.5 billion in 2013. The growth in 2007-2010 was mainly driven by the expansion of governmental tender vaccine, while that from 2011 was primarily thanks to the market-oriented vaccine expansion. The Chinese animal vaccine market is basically occupied by local companies, showing a self-sufficiency rate of around 90%.Given the policy factor, Chinese animal vaccine products are divided into compulsory immunization vaccines and market-oriented vaccines. At present, the former include foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), bird flu, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), swine fever, and peste des petits ruminants (PPR); the latter refer to porcine circovirus (PCV), Newcastle disease, porcine parvovirus (PPV) and other varieties. Since 2011, the bids for compulsory vaccines proposed by the Chinese government has turned to be more fierce, with limited growth potential; however, market-oriented vaccines have developed faster, enjoying 40%-50% market share in 2013.According to animal attributes, animal vaccines can be classified into swine vaccines, poultry vaccines, cattle & sheep vaccines, pet vaccines and other vaccines. In 2013, Chinese swine vaccines and poultry vaccines accounted for more than 80% of the animal vaccine market. In addition, the emerging Chinese pet industry is boosting the demand for pet vaccines, but due to lack of commercialized pet vaccines, China now mainly relies on imports. Thus, the Chinese pet vaccine market will see a larger space for development in the future.As the scale of Chinese farming escalates, the demand for animal vaccines will continue to grow steadily. In the next few years, the Chinese animal vaccine industry is expected to keep a growth rate of approximately 15% and see market value of RMB17.5 billion or so in 2016.In 2006, China implemented mandatory veterinary drug GMP certification to raise the threshold, resulting in a sharp decline in the number of animal vaccine companies and the accompanying increased industry concentration. In 2013, CAHIC seized the highest market share of 10.5% among Chinese listed animal vaccine companies, followed by Jinyu Group, Tecon and Dahuanong with a combined proportion of 15% or so.Key Topics Covered: 1. Overview of Animal Vaccine2. Status Quo of Animal Vaccine Industry3. Development Environment for China Animal Vaccine Industry 4. Chinese Animal Vaccine Industry Segments 5. Key Enterprises6. Summary and Forecast\n \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \n\t \n\t Companies Mentioned:\n \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t\nCAHIC \nChopper \nDahuanong \nHile Bio \nJinyu Group \nRingpu Bio-technology \nShenghua Biok \nTech-bank \nTecon \nYikang \n \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \n\t \n\t For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/8833z6/china_animal \n \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \n\t \n\t Media Contact: Laura Wood , +353-1-481-1716, press@researchandmarkets.net\n \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \t \n\t \n\t \t \t \t \t \t \t \n\t \tSOURCE Research and Markets RELATED LINKS \n\t \t \t \t http://www.researchandmarkets.com \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \t" - ], - [ - "Diseased Pigs Sold for Pork in China's Provinces", - " \nDiseased pig corpses are scattered on the ground of a slaughterhouse in the town of Meilin of east China's Jiangxi Province in this undated video grab from China's Central Television. [Photo: CCTV] \nAuthorities in east China's Jiangxi Province say illegal slaughterhouses, that bought infected corpses of sick pigs and sold them for pork, in the city of Gaoan and Fengcheng have been closed, and the main suspects who were in charge have been detained. \nThere has been a widespread racket where pigs that had died from diseases in pig farms were sold to slaughterhouses that produce pork in Jiangxi. \nThe slaughterhouses then cut the diseased pig corpses and sold the meat as packaged pork to different provinces in China. \nThe owner of a local pig farm, who remained anonymous, was quoted by China's Central Television as saying that buying and selling pigs that had died due to some disease has been going on for many years, and therefore it was an open secret to many in the industry. \nUsually dead pigs are sold to dealers who offer the highest price, the owner says, adding such sales in 2013 reached 20 million yuan for his business. \nA worker from the local slaughterhouse says that about 200 contaminated pigs are slaughtered each day and over 70,000 pigs for a year. \nThe dead pigs, which should have been disposed of under supervision, have been sold to the dealers for many years, even though some corpses carry the highly infectious foot-and-mouth disease, the report says. \nThe meat of diseased pigs are often mixed with that of healthy ones and put on sale in market. \nFurther investagion is underway." - ], - [ - "China's small dairy farmers dump milk as sector enters downturn", - "\nBEIJING Jan 9 Small dairy farmers in China are\ndumping milk and selling cows as demand from processors slows in\na sharp turnaround from last year, when a scramble for supplies\nprompted a huge surge in milk powder imports.Slower growth in milk product consumption, higher yields\nfrom modern dairy farms and the excess stocks of imported \npowders have combined to reduce demand for fresh milk in what\nhas been one of the world's fastest-growing dairy markets.Small farmers - many with fewer than 100 cows - in Shandong,\nQinghai and Hebei province are pouring milk down drains,\naccording to local media reports, while others are feeding\nsurplus milk to pigs.The agriculture ministry said in a circular on Thursday that\nall efforts should be made to avoid milk being destroyed,\ncalling on provincial governments to offer subsidies for the\nstorage of milk.A scandal over tainted milk in 2008 and years of short\nsupply of quality milk have pushed up prices in China to among\nthe world's highest, fuelling a massive expansion of the sector\nand rush of capital into the market.\n \n Companies such as China Modern Dairy Holdings and\nHuishan Dairy built scores of 10,000-head dairy farms\nto meet consumer demand.But high prices last year choked off some consumption, and\nPresident Xi Jinping's anti-corruption campaign may also have\ndented sales of dairy-based gifts, said Sandy Chen, analyst at\nRabobank.\n \n Processors have slashed prices more than a tenth from an\naverage 4.27 yuan (69 US cents) per kg in February 2014 to\naround 3.75 yuan at the end December.For small farmers, who account for about half of the market,\nprices are as low as 2 yuan per kg.\"Prices are still coming down for raw milk in what is\nsupposed to be a peak consumption period,\" said Chen.\n \n The larger players are also struggling to sell any surplus\nfresh milk not already contracted to processors, said a manager\nat a 10,000-head dairy farm who declined to be identified.\"There was massive demand for milk and then it just dried up\nin the second half of last year,\" he said.Imports of milk powder rose 62 percent from January to\nAugust 2014 compared with the same months the previous year,\npartly due to worries about supply because of an outbreak of\nfoot-and-mouth disease in 2013.The milk powder imports declined sharply from August,\nhowever, and now excess raw milk could be powderized, implying a\npoor outlook for imports in 2015, according to Chen.\n($1 = 6.2085 Chinese yuan renminbi)\n (Editing by Tom Hogue)" - ], - [ - "China: Hog Markets", - "News China: Hog Markets10 February 2015 \nCHINA - China is the pork powerhouse of the world with over 51 per cent of the world’s population of pigs raised within China, writes Ron Lane, Business Director Asia Pacific for Genesus.Looking at the size of the breakdown of the inventory for December, 2014, the information from MOA is indicating 421.78 million on-farm pigs and a 42.91 million sow herd (November, 2014, there was 431.71 million on farm inventory and a 43.70 million sow herd). The 421.78 million on farm inventory is down 2.3 per cent from last month (a drop of almost 10 million on-farm pigs) and down 7.8 per cent from December, 2013. \nThe sow herd is down 1.80 per cent from last month and is down 13.2 per cent from one year ago (some analysts put it even higher). Again in December, another 787,000 sows were culled and/or eliminated from the total national herd. Along with the 531,000 for November, 583,000 for October, 225,000 sows in September, 360,000 sows in August, the 550,000 sows in July, the 464,000 sows in June plus another 470,000 sows in May and with the 1.05 million sows from April, the past 9 months has seen more than 5.02 million sows eliminated. \nThe current sow inventory is the lowest level in more than 4 years. It is expected that there will be more sows lost in the next few months as more signs of Foot and Mouth Disease in Henan, Hubei, Guangxi and other provinces along with poor market prices may make farmers sell off inventory. The 13.2 per cent loss in sow numbers is more than the total number of sows in the USA, which is number 2 in the world for sow numbers. Several farm households are deep in financial difficulty and rumours of bankruptcy of large farms are being touted by the industry. Factors such as disease, cold weather and/or home consumption (mainly backyard farms) for Holidays, have all affected the total on farm inventory. \n \nA total of seven provinces that cover a vast market pig area in China have reported some cases of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). Henan, Anhui, Jiangxi, Hubei, Hunan, Tianjin and Liaoning have had recent cases. FMD risk increases especially under winter weather conditions. Also, it is projected that several farms, in trying to reduce their vet costs, have been neglecting to vaccinate for FMD. Poor sanitation and/or poor bio-security conditions on the farm can increase the risk for FMD. At this time of the season - just prior to Spring Festival - these outbreaks should be causing the wholesale pork prices to increase but so far, the opposite has been happening — pork prices have been dropping. Does this mean there is an oversupply of market pigs and thus pork? \nMarket pig prices and pork prices for the 4th week of January 2015 were down from the week before, whereas piglet prices and the sow prices were up from the week before. The current market prices for pigs and pork continued in a market downturn. Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) monitoring data shows that during the 3rd week and for large scale-pig slaughterhouses, the carcass price fell to RMB18.55 per kg (US$2.97 per kg; US$1.35 per lb), a continuous decline for 19 weeks since last September. The Commerce Department that monitors the national wholesale lean carcass price, again the price fell this week to RMB19.53per kg (US$3.12 per kg; US$1.42 per lb). Currently the major slaughterhouses are accelerating delivery which could continue to lower the price of pork and market pig prices. It is projected that better market prices will be expected beginning April, 2015. *In China, the declining sow herd will only be partly compensated by increasing sow productivity (assuming that most of the sows that have been culled and/or eliminated would have poor reproduction of up to 14 pigs per sow per year - from Rabobank). \nMarket pig prices in December have been weak with falling instead of rising prices as should be the trend as the New Year approaches. According to the China Feed Industry Information Network Monitoring report, for December 2014, the nationwide market pig price was RMB13.86 per kg (US$2.22 per kg; US$1.01 per lb). The price fell 2.26 per cent from November and was down 12.94 per cent from last December. \nPiglet prices have been increasing lately. The chief cause is that farmers are optimistic that the slaughter pig prices in May-when these piglets start to go to slaughter-will be higher. Farmers sense that the second half of 2015 will show improved market prices. \nPig to grain ratio last week was 5.53:1 (down from the week before by 0.03).This is still below the traditional break-even point of 6.00:1. Corn price is RMB2.34 per kg (US$0.374 per kg; US$0.170 per lb) - a slight drop from last week. Farrow to finish market pig prices showed a negative profit of RMB96 per market pig (US$15.36 per pig) — this is down by RMB15 (US$2.40) per market pig from the week before. \nWith the sanctions against Russia, provinces such as Heilongjiang see that during 2015, it can look at increasing exports to that region. Heilongjiang has many inland ports of entry into Russia. Last year, Heilongjiang exported about 4,324 tons of pork into Russia (equivalent to 86,000 market pigs). This year, the province wants to look at exporting the equivalent of 1.5 million slaughtered market pigs. \nChina imported more than 95 million metric tonnes of cereals including: soybeans, rice, corn, cassava and wheat for the 2014 year. This is an increase of 22 per cent from the same period as last year. As a major importer, China has a huge influence on global prices. However, this year, the main factor in buying offshore relates to the cheaper international prices versus the domestic market prices. Ren Zhengxiao, the Director of the State Administration for Grain (SAG) stated that the average prices for the three staple grains - corn, rice and wheat - remained RMB600 (US$96.77) per tonne higher than the prices available from various foreign sources. Due to general farming conditions and high input costs, China purchased about 70 million tonnes of soybeans and about 25 million tonnes of grains last year. The minimum domestic grain purchase price by the government has been above world grain prices for the past three years. This has prompted more imports of these products. Another concern reported by Ding Lixin, a researcher at China Academy of Agricultural Sciences in Beijing is that about one-fifth of China’s grain reserves either rots or is wasted because of poor grain storage at the national grain reserves. About 17 million tonnes per year is wasted. SAG spent RMB22.15 billion (US$3.57 billion) last year on grain storage and other related food security. This year, they plan to build 50 million metric tonnes of storage facilities. \nChina’s grain production rose by 0.9 per cent (year on year) to 607.1 million tonnes for 2014. This is the 11th annual increase in a row. \nBurger King in China has introduced the new “double pork burger†(two grilled pork patties) Burger King has recently introduced this “king value†item at the Beijing outlets. Currently, beef is high and pork is low for market price. Since the general Chinese population source two-thirds of its entire meat from pork, this product may catch on there. Price is beneficial for fast food consumers with an all-beef burger costing about RMB22.5 (about US$3.60) whereas, the pork burger will cost about RMB10 (about US$1.57). \n \n \nTo find out more about Genesus Genetics, \nplease take the time to visit their website at www.genesus.com \n. \n" - ], - [ - "Chile makes first export of live heifers to China", - "\n By Tom Azzopardi, in SantiagoTom Azzopardi, in Santiago , 09-Feb-20152015-02-09T00:00:00Z\n Chile has exported more than 7,000 heifers to China in its first major export of live cattle, which has just arrived at its destination, and the government hopes this might be the start of developing a long-term beef livestock export trade.\n \n The country is currently a smaller player in the region’s beef sector. Last year, Chile exported just 2,000 tonnes (t) of beef (valued at US$14 million), a figure dwarfed by imports of almost 148,000t (worth around US$840m), largely from countries like Brazil and Paraguay, according to statistics published by Chile’s Ministry of Agriculture office for agricultural research and policies.The focus of this initial China-bound shipment of livestock has been on dairy cattle (most of the animals making the crossing are Holstein-type dairy animals), but there has also been \"interest in exporting beef cattle to China\", noted Andres Duval, regional head of agricultural and livestock service (SAG - Servicio Agricola y Ganadero).The export was managed by Minerva Foods, Brazil’s second-largest beef exporter, which invested around US$16m in buying and preparing the animals for shipment.The animals are expected to be the first batch out of a total of 20,000 head of cattle which will make the trip over the next year as the authorities in Beijing seek to boost the Asian country’s beef and milk production capacity.The decision by China’s agricultural authorities to certify Chile as one of a handful of countries from which the Chinese can import live cattle reflects the efforts made in recent years to improve genetic quality of the country’s herds and improve sanitary standards in the farming sector, said Duval, who predicted shipments would continue over the next decade.A total of 8,000 heifers were selected from almost 300 farms in the southern regions of Biobio, Araucania, Los Rios and Los Lagos, the heart of Chile’s livestock industry. After examination by veterinarians, vaccination and weighing, the animals were brought together at the San Pedro farm in Los Rios for a 30-day quarantine period, during which they were tested for diseases such as Johne’s disease, bovine viral-diarrhoea and enzootic bovine leukosis leucosis.Roughly 7,000 selected animals were then loaded in the southern port of Puerto Montt on 26 December for the 30-day crossing of the Pacific Ocean.Over the past two decades, Chile’s SAG has strived to eradicate livestock diseases, such as bovine tuberculosis, brucellosis and foot-and-mouth disease.Although such diseases are relatively common in other cattle-producing countries in South America, such as Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay, central Chile is a virtual island, protected behind the Andes Mountains, the Atacama Desert and Pacific Ocean.But the rise of a live export industry could bring new challenges, Duval told GlobalMeatNews, such as the use of sexed insemination to create sufficient numbers of heifer and specialist infrastructure in ports to handle live animals.Still certifying several thousand animals in such a time frame represented major challenges for SAG, with almost 50 people working full time on the project, in the field and in the service’s laboratories. But after this first testing, but successful attempt, successive exports may run smoother, Duval said. \n \n " - ], - [ - "Casino stocks plunge on China risk", - "Shares of foreigner-only casinos catering mainly to Chinese visitors plunged Monday on China's strengthening of its clampdown on the marketing activities of agents hired by casino operators here.According to Chinese media outlets, Beijing decided to tighten enforcement on \"illicit\" marketing activities in China by Korean and other foreign casinos seeking to lure Chinese tourists.Hundreds of agents work in China to attract those wanting to gamble overseas on behalf of Paradise and GKL. In return, the two companies pay agents a certain portion of their revenue as commission.Paradise shares plunged 12.27 percent to 21,800 won Monday from Friday, while GKL saw its shares decline 8.74 percent to 36,550 won.Paradise is Korea's largest operator of foreigner-only casinos. The firm runs a casino at the Sheraton Grande Walkerhill hotel in western Seoul, and one each in Busan and Incheon. It also operates two casinos on Jeju Island.GKL, the operator of Seven Luck Casino, runs a casino at the Millennium Hilton Seoul hotel at the foot of Mount Nam in central Seoul, another in southern Seoul and a third in Busan.\"According to media reports, Chinese regulators have specifically targeted Korean casino operators. This will likely aggravate investor sentiment toward Paradise and GKL,\" Samsung Securities analyst Yang Il-woo said. \"Paradise earns more from Chinese customers than its rival GKL, meaning that the former will be hit harder by the tightened state monitoring of Korean casinos' marketing activities.\"Paradise Group said it understands why the Chinese government has taken steps to discourage its citizens from gambling abroad.\"We are not concerned much about the Chinese government's latest move. We believe that it largely targets casinos in Macau,\" a spokesman for Paradise Group said. \"Our operation is much smaller than those of Macau casinos. Nonetheless, we will be adversely affected to some extent by China's strengthened clampdown on foreign casinos' marketing.\"GKL echoed Paradise's views, saying that the company will have to brace for a falling number of Chinese customers.\"Our business will slow at least for the time being because our agents in China will not be as active as they used to,\" a GKL spokesman said. \"After all, something like this is part of running a casino business.\"" - ], - [ - "Korea finishes balancing act between US, China", - "The government is seen to be in the last stages of a delicate balancing act of joining a China-led regional bank, while bringing in advanced U.S. missile interceptors.The United States opposes Korea joining the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), while China doesn't want THAAD or Terminal High Altitude Area Defense deployed in Korea — close to its doorstep.Experts say that this conclusion was well captured by the changed position by ruling Saenuri Party Chairman Kim Moo-sung, who called Tuesday for THAAD deployment as an effective countermeasure to the North's nuclear missiles. Kim went as far as to say the North was a nuclear state.He had shied away from commenting on the missile shield, saying that it was not appropriate for the ruling party to say anything on such a significant diplomatic issue.\"Kim's comment can be seen as the government's stance toward the THAAD deployment on Korean soil,\" said Yoon Hee-woong, senior researcher at Opinion Live.\"As the government is close to joining the AIIB after the trilateral foreign ministers' meeting among Korea, China and Japan on Saturday, Cheong Wa Dae and the ruling party appear to be turning positive on THAAD.\"While Washington has \"unofficially\" sought to bring the missile defense system to the Korean Peninsula, Seoul has kept silent on the issue — also known as strategic ambiguity — due to resistance from China fearing that it could be used to nullify its military strike capabilities.However, amid growing speculation that Korea is likely to join the AIIB — a scenario that the United States hates — the government is expected to allow the U.S. to deploy THAAD here.\"Kim is in line with Cheong Wa Dae over the issue,\" said Prof. Chung Goon-gi at Hongik University.\"While sending China a positive signal on Korea's AIIB participation at the meeting of top diplomats, Seoul has leant toward deploying THAAD.\"Chung said that while the presidential office and the foreign ministry are hanging one step back due to possible diplomatic disputes with China, the defense ministry and the Saenuri Party's floor leader Yoo Seong-min and now the party chairman are leading the way.Defense Minister Han Min-koo has said that the U.S. missile interceptor will help better deter threats from the North, while Yoo is also supportive of THAAD, describing its deployment as a matter of the nation's survival in the face of Pyongyang's evolving weapons.Meanwhile, Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Tuesday that he will discuss with his Korean counterpart about integrated air and missile defense and others, igniting speculation that he may raise the THAAD issue. He is scheduled to arrive here today.THAAD with a range of 150 kilometers is regarded as an indispensable element of the U.S. missile defense system along with the SM-3 that can intercept missiles at an altitude of 400 to 500 kilometers.\"We're making progress on building an integrated air and missile defense umbrella, and both the Koreans and the Japanese have made some commitments in procurements on their side to make us more interoperable,\" Dempsey said on a flight to Japan." - ], - [ - "Research and Markets: China Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD ...", - "\n\tDUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/c233kn/research_report) \n has announced the addition of the \"Research \n Report on China Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Vaccine Industry, 2013-2017\" \n report to their offering.\n \n \n From 2010 to 2012, the epidemic prevalence of Foot-and-mouth disease \n (FMD) decreased in China as the incidence number greatly declined and \n the incidence frequency decreased obviously, so the overall epidemic \n situation was controlled on a quite low level. In terms of Type Asia I \n FMD, it occurred for 17 times, 8 times, 3 times and 8 times in 2006, \n 2007, 2008 and 2009 respectively. In 2010, Type O FMD occurred for 18 \n times in China. By the end of 2012, Type Asia I FMD disappeared for 42 \n months successively and Type A FMD disappeared for 33 months \n successively. In 2012, Type O FMD only occurred for 5 times in China.\n \n \n Chinese government adopts compulsory immunization measures for FMD. \n Specifically, Chinese government purchases FMD vaccines from animal \n vaccine manufacturers and freely distributes them to the farmers in the \n animal husbandry. In 2012, China's total output volume of FMD Vaccines \n was about 3.6 billion milliliters (2.1 billion milliliters of pig FMD \n vaccines, 1.5 billion milliliters of cattle & sheep FMD vaccines), with \n the total output volume of CAHIC, Inner Mongolia Jinyu Group Stock \n Company and Xinjiang Tecon Animal Husbandry Bio-Technology Co., Ltd. \n accounting for 80%. Because there are a few FMD vaccine manufacturers in \n China with high market concentration rate, government's purchasing price \n is comparatively stable in recent years.\n \n \n Who Should Buy This Report\n \n \n - Animal vaccine production/ trade enterprises\n \n \n - Breeding enterprises\n \n \n - Animal husbandry regulatory agencies of each country\n \n \n - Investors and research institutes concerned about animal vaccine \n industry\n \n \n Key Topics Covered\n \n \n 1 Relevant Concepts of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Vaccine\n \n \n 1.1 Basic Status of Foot and Mouth Disease\n \n \n 1.2 Relevant Concepts of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Vaccine\n \n \n 2 Development Environment of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Vaccines in \n China, 2012-2013\n \n \n 2.1 Policies on China Animal Vaccine Industry\n \n \n 2.2 Appropriation for Epidemic Prevention\n \n \n 2.3 Breeding Status of Cloven-hoofed Animals in China, 2011-2012\n \n \n 2.4 Incidence Status of Foot and Mouth Disease in China, 2012-2013\n \n \n 2.5 Overview of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Vaccines\n \n \n 3 Operation Performance of China Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Vaccine \n Industry, 2008-2012\n \n \n 3.1 Supply of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Vaccines in China, 2008-2012\n \n \n 3.2 Supply and Demand of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Vaccines in China, \n 2008-2012\n \n \n 4 Major Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Vaccine Manufacturing Enterprises \n in China, 2008-2013\n \n \n 5 Forecast on China Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Vaccine Industry, \n 2013-2017\n \n \n 5.1 Forecast on Supply\n \n \n 5.2 Forecast on Demand\n \n \n 5.3 Recommendations on Investment and Development\n \n \n Companies Mentioned\n \n \n - CAHIC\n \n \n - China Agricultural Vet. Bio. Science and Technology\n \n \n - Inner Mongolia Jinyu Group Stock\n \n \n - QYH Biotech\n \n \n - Shen Lian Biotechnology\n \n \n - Xinjiang Tecon Animal Husbandry Bio-Technology\n \n \n For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/c233kn/research_report\n \n \n About Research and Markets\n \n \n Research and Markets is the world's leading source for international \n market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest \n data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top \n companies, new products and the latest trends.\n \n\t\n\t" - ], - [ - "Fonterra waits for China dairy rebound", - "\n Fonterra is confident demand for dairy products in China will rebound sooner rather than later.\nChief executive Theo Spierings said China's recent stockpiling of dairy products was not surprising and he expected demand to return to normal as inventory there runs down.\nFonterra chief executive Theo Spierings addressing shareholders.Photo: RNZ / Diego Opatowski\nMr Spierings dismissed a suggestion made at the annual meeting of the Fonterra Shareholders Fund on Friday that Fonterra had been stockpiling product in order to boost prices in its global dairy trade auctions.\nHe said that, early last year, Australia and the United States were experiencing drought, there was a significant issue with foot and mouth disease in China, New Zealand also suffered a drought and a botulism scare had sparked the recall of infant formula world-wide.\n\"So it's five supply events in a row, there's 1.3 billion people to be fed ... what happens when you see supply dropping or a potential food scare, you start start storing goods,\" he said.\nHe said customers had not been buying recently because they had been using up those very high inventory levels.\nRelated\n \n Next story in Business: Evolve planning childcare acquisitions\n " - ], - [ - "State of emergency declared in Latvia after African swine fever ...", - "\n By Monika Hanley, in RigaMonika Hanley, in Riga , 08-Jul-20142014-07-08T00:00:00Z\n The outbreak of ASF in Latvia is the first in the country and follows outbreaks in nearby countriesLatvia became the third EU state to report instances of African swine fever (ASF) after 13 wild boar and four farmed pigs tested positive for the disease.\n \n This is the first instance of the African swine fever in the country following outbreaks in nearby Poland and Lithuania in January.On 3 July, the Latvian government declared a state of emergency and issued a 5,000sq km quarantine area in the southern area of Latvia, bordering Belarus and Lithuania. The emergency area will stay in effect until 1 October. Latvian state police have been charged with setting up checkpoints along roads in affected areas to ensure live pigs are not being moved illegally out of the quarantine zone.Belarus has put a temporary ban on the import of pork products from Latvia, and Russian veterinary watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor has announced a ban on the import of finished Latvian pork products. As Russia is the biggest export market of Latvian pork products, the impact is potentially huge. Guntis Piteronoks, head of the RÄ“zeknes gaļas kombinÄts (Rezekne meat factory), located in the affected area, explained that the Russian market makes up about €500,000 of its profit. Currently, the factory has had to let its 50 employees go on temporary holiday, until the situation improves.\"In 2013, according to provisional data, Latvia produced 35,900 tonnes (t) of pork and exported 14,300t of live pigs. We assume that the purchase price could be reduced by about 20% – to become €139.40 per 100kg,\" said Dagnija Muceniece, a specialist at the Latvian Ministry of Agriculture.\"After the discovery of the disease, PVD [the Latvian Food and Veterinary Service] immediately commenced the implementation of disease control measures to prevent any further spread. PVD is visiting all of the farms to see if there are kept pigs and blood samples are being taken for laboratory examination,\" said its director MÄris Balodis. As of 4 July, PVD inspectors had checked 2,168 farms in Latvia for the disease. \n \n " - ], - [ - "Bird flu outbreak: affected farm run by company with premises in China", - " John Vernam, managing director, UK Operations, Cherry Valley, said: \"I can confirm that a farm operated by Cherry Valley has today tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza. Culling and disinfection will be carried out under the authority of Defra and the APHA at the farm near Driffield, East Yorkshire. \"Defra has placed two exclusion zones around the farm, at 3km (protection zone) and at 10km (surveillance zone), following the requirements of the Avian Influenza order 2006. Avian influenza is a disease of birds and the risk to the general public is judged by health experts to be negligible. \"We are working closely with Defra and other agencies and are confident that the controls in place are proportionate to the risks involved. We will be continuing our vigilance over the coming days and, like all poultry producers in the area, will be working with the authorities in the ongoing surveillance programme.\" Cherry Valley, which is based in Caistor, near Market Rasen, Lincs., has \"operational centres\" in Britain, China and Germany. According to the firm's website, China is \"home to 2.8 billion Cherry Valley ducks\". The firm rears seven million Pekin ducks in the UK every year, which are mostly sold to the Chinese catering market in the UK and Europe. It has emerged that Christmas turkey suppliers could be at risk from the bird flu outbreak. The risk to humans from the outbreak is virtually non-existent, experts have said, but if the disease spreads to turkey farms, it could lead to a shortage for Christmas. There are a number of turkey farms near to the outbreak. David Evans, Professor of Virology at the University of Warwick said; “Whilst the case in Yorkshire affects ducks the strains of bird ‘flu are transmissible to other domestic and wild poultry, including chickens and turkeys.†Chief veterinary officer Nigel Gibbens said more cases could follow and farmers have been alerted to the danger. \"We cannot rule out that there might be further cases; this is why we put premises under restriction to look for further spread,†he told the BBC. \"Because there's a wild bird risk we also need farmers and their vets all over the country to be alert to possible disease in their farm that they can't explain, draw those to our attention so we can investigate quickly, and, if there is any more disease, seek to nip that in the bud as well.\" The farm at the centre of the alert, which has not been identified, has good bio-security in place so the risk of spread is \"probably quite low\". Gary Lavis, chair of the Driffield Parish Council, said a problem was first noticed around a week ago when egg production began dropping and the number of birds dying increased. He said the manager of the farm did not know how the virus had infected the birds. \"They noticed symptoms themselves about one week ago: a drop-off in egg production and slightly higher mortality rates. That alerted them to do some testing,\" he said. \"They're doing their normal routine with suits and masks and the disinfectant they are using is Defra-approved for all strains of bird flu.\" The bird flu outbreak in the UK – in 60 seconds Mr Lavis said he was particularly concerned about the potential effect on the local wild bird population, with a mere in Nafferton and an RSPB reserve nearby. He said there were also two battery farms in the area and a number of hobby farmers who keep chickens. \"We're also concerned about the environmental impact. We have a large wildfowl population on the mere, which is a focal point of the village.\" A cull of all 6,000 birds at the Yorkshire farm is taking place and a 10km exclusion zone has been thrown up in the area to prevent poultry and waste being transferred. Bird flu, or avian flu, is an infectious viral illness that spreads among birds. In rare cases it can affect humans. Two types have caused serious concern in recent years. These are the H5N1 and H7N9 viruses. Other bird flu viruses (particularly H7N7 and H9N2) have also infected people, but these have rarely caused severe illness. Although these viruses don't infect people easily and are usually not transmitted from human to human, several people have been infected around the world, leading to a number of deaths. Prof Wendy Barclay, Chair in Influenza Virology, Imperial College London, said: \"Only a small subset of avian influenza viruses infect humans, and these viruses can be of low or high pathogenicity in the birds. \"Even low pathogenicity bird viruses can cause severe disease in humans like the H7N9 recently identified in China. In previous outbreaks of H5 viruses in the UK, no humans have been infected. Without undergoing further mutations these infections do not pass from person to person. \"Because influenza viruses can mutate readily, it will be important over the coming weeks to maintain vigilant surveillance and monitor any new viruses found for changes. \"Overall this new twist underscores the extant threat that avian influenza viruses pose to our agriculture and to humans.\" However Professor Andrew Easton, Professor of Virology at the University of Warwick said the risk to humans was ‘very small or non-existent.’ “We do not yet know what strain of avian flu has been detected though H5N1 that carries risks to humans seems to have been ruled out. “Aquatic birds such as ducks can harbour over 100 (in fact 144 ) different types of influenza. In these birds the viruses do not usually cause disease but when certain types spread to domestic poultry, such as chickens, serious disease can be seen. “It is the types that cause serious disease that are of particular concern. “Human infections with flu strains that infect birds are not common and have been restricted to only a very small number so the risk to humans from this incident is likely to be very small or non-existent. “However, the risk to the poultry industry is high and the current measures require that infected birds are killed as quickly as possible to stop spread to other flocks.â€Professor Easton warned that the flu may impact wild bird populations. “There is always concern that some strains of flu may be spread by wild birds and surveillance measures are also likely to be introduced in surrounding areas to check for the possibility of spread,†he added. " - ], - [ - "China bans U.S. poultry imports on avian flu concerns", - " \n The Chinese government has banned all imports of U.S. poultry and eggs on reports of backyard and wild birds in the Pacific Northwest infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza, the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council said Tuesday. \nRelated: New Bird Flu Strain Prompts Call for Prevention Efforts \nThe Chinese Ministry of Agriculture and the General Administration for Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine imposed the ban on imports of processed and unprocessed U.S. poultry and eggs, live chicks and hatching eggs. It was effective Jan. 8. \nA highly pathogenic strain of H5N8 influenza was detected in December in wild birds and in a backyard flock of guinea hens and chickens in Oregon, along with separate H5N2 HPAI detections in wild birds in California and Washington State.Ag groups say China's U.S. poultry ban on bird flu concerns creates trade issue and hurts American poultry producers \nAccording to USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the influenza virus has not been found in any commercial poultry flock in the U.S. \nChina is a key export market for U.S. chicken, turkey and duck products. From January through November last year, U.S. exports to China reached more than $272 million. \n\"There's absolutely no justification for China to take such a drastic action,\" said Jim Sumner, president of the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council. \"In fact, these isolated and remote incidents are hundreds if not thousands of miles away from major poultry and egg production areas. \n\"Most all of our other trading partners have taken some sort of regionalized approach, and have limited their restrictions to the state or, in some cases, to the county,\" he said. \"We would have expected China to do the same.\" \nChina's nationwide restrictions could also have a negative impact on its domestic poultry industry, Sumner said. \"Since the ban also includes U.S. breeding stock, China is cutting off its industry's main source of hatching eggs and chicks, which will curtail the industry's ability to replenish and maintain its production.\" \nAmerican Farm Bureau President Bob Stallman said AFBF was in the process of reaching out to the U.S. Trade Representative and the USDA and \"will support their actions to correct this situation as quickly as possible.\" \nRelated: Avian Flu Will Have Notable Impact on Poultry Trade: Report \nUSDA already said it opposes some countries' efforts to limit U.S. poultry imports, noting that limitations violate World Animal Health Organization (OIE) standards. Stallman explained the issue further: \n\"Under guidelines from the World Organization for Animal Health, countries are allowed to place trade restrictions only on those geographic regions of concern, not an entire nation,\" Stallman said. \"Avian influenza has been found in non-commercial locations among wild birds in some areas of Oregon and Washington State. China's restriction against all U.S. poultry and eggs is simply unwarranted.\" \nUSDA reminds consumers that no human cases with these viruses have been detected in the United States, Canada or internationally, and there is no immediate public health concern as a result of these detections. \n \n \n\t" - ], - [ - "Five Subtypes of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Reported in China", - "Poultry News Five Subtypes of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Reported in China 27 October 2014 \n \nCHINA - A total of 51 positive findings of five subtypes of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) have been reported and confirmed across China. The Chinese veterinary authority reported all the outbreaks to the World Organisation of Animal Health (OIE) on 24 October. All outbreaks were reported as starting on 12 September and subsequently resolved, presumably because of a national campaign for surveillance testing on that day. \nEach report describes the finding of a different viral subtype. \nOne Immediate Notification outlines 16 outbreaks of 'clicncal disease' casued by HPAI strain H5N1 detected in ducks, geese and chickens located in markets across China in the provinces of Guangxi, Qinghai, Guizhou, Yunnan, Tibet, Hunan and Jiangsu. There was a total of 18 virus-positive tests. \n \n \nCases of H5N1 across China \n \nA second Immediate Notification describes a subclinical case HPAI strain H5N3 in a duck sample in Hunan province. \n \nCase of H5N3 in Changsha \n \nThe third Immediate Notification was for HPAI strain H5N8 in Panjin in Liaoning province. One positive sample was from a duck in a slaughterhouse and a second one in nearby wetlands. \n \nH5N8 reported in Panjin \n \nA total of 24 outbreaks of clinical disease caused by HPAI strain H5N6 have been reported and confirmed in a Follow Up Report No. 2. The positive samples were obtained at markets and on one farm affecting ducks, geese and chickens in the provinces of Zheijiang, Hunan, Hebei, Guangdong, Heilongjiang, Anhui, Chingking, Guanxi, Yunnan, Guizhou, Tibet and Hubei. One outbreak at Heilongjiang involved two positive tests in a flock of 1,421 birds, all of which were destroyed. \nThe only previous outbreak of this virus type was on 23 August in Heilongjiang. \n \nH5N6 reported across China \n \nThe fifth report from China dated 24 October is a Follow Up Report No.3, which outlines eight outbreaks of clinical disease caused by HPAI strain H5N2 detected in chickens and ducks. Six of these were from markets in Hubei, Guangxi, Liaoning,and Tibet, while two were presumably on farms. A total of 2,333 birds were destroyed after two of them were found to be positive for the virus in Heilongjiang province and in Ningxia, 3,920 birds were destroyed after four of them tested positive. \n \nHPA1 strain H5N2 detected across China \n \n \nFurther Reading \nYou can visit the Avian Flu page by clicking here. \n \nThePoultrySite News Desk " - ], - [ - "Avian flu rampages in Taiwan, hits China, India", - "Taiwan yesterday reported more than 100 avian flu outbreaks of three different subtypes, affecting hundreds of thousands of poultry, while China and India reported fresh outbreaks as well.In addition, Bulgaria reported finding the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus H5N1 in a wild bird, while Nigerian officials said H5N1 outbreaks have struck lately in 11 states around the country.Scores of Taiwan outbreaksIn a report to the World Organization for animal Health (OIE), Taiwan officials said 108 waterfowl farms were struck by HPAI H5N8 outbreaks. The farms are in Changhua, Yunlin, Chiayi, and Pingtung counties and the cities of Tainan, Kaohsiung, and Taichung. Officials said 52 of the farms also were affected by HPAI H5N2 viruses.There were 56,178 H5N8 cases, with 56,075 deaths, among 365,591 susceptible birds. Plans call for destroying all the surviving birds to stop the outbreak; more than 92,000 had been culled at the time of the report.Movement restrictions have been imposed at the affected farms, which will be cleaned and disinfected after culling is completed, the report said. Farms within 3 kilometers of the outbreak sites will be under surveillance for 3 months.In a separate OIE report yesterday, Taiwan officials told of H5N2 outbreaks on 86 poultry farms in six of the same areas hit by H5N8: Changhua, Yunlin, Chiayi, and Pingtung counties and the cities of Taichung and Tainan.The virus infected and killed 102,260 of 639,304 susceptible birds, officials said. About 102,000 of the surviving birds have already been culled, and the rest will be destroyed as well. Other planned response measures will be the same as for the farms hit by H5N8.And in a third OIE report yesterday, Taiwan officials said HPAI H5N3 surfaced at three goose farms in Pingtung county. Two of these were also affected by H5N2 outbreaks.The report said the virus killed 4,311 of 11,200 susceptible geese, and plans call for culling the rest and implementing other response measures like those in the H5N8 outbreaks.Events in China and IndiaElsewhere, China today reported HAPI H5N6 and H5N2 outbreaks at separate locations in its eastern province of Jiangsu.H5N6 struck a goose farm in the city of Suzhou, causing 1,185 cases and 582 deaths among 19,284 birds, Chinese officials told the OIE. The rest of the birds were culled. Officials also planned to restrict poultry movements and disinfect the farm. China and Vietnam have reported several H5N6 outbreaks in the past year.The H5N2 eruption involved a farm in the city of Taizhou, causing 1,616 fatal cases among 40,896 birds of unnamed kinds, Chinese officials said in another OIE report. The rest of the birds have already been destroyed, and officials vowed to take other additional control steps as in the H5N6 outbreak.In India, meanwhile, H5N1 struck a turkey farm at Kollam in Kerala state, near the country's southern tip, according to a report filed with the OIE yesterday by Indian officials. They cited 1,628 fatal cases among 10,513 turkeys and said most of the surviving birds have been culled.Several H5N1 outbreaks were reported in duck flocks in Kerala state in late November and early December of 2014.H5N1 in Bulgaria, NigeriaIn Bulgaria, meanwhile, officials told the OIE yesterday that a Dalmatian pelican which was found dead on Jan 22 in the southeastern city of Burgas was infected with HPAI H5N1. A dead black-headed gull that was found with the pelican tested negative for the virus.The birds were collected and tested under an ongoing surveillance program. The report said the detection marked the first H5N1 discovery in the country since June 2010.And in Nigeria, a senior official said today that H5N1 outbreaks have spread to four more states since Jan 21, bringing the recent total to 11, according to a Reuters story today.Nigeria has reported 15 separate outbreaks to the OIE in the past few days. It wasn't immediately clear if today's comments by Akinwumi Adesina, agriculture and rural development minister, represented any outbreaks not yet reported to the OIE.The affected states are Kano, Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, Delta, Edo, Plateau, Gombe, Imo, Oyo, and Jigawa, the story said. Adesina said the government planned to compensate farmers with the equivalent of about US $7.63 per lost bird within the next 3 days.See also: Jan 28 Taiwan OIE report on H5N8 outbreaksJan 28 Taiwan report on H5N2 outbreaksJan 28 report on H5N3 outbreaksJan 29 Chinese report on H5N6 outbreaksJan 29 Chinese report on H5N2 outbreaksJan 28 Indian report on H5N1 outbreakJan 28 Bulgarian report on H5N1Jan 29 Reuters story on H5N1 in Nigeria " - ], - [ - "Research and Markets: China Avian Influenza Vaccine Industry ...", - "\n\tDUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/69h9rq/research_report) \n has announced the addition of the \"Research \n Report on China Avian Influenza Vaccine Industry, 2014-2018\" \n report to their offering.\n \n \n Many countries choose to kill all infected poultry to control avian \n influenza, instead of immunizations. The total number of poultry exceeds \n 10 billion in China. Epidemic diseases, which are difficult to control, \n will result in huge losses. Therefore, it is quite necessary to immunize \n the poultry with avian influenza vaccines.\n \n \n Avian influenza vaccines have been used for more than 10 years in China. \n Some poultry farms in China began to use H5N1 avian influenza vaccines \n voluntarily 10 years ago without compulsory requirements. Chinese avian \n influenza vaccine industry was in the initial stage in 2001-2005 with \n upcoming problems. To resolve these problems, the Ministry of \n Agriculture of China sets up an entry barrier for the avian influenza \n vaccine production and imposes strict supervision. The Ministry of \n Agriculture of China established strict regulations on the production \n and sales of avian influenza vaccines. For instance, avian influenza \n vaccines must be produced in workshops that are in compliance with GMP \n and inspected every year.\n \n \n In China, the subsidy provided by the government over killing the \n infected poultry is CNY 10 per bird. In case of serious epidemic \n diseases, the subsidy amount will be higher.\n \n \n In 2013, the live stock volume of laying hens in China was about 1.4 \n billion while that of broilers was approximately 10 billion. The output \n volume of eggs in China was 28.76 million tons in 2013, up by 0.5% YOY. \n According to National Compulsory Immunization Plan of Animal Epidemic \n Diseases 2013 issued by Ministry of Agriculture of China, the government \n conducts compulsory immunizations against 4 diseases, including highly \n pathogenic avian influenza. The government is responsible for the \n expenses. In 2013, the market size of avian influenza vaccines exceeded \n CNY 1 billion in China.\n \n \n Key Topics Covered:\n \n \n 1 Status of Global and China Avian Influenza Vaccine Markets\n \n \n 2 Factors Influencing Development of China Avian Influenza Vaccine \n Industry, 2012-2013\n \n \n 3 Operation Status of China Avian Influenza Vaccine Industry, 2009-2013\n \n \n 4 Major Manufacturers of Avian Influenza Vaccines in China, 2012-2013\n \n \n 5 Status of Avian Influenza Vaccines Purchase by Some Local Governments \n in China, 2013\n \n \n 6 Prospect of China Avian Influenza Vaccine Industry, 2014-2018\n \n \n Companies Mentioned\n \n \n - Guangdong Winsun Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.\n \n \n - Harbin Pharmaceutical Group Biological Vaccines Co., Ltd.\n \n \n - Harbin Weike Biotechnology Development Company\n \n \n - Liaoning Yikang Biology Co., Ltd.\n \n \n - Merial Nanjing Animal Health Co., Ltd.\n \n \n - QYH Biotech Company Limited\n \n \n - Qingdao Yebio Bioengineering Co., Ltd.\n \n \n - Shandong Sinder Technology Co., Ltd.\n \n \n - Zhaoqing Dahuanong Animal Health Products Co., Ltd.\n \n \n For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/69h9rq/research_report\n \n\t\n\t" - ], - [ - "First new variant of H5N2 bird flu found in Taiwan", - "\tThis form of the H5N2 virus has not appeared before in Taiwan or elsewhere, the Council of Agriculture's (COA) Bureau of Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine (BAPHIQ, 防檢局) reported yesterday.\tHealth authorities also reported Taiwan's first documented case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N8, found in a flock of geese in Chiayi County.\tThe viruses have not yet been detected in the local human population and can be wiped out entirely by cooking eggs and waterfowl to 70 degrees Celsius or above.Lab Results\tThe results are the first to arrive from lab tests conducted by the Council of Agriculture's (COA) Animal Health Research Institute (畜衛所).\tSince Jan. 8, operators at one duck farm and 23 goose farms across Chiayi, Pingtung, Yunlin and Tainan have sent in samples for testing.\tIn a report released yesterday, the COA said the H5N8 bird flu virus in Chiayi closely matches a strain detected in South Korea last year.\tThe H5N2 found in Yunlin and Pingtung counties is unlike all previous variants of H5N2, according to the COA.\tIts H5 genome sequence is similar to the South Korean case, while the N2 most resembles a virus reported in China's Jilin province in 2011.\tThe two viruses were most likely transmitted by migratory birds, according to COA Minister Chen Bao-ji (陳ä¿åŸº).\tThe COA yesterday ordered a two-day national halt on commercial slaughter of domestic waterfowl, effective until Jan. 14 at noon.\tDuring this time, no waterfowl may be transported between slaughterhouses and all transport vehicles, cages, feedlots are to be disinfected.Culling Begins\tLater yesterday, local health authorities began culling waterfowl at confirmed outbreak sites in Yunlin, Pingtung and Chiayi.\tYunlin has 407 goose farms, 11 of which have sent in samples for laboratory checks, said Liao Pei-chih (廖培志), head of Yunlin County's Animal and Plant Disease Control Center (å‹•æ¤ç‰©é˜²ç–«æ‰€).\tOfficials will destroy over 6,000 geese at the four affected farms, which will then be disinfected and quarantined in adherence to the standard operating procedure, Liao said.\tIn Wandan Township (è¬ä¸¹), Pingtung, county authorities culled 7,000 ducks at a farm owned by an operator surnamed Lee.\tLee told local media that the outbreak is the first on his farm in 60 years.\tDamages from the virus are estimated at NT$2 million to NT$3 million, but the government has no compensation program in place, he said.\tThe Pingtung County government responded yesterday that it will establish a review board to consider compensation, which will likely be 60 to 70 percent of the average market price." - ], - [ - "OIE notified of multiple bird flu outbreaks in China", - "\n Several new highly pathogenic bird flu outbreaks have been reported in China this month, including the reoccurrence of H5N1.\n \n Reports have been submitted to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), from China’s Animal Disease Control Centre in Beijing.In total, 16 new outbreaks of H5N1 have been reported across eight different regions, the cases have been predominantly discovered at live bird trade markets.Two new strains of highly pathogenic avian influenza – H5N8 and H5N3 – have also been reported to the 0IE. There has been one case of H5N3 at Yangjiashan livebird market in Changsha, while two cases of H5N8 have been discovered at the Liuhe slaughterhouse in Dawa. \n \n " - ], - [ - "Goose meat shortage due to bird flu outbreak likely", - "\tOn Sunday, it was reported that one more goose farm had been hit by bird flu, bringing the total struck by the flu to 666, with 2,308,293 geese affected, according to statistics compiled by the COA's Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine. \tThe number of geese affected surpassed the number of geese raised in Taiwan in the fourth quarter, bureau statistics showed. \tChen Chih-hsiung (陳智雄), an official with the COA's Department of Animal Industry, said the COA previously studied the possibility of halving the import duty (25 percent) on goose meat to bolster supplies. \tBut Hungary, a major goose producer, also reported an outbreak of H5N8 highly pathogenic avian influenza last month. \tThis prompted the government to seek other sources of goose meat, and the possibility that Taiwan will look toward other types of meat this summer to bridge the shortfall cannot be ruled out, Chen said. \tA total of 868 poultry farms around Taiwan have tested positive for avian influenza since the outbreak began in mid-January, which has led to the culling of 4,290,967 geese, chickens and ducks at 863 poultry farms to date. \tGoose farms were the most severely hit by the avian influenza, compared with duck and chicken farms, according to Chen." - ], - [ - "How Big of a Deal is China's Ban on Imports of US Poultry and Egg ...", - "Poultry News How Big of a Deal is China’s Ban on Imports of US Poultry and Egg Products? 19 January 2015 \nCHINA & US - The initial reaction to about any problem with exports in \ngeneral and exports to China in particular is “The sky is falling!  The sky is \nfalling!â€, writes Steve Meyer & Len Steiner.There’s a good reason for that:  China has 1.3 billion people and thus is usually a big player in any market in which it participates based on the fact that 1.3 billion times any number is a very large number!  \nBut how critical are they in this one?   \nFirst, let’s review. China banned imports of US chicken, turkey and eggs, effective January 8, due to the presence of a strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in  the Pacific Northwest.   \nHPAI is a bad disease but these cases are occurring in wild birds and small domestic flocks hundreds of miles from any primary US commercial production.  \nIn addition, China’s ban on all US products is unusual (and industry experts say unnecessary) because OIE, the world animal health organization allows and encourages a regional approach which has been used on a number of occasions when HPAI has reared its ugly head in the US Korea imposed a similar all?country ban on US products in December.   \nHong Kong imposed a ban on products from Oregon but, as far as we can determine, is still taking product from the remainder of the US That is important given the ties between Hong Kong and China. So where do US chicken exports go?  \nThe chart at right indicates that Mexico is by far the most important single destination and that exports to “Other†countries (ie. those not listed here) is by far the largest destination for US chicken export shipments.  Note that among these eight destinations, China and Hong Kong are the smallest except for Russia which is currently not taking US products due to its retaliatory embargo over our Ukraine?related sanctions.    \nWe have separated China and Hong Kong in the chart since they have, at least for now, taken different approaches to this situation.  How much of a back door will Hong Kong be for US chicken since it has not banned product from anywhere other than Oregon?  \nIf product moves through Hong Kong, this may not be a big deal at all.  If not, then what? In 2013, China accounted for 3.9 per cent or US chicken exports and Hong Kong accounted for 2.2 per cent.  Through November, those figures for 2014 were 3.6 per cent and 3.2 per cent.   \nThe US chicken industry exported roughly 19 per cent of total production in 2013 so those 2013 export shares to China and Hong Kong represented 0.7 per cent and 0.4 per cent of total US production. Through November, 2014 US broiler exports were virtually unchanged form one year ago.  \nIt appears that 19 per cent will be very close to the export share for 2014 so the shares of US production for China and Hong Kong will be about 0.7 per cent and 0.6 per cent, respectively.   \nThose are not insignificant numbers but do they constitute a large weight on the market? There is a product, though, that this impacts dramatically — chicken paws or feet. China and Hong Kong took 251.3 million pounds of chicken paws in 2013. Those were valued at $314.5 million. China accounted for about 60 per cent of both totals.  \nThrough November 2014, the two destinations accounted for 271.8 million pounds of paws valued at $387.6 million. Interestingly, Hong Kong has accounted for roughly 75 per cent of the 2014 volume and value. Perhaps more important is that China and Hong Kong are the market for chicken paws.  Those volume and value figures accounted for 84 per cent of 2013 paws exports and an astounding 97 per cent of our paws shipments in 2014.  \nA reduction in paws exports will negatively impact the financial performance of chicken companies and thus force the muscle products to carry more of the economic load. That’s the bad news.  \nThe good news is that most of the paws for these markets have been flowing through Hong Kong already and there doesn’t seem to be a reason for that to change given Hong Kong’s announced regional approach to the HPAI situation.   \nBottom Line: The actual numbers do not suggest a dramatic impact. Is China’ whole?country ban wrong? Absolutely. Does it have negative impacts? Yes again. Will they be large?  In our opinion, they should not unless it adds significant weight to what seems to be a growing general neg? ative sentiment for commodities and meat/poultry proteins.   \n \n \nThePoultrySite News Desk " - ], - [ - "China's second H7N9 wave tops spring wave", - "Pushing the number of cases in the second H7N9 influenza wave higher than the first, China reported six more cases today, as well as two more deaths, one of which involved a previously confirmed case.Today’s new cases lift the number reported in the second wave to 137, topping the 136 cases reported during the first wave last spring.The country’s agriculture ministry also downplayed the role of poultry in spreading the disease based on its surveillance results, raising questions about whether the techniques used are the best for gauging infection levels in flocks.A US expert, however, questioned the testing methods Chinese officials are using, saying they could easily miss H7N9 in poultry.Six cases from three provincesThe six new H7N9 infections are all in adults from three provinces that have reported several cases already.According to provincial ministry statements translated and posted by the Avian Flu Diary (AFD) blog, they include four from Zhejiang province: a 75-year-woman who is in critical condition, a 76-year-old man who is in severe condition, a 78-year-old man who is in critical condition, and 64-year-old man who is in critical condition.Guangdong province reported one new case-patient, a 67-year-old woman who died on Jan 28 from her illness, and it reported the death of a previously announced case, according to the AFD report.In addition, Jiangsu province announced that tests detected the virus in a 75-year-old woman who is hospitalized in critical condition.China’s latest H7N9 cases boost the outbreak total to 273, according to a case list compiled by the FluTrackers infectious disease message board.Also, cases in the second wave are piling up faster than during the first wave. The first wave reached 136 cases in 158 days, according to a CIDRAP analysis of illness-onset dates.But it took the second wave, which began in early October, to reach the same number of cases in only 105 days. And the pace in the past few weeks has been especially brisk.The two new deaths reported today raise the outbreak’s unofficial fatality count to 60.WHO updateIn related developments, the World Health Organization (WHO) provided details on 15 case reports from China that it received yesterday. Ten involve women and five involve men. All patients are adults, with ages ranging from 31 to 81.Nine of the cases are from Zhejiang province, four are from Guangdong, and single cases were reported from Jiangsu province and Shanghai. Thirteen of the patients are hospitalized in critical or serious condition.All but one of the patients had been exposed to live poultry or a market environment before getting sick. Five of the patients are farmers, and one works as a cook.Questions raised about China’s poultry surveillanceDespite the reports that many patients in both waves of the outbreak were exposed to poultry or their environments, China’s agriculture ministry today downplayed the connection between poultry and human illnesses.An official from China’s agriculture ministry said that so far there is no proof of direct H7N9 transmission from poultry to humans, according to a report from CCTV News, the English language news channel of China Central Television, based in Beijing. Zhang Zhongqiu, the ministry’s bureau director, said so far this year only 8 of 33,000 samples were positive for the virus, and all were from live-poultry markets.A similar pattern was seen during poultry testing last spring in the wake of the first wave of human infections, a puzzling aspect of the outbreak, especially when human H7N9 illnesses in disease hot spots dropped soon after poultry markets were shuttered.Dave Halvorson, DVM, an avian health expert at the University of Minnesota in St. Paul, told CIDRAP News that media reports describing China’s poultry testing techniques raise questions about their effectiveness.He said a ProMED Mail post on a recent report from China’s agriculture ministry to the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) suggests that Chinese scientists are using polymerase chain reaction and viral isolation testing to monitor poultry. ProMED Mail is the Internet reporting service of the International Society for Infectious Diseases.He said the surveillance method they are using has little value, because the low-pathogenic virus causes few if any signs in poultry. \"It's akin to looking for human influenza virus by sampling clinically healthy people—you won't find much virus.\"\"I call this type of surveillance '‘looking for negatives,' because the probability of finding virus in healthy birds is so low,\" Halvorson said.Because low-pathogenic viruses don’t typically make poultry sick, the most effective method is active serologic monitoring, he said. In contrast, passive surveillance for highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses is highly effective, because of severe illness in affected poultry.On Jan 16, Hong Kong's government announced that it had reached an agreement with mainland officials on an H7 serology testing program for mainland farms that supply poultry to Hong Kong. The program began on Jan 24 and will also apply to local poultry farms in Hong Kong, according to a government statement. It said tests add another surveillance measure to the already tight systems in place to prevent the introduction of H7N9 to Hong Kong flocks.Hong Kong announced the serology testing program for poultry a few days before other tests found H7N9 in poultry from a certified farm in the mainland’s Guangdong province that had been brought into a Hong Kong wholesale market. The findings triggered the closure of the live-poultry market for 3 weeks and the culling of more than 20,000 birds at the site.Studies shed light on airway attachment, lab capacityIn H7N9 research developments, an international team based at Erasmus University in the Netherlands compared H7N9 virus airway attachment in different animal models and humans and found that the pattern in macaques, mice, and to some extent pigs and guinea pigs resembles that in humans. The team published its findings yesterday online in the Journal of Virology.The attachment for those animals was more similar to humans than the pattern they saw in ferrets. They wrote that the findings shed more light on different animal models for influenza.Meanwhile, a review of the capacity of European labs to detect the H7N9 virus found that 27 of 29 countries said that their generic influenza A detection assays will correctly detect the new virus, according to a report in today’s issue of Eurosurveillance.Overall, 28 of 31 labs in those 27 countries reported having the ability to subtype H7 viruses, with the remaining 3 labs proposing to send their non-subtypeable viruses to a WHO in LondonThe survey also found that 22 countries have containment facilities that are appropriate for isolating and propagating the H7N9 virus. Those and other findings suggest that the European Reference Laboratory Network for Human Influenza (ERLI-Net) has quickly adopted good capabilities to detect H7N9 viruses.See also:Jan 30 AFD postFluTrackers human H7N9 case listJan 30 WHO statementJan 28 ProMed Mail postJan 16 Hong Kong government statementJan 29 J Virol abstractJan 30 Eurosurveill report" - ], - [ - "Latvia reports first African swine fever cases", - "\n Latvia reports first African swine fever cases\n \n Saturday 28 June 2014 5:57 \n \n Latvian authorities have reported the first cases of african swine fever (ASF) in domestic pigs as well as wild boar. The country’s Food and Veterinary Service diagnosed the disease in three farmed pigs and three wild boar close to the country’s border with Belarus. The pigs have been killed and burned and a 40-day ban is in place on all public events such as exhibitions or fairs in the Kraslava region. Russia banned imports of pork from the EU on 28 January after ASF was found in Polish and Lithuanian wild boar. See also EU takes Russia pork ban challenge to WTO EU officials launched a legal challenge to the ban at the World Trade Organisation, claiming it was damaging the pork industry by depressing prices. Roughly a quarter of EU pork exports go to Russia, totalling about €1.4bn (£1.2bn) a year. The EU average price tumbled 12p/kg from the start of the year to a bottom of 123.23p/kg on 10 March. But since then prices have improved to stand at 136.63p/kg on 23 June. “With the loss of this trade, European pig prices fell significantly in the first quarter of the year,†said Stuart Ashworth, Quality Meat Scotland’s head of economics. “However, prices quickly recovered as the EU took advantage of the disruption to wider global supplies created by the presence of the porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus in North America, to grow exports to Asia.†Mr Ashworth said he expected lower pork supplies in Europe the whole year that should hold prices firm. “A swift resolution to the EU application to the WTO in respect of Russian trade should help prices and sentiment,†he said.\n " - ], - [ - "Bird flu cases jump in China", - "The World Health Organization (WHO) revealed on Jan. 20 that it has received reports from China of a total of 23 new cases of avian or bird flu in humans. The first report announced seven cases of avian influenza A(H7N9) illness, while the second announced an additional 16 bird flu cases. The 23 new cases include one patient death. Photo by Lam Yik Fei/Getty Images\nAccording to health news site Healio, the latest cases bring the total in this outbreak of avian flu to 203, with 53 patient deaths. The Jan 20 announcements from WHO increased the number of known cases by 13 percent. Most of the new patients diagnosed with H7N9 illnesses had a history of exposure to poultry or poultry markets.\nAvian influenza A (H7N9) was first reported in humans in March 2013, in China, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The illness has also been reported from Taiwan. At this time, human-to-human spread of the illness has not been demonstrated but not all patients have been fully evaluated for the origin of their illness.\nInfluenza is common in birds. It rarely makes the leap to humans, but the H7 variant has been known to cause small outbreaks. In 2003, an outbreak from an A(H7N7) virus in the Netherlands caused several cases of conjunctivitis.\nA more well-known avian influenza outbreak is that of A(H5N1). Known as the \"highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A (H5N1) virus infection\", the CDC on Jan. 8, 2014 reported about 600 cases from 15 countries since Nov. 2003. Most cases were due to exposure to poultry, but several clusters of human-to-human transmission have been documented. The illness has been fatal in about 60 percent of the cases. The CDC states that the virus is endemic in poultry in six countries, Bangladesh, China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam.\nA WHO report from Indonesia in 2006 illustrates several of the ways that humans become exposed to bird flu viruses. As is common in many cultures, the initial case kept chickens and allowed them into the house at night. The patient also gathered the chicken feces for use as a fertilizer. In other cases, patients also killed and prepared sick poultry for meals, rather than lose the use of a valuable food source.\nProper sanitation and hygienic practices would normally prevent poultry handlers and cooks from contact with sick birds. The greatest numbers of H5N1 cases have been in Indonesia, Vietnam and Egypt, where poverty, illiteracy and poor healthcare are factors in human illnesses with avian influenza. Human-to-human spread of the disease has occurred in crowded homes, and in cultures where large groups of relatives sit with the dying for hours at a time.\nThe CDC is joined by many national and international public health professionals in having concerns about the future of the avian influenza A(H7N9) virus.\n... the concern is that this H7N9 virus might either adapt to allow efficient transmission during the infection of mammals or reassort its gene segments with human influenza viruses during the co-infection of a single host, resulting in a new virus that would be transmissible from person to person. Such events are believed to have preceded the influenza pandemics of 1918, 1957, and 1968.\n" - ], - [ - "Dead crows put Sultanpur on avian flu alert", - "Dead crows put Sultanpur on avian flu alertfter Amethi, presence of bird flu was confirmed in Sultanpur\n district here on Sunday. Since the avian flu virus was confirmed in \nwild crows, culling could not be undertaken. All poultry farms and units\n in the area have been put on surveillance to track further activity of \nthe virus.TNN | Mar 23, 2015, 01.58 AM ISTLUCKNOW: After Amethi, presence of bird flu was confirmed in Sultanpur district here on Sunday. Since the avian flu virus was confirmed in wild crows, culling could not be undertaken. All poultry farms and units in the area have been put on surveillance to track further activity of the virus. Confirming the news, Sultanpur district magistrate Aditi Singh said, \"Three days ago, two wild crows were found dead in Haliapur area. Their samples were sent for testing to the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases in Bhopal which confirmed the virus.\" On what action has been initiated to curb the crisis, Singh said, \"Since the virus was found in wild crows, culling cannot be undertaken immediately. However, the area where they were found dead has been declared as core region of bird flu. Accordingly, 10 teams have been formed to scan all poultry farms in 1km radius of the spot to keep an eye on any outbreak.\" She also informed that surveillance activity will also take place in 20 kilometer radius area from the spot on Monday. Highly pathogenic avian flu outbreak was confirmed in Shukla Bazar area of Amethi on March 13, a week after over 350 birds died mysteriously in two villages of the area. State government declared an avian flu alert across the state. Culling of over 850 birds including ducks, hens and pigeons followed thereafter. RELATEDMore From The Times of IndiaRecommended By Colombia\n \t " - ], - [ - "Avian Flu-positive Poultry Culled at Hong Kong Market", - "Poultry News Avian Flu-positive Poultry Culled at Hong Kong Market 04 January 2015 HONG KONG - Almost 19,000 poultry - including chickens, partridges and pigeons - have been culled after testing positive for the H7N9 low-pathogenic avian flu virus.The veterinary authority sent an Immediate notification dated 2 January to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) regarding the confirmation of the H7N9 variant of the low-pathogenic avian influenza virus in poultry at a market. \nA consignment of 18,962 imported birds at a market at 4 Hing Wah Street in Cheung Sha Wan tested positive for the virus during routine surveillance on 30 December 2014. \nThe report adds that intensive surveillance system is in place for all imported poultry, wild birds, local poultry farms, poultry markets and pet bird shops. An imported consignment containing 1,200 chickens was tested positive for low pathogenic avian influenza virus (H7N9) during the routine surveillance programme. A total of 18,962 poultry, including 11,800 chickens, 3,140 silky chickens, 1,025 chukars and 2,997 pigeons were culled on 31 December 2014. \nImportation of live poultry has been banned for 21 days. \n \nFurther Reading \nYou can visit the Avian Flu page by clicking here.Read our previous news item on this story by clicking here. \n \n \nThePoultrySite News DeskTop image via Shutterstock " - ], - [ - "H5N2 strikes 3rd Minnesota turkey farm; H5N1 hits Romania", - "The third Minnesota turkey farm this month has fallen prey to the virulent H5N2 avian influenza virus that recently surfaced in the United States, according to federal and state officials.In addition, the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus H5N1 has cropped up in Romania for the first time since 2010, killing wild pelicans, Romanian officials said.The H5N2 outbreak struck a farm housing 39,000 turkeys in central Minnesota's Stearns County, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced Mar 28. The report came the day after officials announced that the virus had hit a turkey farm in Lac Qui Parle County in western Minnesota.The first H5N2 outbreak in the state was reported Mar 5 in Pope County, which adjoins Stearns County on the west. That was followed shortly by two turkey-farm H5N2 outbreaks in Missouri and one in Arkansas. The virus also hit a backyard poultry flock in Kansas recently.One of four barns hitAt the Stearns County farm, the virus struck one of four barns, killing many of the birds in it, Minnesota State Veterinarian Bill Hartmann, DVM, told the Associated Press (AP). Under standard procedures, the USDA said, the farm has been quarantined and all the surviving turkeys will be destroyed to prevent further spread of the virus.Hartmann said there was no known link between Minnesota's latest outbreak and the previous two, according to the AP.Samples from the turkeys were tested after increased deaths were noticed in the flock, the USDA reported. The USDA's National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa, confirmed initial findings by the University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.Stearns County is the second-leading turkey producer in Minnesota, which is the national leader in turkey production, the AP story said. It said more than 40 countries have barred poultry products from Minnesota since the first H5N2 outbreak surfaced.There are several commercial poultry farms and backyard flocks within a quarantine zone established around the outbreak, the Minnesota Board of Animal Health (MBAH) said yesterday. Officials are contacting producers and bird owners to notify them of the quarantine and collect samples for testing.Regarding the Lac Qui Parle County outbreak, the MBAH said 13 backyard poultry flocks were identified in the control zone around the affected farm, and they have been quarantined. Twelve of the flocks tested negative, and results were still awaited on one flock, the board said yesterday.Steve Olson, executive director of the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association, said a federal program will compensate the affected turkey farmers for their lost birds and the cost of cleaning and disinfecting the farms, but they won't make money, the St. Cloud (Minn.) Times reported on Mar 28.Dead pelicans in RomaniaIn Romania, 64 wild Dalmatian pelicans in a flock of about 250 were killed by the H5N1 virus, according to a report that Romanian officials filed with World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) today.The birds were on an island in Sinoe Lake on the border of Constanta and Tulcea counties, which lie in southeastern Romania on the Black Sea, according to the report. The dead birds were first noticed on Mar 25.The incident is the first report of H5N1 in Romania since April 2010, officials said. Romania is bordered on the south by Bulgaria, which reported the death of 21 pelicans from H5N1 last week. The deaths were in the northeastern province of Silistra, which adjoins Romania.Elsewhere, a low-pathogenic H7 virus was found in a flock of 22,273 layer chickens in the Netherlands, Dutch officials told the OIE on Mar 27. The outbreak was in Friesland province. The virus didn't kill any of the birds, but the whole flock was destroyed as a precaution against spread, the report said.See also: Mar 28 USDA press releaseMar 28 AP storyMBAH information on H5N2 outbreaksRelated Mar 27 CIDRAP News itemMar 28 St. Cloud Times storyMar 30 OIE report on H5N1 in RomaniaMar 27 OIE report on H7 in the Netherlands" - ], - [ - "Russia reports suspected foot-and-mouth outbreak in Siberia", - "\nMOSCOW Russian authorities on Tuesday reported a suspected outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in eastern Siberian region of Zabaikalsk, which borders China and Mongolia.The Veterinary and Phyto-Sanitary Surveillance Service (VPSS) said clinical signs of the disease were identified in samples of cattle at a private farm, adding measures to contain it were being taken. Samples have been sent for diagnosis.\n \n Foot-and-mouth disease is a highly infectious and sometimes fatal disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals such as sheep, goats, cattle and pigs.\n \n It is not a direct threat to humans, but can disrupt trade and measures to cope with it can be expensive.\n \n (Reporting by Polina Devitt, editing by David Evans)" - ], - [ - "Russia allows import of buffalo meat from India", - " \n\tAfter months of discussion and inspections of plants, Russia has decided to import buffalo meat from India. As Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus have common customs standards, the buffalo meat would soon be shipped to these three CIS countries.\nSources told FE that a formal announcement would be made during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India next week.\nAs per formal protocol to be signed, customs union of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan will import buffalo meat from four designated plants located in Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra.\nSources said buffalo meat would be exported from meat processing units at Aligarh, Barabanki, Rampur (Uttar Pradesh) and Aurangabad (Maharashtra) where inspectors from Russia will be stationed to monitor quality. These meat processing units belong to country’s largest buffalo meat exporter Allanasons and Amroon.\nRussia is among the few countries that had put a ban on import of meat and poultry products from India due to occurrence of foot and mouth disease years ago.\nThe decision to set up an office in the country for monitoring buffalo meat exports to Russia was taken recently in a meeting in Delhi by Dmitry Rogzin, deputy prime minister of Russia, with external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj.\nRussia’s move to source buffalo meat from India follows the ban imposed on fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, milk and dairy imports from the United States, the European Union, Australia and Canada in response to the sanctions imposed on it.\nThe Russian president had asked for limiting food imports from those countries that had imposed sanctions on Moscow for its support of rebels in eastern Ukraine and the annexation of Crimea. The ban is valid for one year starting August 7.\nIndia has made it clear that it will not support sanctions sought to be imposed on Russia by a select group of countries led by the US.\nOfficials at the Agricultural and Processed Food Exports Development Authority (APEDA) said concerted efforts to eliminate diseases such as rinderpest and foot and mouth disease have produced fruit with a sharp increase in exports of meat products, including buffalo meat from India.\nRinderpest was eliminated in 1995 and World Organisation for Animal Health had officially declared India free of the disease. The incidents of foot and mouth disease have been sporadic.\nThe buffalo meat exports grew from R13,745 crore in 2011-12 to R26,457 crore in the last fiscal. Countries such as Vietnam, Malaysia, Egypt, Thailand and Saudi Arabia are the key export destinations for the buffalo meat products.\n\tPlease Wait while comments are loading..." - ], - [ - "​Russia to lift controls on Mongolian meat exports – Putin", - "\n Russia will lift restrictions on the import of meat products from Mongolia, President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday following talks with Mongolian President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj.\n \"We will certainly\n make steps towards our Mongolian friends and the decisions will\n be taken by the Russian Government in the near future\", RIA\n Novosti quoted Putin as saying after the meeting in the Mongolian\n capital of Ulaanbaatar.\n Putin said that Mongolia has a big opportunity to significantly\n increase the supply of meat products to the Russian market given\n compliance with Russian food safety regulations.\n In the last decade Russia imposed restrictions on the import of\n livestock from Mongolia due to several outbreaks of\n foot-and-mouth disease (FMD).\n In August, in retaliation for Western sanctions against Russia,\n Moscow imposed a one-year food embargo against the countries that\n targeted it. Among the most hit by the ban was Germany, which\n supplied 750,000 tons of pork annually, worth over €1 billion\n ($1.31 billion).\n The Canadian meat industry was also hit hard, with pork worth\n $500 million left without a market in Russia, while Australian\n beef exports lost $147.4 million.\n Also on Wednesday state-owned Russian Railways and Mongolia’s\n Ministry of Road, Transportation, Construction and Urban\n Development signed an agreement on the modernization of the\n Ulaanbaatar Railway. The project is aimed at boosting exports and\n transit of goods and at improving the investment climate in\n Mongolia – which is experiencing a major mining boom.\n Russia and Mongolia are also discussing the possibility of\n signing an agreement on railway transit to China, Elbegdorj said.\n “We agreed to end the work on the modernization of the\n Ulaanbaatar Railway by 2020. We also discussed the signing of an\n agreement on transit between Mongolia, Russia and China,â€\n ITAR-TASS quotes Elbegdorj after talks with Putin.\n Russia and Mongolia have also signed an agreement on visa-free\n travel which was suspended by Mongolia in 1995. Under the\n agreement, nationals of both countries can enjoy a visa-free stay\n in Russia or Mongolia for up to 30 days.\n Mongolia also proposed Russia increase annual bilateral trade to\n $10 billion by 2020.\n Annual trade between Russia and Mongolia had recently been on the\n decline, dropping by 16 percent to $1.6 billion in 2013.\n President Putin also said that Russia’s biggest oil company\n Rosneft plans further expansion in Mongolia.\n \"Rosneft covers most of the country's demand for oil\n products, supplies the Genghis Khan International Airport in\n Ulaanbaatar and has big plans to expand its presence in the\n Mongolian market.\"\n Elbegdorj briefed Putin on the Mongolian initiative to construct\n the so called \"Steppe Route\" pipeline that would transit natural\n gas from Russia to China.\n In total 15 agreements on cooperation were signed, including\n Russia providing military and technical assistance to Mongolia.\n" - ], - [ - "Export opening for India in Russia-West stand-off", - " \n\t \t \n\t \t \nRussia’s retaliatory ban on import of meat, poultry and some other agricultural products from America and the European Union has opened an opportunity for India.Strict quality norms and lack of government initiative restricted India’s entry into the Russian meat and poultry product market. Now, rising inflation due to supply shortage might impel the Russian government to liberalise the quality norms to increase imports from alternative origins, including India.Russia’s ban followed the US-EU economic sanctions announced on the Ukraine issue. The previous year’s import of these items from America and 11 European countries were about $128 billion. India exported only $195 million of agri products to Russia in 2013-14. And, despite supplying 60 per cent of the world’s buffalo meat, India was absent from the Russian market.“The sanctions offer an enormous opportunity to India to capture their (US & EU) market share. India should take initiatives and engage Russian authorities in talks,†said Ajay Sahai, director-general of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations, under the ministry of commerce. \n\t \nSome years earlier, Russia was among a number of countries which had banned import of meat and poultry products from India, due to occurrence of foot and mouth disease. While others have lifted the ban, Russia continues with it. Interestingly, an inter-government agreement was signed between Russia, Iran, India and Oman in 2001 to establish a transport corridor and intensify economic cooperation. But, little progress was made afterward.According to Sahai, the Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority has been asked to look into the matter. Efforts to reach Sunil Kumar, in charge of meat exports at Apeda, did not elicit a response. Also, an email to Rashid Kazmi, president of the Mumbai–based All India Meat & Livestock Exporters Association did not get an answer.India exports around $4,500 mn worth of meat and poultry products annually, of which buffalo meat is 95 per cent. “India produces the best quality meat in the world. Quality is not an issue as on today. The only thing lacking is the government’s effort to start meat export to Russia,†said a senior official of Delhi–based Mirha Exports, one of the largest shippers of buffalo meat.Russia also faces a serious shortfall of dairy and cheese products. India exported $540 mn of dairy products in 2013-14.\t \n\t \t " - ], - [ - "Brazil Looking to Russia and Iran to Boost Meat Exports", - " Brazil is seeking to increase its lead over India, Australia and the U.S. in meat exports by stepping up sales to Russia and the Middle East.\nThe South American country plans to hold talks with Russia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates as part of a goal of increasing beef and poultry shipments by 15 percent in a year, Agriculture Minister Neri Geller said yesterday in an interview from Brasilia.\nThe government of President Dilma Rousseff is looking to use decisions made at last week’s World Organization for Animal Health meeting to help build Brazil’s protein market share. At the meeting in Paris, the country retained its insignificant risk status for mad-cow disease and raised to 24 the number of states that are considered free of foot and mouth disease.\n“We are having strong negotiations with Russia on this to open their market even more for our exports, and also for pork,†Geller said. “I’ll meet officials of countries such as Russia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates and Brazilian industry representatives to discuss ways to improve exports.â€\nBrazil is also negotiating to increase purchases of Russian wheat after Argentina imposed export restrictions.\nRussia’s acceptance of Ukraine’s presidential election results last month has eased the threat of more sanctions against Russia’s economy after the country’s move to annex Crimea and back pro-Russian separatist movements in Ukraine.\nCrop OutlookBrazil exports about 2.03 million metric tons of meat, beef and veal compared with India’s 1.88 million tons, Australia’s 1.56 million tons and the U.S.’s 1.14 million tons, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.\nBrazil’s efforts to increase exports comes as Sao Paulo-based JBS SA, the world’s biggest meat producer, engages in a bidding war with Tyson Foods Inc. for Hillshire Brands Co. as traditional meatpackers seek consumer brands to boost profit.\nThe government is looking to produce an additional 1.8 million tons of wheat from Brazil’s current crop, on top of the 6.9 million tons it forecast on May 8, while favorable planting weather is boosting corn prospects, Geller said.\n“By the end of this crop our grain output will reach 194 million tons and I expect us to break the 200 million-ton barrier in the next crop,†he said. “The world needs Brazil to provide food and we’ll step up to the task. We’ll produce and have enough inventories to face any inflation pressure.â€\n " - ], - [ - "Mongolia looks to ramp up supplies to Russia following Putin visit", - "\n By Vladislav VorotnikovVladislav Vorotnikov , 20-Oct-20142014-10-20T00:00:00ZLast updated on 20-Oct-2014 at 11:39 GMT2014-10-20T11:39:08Z\n Mongolia is ready for a 10-fold increase in beef exports to Russia, following recent preliminary agreements reached during a September visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin to the country.\n \n With the current annual supply volume standing at 10,000–11,000 tonnes (t), Russian industry participants expect Mongolia will aim to achieve exports of 100,000t-110,000t, allowing it to become at least one of the largest suppliers of this type of meat to the Russian market.Previously Mongolia was a large exporter of beef to Russia, but deliveries were banned in 2010 after several outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease in the country, and Mongolia was not able to restore supplies even when the ban was lifted.\"Mongolian businesses are very interested in achieving a rapid increase in beef supplies to Russia,\" said Alexei Alexeenko, assistant manager of Russian veterinary watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor. \"The Mongolians are ready to supply our market with products to the maximum possible level.\"Representatives from the regional departments of Rosselkhoznadzor said the first shipments of beef from Mongolia were almost ready.\"Slaughter [of cattle for the supply to Russia] is already in progress and Russian veterinary specialists are controlling compliance with all our hygiene standards,\" said Roman Krupennikov, head of Rosselkhoznadzor’s border veterinary control department for Irkutsk Oblast and the Republic of Buryatia.Russian market participants say Mongolian beef may partly replace supplies from Brazil and other South American countries as it will offer more attractive prices, due to lower outlay on logistics.\"The amount of 100,000t is about 15-20% of the total volume of Russian beef imports,\" said chairman of the Russian Meat Union Moushegh Mamikonian. \"Today about 80% of beef imports to Russia come from Latin America. Mongolia is located much closer to Russia, so it is much more profitable to work with this country. In particular, for companies located in the Urals, supplies from Mongolia would be more convenient in terms of logistics.\"Deliveries in such volumes will be a good step in the diversification of import flows. At the same time, pastoral [rearing of cattle] provides meat with less fat and, in terms of food hygiene, this is an obvious advantage of the Mongolian products,\" he added.At the same time, representatives from the Russian National Meat Association (NMA) doubt that Mongolia can become a large beef supplier to Russia in the years ahead. According to the NMA’s head Sergei Yushin, Russian meat-processing plants use mostly boneless beef and Mongolia may not provide the products the country’s plants are ready to work with.At the same time, the NMA’s head of the department of animal husbandry and veterinary medicine Eugene Lapinsky said there were still concerns about the veterinary control over beef from Mongolia, as the contamination of beef from that country with various infections is high. \n \n " - ], - [ - "Insufficient number of containers in Latvia hit by African swine fever", - "It took two weeks for the Food and Veterinary Service (FVS) to provide the area in Latgale Region hit by African swine fever with sufficient number of containers, informs LETA reffering to newspaper Latvijas Avize. \n \t \n\t \n\tHunters in the vicinity of Daugavpils were outraged as the containers \nmeant for carcasses of wild boars in Kraslava and Dagda were always full, thus \nincreasing the risk of infection. \n \nSince the state of emergency was declared in the area, hunters in \nDaugavpils focused on hunting wild boars, in accordance with the Cabinet of \nMinisters' decree on reduction of the wild boar population. \n \nSoon hunters complained that the number of containers supplied by the \nFVS was insufficient. \"Containers in Kraslava were constantly full, \ntherefore, hunters left the dead boars next to the containers - theoretically, \nin such conditions the virus could have been spreading even faster,\" \nDaugavpils Hunters and Anglers representative Viktors Frilins told Latvijas \nAvize. After the discussions with the FVS, both parties came to an \nagreement that hunters will be able to hand boar carcasses to the FVS. \n \nSeveral containers were placed in Latgale Region on July 16, and are \ncurrently set up in 10 locations. Six more containers are yet to be set up. \n \nFrilins believes that \"the hunting grounds should be provided with \nproper logistics so that hunters would have to go the shortest distance \npossible to reach the closest container.\" \n \nLatvijas Avize indicates that the issue of containers within \nhunting areas remains unsolved. \n \n" - ], - [ - "First buffalo meat exports to Russia to start in 6-8 weeks", - " \n\t \t \n\t \t \nIndia’s buffalo meat export to Russia is likely to start in six to eight weeks, says Santosh Sarangi, chairman, Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority.Three months after formal approval for import, Russia’s official veterinary and phytosanitary service monitor, Rosselkhoznadzor, has appointed an inspector for India. The primary assignment of the inspector is to visit buffalo meat processing plants, pack houses and other units intended to get involved in exports and approve the consignment.The expert will control buffalo meat production and despatch from India and will be acquainted with the raw material suppliers of Indian establishments that are going to export to Russia, said the agency.Ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit in the first week of December 2014, the agency said it was allowing import of buffalo meat from India but there was no progress thereafter to hasten the process.“Exports will be allowed only after clearance of consignments by the Russian inspector. While the inspection has already started, it will take at least six to eight weeks to get the first consignment cleared,†Sarangi said and clarified, “The timeline can change. But, exports will be possible only after the inspector certifies the consignment, which was a part of our original agreement.â€On December 4, 2014, Rosselkhoznadzor and Kazakhstan’s agriculture ministry included Indian buffalo meat producers to the register of organisations and individuals involved in the production, processing and storage of goods transported to the territory of the customs union of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan. \n\t \nRussia opened its market for Indian buffalo meat after a long period of ban. Until recently, Russia was among a number of countries which had banned import of meat and poultry products from India, due to an earlier occurrence of foot and mouth disease. The others had lifted the ban. Strict quality norms and lack of government initiatives restricted India’s entry into the Russian meat and poultry market.“India replaced Vietnam to emerge the world’s largest supplier of buffalo meat in global markets last year. For several years, our buffalo meat exports have been rising by 25-40 per cent annually. This year, we would surpass $6 billion,†said Ajai Sahai, director-general of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations. India’s export of buffalo meat was $4.35 bn in 2013-14, a rise of 36 per cent from $3.2 bn in 2012-13.India exported only $195 million of agri products to Russia in 2013-14. And, despite supplying 60 per cent of the world’s buffalo meat, India was absent from the Russian market. India exports around $4,500 mn worth of meat and poultry products annually, of which buffalo meat is 95 per cent.Total exports of buffalo metal from India stood at 1.45 million tonnes worth 26,457.79 crore in the financial year 2013-14 largely to Vietnam Social Republic, Malaysia, Egypt Arab Republic, Thailand, Saudi Arabia and Jordan.\t \n\t \t " - ], - [ - "Belarus bans livestock imports from Mongolia's Khovd Province", - "\n \n Belarus bans livestock imports from Mongolia's Khovd Province \n \n \n Economy \n 27.03.2015 | 13:48 \n \n f vk ok t g m \n \n \n MINSK, 28 March (BelTA) – Belarus banned livestock imports from Khovd Province of Mongolia due to a foot-and-mouth disease starting from 25 March, BelTA learned from the Veterinary and Food Control Department of the Agriculture and Food Ministry.“The World Organization for Animal Health reported on the case of foot-and-mouth disease in Khovd Province of Mongolia,†the department said.In this regard the Veterinary and Food Control Department of the Belarusian Agriculture and Food Ministry has introduced temporary restrictions on the import of susceptible cattle, meat products and other raw materials made from these animals, hides, hoofs, horns, raw casings, sheepskin, wool, goat hair, bull and sheep sperm, cattle fetuses, milk and dairy products, meat of wild ruminant, solid-hoofed, small non-ruminant cloven-hoofed animals, hunting trophies, plant and animal fodder and feed supplements, fodder and supplements for cats and dogs made from the raw materials produced in Khovd Province, used equipment for the slaughter and butchering of cattle.All previous permissions for the import of abovementioned products are abolished.Foot-and-mouth disease is an infectious disease that affects animals and rarely humans. The virus causes a high fever for two or three days, followed by blisters inside the mouth and on the feet. \n More about Economy \n \n \n " - ], - [ - "Bird Flu Confirmed in Arkansas as Mexico Expands Poultry Ban", - " The U.S. government confirmed a case of bird flu in Arkansas as the disease spreads into the southeast of the country, the heart of the domestic poultry industry.\nThe H5N2 strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza was confirmed in a commercial turkey flock in Boone County, Arkansas, a unit of the U.S. Department of Agriculture said in a statement Wednesday.\nThe disease has spread this month after appearing in a migratory route along the Mississippi River. Previously, the outbreak that started in mid-December was contained in western states. Butterball LLC, the largest U.S. turkey, said Wednesday that the virus has affected farms that supply the company. Cargill Inc. said that Missouri’s agriculture agency indicated preliminary positive tests in two flocks, including a company contract site.\nChina has halted all U.S. poultry imports since January. Mexico, the top importer of U.S. chicken and turkey, expanded bans this week to restrict shipments from other states with cases in commercial flocks: California, Missouri and Minnesota, the top turkey producer. The European Union, Guatemala, Jordan and more than a dozen other countries have also restricted some U.S. shipments.\n“It seems to be spreading fast,†Ron Plain, a livestock economist at the University of Missouri in Columbia, said in a telephone interview. “A lot of our foreign customers will stop purchases from impacted states.â€\nButterball FarmsThe Arkansas and Jasper County, Missouri, turkey operations affected by the virus are contract farms that supply to Garner, North Carolina-based Butterball, Stephanie Llorente, a company spokeswoman, said in an e-mail. Cargill said in an e-mail that Missouri’s preliminary positive results for the H5N2 virus included a company contract farm close to Fortuna, Missouri.\n“Our first concern is always the health and safety of the people who enjoy our products, as well as the care and well-being of our turkeys,†Llorente said.\nSpringdale, Arkansas, is the home of Tyson Foods Inc., the largest U.S. chicken producer. The company’s shares fell the most since June after Reuters earlier reported the suspected case in the state. No flocks grown for the company have been diagnosed with avian influenza, spokesman Worth Sparkman said in an e-mail.\nPilgrim’s PrideShares of Pilgrim’s Pride Corp., the second-biggest U.S. chicken producer, tumbled as much as 9 percent.\nClosely held Butterball is the top turkey producer. Pilgrim’s Pride is based in Greeley, Colorado.\nCargill, one of the world’s biggest agriculture companies, said flu tests at almost 80 farms within a 12-mile (19-kilometer) radius of the operation cited by the state of Missouri state were negative.\nClosely held Cargill, based in Minneapolis, said no company flock in Arkansas tested positive.\n“This is a big problem, especially for our turkey industry,†James Sumner, the president of the Stone Mountain, Georgia-based USA Poultry & Egg Export Council, said Tuesday in a telephone interview. “We were in Mexico this week meeting with government officials and trying to prevail upon them to treat this as we treat it.â€\nThis outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza is the first in U.S. commercial poultry since 2004. The disease is highly contagious among birds. None of the viruses have been identified in humans, and are not expected to pose a public health risk, USDA’s Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service said in a statement on its website on March 10.\n‘Heightened Measures’“We’re encouraging everybody in the industry to take heightened biosecurity measures,†Sumner said. “At the same time, we recognize that if it’s in the flyways and in the migratory birds, it’s going to show up in these other states. It’s just a matter of time. We’re telling everybody to take extreme care in trying to prevent any contamination.â€\nThe flu hasn’t been detected on any commercial broiler farm in the Mississippi flyway, Tom Super, a spokesman for the National Chicken Council, said in an e-mail.\n " - ], - [ - "Mexico reports bird flu outbreaks in Puebla, Oaxaca states", - "\nPARIS/MEXICO CITY Mexico has reported outbreaks of highly pathogenic H7N3 bird flu virus in two backyards in the states of Oaxaca and Puebla in the southern part of the country, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) said on Thursday.Following a notification by the homeowners of an increase in the sudden death of birds, 139 birds were found infected by the virus, the Mexican agriculture ministry said in a report posted on the website of the Paris-based organisation.\"The official veterinary services launched the necessary epidemiological investigation and the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus subtype H7N3 was confirmed,\" it said.\n \n Both outbreaks were confirmed as positive for avian influenza on March 9. The report said that so far, no epidemiological link had been identified between them.Mexico's agriculture ministry said in a statement on Thursday that the reported cases were immediately controlled and that animal health authorities had not found any other infected birds. No traces of the virus were found within a 10 kilometer radius of the area, the ministry said. \n \n The ministry also said poultry companies in the areas had not been affected.\n \n (Reporting by Sybille de La Hamaide and Adriana Barrera; Editing by Mark Potter, Toni Reinhold)" - ], - [ - "Mexico Reports Two More H7N3 Bird Flu Outbreaks", - "Poultry NewsMexico Reports Two More H7N3 Bird Flu Outbreaks03 September 2013 \n \nMEXICO - Two new outbreaks of H7N3 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) have been reported - the first in a village flock of quails and the second in a flock of commercial layers.The Mexican veterinary authority has sent Follow Up report no. 10 dated 31 August to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). \nThe report covers two new outbreaks of HPAI, later identified as the H7N3 sub-type. \nThe first outbreak started on 12 August in a small village quail flock in Valle de Santiago in the state of Guanajuarto. The situation is described as \"resolved\". \nOn 19 August, a 10,000-strong layer flock in the stare of Jalisco - at Lagos de Moreno - was hit by the virus. The number of cases/deaths is not reported; the case is on-going. \nAccording to the report, control measures previously applied are still on-going, including vaccination of birds at risk, as well as epidemiological surveillance at national level. \n \nFurther Reading \nYou can visit the Avian Flu page by clicking here. \n \nThePoultrySite News Desk " - ], - [ - "Mexico and US celebrate poultry trade success", - "The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) which has provided a significant economic boost to the poultry and egg industries in the US and Mexico, is celebrating 20 years of existence. \n\tIn the two decades of NAFTA, Mexico has risen to become the number one export market for US chicken, turkey, duck and eggs in 2013, with annual sales exceeding $1.3 billion, according to US government trade data. \nDuring this period, total US poultry exports to Mexico have grown by 358% in volume and 415% by value. Export volume of chicken meat has increased by five-fold, while value has increased more than eight times. \nFor turkey meat, export volume and value to Mexico during the 20 years of NAFTA have increased by 135% and 198%, respectively. \nFor the US and Mexico, NAFTA has contributed to unprecedented growth in poultry production. Since the implementation of NAFTA in 1994, US poultry production has grown by more than four-and-a-half times, while egg production has more than doubled. Mexico's poultry and egg production, meanwhile, has increased at an average annual rate of 4.3% and 2.8%, respectively. \nMeanwhile, Mexico's per capita consumption of chicken increased during the period by nearly 285%, while egg consumption grew by 120%, solidifying Mexico's position as the global leader in egg consumption. \nAfter an initial NAFTA 10-year phase-in period, during which import tariffs were reduced incrementally to zero, US poultry and eggs have duty-free access to the Mexican market. Even though Mexico continues to work on gaining entry to the US for its raw poultry products, its industry has unfettered access to US feed grains, poultry genetics and other inputs, which has helped to make the Mexican industry much more efficient. \nMuch of the US poultry meat is shipped to Mexico fresh, in the form of mechanically separated chicken and turkey meat. These products are used extensively by the Mexican meat processing industry in the manufacture of a variety of further processed products, such as sausages, hams and deli meats, often as a more cost-effective alternative to pork. US producers also export a significant amount of other fresh chicken and turkey parts for retail sale, mainly in the cities located along the border between the US and Mexico. \n\"The US is the only country that produces sufficient quantities of mechanically separated poultry (MSP) that can supply the demands of Mexican meat processors,\" said USA Poultry & Egg Export Council President Jim Sumner. \nImports of US poultry meat have been a boon to Mexican processors, which have helped to contribute to Mexico's increasing consumption of poultry. Over the past 20 years, Mexico's per capita consumption of poultry has grown by an average of nearly 3% annually. \nMexico also imports a significant amount of processed US egg products, which are in high demand by commercial bakeries, confectioners, and processed food manufacturers. And, in the wake of a severe outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in its main egg-producing region in the state of Jalisco, in 2012 Mexico began importing table eggs from the US to boost dwindling supplies that were curtailed during the outbreak. \n" - ], - [ - "Mexico Doubles Egg Imports from US", - "Poultry NewsMexico Doubles Egg Imports from US13 September 2013 \nMEXICO - As a result of recent bird flu outbreaks, Mexico imported twice as many eggs as usual in the first six months of this year. US exporters to Mexico will be required to have new certificates from 28 September.A new report from the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service clarifies that USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is responsible for certifying shell egg as well as egg food product shipments to Mexico while the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) certifies items like fertile/hatching eggs and the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is responsible for certifying liquid, frozen, or dried processed egg products. \nThis report focuses on recent changes applicable to shell egg and egg food products exported to Mexico announced by APHIS and AMS. \nOn 3 April 2013, US Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a program to facilitate the export of further processed eggs and egg products. The USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) will verify a wide range of products containing eggs, including omelets, frozen egg patties, crepes, hard boiled eggs, mayonnaise, and food containing egg extracts. The export certifications to Mexico performed by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) for foods containing eggs will be discontinued. \nExporters who are interested in shipping egg products to Mexico need to contact AMS to register for the new program and schedule an audit as soon as possible. \nMexico will be requiring the new AMS certificates beginning on 28 September 2013. \nMarket statistics \nTotal egg and egg products imports into Mexico for the first six months of 2013 have eclipsed calendar year levels from 2012 and are expected to continue growing as per-capita consumption and food industry use of table eggs and processed egg products remain high and as the Mexican poultry industry looks to re-establish its national flock with US fertile/hatching eggs. \nAs indicated in FAS/Mexico's most recent poultry annual GAIN report, there is a strong demand in Mexico for eggs and egg food products as current supplies have been disrupted by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks. As a result, Mexican prices have increased over traditional levels and made new market opportunities for US table eggs and processed egg product suppliers. \n \n \nThePoultrySite News Desk " - ], - [ - "Mexico reports bird flu outbreaks at two egg farms", - "Home»\tWorld\t » \tNorth America\tMexico reports bird flu outbreaks at two egg farms \tPARIS: Mexico reported outbreaks of highly pathogenic bird flu virus at two egg farms and that these had been resolved after the culling of nearly 300,000 birds, world animal health body OIE said on Wednesday. A total of 740 poultry have died from the virus which emerged in the two egg farms located in the central state of Aguascalientes, said a report by the Mexican agriculture ministry to Paris-based OIE. The virus, reported to be the highly pathogenic avian influenza serotype H7N3, is different from the deadly H5N1 strain, which has devastated duck and chicken flocks and caused hundreds of human deaths after it was first detected in 1997 in Hong Kong. Outbreaks of H7N3 occurred previously in Mexico, with the latest one in September last year in the northeastern part of the state of Jalisco, which is near Aguascalientes, it said. \"Timely notification from the farmer and surveillance activities allowed immediate depopulation of the two affected production units, reason why both outbreaks identified are closed,\" the ministry said in the report. Countries that are members of OIE have the obligation to report outbreaks of certain animal diseases to the Paris-based organisation. The ministry said it was still doing active and passive surveillance at national level and that epidemiological investigation was ongoing. The source of the outbreaks or origin of the infection was still unknown. Center>Copyright Reuters, 2013" - ], - [ - "USDA GAIN: Livestock and Products", - "USDA GAIN: Livestock and Products11 March 2013USDA GAIN: Mexico Livestock and Products Semi-annual 2013Mexico’s cattle stocks are forecast to continue their downward trend as the industry has been hit by \ndrought, high feed prices, large live cattle export numbers, and has been challenged by genetics over the \npast several years. With higher beef prices, consumption is forecast to fall and be replaced with \nincreased substitution by pork. The pork sector is making much needed productivity gains that will \nfacilitate their competitiveness internationally. \nAnimal Numbers, Cattle Meat, Beef and Veal \nProduction: \nThe Post 2013 Mexican beef production revised estimate is 1.8 million metric tons (MMT), carcass weight equivalent (CWE), slightly greater than the 2013 USDA official estimate of 1.795 MMT as carcass weights are expected to be marginally higher in spite of concerns of continued high grain prices for cattle in Mexico. The low breeding rate along with the increased export of calves continues straining production and is curbing domestic slaughter or animals available for domestic slaughter. Production figures for 2012 were revised slightly upward from the 2012 USDA official estimate due to new availability of official information from SENASICA. The beef production estimates of calves and beef steers for 2011 are unchanged.Grain Prices Continues Hitting Cattle Producers. Uniform Substitutes Needed. The cattle industry continues struggling with strong international grain prices. Sources are aware of recent USDA reports that prices are expected to fall lower in 2013, but doubt their ability to take advantage of any lower grain prices. Sources actually believe the grain prices they pay will remain high through much of 2013 due to new and persistent drought expected for Mexico and the United States. In addition, pasturing lands for many beef cattle have not returned to normal and are slowing the desired return of cattle to these lands. As such, producers are forced to pay more to feed their cattle. In addition, Mexico’s National Water Commission is advising that the drought will be similar to that seen in 2011, the worst on record in Mexico, while current indications from the January 2013 edition of the U.S. drought monitor suggest things are currently slightly worse in Mexico at this time in comparison to that faced in January 2011.Industry sources indicate that increased grain prices has increased cattle production costs substantially. Thus, producers continue searching for other price accessible grain substitutes like distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGs) and brewery residues (e.g., malted barley waste). However, it appears the industry is witnessing quality control issues and has not been able to find something of uniform quality or protein levels as brewers are extracting most of the nutritive ingredients from grains (including fats) and protein levels are not consistent.Live Cattle Exports and Breeding Challenges Curb Replacement Cattle feeders and packers remain concerned about the growing export of Mexican live cattle as it is having a negative effect on short- to medium-term beef production. Producers, however, have found the export of live cattle to be profitable even though they are struggling to improve production practices that could result in significant breeding improvements with increased efficiencies and better future steer availability.Post forecasts live cattle exports in 2013 will be lower than the previous year given that calf production has not been able to recover to historical levels. However, the opening of a new export pen in the State of Nuevo Leon at Colombia with the capacity to export 300,000 head per year could contribute to increasing the number of Mexican live cattle exported to the United States as the greater geographic accessibility of the pens could lower transaction costs. Ending inventories for 2013 are expected to be 8 percent lower than 2013 beginning inventories. During 2012 live cattle exports remained strong as exports were fueled by continued movement of feeder steers to the United States and what seems to have been a temporary surge in early 2012 to Turkey. \nConsumption: \nThe Post 2013 beef consumption forecast anticipates consumption figures will be lower than the 2013 USDA estimate as higher prices and lower than anticipated import numbers limited consumption. In addition, this is based on higher production costs, tighter supplies, and anticipated further beef price increases. The Post 2012 beef consumption revised estimate is lower than the USDA official estimate due to the above mentioned factors, as well. Moreover, reduced imports derived from higher U.S.-origin beef prices is an important factor. The Post 2011 beef consumption estimate is unchanged from USDA official figures.Per Capita Consumption Figures for Beef Continue Falling Consistent with Post estimated trends, unofficial sources indicate that during 2012, overall per capita consumption dropped from 17 kilograms to 16 kilograms per person due to higher production costs that were passed along to consumers. These same sources indicate that beef consumption levels should remain at generally similar levels in 2013 and could lead to increased substitution for pork as consumers elect other animal proteins.“Stuck†Consumption: Beef Prices Remains More Expensive than Other Animal Proteins Industry sources indicate that consumption is “stuck†due to price issues and the greater affordability of pork and poultry. During early 2013, retail prices continued trending higher for thin-muscle beef cuts known as “bistec†and no growth is forecast. As previously reported, most low to medium income households consume these beef cuts. The demand for finer cuts is expected to remain flat, as well. These cuts are preferred by middle and upper-income consumers who represent a much smaller population segment. \n \nChart 1. Mexico City Beef, Pork and Poultry Carcasses Wholesale Prices \n \n \nSource: The Information and Integration of Markets National System (SNIIM), Secretariat of Economy (SE). \nTrade: \nBeef Imports Maintain Supply While Year Over Year Production Falls Post forecasts Mexico’s 2013 beef imports to rebound to 2011 levels of 265,000 MT carcass weight equivalent (CWE); significantly lower than USDA’s forecast for 2013 of 350,000 MT CWE. Mexico’s increased live cattle exports due to drought and declining cattle herd numbers are one of the greatest drivers for Mexican imports while high beef prices bring consumption to a standstill. The possible increased availability of certain U.S. beef cuts due to Russia’s recent suspension of U.S. meat imports may play an important factor that allows for growth in year over year trade in 2013 from Post’s calendar year 2012 import estimate of 220,000 MT CWE. Post’s 2012 import estimate is lowered significantly from USDA’s estimate due to higher international beef prices. Import estimates for 2011 were kept unchanged.Mexican Beef Market Struggling to Develop Export Growth Mexico, during 2013, will continue exporting beef products to the United States, Japan, Russia, Angola, Israel and other Asian countries. Negotiations with Singapore and China are underway and, if successful, industry reports that exports could start by 2015. Also, as more establishments are considered eligible to ship to Russia, South Korea, and Japan, Mexican firms should grow their exports. Industry sources indicate that Mexico could double its exports from 6 percent of domestic production to 12 percent, given demand for finer cuts that are consumed by only a small segment of the Mexican population and better prices offered by international markets.Added-Value Exports Developing Slowly The Mexican beef industry continues promoting the need to develop added-value product exports to strengthen all aspects of the beef marketing channel. The sector is encouraging members to improve processing activity efficiencies and better meet the requirements of foreign markets. \n \nTable 1. Mexico: Mexico City Beef Carcass Wholesale Prices (Pesos/Kg) by Month, 2011-2012 \n \n \nSource: Market Information National Service (SNIIM), Secretariat of Economy (SE). \nPolicy: \nMexican meat sector representatives report that they were present during Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations and that domestic meat sector could be in jeopardy as other members may be able to offer less expensive beef products for supply into Mexico. \nMarketing: \nMexico is considered a price sensitive market for beef products. As the wealth distribution among consumers is disparate, many American beef products are priced out of the market as consumers lack purchasing power and are turning to other proteins like pork and poultry. As such, Mexico is a “commodity market†defined by the types of U.S. beef products shipped, which tend to be the less expensive cuts such as topside round. Additionally, U.S. meat is not identified generally at the point-of-sale but efforts are being made to address this so that the positive attributes of U.S. beef can be communicated to retailers and end consumers.U.S. beef exports to Mexico are influenced by macro trends taking place in the industry. For example, supermarkets are sourcing more local products and hotels are trending to an all-inclusive format and thus looking for less expensive items and ingredients to offer on menus.Opportunities, nevertheless, are being created by the increase in slaughter as well as the increase in export of feeder cattle to the United States which has lowered local beef availability. Additionally, high-end niche markets for top quality meat cuts are a segment showing possible growth opportunities. \nAnimal Numbers, Swine Meat, Swine \nProduction: \nThe Post 2013 Mexican pork production revised estimate is increased to 1.255 MMT CWE, slightly higher than the 2013 USDA estimate of 1.210 MMT CWE. The incorporation of new breeding lines, better farm management techniques, and increased slaughter weights has allowed production of more meat from fewer hogs. In addition anticipated demand driven by Asian customers is also pushing production greater. The Post 2012 pork production estimate has been increased slightly greater than the USDA estimate representing aforementioned production trends and official data from SAGARPA. The Post 2011 estimate is unchanged.Higher Live Swine Weights and Better Genetics Foster Increased Production Higher production to sows is producing more live animals per litter. These genetic improvements are allowing the pork sector to nudge the live pig crop higher in 2013. These hogs also have better genetics and are able to gain desired market weights faster with improved rates of gain. The higher pig production forecast along with a lower swine slaughter ratio, as hogs are yielding more meat, will allow domestic inventories to continue growing in 2013.Spokespersons for the Mexican pork sector believe that the competitiveness producers lost during the last 5 years due to high grain prices, low litter counts, and competition from U.S. supply must be recovered in order to allow the industry acceptable growth. The industry expects to accomplish some of this recovery through improved risk management practices featuring contracted agriculture and better use of commodity markets.Grain Prices Relatively Moot on Pork Sector As in other producing countries, animal feed for pork is based generally on yellow corn as well as sorghum. In Mexico, feed represents approximately 64 percent of the production cost. Currently, the pork sector consumption of grains is 4.8 MMT, representing 47 percent of Mexico’s total feed grain consumption. Some northern Mexico producers, however, are feeding hogs with white corn or wheat (if available and at attractive prices due to temporary surpluses during Mexico’s growing seasons) and, as such, have been able to stave off higher feed prices. \nConsumption: \nThe Post 2013 total pork consumption forecast of 1.87 MMT CWE is higher than the 2013 USDA estimate of 1.79 MMT CWE as purchasing power gains as well as pork’s attractiveness in comparison with beef will contribute towards increased demand. The Post 2012 consumption estimate has been raised to 1.835 MMT CME from the USDA official estimate of 1.805 MMT CWE to account for pork’s relative attractiveness in comparison with other animal proteins and to reflecting official data from SAGARPA.Middle income consumers (a smaller portion of the population) continue shifting consumption habits from poultry and beef back to pork due to high beef prices and more recently due to concerns over the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak and increased poultry product prices. Additionally, industry sources indicate that pork is slowly gaining acceptance among consumer groups and shoppers as part of a healthy diet.Industry sources report unusual consumption patterns and prices for early 2013 are troubling to them. Usually, pork consumption and prices drop during the 40 days prior to Holy Week (i.e. Easter festivities) given that most of the Mexican population practices Catholicism and does not consume red meats; including pork, on Fridays. However, pork prices moved lower than traditionally witnessed this year. Sources are hopeful that after Easter, pork consumption levels increase and prices return to normal. \n \nChart 2. Mexico: Mexico City Beef, Pork, and Poultry Per Capita Consumption (KG) \n \n \nSources: Mexican Poultry Association (UNA), CNOG, The Food and Fisheries Statistics Service (SIAP), and National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) \n \n \nTable 2. Mexico: Mexico City Pork Carcass Wholesale Prices (Pesos/Kg) by Month, 2011-2012 \n \n \nSource: Market Information National Service (SNIIM, Secretariat of Economy. \nTrade: \nThe Post 2013 forecast is increased to 725,000 MT CWE based on strong demand and pork’s competitive prices. The Post 2012 pork import revised estimate is 700,000 MT CWE based on trade forecasts showing strong year to date growth and higher demand from Mexican consumers who have greater purchasing power and a consumption preference for varied sources of animal protein. Post’s 2011 import estimate is unchanged.The majority of Mexico’s pork imports consists of hams and mechanically deboned meat (MDM) for the preparation of sausages, deli hams, and other cold cuts. A large share of Mexican pork imports continues to be hams and it is growing. Pork import figures for 2011 were kept unchanged from USDA official data.Supplier Loyalty and Creating Value: the Key to Export Growth Although Mexico is a net meat importer, industry forecasts to increase exports by more than 20 percent in 2013 by supplying more to Japan and other Asian countries. Competitive prices offered to traditional buyers will be a key factor to fuel exports. The Post export estimate for 2012 was revised slightly upwards from USDA’s estimate as the sector continued supplying these markets with added-value products at attractive prices. The other approach that industry is pursuing to fuel export growth is to look and see how it can add greater value to export added value cuts or processed products. \nPolicy: \nSwine Health Situation a Passport for Foreign Markets The United States’ recognition of Mexican States as free of classical swine fever (CSF) has been one of the key factors to opening foreign markets for Mexican pork and sources suggest that expanded Mexican access to the United States will serve to increase access to other countries, as well. \nMarketing: \nPork exports to Mexico are benefiting from direct consumer substitution away from beef and towards pork. There has also been an increase in per capita consumption of pork that aligns with efforts in the domestic market to target consumers with promotional campaign aimed at increasing the number of times pork is served at home. Growth of the overall pork sector is expected to increase as consumption increases among Mexican consumers. Currently per capita consumption of pork in Mexico is quite low in relation to other markets like Chile or the United States.While local and imported pork prices have increased in Mexico, hams, the number one export product from the United States, show a slight price decline. Overall, American producers have a comparative advantage over Mexico with lower feed delivery prices which opens up unique opportunities for U.S. pork products as these can reach some consumers in Mexico at better price points. \nMarch 2013DOWNLOAD REPORT:- Download this report here" - ], - [ - "Paulig sells its condiments factory in Estonia", - "Food concern Paulig Group sells its industrial flavouring division to Solina Group; all of the products of the division are made in Paulig's plant in Estonia, LETA/Äripäev.ee reports. \n \t \n\t \n\tThe company does not disclose the \nselling price, writes Kauppalehti. \n \n \n \nThe main products of this industry \nwere various condiment mixes and the turnover reached 53 million euros per \nyear. The unit has 150 employees in Finland, Sweden, Norway and Estonia. The \nproduct range included more than 2,000 items, and the main distribution \nterritories were the Nordic countries, the Baltic countries and Russia's near \narea. \n \n \n \nAll products were made in the \nfactory in Saue, near Tallinn, which is one of the biggest in Europe, said Paulig. \n \n \n \nThe buyer, Solina Group, will continue to work in the factory as Paulig's tenant. \n \n" - ], - [ - "African swine fever prevention measures beginning to show effects ...", - "African swine fever prevention measures are beginning to show effects, the head of the Food and Veterinary Service in Latvia (FVS) Maris Balodis said in an interview with Latvian Radio, cites LETA/Nozare.lv. \n \t \n\t \n\tHe explained that the domestic pigs \nhave remained safe from the virus for about 1.5 weeks straight. Unfortunately, \nthe disease continues slowly spreading infecting the wild boars. Every week, \nthe disease is found in five to nine wild boars, however, it happens within \nterritories where the disease was previously detected. \n \n \n \nBalodis stressed that it is \ncurrently pointless to talk about a complete elimination of African swine \nfever. The risk is still high that the disease will continue spreading in \nLatvia and further into Europe. If safety measures are not followed, the \ndisease will continue its way. If the number of wild boars is significantly \nreduced, the spreading of the disease will be slow, and at some point will stop. \n \n \n \nBalodis said that African swine \nfever can be carried into other regions of Latvia in a matter of one day using \ninfected products. \n \n \n \nAs reported, in order to eliminate \nand combat African swine fever much more efficiently, the European Commission \nshould cover 75% of costs of measures against the disease in Latvia, Latvian \nAgriculture Minister Janis Duklavs \n(Greens and Farmers' Union) said during the meeting with the European \nCommissioner for Health, Tonio Borg in Brussels on September 5. \n \n \n \nBorg, on the other hand, said that \nthese matters will be discussed on September 11, when veterinary specialists \nfrom Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, and Poland will meet with the European \nCommission experts to discuss the implementation of joint measures against \nAfrican swine fever in these countries. \n \n" - ], - [ - "Adding Up The Cost and Consequence of Avian Influenza", - " \n \n \n \nIn January, we told you that BAHA and the Ministry of Agriculture detected avian influenza at 2 poultry farms in the Spanish Lookout Community. A few days later, the Ministry updated the public that about 12,000 birds tested positive. \n \nWell, tonight, we've confirmed that after 3 rounds of testing, the public health officials have discovered approximately 75,000 birds with the virus. 60,000 of that infected population has been destroyed to try to contain the virus which can spread from infected poultry to you if it is consumed. You don't have to be alarmed and stop buying poultry, however. The stocks on the shelves are safe for consumption. \n \nWhat is being affected is the next round of poultry stocks which would have hit the shelves in the next few months. But, the threat has been contained, for now, because BAHA and the Agricultural Ministry have stepped in to take action. And what does that mean exactly? Well, we went to Spanish Lookout today, and we got a chance to speak with several of the poultry farmers whose birds were infected with avian influenza. \n \nUp until a few weeks ago, this barn used to house approximately 2,000 chickens. It is now empty because BAHA had to eradicate those birds due to avian influenza. It is now under a biohazard warning to all persons to exercise extreme caution when approaching. \n \nThat farmer gave us permission to shoot his barn, but couldn't speak with us because his poultry association has designated spokespersons. One other farmer, whose farm was affected in the same way told us he lost a sizeable investment. Another farmer's wife told us that her family lost about $300,000 dollars. CEO in the Ministry of Agriculture Jose Alpuche revealed on Plus TV's Rise and Shine Morning show today that his Ministry has had to destroy a total investment of 3 Million dollars: \n \nJose Alpuche, CEO - Ministry of Agriculture \n \n\"In early January we, through routine surveillance, avian influenza was detected in Spanish Lookout. It's a flu, it's a virus. It can spread fairly easily. The strain of virus that was found is what is called zoonotic - that it can transmit from animals to human and also too it can mutate. What we have right now is called low pathogenic avian influenza, which means that the birds are sick, but you don't see a whole lot of clinical signs. It's not like when you have a highly pathogenic outbreak and the birds start dying off literally within hours. So, it's a low pathogenic outbreak, but of a zoonotic disease. Two things we have to be very careful of; one, that we don't give it a chance to mutate to highly pathogenic strain and two, that is does not transfer. So, the immediate exercise has been to try to contain the virus. We've had infections with a very tight zone within Spanish Lookout. We also too detected the virus in a village called Buena Vista, which is just outside. Buena Vista, the local back yard hens were all depopulated. The community agree with BAHA to undertake voluntary depopulation. I must say, I empathized, I even sympathized with them for the economic loss. Because they probably loss about 3 million dollars at least so far. So, it's a heavy impact, but they recognized that we absolutely need to get the virus/outbreak under control. We've done two rounds to testing, the third round of testing started last week. The idea is that through continuous testing, especially in the hot zone, we are trying to get to day zero. The day when we don't find any infection.\" \n \nToday, we found BAHA Officers on high alert, checking all motorists leaving the Spanish Lookout Community with poultry products. The state officials are trying to stay on top of this public health issue, and so more infected birds will be slaughtered: \n \nJose Alpuche, CEO - Ministry of Agriculture \n\"Whithin Spanish Lookout, we've already depopulated I believe its 12 farms. We have I think 4 more slated for depopulation. It will end up being with these two rounds or depopulation, about 75,000 birds.\" \n \nWe stress that the chicken currently in stock at your corner shop are not infected with influenza. There are also the majority of poultry farmers in Western and Northern Belize which are not affected by the avian influenza outbreak. But, in the long run, how will this 3 million dollar investment loss affect the market? Will this drive up the price of chicken until the poultry industry regularizes? The Agricultural Ministry CEO was asked this question this morning, and here's how he answered: \n \nHost \n\"Are there some compensation for these farmers who lose their birds?\" \n \nJose Alpuche, CEO - Ministry of Agriculture \n\"Unfortunately no. Within the system we don't have compensation.\" \n \nPastor Louis Wade, Plus TV \n\"So the follow question then will be, because money will come from somewhere. Money will go somewhere. If they have lost up to 3 million dollars, will that speak to some kind of increase per pound in sale in the short term or something to that effect?\" \n \nJose Alpuche, CEO - Ministry of Agriculture \n\"We have not have that discussion as yet. To be very honest, I think yes it's an issue that more than likely we will have to discuss in the future. But at the moment all minds are focused on containment.\" \n \nAs we told you, the farmers affected by this outbreak told us today that only designated representatives of the Association, Orlando \"Landy\" Habet, and the Chairman, can speak. They are both out of the country. \n" - ], - [ - "Low-pathogenic Avian Flu Virus Detected in Belize Poultry", - "Poultry News Low-pathogenic Avian Flu Virus Detected in Belize Poultry26 January 2015 \n \nBELIZE - During routine testing, the low-pathogenic avian influenza virus of the H5N2 has been detected in broiler breeders in the west of the country in December 2014.The veterinary authority sent an Immediate Notification dated 23 January 2015 to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). \nThe affected birds were broiler breeders in what is described as a \"village flock\" of 17,400 at Spanish Lookout in the Cayo district. \nThe birds were aged 22, 38 and 39 weeks, and 11,572 tested positive for the virus on 3 December, according to the report. The affected flocks have not shown any clinical signs. \nAll breeder flocks are routinely sampled for avian influenza under the Belize Poultry Improvement Plan Avian Influenza Programme. Hence affected flocks were detected under routine monitoring as there are no clinical signs associated with the event. Spanish Lookout is a major poultry production area in Belize and has 14 breeder flocks with a total of 63,800 birds and an unknown number of layer flocks and broilers. \nThe presence of the H5N2 subtype of the virus has been confirmed. \nThe following control measures have been put in place: control of wildlife reservoirs; quarantine; movement control inside the country; screening; vaccination is prohibited and there is no treatment of affected animals. \nZoning, disinfection of infected premises/establishment(s) and modified stamping out are to be applied. \nThePoultrySite News Desk Top image via Shutterstock " - ], - [ - "Goat plague, or peste des petits ruminants, detected on Israel farm", - " \n\t \t \tPeste des petits ruminants (PPR), or goat plague, has been detected on a goat farm in Western Galilee, according to Israeli veterinary officials (computer translated).\nHerd of goats/Public domain image via Wikimedia commons\nThis duly registered goat flock includes about 1510 animals (475 milking does, 185 dry does, about 310 males including kids, and about 525 yearling does and younger female kids. The flock was last vaccinated against PPR on 26 Dec 2013.\nThe total number of diseased animals — pregnant yearlings and males — is 80. Typical PPR signs have been observed: pneumonia, diarrhea, abortion (in 20 yearlings). Mortality was recorded in 10 yearlings.\nLaboratory tests have been applied: swabs and biopsy samples found PCR positive for PPR. Quarantine has been imposed upon the flock. Investigations are ongoing.\nPeste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious viral disease of sheep and goats. Heavy losses can be seen, especially  in goats; all of the affected animals in some herds may die.\nPeste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) is a member of the genus Morbillivirusin the family Paramyxoviridae. Four genetic lineages (lineages 1-4) have been identified.  PPRV is closely related to rinderpest virus.\nTransmission of PPRV mainly occurs during close contact. Inhalation is thought to be an important route of spread. PPRV is shed in nasal and ocular secretions, saliva, urine and feces. It probably occurs in milk.\nFomites such as water, feed troughs and bedding can probably transmit PPRV for a short time, but do not remain infectious for long periods.\nThe incubation period can range from two to 10 days; in most cases, clinical signs appear in 2-6 days.\nRelated: Transboundary animal diseases concerns prompt vaccination campaign at Syria-Lebanon border\nThe symptoms of PPR are very similar to those of rinderpest: fever, anorexia, depression, nasal and ocular discharges, difficult respiration, necrotic lesions on gum, lips and tongue resulting in salivation, erosions on the nasal mucosa and finally diarrhea  The formation of small nodular skin lesions on the outside of the lips around the muzzle and the development of pneumonia during the later stages of the disease are frequently seen in PPR but not in rinderpest.\nMild cases also occur with less marked clinical symptoms and absence of one or more of the cardinalfeatures. Morbidity up to 100 % and mortality rates between 20 and 90 % are common, except in endemic areas or when mild disease occurs.\n \n \n \n \n \n\t \t \n\t \t \n\t \t" - ], - [ - "Four New Newcastle Disease Outbreaks in Israel", - "Poultry News Four New Newcastle Disease Outbreaks in Israel08 April 2015 \n \nISRAEL - There were four outbreaks of Newcastle disease in poultry between 21 and 23 March, involving more than 55,000 birds, both chickens and pigeons.In Follow-up Report No.17 dated 4 April to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), the veterinary authority in Israel records four new outbreaks of Newcastle disease. \nThe outbreaks started between 21 and 23 March. Two were in the Acco district of Hazafon and the other two were in the Rehovot region of Hadarom. \nIn one outbreak in five-week-old broilers, 50,000 birds were affected. Around 1,500 showed symptoms and 750 died, showing characteristic ulcers in the intestine. The remaining birds were destroyed. \nOther outbreaks involved a small backyard flock, a flock of 5,400 laying hens and a group of ornamental pigeons. \nIn total, 55,553 birds were affected; all either dead or were destroyed. \n \nFurther Reading \nFind out more information on Newcastle disease by clicking here. \n \n \nThePoultrySite News Desk " - ], - [ - "Bird Flu Reported in Myanmar", - "Poultry News Bird Flu Reported in Myanmar26 February 2015 MYANMAR - An outbreak of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza around 140km from Mandalay is reported to have led to the death and culling of thousands of poultry.According to health officials in Myanmar (Burma), thousands of poultry have been culled in an attempt to contain an outbreak of H5N1 bird flu in Monywa. \nThe Malaysian Insider reports that more than 1,400 chickens and 10,000 quail died in the Monywa outbreak and about 1,500 chickens and more than 20,000 quail have since been culled. \n \nFurther Reading \nYou can visit the Avian Flu page by clicking here. \n \n \nThePoultrySite News Desk " - ], - [ - "Three Outbreaks of Avian Flu Reported in Myanmar", - "Poultry News Three Outbreaks of Avian Flu Reported in Myanmar03 March 2015 \n \nMYANMAR - Three outbreaks of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza in commercial poultry flocks have been reported to the World Organisaton for Animal Health (OIE). In the Immediate Notification sent by the veterinary authority in Myanmar (Burma) to the OIE, three outbreaks of avian flu have been reported in Monywa, which is in the Sagaing region in the centre of the country. \nThe outbreaks started between 12 and 16 February. \nIn total, 10,150 birds were affected – two flocks of laying chickens and one of quail – with 350 deaths and 9,700 were destroyed. \nThe presence of the H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus has been confirmed. \nThe last outbreak of avian flu in the country was in July 2012. \n \nFurther Reading \nYou can visit the Avian Flu page by clicking here. \n \nThePoultrySite News Desk " - ], - [ - "Yamaguchi bird flu outbreak third case confirmed in Japan this winter", - " \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\tYAMAGUCHI – An outbreak of highly pathogenic bird influenza has been confirmed in Yamaguchi Prefecture, officials said Tuesday.\nPrefectural officials started work to slaughter some 37,000 chickens at a farm in Nagato, about 275 km north of the city of Miyazaki, where another outbreak has occurred.\nThe Yamaguchi Prefectural Government banned chickens and other domestic poultry, whether dead or alive, within a 3-km radius of the Nagato farm from being moved out of the area and dead poultry within 10 km from being shipped outside.\nThe outbreak followed two recently confirmed cases of highly pathogenic bird flu in Miyazaki Prefecture.\nAccording to the Yamaguchi government, 21 chickens died at the Nagato farm on Sunday and Monday.\nThe dead chickens tested positive for influenza in basic tests conducted Monday. The prefectural government announced early Tuesday that a genetic test confirmed the virus was present.\nIn Miyazaki, the prefectural government announced the detection of the virus on a farm in the city of Miyazaki late Sunday night and culled all 42,000 birds there, officials said Monday.\nThe first case was confirmed Dec. 16 in the city of Nobeoka, also in Miyazaki Prefecture, which is known as the country’s top producer of broiler chickens.\nAll three cases involve the H5 variety of the virus, according to officials.\nChief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said Tuesday the central government will ramp up measures against bird flu.\n“We will continue to take all necessary measures if any further outbreaks are confirmed,†he said at a gathering of ministers in charge of affairs related to the government’s response to bird flu outbreaks.\nThe ministers confirmed close cooperation and agreed to enhance information collection and disease control measures.\nAt a news conference afterward, agriculture minister Koya Nishikawa said, “I am very concerned that the outbreaks occurred earlier than usual.â€\nHe noted that bird flu cases usually peak between January and mid-February in Japan.\nThe outbreaks are unlikely to affect widespread distribution of chicken or eggs in the country anytime soon, but all possible measures should be taken, he said, requesting poultry farmers to be on their guard.\nIn the case in the city of Miyazaki, the farm reported to the prefecture at about 11:30 a.m. Sunday that increasing numbers of chickens were dying. Chickens later tested positive in a genetic test for bird flu.\nThe Miyazaki government has asked five other chicken farms located within 3 km of the affected farm to refrain from shipping any of their approximately 145,000 chickens.\nIt also asked farms within 10 km not to take any dead chickens out of the 10-km radius zone. A total of 55 chicken farms are located within the 10-km radius, excluding the five in the 3-km zone.\nThe prefectural government called on poultry farmers during an emergency meeting Monday morning to take thorough disease control measures, but one of the participants said the situation is distressing because the poultry farm in question “got infected even though it was taking proper protective measures.â€\nYamaguchi Prefecture is following similar procedures, culling around 37,000 birds and placing bans on the movement and shipment of chickens in the area.\nIn January 2004, the prefecture reported chickens at a farm in what is now the city of Yamaguchi were infected with a highly pathogenic strain of bird flu, the first avian flu case in Japan in nearly 80 years. In that outbreak, about 34,000 birds were culled.\n\t\n\t" - ], - [ - "Japan poultry ban lifted", - " \nEconomyPosted on March 22, 2015 09:24:00 PM\t \n \nJapan poultry ban lifted \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nTHE DEPARTMENT of Agriculture (DA) has lifted the ban on poultry products coming from Japan, nearly a year after the agency temporarily stopped admitting shipments from that country. \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\tIn an order released over the weekend, DA Secretary Proceso J. Alcala announced that “the risk of contamination from importing poultry and poultry products from Japan is negligible.â€This follows an evaluation by the Bureau of Animal Industry, which cited the resolution of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) event as reported by Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture.The lifting of the ban covers domestic and wild birds -- including poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs and semen originating from Japan.In April 2014, the DA banned the entry of the poultry products following the outbreak of HPAI virus in parts of Japan.The outbreak was detected in a poultry broiler farm and was confirmed by the central laboratory.Other import bans on poultry products are still in effect in the Philippines, covering the states of Oregon, Idaho and Washington in the United States, Chiayi County in Taiwan and Israel.Reports of infestations affecting poultry products are communicated to the Office of International des Epizooties (OIE), an inter-governmental organization.The OIE is in charge of informing governments of the occurrence of animal diseases and of ways to control these diseases.It also coordinates studies on the surveillance and control of animal diseases and of harmonizing regulations to facilitate trade in animals and animal products. -- Claire-Ann Marie C. Feliciano\t" - ], - [ - "Bird Flu Detected in Wild Duck in Japan", - "Poultry News Bird Flu Detected in Wild Duck in Japan22 November 2014 \n \nJAPAN - The H5N8 highly pathogenic avian influenza A virus has been detected in samples from wild ducks on Honshu.The Japanese veterinary authority sent Follow Up Report No.1 dated 21 November to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). \nThe report confirms the presence of the H5N8 highly pathogenic bird flu virus in faecal samples from an unidentified wild duck on 18 November at Chosei-gun in Chiba prefecture, which is not far from Tokyo in the south-east of Honshu island. \nIt was confirmed on 20 November 2014 that two out of 50 faecal samples from Anatidae (wild birds, species unknown) were positive for H5N8 influenza A virus. The samples had been collected on 18 November 2014 and were subject to virus isolation and RT-PCR. The confirmation tests on the pathogenicity of the virus are conducted by the National Institute of Animal Health (NIAH) \n \nFurther Reading \nYou can visit the Avian Flu page by clicking here. \n \n \nThePoultrySite News Desk Top image via Shutterstock " - ], - [ - "Japan farms on high alert for bird flu outbreak", - "The nation's poultry farms and relevant ministries are on high alert over bird flu, with farmers busy inspecting and disinfecting chicken coops.\n \n \n \nThe tension is due to a series of cases in which highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses have been detected in migratory birds.No such viruses were detected in the three previous seasons, but four cases have already been reported since November this year. A season is defined as October to May of the following year.In some Asian nations that serve as stopovers for migratory birds, the viruses have been spreading throughout poultry plants and other facilities.The H5 and H7 strains are among the highly toxic varieties of bird flu. Although it does not usually infect people, some rare cases of human infection have been reported in China and other countries.Poultry farms nervous\"There's nothing we can do to stop migratory birds from coming,\" said a 35-year-old female employee of a poultry farm in Saitama Prefecture. \"I'm concerned that birds carrying the virus could enter the poultry housing.\"The farm's chicken facilities, which are home to about 7,000 birds, are covered with netting to prevent the intrusion of wild birds. These nets are checked often and mended immediately if any tears are discovered. Access to the housing is restricted to staff only, and workers' boots are sanitized regularly to prevent the transmission of viruses.A farming centre of the Tokyo Development Foundation for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, in Ome, Tokyo, raises an original breed of silky fowl known as Tokyo Ukokkei and sells chicks to poultry farmers.The centre has been keeping anyone who is not a staff member away from the chicken coop, and employees must put on special work clothes before entering the facility.\"If an outbreak were to occur at the centre, the Tokyo Ukokkei would be extinguished,\" said one worker.2011 pandemic revisitedThis season's first highly pathogenic flu virus in a migrating bird was found in Yasugi, Shimane Prefecture, on Nov. 13. It was followed by additional cases in the town of Nagara in Chiba Prefecture and Tottori. In the first case, the H5N8 subtype was detected in the droppings of migratory Bewick's swans. On Nov. 29, the virus was found in a debilitated white-naped crane in Izumi, Kagoshima Prefecture, the nation's largest wintering spot for cranes.The previous time that a highly pathogenic virus was detected in migratory birds in the nation was in May 2011. During that season, the number of confirmed infections reached 60. As the infections spread to poultry farms, about 1.85 million birds had to be slaughtered in nine prefectures, including Miyazaki, Aichi and Chiba.In April this year, bird flu was confirmed at a poultry house in Kumamoto Prefecture, though the case's relation to migratory birds is not clear. About 110,000 specimens were culled.\"Avian flu viruses have been confirmed one after another since late autumn, and the situation looks similar to the pandemic four years ago,\" said an Environment Ministry official.Outbreak in AsiaThere is also growing concern about bird flu due to the spread of infections in Asian nations that serve as stopover spots or breeding sites for migratory birds that fly to and from Japan.South Korea has experienced continuous epidemics over the past year since last season, according to the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry. The number of domestic chickens infected with flu viruses reached a record high of 245 after January, and at least 14 million birds were slaughtered. In China, about 50 cases of highly pathogenic flu viruses have been detected since September.In response, the Environment Ministry has tightened monitoring by raising the nationwide bird flu alert level from 2 to 3, the highest level, and increasing the frequency of virus tests. The agriculture ministry issued a statement to prefectures across the nation requesting thorough measures to prevent infection, stating that any poultry farm can fall victim to an outbreak of bird flu, and emphasizing the heightened alert." - ], - [ - "Four New Outbreaks of Classical Swine Fever Reported in Latvia", - "News Four New Outbreaks of Classical Swine Fever Reported in Latvia22 October 2014 \n \nLATVIA - Four new outbreaks of classical swine fever have been reported and confirmed in the Balvi, Kraslava, Baltinava and Rugaji regions of the country. The outbreaks have led to a total of five cases of the fever. \nAll of the affected animals, which were wild boar died. \nThe source of the outbreak is still unknown. \n \n \nThePigSite News Desk \n" - ], - [ - "Live cattle trade with China in light of China-Australia Free Trade ...", - " \nTerms & Conditions and Privacy Statement \nMondaq.com (the Website) is owned and managed by Mondaq Ltd and as a user you \nare granted a non-exclusive, revocable license to access the Website under its \nterms and conditions of use. Your use of the Website constitutes your agreement \nto the following terms and conditions of use. Mondaq Ltd may terminate your use \nof the Website if you are in breach of these terms and conditions or if Mondaq \nLtd decides to terminate your license of use for whatever reason. \nUse of www.mondaq.com \nYou may use the Website but are required to register as a user if you wish to \nread the full text of the content and articles available (the Content). 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We will use information in accordance with \nthe privacy policy under which the information was collected. \nHow to contact Mondaq \nYou can contact us with comments or queries at enquiries@mondaq.com. \nIf for some reason you believe Mondaq Ltd. has not adhered to these \nprinciples, please notify us by e-mail at problems@mondaq.com and we will use \ncommercially reasonable efforts to determine and correct the problem promptly. \n \n\t" - ], - [ - "Live exports from Australia to Vietnam skyrocket, but supply chain ...", - "\n By Lee Adendorff, in Lismore, Australia; and Jens KastnerLee Adendorff, in Lismore, Australia; and Jens Kastner , 25-Feb-20152015-02-25T00:00:00ZLast updated on 05-Mar-2015 at 15:02 GMT2015-03-05T15:02:10Z\n A boom in Australian live cattle exports to Vietnam looks set to continue this year, thanks to favourable currency conditions, the depletion of the Vietnamese herd by exports to neighbouring China, and increasing demand for fresh quality beef from Vietnamese consumers.\n \n Australian Livestock Exporters’ Council CEO Alison Penfold told GlobalMeatNews that significant investment was being directed into building and upgrading slaughtering facilities and feedlots in Vietnam to accommodate the increasing imports. Moreover, Australian exporters were looking to build trade with Vietnam into a long-term, sustainable market.Live cattle exports from Australia to Vietnam increased 171% year-on-year from 2013 to 2014, according to figures released by Meat and Livestock Australia, jettisoning Vietnam into second place behind Indonesia as Australia’s second-largest live cattle export destination. Vietnam imported 181,542 head of cattle from Australia in 2014 or 14% of Australia’s total live cattle exports, up from 66,953 head the previous year.Compliance with Australia’s rigid Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System (ESCAS), however, remains a sticking point. ESCAS was introduced in 2011 in response to public concern over the welfare and slaughter conditions that Australian animals encounter when exported to other countries. It obliges Australian exporters to track animals throughout the supply chain to the point of slaughter, in accordance with World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) animal welfare standards.There have been recent well-publicised instances of leaks from the Vietnamese supply chain, where animals have gone missing from ESCAS-compliant facilities to be allegedly slaughtered elsewhere in sub-standard conditions. \"The community expects the system to be perfect from day one. We acknowledge that it is not perfect… and auditing for compliance [with ESCAS] is just one aspect of making sure trade is sustainable. It’s critical that we continue to work on the ground with our customers so that they see the tangible benefits to their business, such as quality in the meat produced and improvement in working conditions,\" said Penfold.Vietnamese experts say that despite the investment and compliance push, modern abattoirs are still the exception and not the rule in the country. \"A slaughterhouse specifically for cattle has recently been set up in Vinh City [south of the capital Hanoi], but it’s still not modern like those I have seen in developed countries,\" said Pham Kim Dang, vice dean animal science at the Vietnam National University of Agriculture, in Hanoi. \"Most of the few modern slaughterhouses dealing with Australian livestock are not specialised in cattle, and their quality management is not really good,\" he added. As for Vietnam-raised cattle, Professor Dang said that most of these were sold to family-run slaughterhouses in villages. These slaughterhouses would typically distribute one or two cows per day, keeping no frozen stock.\"The Vietnamese mainly use fresh meat, unlike, for example, Australian consumers, who are used to frozen products,\" he said. \"This is because beef is still somewhat seen as a special treat, which, however, has become affordable also to ordinary people in recent years,\" Professor Dang said.After record turn-off in recent years, the Australian national herd is expected to decline to a 20-year low of 26.8 million head by July 2015. Developments in the Australia-China Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA) could also affect future supply to expanding markets like Vietnam.Negotiations for the ChAFTA were concluded last November. Although it imports a large number of Australian breeder and dairy cows, China is not currently accepting slaughter cattle from Australia. Negotiations are under way to reinstate the trade in slaughter cattle, however, and, once the ChAFTA is implemented, livestock tariffs for Australian exports to China will be reduced from 10% to zero over four years. \n \n " - ], - [ - "Confirman caso de LeishmanÃa canina en Salto", - "\n La enfermedad es una zoonosis (se transmite al hombre) de denuncia obligatoria que ha sido diagnosticada en los paÃses limÃtrofes, tanto en perros como en humanos pudiendo tener graves consecuencias en la salud de ambos.\nLa SMVU emitió un comunicado exhortando a los veterinarios a participar en una campaña de lucha contra la Leishmaniosis en todos los ámbitos posibles.\nEn ese sentido, pidió un estudio epidemiológico de la enfermedad en todo el territorio nacional, con el fin de determinar la incidencia, asà como las zonas de riesgo, presencia de vectores, caninos infectados y posibles reservorios en animales silvestres. A la vez, reconoció que es necesario que \"se acuerde y sea público la estandarización de procedimientos, métodos y criterios de diagnóstico, actividades de vigilancia y control\".\nEntre las iniciativas también está la necesidad de \"realizar una campaña de difusión sobre la enfermedad, su forma de difusión y el riesgo para los propietarios de animales enfermos\", asà como \"actualizar la normativa actual en el control de pasos de frontera para exigir análisis previo al ingreso\".\nNo es menor el hecho de \"definir claramente los pasos a seguir con los animales positivos\". Los análisis contra la enfermedad son efectuados por la Facultad de Veterinaria y hoy con este primer caso, se hace necesaria una mayor vigilancia en todo el paÃs, para evitar problemas.\nEsta enfermedad se trasmite por pequeñas moscas (Lutzomya), tanto en caninos como humanos, por lo que se hace importante controlar este vector de transmisión y a la vez, puede prevenirse en animales sanos\nLa enfermedad puede prevenirse en caninos negativos, mediante el uso de collares repelentes de insectos.\n" - ], - [ - "Leshmaniasis llega a Uruguay y zonas de Argentina, Paraguay y ...", - "\n \n La Organización Internacional para la Salud Animal (OIE) confirmó el 3 de\nmarzo casos de leishmaniasis\nen Uruguay, sumándose a los paÃses del Este del Cono Sur afectados recurrentemente por\nel parásito Leishmania infantum.\nLa leishmaniasis afecta desde hace décadas a animales y humanos. En Argentina y Paraguay lo\nhace con los cuadros cutáneo y visceral, en cambio en Perú y Bolivia\nes de tipo mucocutáneo. En Brasil se encuentran las tres versiones de la enfermedad.\nSegún la Universidad de Uruguay,\ndesde 2010 se notificó la presencia del vector Lutzomyia longipalpis, un\nflebótomo conocido como la mosca\nde la arena, en los departamentos de Salto y Artigas\n(localidades de Bella Unión y Salto). Su picadura transmite el parásito. (Pdf)\nAhora por primera vez, a modo oficial desde el 3 de febrero se están\ndetectando perros infectados de residentes locales. De 49 canes investigados,\nse detectó el mal en nueve de ellos, dos de los cuales ya fueron sacrificados,\nagrega el informe. Los perros son los reservorios de la Leishmaniasis visceral.\nSegún la OIE,\nestos casos son una reaparición de un brote que afectó en 2011, pero de acuerdo\na la Universidad de Uruguay, los anteriores eran de animales importados.\nLas autoridades iniciaron medidas de prevención para evitar la extensión a\ncasos humanos.\nEn Paraguay,\nla lesishmaniasis del tipo visceral se extendió masivamente por Asunción en el año 2014, y\n también es epidémica en Cordillera, ParaguarÃ, Itapñua, Villarrica, San\nJuan y Misiones.\n“La leishmaniasis [visceral] es una enfermedad\ncrónica endémica que va evolucionando, trayendo consigo complicaciones\ncomo anemia, pero\nsi es detectada a tiempo, con\nun tratamiento adecuado puede ser curadaâ€, dijo el Dr. Andrés\nCanese, técnico del Programa Nacional de Control de las leishmaniosis de\nParaguay, en 2014.\nEn Argentina,\nhace dos semanas el Ministerio de Salud Pública analizó seis casos de Leishmaniasis cutánea en\nCorrientes, anunciados por el director del Hospital El Salvador Alexis Sánchez,\ninformó el medio Corrientes\nHoy el 26 de febrero.\n“La Leishmaniasis Cutánea no tiene como\nreservorio al perro, sino a animales silvestres, por lo que\nse debÃa de quitar toda responsabilidad a los perros, ya que los mismos no\nforman parte de la cadena epidemiológica de la Leishmaniasis Cutánea, solo\npueden llegar a actuar como huésped accidentalâ€, explicó la Dra. BenÃtez Sosa, según el medio local.\nLos casos confirmados se trataron en Bella Vista,\nprovincia de Corrientes. “Es importante remarcar que el número de casos hasta\nahora presentado está dentro de lo esperado, considerando que la provincia de\nCorrientes presenta 16 desde el año 1980, con Bella Vista encabezando la estadÃstica\ncon mayor número de casos y con antecedente de un brote importante en el año\n2003â€, aclaró la funcionaria.\nSalta, Jujuy, Tucumán, Catamarca, Formosa,\nChaco, Santiago del Estero, Misiones y Corrientes son las principales zonas de riesgo en Argentina.\nArgentina también se ve afectada por Leishmaniasis\nvisceral. En Misiones en 2012, por ejemplo, se reportaron diversos casos de\nmuerte de infantes por no haber sido tratados a tiempo.\nCaracterÃsticas\nde la leishmaniasis\nDe\nacuerdo a la OMS, la leishmaniasis\nvisceral, si se deja sin tratamiento, puede tener una tasa de mortalidad tan\nalta como 100% en dos años. Conocida como 'kala azar' en el\nresto del mundo, se caracteriza por fiebre alta, pérdida de peso sustancial,\nhinchazón del bazo y del hÃgado, y anemia. \nLa\nleishmaniasis cutánea, en cambio, se presenta como úlceras en la piel,\nque generalmente se forman en zonas expuestas, como la cara, brazos y piernas.\nÉstas por lo general se curan en un par de meses, dejando cicatrices. En Costa\nRica y Centroamérica se conoce como “Papalomoio†y recibe un tratamiento de\ninyecciones de aproximadamente un mes, de acuerdo a reportes a La Gran Época de\nafectados en Puerto Viejo de Limón.\nUna leishmaniasis cutánea difusa puede producir una\ndifusión y lesiones de manera crónicas de la piel “parecidas a las de la lepra\nlepromatosa. Es difÃcil de tratarâ€, destaca la OMS.\nA\ndiferencia de las otras dos, en la leishmaniasis\nmucocutánea las lesiones “pueden destruir parcial o totalmente\nlas membranas mucosas de la nariz, boca y garganta, cavidades y tejidos\ncircundantesâ€, agrega la entidad de salud.\nLeishmaniasis\nen cifras (OMS)\n1,3 millones de casos nuevos y 30 mil muertes al año.\nMás del 90% de los nuevos casos de leishmaniasis visceral\nse presentan en Bangladesh,\nBrasil, EtiopÃa, India, Sudán del Sur y Sudán.\nMás del 90% de leishmaniasis cutánea se presentan en Afganistán, Argelia, Brasil, Colombia, Irán y\nSiria. \nCasi el 90% de los casos de leishmaniasis mucocutánea se\nproducen en Bolivia, Brasil y\nPerú.\nEn Argentina en 1980 se registraron 87 casos, y 1243 en\n1998, según el reporte del medio Corrientes Hoy.\n \"La Leishmaniasis\nestá vinculada a los cambios ambientales, como la deforestación, la\nconstrucción de presas, sistemas de riego y la urbanización\", según la OMS. \t\nLa Gran Época se publica en 35 paÃses y en 21 idiomas. \nSÃguenos en Facebook, Twitter o Google + \n " - ], - [ - "Bird Flu Returns to India", - "Poultry News Bird Flu Returns to India15 April 2015 INDIA - An outbreak of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza has been confirmed in the state of Telangana, which is in the south of the country.Scrambling to contain the spread of the highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu virus, the Telangana government on 14 April ordered the immediate culling of 145,000 chickens on poultry farms located in a one-kilometre radius of the infected farm in Thorrur village of Hayathnagar mandal in Ranga Reddy district. \nThis is the first ever outbreak of the disease reported in the states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, according to Times of India on 15 April. \nSimultaneously, a ban on trading of all poultry products from farms in a 10-kilometre radius 'surveillance zone' was put in place. \nThe outbreak of the disease had an immediate impact with the Telangana Poultry Breeders Association staring at a loss of over 300 million rupees (INR), especially after Andhra Pradesh banned entry of all poultry products into its territory. \nAuthorities in Hyderabad said the outbreak came to light after several birds started mysteriously dying in Srinivasa Reddy Poultry Farm owned by V. Balakrishna Reddy in Thorrur village from 8 April, prompting them to send bird samples to a testing laboratory in Bhopal. \n\"The tests confirmed that it was the H5N1 virus and we advised the animal husbandry department in Telangana and the Centre to take all appropriate measures,\" D.D. Kulkarni, joint director, High-Security Animal Disease Laboratory, told Times of India from Bhopal. \nWithin hours, dozens of animal husbandry workers wearing protective gear, began the culling operation in the infected farm and put the birds and eggs in huge gunny sacks and buried them in deep pits. \nDr D. Venkateswarulu, director of animal husbandry department, told reporters in the afternoon that the culling operation in farms located in one-kilometre radius would be completed in the next 48 hours. This will be followed by sanitisation and disinfection operations. \nA Central Rapid Response team comprising Dr S.K. Jain and Dr Pranay verma, both avian influenza specialists, is arriving in Hyderabad to oversee the culling. \nMeanwhile, the department staff have begun collecting serum and dropping samples of the birds from farms in the 10-km radius to be tested for the virus. If any of the tests come positive, then the government will widen the culling operations. Containment in the surveillance zone will be in place for a week or 10 days until all tests are completed. \nDr Venkateswarulu said they were collecting information on egg sales over the past 20 days from Balakrishna Reddy's farm, to find out where they were transported. If it is found that the stock is yet to be sold, they will order destruction of such eggs. If the eggs were sold to other states, then the department will immediately notify the states and provide them information so that the eggs can be destroyed. \nThe official said that chicken or eggs procured from farms outside of the surveillance zone can be consumed and there was no cause for panic. If the chicken is well cooked or the egg boiled, then there is no danger of contracting the virus by humans. If these are cooked at 70°C and above for 20 minutes, the virus will die, Dr Venkateswarulu said. \nWhile weather does play a role in the spread of flu, Dr Venkateswarulu said that the most accepted theory is that the disease is spread by migratory birds which is contracted either by the chicken directly or through an intermediary carrier bird species. \nIn 2006, the government in Andhra Pradesh carried out some preventive culling but the enormity of the task this time around has everyone anxious. In Hayathnagar, authorities supplied 2,500 tamiflu tablets to health workers. Health department officials also began a massive house-to-house surveillance with 300 Asha, ANMs and multi-purpose health workers, said Dr G Srinivas Rao, joint director, Epidemic Cell, Telangana. \n\"We are not leaving anything to chance and will take up all efforts to stop the virus from spreading. The swine flu isolation wards will be used in case there is any need,\" he told Times of India. \nSince 2003, there have been 400 human deaths globally from the H5N1 strain and hundreds of confirmed cases of infection. In India, the virus was first detected in Jalgaon, Maharashtra, in 2006 and ever since reports of fresh outbreaks have been sporadically reported from all corners of the country. The last outbreak occurred in Kerala in January 2015. \n \nFurther Reading \nYou can visit the Avian Flu page by clicking here. \n \n \nThePoultrySite News Desk " - ], - [ - "China bans USA poultry imports, will India be the next to do so?", - "\nChina bans USA poultry imports, will India be the next to do so? Concerns are growing in India over proposed poultry imports from USA. US poultry industry says that HPAI virus has not infected commercial poultry so far, but reports contradict the claim \nSai Nikesh D | The Dollar Business\nUSA’s poultry exports have grown to around $4 billion per year, but are expected to dip in 2014-15\n \nIn a move that is expected to hit the US poultry industry hard, the Chinese government has banned all imports of US poultry and egg products, effective January 8, 2015, after the detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in some parts of USA last month.\nChina’s Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) and the General Administration for Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) have said that the ban will also cover breeding stock, which includes live chicks and hatching eggs. The ban has been imposed despite assurances by the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) that the influenza virus has not been detected in any commercial poultry flock in USA so far.\n“There’s absolutely no justification for China to take such a drastic action. In fact, these isolated and remote incidents are hundreds if not thousands of miles away from major poultry and egg production areas,†said Jim Sumner, President, USA Poultry & Egg Export Council (USAPEEC).\nThe move effectively stalls USA poultry exports to China which stood at around $272 million in January – November 2014. The China ban comes after import restrictions by Russia on poultry imports from EU and USA last year. It is also expected to embolden India which is planning to appeal against the recent World Trade Organisation (WTO) ruling that allowed USA poultry imports after a dispute going back to March 2012. The deadline for India to appeal against the WTO ruling is January 26, 2015.\nAvian Flu or Bird flu is expected to hog the limelight in global poultry trade this year. According to a recent report by Rabobank regions affected by avian flu outbreaks, like the EU and Canada, will suffer from lost export markets and this will affect local prices. “Brazil is expected to capture the USA and EU poultry markets in 2015,†says the report.\nExperts also say that the flu can spread to commercial poultry through wild birds. “A key concern for the coming months is the spread of avian flu, which has become a global issue in recent months. Several avian flu strains are already endemic in several parts of Asia and Mexico, and the disease is increasingly spreading globally via wild birds,†said Rabobank´s Nan-Dirk Mulder.\n \n \nThis article was published on January 13, 2015.\n \n " - ], - [ - "H5N8 bird flu confirmed in The Netherlands", - " \n\t \t \tMike Coston is the Owner/Editor of Avian Flu Diary\nAlthough it is a little rough, we’ve a translation of a letter posted on the central government site for the Netherlands (Rijksoverheid.nl) that confirms the subtype of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza discovered on a local Poultry farm as being H5N8.\nThis comes just 9 days after the announcement of HPAI H5N8 having arrived in Germany. Prior to that, the highly pathogenic form of that bird flu virus had only been reported in Korea and northeastern China.\nPublic domain image/Ben Rudiak-Gould\nAs I wrote earlier today, in FAO On The Potential Threat Of HPAI Spread Via Migratory Birds, Europe once again appears vulnerable to the introduction of newly emerging avian flu viruses from Asia.\n(machine translation)\nLetter to Secretary of State Dijksma on the outbreak of bird flu in Hekendorp\nDownload “Letter to Secretary of State Dijksma on the outbreak of bird flu in Hekendorpâ€\n Mr President-In-Office,On a poultry farm in hekendorp (municipality of Oudewater) is on 15 november JL. an outbreak of bird flu (Avian Influenza, AI) of the H5 variant established. It concerns high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is of type H5N8. HPAI is bestrijdingsplichtig in the European legislation.\nWith this letter I message you about this infection and the measures I have affected.\nMonitoring and early warning\nIn Netherlands are on commercial poultry farms regularly samples taken, which are tested for bird flu (regular monitoring). In Addition There is a system in which veterinarians in certain disease symptoms, that may indicate bird flu, submit samples for research (early warning). For bird flu is a hailing at a suspicion.\nLast Friday, 14 november. a poultry farm in hekendorp (municipality of Oudewater) samples submitted because the chicken disease symptoms had that possibly being on bird flu. Yesterday it became clear that it is the H5 variant of avian flu concerned and this morning was after laboratory testing clear that the avian flu virus is the highly pathogenic variant on this company.\nNow is also clear that the virus is the type H5N8. This is the same type as has been established in Germany at the beginning of november.\nMeasures\nThe RIVM indicates that in rare cases some virus types passing poultry on people. This only happens if there is direct and intensive contact with infected poultry. People who get sick from bird flu get the same symptoms as a normal winter flu, generally expires bird flu in humans mild. To prevent people involved in the culling are protective measures become infected.\nIt is a legpluimveebedrijf with six stables with a total of around 150,000 laying hens. This company has no outdoor access. Today, Sunday november 16th, is with the culling of the company started. The chickens will be on the company killed and be drained to destruction. The cull is carried out by the Dutch food and consumer product safety authority (VWA).\nThe highly pathogenic variant of bird flu is highly contagious for poultry.\nThis variant is deadly for chickens. Bird flu is a zoonosis, which means that the infection can be transferred from animals to humans.\nBecause of the high risk of infection is from Sunday 16 november 2014, 11.30 hours a total transport ban (standstill) for poultry and other poultry, eggs, poultry manure and litter from poultry companies set.\nThis is true for mixed farms with a transport ban pluimveehouderijtak also for other animals and manure of other animals.\nIn addition to the transport ban is also a guard duty and for poultry and ophok other fowl throughout Netherlands set and applies a visitors scheme on all poultry farms and mixed farms with poultry. Also is there for very Netherlands set up a hunting ban on all animals. Finally, a collect ban poultry and other fowl and exhibition prohibition of force. The obligations also apply to hobby poultry and animal holders other poultry.\nEuropean legislation requires that there is a 3 and 10 km area is set (protection and surveillance zone). Currently in force in this area the same measures as in the rest of Netherlands. In the 10 km area are 16 other poultry farms. These companies be sampled and tested for bird flu. Also be contacts of the company investigated.\nThe coming days are focused on the origin and spread of the virus to find out and prevent further spread.\nI will of course keep you informed of developments.\n(signed) Sharon A.M. Denis\nState Secretary for Economic Affairs\n \n \n \n \n\t \t \n\t \t \n\t \t" - ], - [ - "Avian influenza found in wild ducks in Netherlands", - "\n Two samples from wild ducks around the area of Kamerik, Woerden, in the Netherlands, have tested positive for a highly pathogenic H5 strain of avian influenza, Rijksoverheid.nl confirmed in a statement last night (1 December).\n \n The samples were taken as part of the investigation into the possible role of wild birds in the spread of the disease in the country.It follows the discovery of a fourth case of avian influenza in the Netherlands last weekend, which was confirmed as the H5N8 strain – the same as the cases discovered earlier this month.The latest outbreak in Zoeterwoude saw all susceptible birds – around 50,000 – culled on 30 November.In a letter to parliament, minister for agriculture Sharon Dijksma said that analysis by the Central Veterinary Institute (CVI) of the bird flu outbreaks in Hekendorp, Ter Aar and Kamperveen occurred independently. \n \n " - ], - [ - "U.S. Bird Flu Scourge Means Months of Dead Turkey Cleanup", - " Millions of turkeys ravaged by bird flu this year have left an additional chore for the U.S. farms with dead animals: cleaning up for at least two months before business is back to normal.\nHighly pathogenic avian influenza has been found in at least 60 commercial poultry flocks, U.S. Department of Agriculture data show. The majority are turkeys, and Minnesota, the nation’s top producer, has been hit hardest with an estimated 2.6 million causalities. On Thursday, Governor Mark Dayton declared a state of emergency, ordering support for animal health and agriculture agencies.\nAt stake is the roughly $4.8 billion made from the more than 200 million turkeys produced in the U.S., the latest government figures show. Flocks with more than 3 million of the birds have been affected by the disease in this outbreak, the worst in three decades. Countries from Europe to Asia have placed restrictions on American poultry shipments.\n“If everything works right†getting a poultry barn running again will take eight to nine weeks, Steve Olson, the executive director of the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association in Buffalo, said Tuesday in a telephone interview. “This is completely new. We’ve had occasional cases in the U.S., but not this many.â€\n‘Star Gazing’Turkeys showing flu symptoms stop eating and drinking, turn lethargic and begin “star gazing,†or twisting their necks, John Clifford, the USDA’s chief veterinarian, said Wednesday on a conference call. Those signs can be followed “pretty rapidly†by death, he said.\nSick or dead birds are analyzed to confirm the disease, said Lori Miller, a senior staff officer and environmental engineer at USDA’s Animal Plant Health and Inspection Service. She is part of the response team to the virus in Minnesota.\nHormel Foods Corp., the owner of Jennie-O turkeys, said Monday that annual profit may be eroded because bird flu is hampering production.\nCorn for July delivery fell for a fifth day in Chicago, the longest run in 11 weeks. Prices slid 0.5 percent to $3.7475 a bushel on concern the outbreak will hurt feed demand.\nThis flu is “extremely infectious and fatal,†according to the USDA. Once the virus is confirmed as positive in a flock, any birds remaining are euthanized in a humane manner, Miller said Tuesday in a telephone interview.\nAsphyxiation ProcessThe American Veterinary Medical Association supports the use of water-based foam as a method for flock “depopulation.â€\n“There’s a crew that comes in, and they use that foamer to euthanize the birds,†Olson of the turkey association said. “It’s basically an asphyxiation process†and causes “no stress to the bird,†he said.\nFoaming crews are contracted by the USDA, said Clifford, the department’s chief veterinarian.\nIn Minnesota, infected birds killed are typically composted in the barn, Olson of the turkey association said. That process takes a few weeks, Miller of the USDA unit said. A federal appraiser visits farms before any depopulation occurs to provide owners some compensation for living birds, Olson said.\nA cleanup team will remove and dispose of wood chips, bedding and other material from barns, using anything from hand shovels to front-end loaders, Miller said. The facility is swept out, and cleaning begins with workers using backpack sprayers and power washers to hose down barns with soap and water, she said.\nMost Important“The soap part is very important because that inactivates the virus,†Miller said. “Just cleaning alone will get you pretty far in terms of getting rid of the virus. That’s probably the most important step.â€\nPremises are rinsed and allowed to dry before crews spray a disinfectant on every surface. After being sprayed and dried again, personnel take samples from surfaces for testing to make sure the virus is gone, Miller said. Barns have to sit empty for three weeks after cleaning and disinfection is complete, according to an e-mail from Joelle Hayden, a spokeswoman for the USDA’s Animal Plant Health and Inspection Service.\nIf the samples test negative for the virus, a “regulatory process†takes place to clear the facility and allow producers to restock barns with poultry, Miller of the USDA unit said.\nRegular warm weather is needed to help quell the spread of the virus, Clifford said Tuesday on a media conference call with the Iowa Department of Agriculture.\nOn Thursday, Wisconsin, Minnesota’s eastern neighbor, reported its sixth bird flu case involving a flock of 90,000 turkeys in Barron County, the second discovery there. Iowa, to the south, reported its third case, affecting 34,000 turkeys in Sac County.\nWisconsin Governor Scott Walker on Monday authorized the state’s National Guard to help agriculture authorities respond to the flu in three counties.\nChina has banned U.S. poultry imports, and Japan, South Korea and Taiwan restricted shipments. Birds from infected flocks don’t enter the food system, according to the USDA.\n " - ], - [ - "Minnesota DNR Offers Guidance for Turkey Hunters in Areas Near ...", - " Minnesota DNR Offers Guidance for Turkey Hunters in Areas Near Avian Flu Minnesota Department of Natural ResourcesMinnesota -(Ammoland.com)-  While avian influenza has not yet been found in wild turkeys, hunters are nonetheless reminded of ways to avoid potentially spreading the virus.To date, highly-pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been found in Cottonwood, Kandiyohi, Lac Qui Parle, Lyon, Meeker, Nobles, Pope, Stearns and Watonwan counties. So far, it has only been confirmed in domestic turkey farms. Waterfowl are the natural reservoirs for the virus.Wild turkeys are presumed to be susceptible to HPAI. Raptors are known to be susceptible.The virus presents a low risk to humans but it is important to avoid contact with sick birds.“Turkey hunters can take steps to minimize the risk of spreading HPAI, and they can be excellent scouts in helping identify wild birds like raptors or turkeys that could have been affected,†said Michelle Carstensen, wildlife health program supervisor with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.The USDA makes the following recommendations for turkey hunters to protect themselves and their birds from avian influenza.In the fieldDo not harvest or handle wild birds that are obviously sick or found dead.Dress your game birds in the field whenever possible.Use dedicated tools for cleaning game, whether in the field or at home. Do not use those tools around your poultry or pet birds.Always wear rubber gloves when cleaning game.Double bag the internal organs and feathers. Tie the inner bag, and be sure to take off your rubber gloves and leave them in the outer bag before tying it closed. Place the bag in a trash can that poultry and pet birds cannot access. This trash can should also be secure against access by children, pets, or other animals.Wash hands with soap and water immediately after handling game. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol wipes.Wash all tools and work surfaces with soap and water. Then, disinfect them. Do not eat, drink, or smoke while cleaning game.At homeIf you clean a bird at home, keep a separate pair of shoes to wear only in your game cleaning area. If this is not possible, wear rubber footwear and clean/disinfect your shoes before entering or leaving the area.Wash all tools and work surfaces with soap and water. Then, disinfect them.Avoid cross-contamination. Keep uncooked game in a separate container, away from cooked or ready-to-eat foods.You should always cook game meat thoroughly; poultry should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit to kill disease organisms and parasites.The risk to the public is very low, and there is no food safety concern, according to the Minnesota Department of Health.The DNR also advises hunters that if they see any birds that have died in the field or appear sick (ruffled feathers, swollen wattles, discoloration of the feet and impaired balance) notify DNR staff as soon as possible and don’t touch or attempt to move the birds.If you see a dead or sick wild turkey or raptor, mark the location by GPS if possible and contact DNR with the coordinates. Contacts are:Wildlife Health Program Supervisor Michelle Carstensen at 612-390-9979;Wildlife Health Specialist Erik Hildebrand at 612-597-8141; orContact your local area wildlife manager by finding their information atwww.mndnr.gov/wildlife and clicking on the area contact map.Additional information about avian influenza is on the DNR website atwww.mndnr.gov/avianinfluenza." - ], - [ - "PM: new ministerial post required because of Latvia's presidency in ...", - " \n\tPM: new ministerial post required because of Latvia's presidency in EU Council \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\tConsidering Latvia's presidency of the Council of the European Union, it is necessary to establish a new minister's post in the government, Prime Minister Laimdota Straujuma (Unity) said in an interview with the Latvian Television show \"Rita panorama\", cites LETA. \n\t \n \t \n\t \n\tShe said that this proposal has \nbeen discussed during the coalition's meetings, but the majority of coalition \nmembers did not support it. \n \n \n \nStraujuma believes that a new \nminister's position is necessary as the foreign affairs minister is \noverburdened with work. \n \n \n \nStraujuma added that the new \nminister's position could be temporary – for the period while Latvia holds the \npresidency of the EU Council. Furthermore, additional funds from the state \nbudget would not be needed, as the new post would be financed with the funds \nallotted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Latvia's presidency. \n \n \n \nAs reported, Latvia will take over \nthe presidency from Italy on January 1, 2015. \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t" - ], - [ - "Hong Kong: Oriental Magpie tests positive for H5 bird flu", - " \n\t \t \tHong Kong officials are reporting a case of H5 influenza virus in an oriental magpie robin in Sai Kung, Hong Kong. Currently the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) await confirmatory tests, however precautionary infection control and surveillance measures are already in place and avian handlers have been issued written guidelines on biosecurity barriers to restrict the prevalence of the disease.\nHong Kong/CIA\nAvian influenza or “bird flu†as the name suggests, is a common cause of respiratory infection in birds caused by influenza virus type A. Although viral infection does not often produce outward symptoms in wild coastal birds, the highly infectious nature of the virus can spread rapidly among domesticated birds such chickens, ducks or turkeys and cause fatalities. The occurrence of avian flu is rare in humans, but strains of notoriety include H5N1 and H7N9 which were first detected from geese and poultry in China, before a reassortment of genetic information enabled the viruses to cross the species barrier.\nThe earlier isolation of influenza H5N6 from a peregrine falcon in the Shui Kiu district west of Sai Kung, threatens the emergence of another highly pathogenic H5 influenza (HPAI) in China, if any poultry become exposed. In the renewed interest of public health: citizens have been instructed  to refrain from unnecessary contact with birds and/or their excreta and maintain good hand hygiene practices, after any contact. Symptoms of flu-like illness in humans following contact and the discovery of any sick or dead birds must be reported to the designated Department of Health helpline. Deterrents of illegal trade and import of poultry continue to be upheld.\nLavinia Rodney is a qualified microbiologist working in the diagnostics department of a busy UK hospital, alongside studying for the final year of her Masters Degree in Medical Microbiology\n \n \n \n \n \n\t \t \n\t \t \n\t \t" - ], - [ - "Estonia likely to decrease pork production", - "\n By Vladislav VorotnikovVladislav Vorotnikov , 29-Apr-20152015-04-29T00:00:00ZLast updated on 29-Apr-2015 at 15:15 GMT2015-04-29T15:15:36Z\n Estonia’s pig industry is predicted to feel the effects of the country’s current problems in 2016-2017, as some farmers are expected to go bankrupt, while others will have to decrease production volumes, said industry participants.\n \n The forecast follows a recent report by the country’s Agricultural Ministry, which recorded an overall jump in profit for meat and poultry producers and processors in 2014.\"Production of pork at current market prices is clearly loss-making, and this situation will not last for long, as some firms will begin to leave the market,\" said Olle Horm, chairman of Atria Eesti, one of the largest operators of food and meat in the country. \"A similar situation is already happening in the dairy market, as many farms are unprofitable and have already closed production capacity or are on the brink of doing so.\"Producers explained that the profit hikes of last year were mostly in the poultry industry and, to a lesser extent, in the beef industry, both of which were only slightly affected by the Russian embargo. Also, the statistics released included pork processors, which boosted their profits amid low purchasing prices for raw meat – especially pork.\"In January and February [of 2015] the price of pork declined. Although the purchase price of live pigs is falling, the cost of production remains the same. Estonian pig farmers have to sell pigs in Latvia and Lithuania, as they have no alternative markets where they can offer their products and most of them are seeing an oversupply of pork,\" added Horm.Atria estimated that Estonia’s level of self-sufficiency in pork products currently amounted to 106%, while in the European Union (EU) this figure was about 111%. The company’s forecast said that, to bring the market into balance, the EU would have to reduce pork production by 3% or by about 700,000 tonnes. \"Reducing pork production is a long-term process, the results of which we will see in 2016-2017. The development of pork exports from Estonia to third countries is difficult, because we have common certificates for export. The future of pig farmers seems gloomy – either it will end in a painful correction of the market’s size or political interference. Unlike Estonia, other European countries are increasingly supporting their agricultural sectors, as the main reason for the current difficulties lies in the political arena,\" said Horm.Estonian pork producers are not counting on the resumption of exports to Russia in August 2015, when the embargo is expected to be lifted. As previously claimed by Russian veterinary watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor, the Baltic States, including Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, will not be able to resume supplies, even after the cancellation of the embargo – at least not until they have eliminated African swine fever. Rosselkhoznadzor deputy head Alexei Alexeenko said recently that the disease was \"smouldering\" in all three countries. \n \n " - ], - [ - "Seven New Outbreaks of Bird Flu in Burkina Faso", - "Poultry News Seven New Outbreaks of Bird Flu in Burkina Faso01 May 2015 \n \nBURKINA FASO - There have been seven new outbreaks of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza in the country.According to Follow-up Report No.2 dated 29 April to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), the veterinary authority in Burkina Faso reports seven new outbreaks of H5N1 high-path bird flu on poultry farms, all starting on 19 April. \nMost of the affected farms were in the provinces of Kadiogo (five) and Poni (one), which have reported previous outbreaks but Bazega in central Burkina Faso now has its first cases. \nOf the 18,264 bird affected, 16,009 died and 2,255 were slaughtered. \nThe presence of the H5N1 subtype of the virus has been confirmed. \n \nFurther Reading \nYou can visit the Avian Flu page by clicking here. \n \nThePoultrySite News Desk " - ], - [ - "Papua New Guinea: Newcastle disease area declared", - " \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n \n \n\t \n \n \n \n Breeders \n \n\t \n \n \n \n\t \n \n \n Health \n \n\t \n \n \n \n\t \n \n \n \n \n\t \n \n \n \n\t \n\tPapua New Guinea: Newcastle disease area declared \n\t \n \n\t \n\t \n \tMay 2, 2013 \n\t1181 \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\tThe Papua New Guinea [PNG] Government has declared Sandaun or West Sepik province \"a disease area\" after the detection of the contagious Newcastle bird disease in the PNG-Indonesia border villages. \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n \n\t \n\tThis means that the movement of poultry and poultry products out of Sandaun province is banned until further notice. However, commercially produced chicken meat and eggs entering the province from other PNG suppliers are exempted from the prohibition. Agriculture and livestock minister Tommy Tomscoll announced the declaration and prohibition in a full page advertisement published in the country's daily newspapers. According to minister Tomscoll, disease and deaths of village chicken started occurring in Wutung and Musu villages and around Vanimo on 4 Mar 2013. Reports reached National Agriculture Quarantine and Inspection Authority (NAQIA) on 11 Mar 2013.NAQIA officers immediately conducted field investigations and collected blood and swab specimens from sick and recently dead birds and sent them to the Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL) in Victoria, Australia. A follow up investigation was conducted from 28 Mar to 4 Apr 2013 but no disease or deaths were reported in the affected villages. Further blood specimens were collected and sent to AAHL.\"On Thursday 11 Apr 2013, NAQIA received confirmation from AAHL that the samples from the original disease investigation in Wutung village have tested positive for Newcastle disease. This is confirmation that Newcastle disease is the cause of the sickness and deaths reported from Wutung,\" minister Tomscoll says in the advertisement. \"Given this situation, I as minister [am] responsible. [I] have declared Sandaun province a 'disease area' with respect to Newcastle disease under the National Gazette No G165 on 23 Apr 2013,\" he said.Tomscoll said NAQIA is drawing down contingency funds held in trust for avian influenza (bird flu) for the initial containment and surveillance activities. PNG's Poultry Industry Association has also committed to support NAQIA in the containment and surveillance activities, he said. Meanwhile, speaking to Post-Courier from Vanimo, NAQIA's chief veterinarian, Dr Nimo Kapo who analysed samples, said indications are that the disease is closely related to a similar disease contracted from Indonesia. Newcastle disease is a highly contagious viral disease of domestic poultry, cage and aviary birds. Exposure of humans to infected birds (for example in poultry processing plants) can cause mild conjunctivitis and influenza-like symptoms.Source: Islands Business \n \n\t \n \n\t \n \n\t \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n \nWorld Poultry \n \t \n \n\t \n\t \n \n\t \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n \n \n\t \n\t \n \n \n\t \n\tsee also \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n \n \n \n\t \n \n \n \n\t \n \n\t \n \n \n To comment, login here \n \n Or register to be able to comment. \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n \n " - ], - [ - "PNG bans Australian poultry products", - "\n\t \nPapua New Guinea has banned all all uncooked poultry product imports from Australia. This was announced by PNGs Agriculture and Livestock Minister Tommy Tomscoll  for health reasons. Mr. Tomscoll said has minister reponsible, he had a duty to protect citizens and residents from any health threats. \nAustralian Media has reported that a bacteria  campylobacter, which causes campylobacteria in humans, was found  in poultry and poultry products across  Australia. This bacteria cause of diarrhoeal illnesses. .\nMr Tomcoll said he authorised the ban after having considered the danger of campylobacter and campylobacteriosis and in the light of the ongoing case of Newcastle Disease present also in poultry products from Australia.\n\t \nPosted by PNG Today \n\t on Thursday, April 16, 2015. Filed under \n\t \nall,\nnews,\nPNG News\n.\n\t You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0.\n\t Feel free to leave a response\n" - ], - [ - "Foot and mouth disease found in Kinmen", - "\tAccording to the COA, samples taken from a carcass at a slaughterhouse in Kinmen during routine inspections tested positive for foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). \tOfficials of the Kinmen County Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection (å‹•æ¤ç‰©é˜²ç–«æ‰€) traced the infected carcass back to a stock farm, where additional screening revealed that one out of the 15 animals tested was infected with the virus, officials said.\tThe infected specimen underwent further testing, leading investigators to believe that the animal may be infected with the type-A FMD virus, according to officials. \tOnce experts confirm the diagnosis, this will be the first case of type-A FMD in the nation, said Chang Su-san (張淑賢), director-general of the Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine (BAPHIQ, 防檢局).\tFor precautionary purposes, the infected cow was euthanized immediately, according to Chang. Moreover, the COA held a press conference later in the day, announcing a ban on all cloven-hoofed animals and manufactured products from Kinmen.\tThe COA will gather FMD experts for a conference today to further examine the specimen and to confirm whether it was infected with type-A FMD, said Chang. Moreover, she added that a specimen will also be sent to the World Organization of Animal Health (OIE) for outside confirmation.\tIf authorities confirm the diagnosis of type-A FMD, all 176 cattle of the stock farm will be immediately put down, followed by disinfection procedures, said officials. All cloven-hoofed animals within a 1-kilometer radius will also be subject to testing.Vaccine Does Not Work for Different Virus Types \tAccording to the COA, the nation underwent a type-O FMD outbreak in 1997. However, the vaccine for type-O FMD is ineffective when applied to the type-A FMD virus. \tOfficials said at the press conference yesterday that the COA currently has 500 doses of the type-A FMD vaccine, however, the council plans to euthanize any infected cloven-hoofed animals upon a positive type-A FMD diagnosis. \t\"Even though humans are rarely infected with FMD, the nation cannot afford another FMD outbreak, as it would severely damage the economy. We must do our best to avoid any potential type-A FMD infection from spreading nationwide,\" said Chang." - ], - [ - "Latvia urges closer cooperation to protect freedom of expression ...", - " \n \t \n\t \n\t“The aim of the conference is to \ndiscuss the recent challenges for online freedom, as well as the opportunities \nfor strengthening human rights and the protection of fundamental rights online. \nThis year, a special focus has been placed on themes such as the significance \nof critical thinking and media literacy, as well as the equal application of \nhuman rights both in physical and digital environments. \n \n \n \nViktors Makarovs gave a speech at \nthe plenary session, “Progressive Policy Makingâ€, in which he pointed to the \nchallenges for the Internet freedom across the globe, as well as emphasizing \nthe need for a stronger cooperation on freedom of speech and its protection in \nthe online environment. He acknowledged that the rapid development of the \nInternet and the increasing accessibility of information highlight the priority \nof the strengthening of critical thinking and media literacy in the education \nsystem. Viktors Makarovs presented Latvia’s progress in development of the \nInternet and promotion of freedom of speech, and outlined the events dealing \nwith the theme during Latvia’s Presidency of the Council of the EU. \n \n \n \nParticipating in the plenary chaired \nby Getachew Engida, UNESCO’s Deputy \nDirector General, were also Dunja \nMijatovic, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, and Maria Leissner, Secretary General of \nthe Community of Democracies. \n \n \n \nThe Freedom Online Coalition member \nstates, other invited countries, members of civil society and of the private \nsector are represented at the conference. \n \n \n \nThe Freedom Online Coalition is a \ngroup of governments who have committed to work together to support Internet \nfreedom and protect fundamental human rights – free expression, association, \nassembly, and privacy online – worldwide. The FOC was established in the \nNetherlands in 2011, and Latvia joined it on 7 December 2012. Currently, 26 \ncountries from various regions of the world have joined the Coalition. It \norganises a high level conference on a yearly basis. Until now, these events \nhave been hosted by the Netherlands, Kenya, Tunisia and Estonia. \n \n \n \nLatvia is actively engaged in \npromoting freedom of speech, including freedom of speech online, and at \ninternational organisations. The strengthening of freedom of speech and \nindependent, quality media are priorities for Latvia during its Presidency of \nthe Council of the EU. \n \n" - ], - [ - "Iowa turkey, chicken death toll mounts", - "\nUSDA veterinarians and recovery workers from across the United States have been working on biohazard clean-up detail at area poultry operations, including the Archer Co-Op Grain Company's egg-laying facility near Archer, in the face of the Avian Influenza outbreak that continues devastating poultry operations throughout the Midwest. Photo contributed \nIowa Poultry State of Emergency & Disaster\nNews reported April 30 said 5 more suspected cases of Avian Influenza were identified in NW Iowa triggering Iowa Governor Terry Branstad, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey and Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) Director Mark Schouten to declare a state of emergency followed immediately by a disaster proclamation on May 1. \nThe Governor's announcement came during an Avian Influenza update. A press conference call from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) the day before reported that the five new cases included one in previously unaffected Clay County. Initial testing showed a poultry site there tested positive for H5 Avian Influenza. \nIt appears that the virus threatens to migrate further to the east and south out of NW Iowa. With no suspected cases of bird flu in Wright County, this didn't deter their county supervisors from declaring a state of emergency. Wright County, which is the highest poultry population of any county in Iowa, is home to about 15 million birds. The Avian flu now affects about 25% of the egg laying birds in Iowa. \nBranstad said even before the virus began in Iowa, his office was monitoring the outbreak in other states. \"We'll continue our work - as we've been doing since the first outbreak in Buena Vista County - in hopes of stopping the virus' aggressive spread throughout Iowa,\" said the Governor.\nAt this time, 21 sites spanning 10 Iowa counties have cases that are either presumed positives or confirmed positives. The counties now include: Buena Vista, Cherokee, Clay, Kossuth, Madison, O'Brien, Osceola, Pocahontas, Sac and Sioux.\n\"Iowa's poultry farms are an important part of our state's agriculture industry. The disease is having a far reaching impact and unfortunately, it continues to spread. We have seen tremendous support and coordination from state, federal and local partners and this emergency declaration will allow the state to continue to respond aggressively to this disease outbreak,\" said Ag Secretary Northey. \nThe proclamation of disaster emergency activates the disaster response and recovery aspect of the HSEMD Iowa Emergency Response Plan. It also authorizes the use and deployment of all available state resources, supplies, equipment, and materials as are deemed necessary by the IDALS and Iowa HSEMD to do the following.\nIt tracks and monitors instances of confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza; establishes important restrictions and prohibitions in respect to birds suspected of being infected; rapidly detects any presumptive or confirmed cases of avian influenza; contains the spread of the virus within our state through depopulation, disinfections and disposal of carcasses; engages in detection activities, contact tracking, and other investigatory work to stop the virus' spread and eliminates the disease in those disaster counties where it's been confirmed and preventing this disease from spreading statewide.\nIt temporarily authorizes the removal and/or disposal of live birds and bird carcasses on publicly or privately owned land when those live birds or carcasses threaten public health or safety. \nIt authorizes state agencies to implement stop movement and stop loading restrictions and other control zone measures like establishing buffer zones, checkpoints, cleaning and disinfecting operations at checkpoints and borders surrounding any quarantined site established by IDALS in order to stop the virus' spread.\nIt also authorizes state agencies to assist IDALS in disinfection, depopulation and carcass disposal efforts. It also temporarily suspends the regulatory provisions pertaining to how long drivers hauling poultry carcasses infected with the highly contagious disease can drive.\nIn addition, IDALS has quarantined all infected sites and continues to monitor all poultry operations within a 10 kilometer circle of each infected site.\nAccording to an April 22 report from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Office, Avian Influenza does not impact the food that consumers eat, Avian influenza is not a food borne pathogen. It cannot be contracted from eating properly cooked poultry meat and eggs.\nThe disease is caused by an influenza virus that can infect poultry, such as chickens, turkeys, domestic ducks and geese, and is carried by migratory birds such as ducks, geese and shorebirds. Humans can be infected with the virus, but most cases involve very close contact with sick birds. \nAccording to U. S. Department of Agriculture information, Avian Influenza has been detected and eradicated by the USDA three times: in 1924, 1983 and 2004. The 1983 outbreak killed 17 million chickens, turkeys and guinea fowl in Pennsylvania and Virginia. Managing that outbreak cost nearly $65 million and caused retail egg prices to increase by more than 30 %. This current outbreak will exceed that death number. \nMeanwhile, at the presumptive positive site near Archer in O'Brien County, barricade tape blocks both driveway entrances to the egg laying facility. Employees that work for the owner/operator, Archer Co-Op Grain Company, are no longer allowed to enter the facility.\nIn an interview with the Co-Op's General Manager, Scott Summa said that two large buildings on their site were built in 1993 and 1995. Summa said that both buildings together house 240,000 birds.\nWhen asked if the firm hired to dispose of the carcasses was in fact hauling out dead birds, Summa said, \"They are preparing to. They did not know this morning exactly where these carcasses would be hauled for disposal. They thought they knew, but right now, what carcasses they have removed are being put into large biohazard bags. They then zip the bags shut once they are filled.\n\"These bags are like a king-sized, heavy-duty, zip lock bag inside of a very large industrial dumpster. They have a temperature monitor to monitor the temperature and once the temperature reaches a certain degree of Fahrenheit, it kills the virus. They can move them then, according to the USDA veterinarians that are on site,\" Summa explained. \n\"There are, like yesterday, there were six USDA veterinarians on the site on Sunday. These veterinarians are from throughout the United States to come in to oversee all this. These veterinarians work independently for the U. S. government through the veterinarian's services. They go all over the U.S. and the world.\" Summa explained. \n\"There's a Clean Harbors Recovery Company that's bringing their equipment and manpower and doing the labor right now. The company is headquartered out of Houston, Texas. They go all over the U. S. doing this kind of clean up work like hurricane recovery, oil spill recovery, mining accidents and anything to do with biohazard recovery. They contract through the government.\"\n" - ], - [ - "1 New Case Of Bird Flu Reported At A Minnesota Turkey Farm", - "\n\t\nST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — One new Minnesota turkey farm has been hit by bird flu, raising the state’s total to 85 since the outbreaks were first confirmed in early March.\nThe Minnesota Board of Animal Health says the latest case is in Swift County. The flock size hasn’t been reported yet, but Minnesota turkey and chicken producers have now lost nearly 5.7 million turkeys and chickens to the disease.\nThe U.S. Department of Agriculture now reports over 140 findings of highly pathogenic avian influenza across the country, which have affected more than 30 million chickens and turkeys.\nMinnesota, the country’s top turkey producing state, has had the most farms hit by the H5N2 virus, but Iowa, the country’s top egg producer, has lost by far the most birds at more than 24 million.\n(© Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)\n\t" - ], - [ - "Border fence between Namibia, Angola a priority, says Mutorwa", - " \n\t \n\t \nWindhoek\nElectrification of part of the high-risk area of the Veterinary Cordon Fence and the Namibia-Botswana international border fence is expected to be completed this year.\nThe announcement was made by Minister of Agriculture, Water and Forestry John Mutorwa last week when he presented his technical paper on ‘Change with continuity, co-ordination, consolidation and completion of major MAWF plans, programmes and projects’ n Parliament.\nWith N$25.8 million available in the 2015/16 Budget for improvement of animal health and marketing in the Northern Communal Areas (NCA’s), Mutorwa said intensification of clinical and serological surveillance will be effected for the NC’s and prophylactic vaccinations against Foot and Mouth Disease and lung sickness will continue in the 2015/16 financial year.\nHe also announced that the strategy for the eradication of trans-boundary diseases in the NA was finalized but awaits Cabinet approval of funds for implementation. A detailed implementation plan has been approved by MAWF and it was also approved by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).\nHe essential elements of the plan involve strengthening of veterinary services by bolstering staff capacity in terms of recruitment and skills development, development of surveillance and response guidelines, construction of veterinary infrastructure, procurement of equipment and vehicles, community mobilisation and participation in veterinary activities.\nMutorwa said international collaboration in the management of trans-boundary animal diseases will also be strengthened.\n“A major component of the plan entails erection of a border fence between Namibia and Angola and relocation of livestock relying on grazing in Angola to identified grazing areas in Namibia,†concluded.\n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t" - ], - [ - "\"Coca-Cola HBC Latvia\" posts smaller profit in 2013", - "World's largest non-alcoholic beverages producer \"Coca-Cola Co.\" distributor \"Coca-Cola HBC Latvia\" has earned a smaller profit in 2013 than in 2012, informs NOZARE.LV/LETA reffering to information provided by \"Firmas.lv\". \n \t \n\t \n\tThe company's profit in \n2013 was EUR 14,941, while in 2012, it reached EUR 714,788. \n \nMeanwhile, the company's \nturnover increased by 10 percent - from EUR 26.88 million in 2012 to EUR 29.57 \nmillion last year. \n \n\"Coca-Cola HBC \nLatvia\" management report indicates that, due to an increase in prices for \nraw materials, product costs increased as well. Operational expenses grew by 18 \npercent. \n \nThe company will continue \nto utilize new market development opportunities and increase sales volumes for \ncarbonated and non-carbonated drinks to secure long-term profit for the future. \n \n\"Coca-Cola HBC \nLatvia\" was founded in 1992. Its share capital is EUR 24,637,144. \"Coca-Cola \nHBC Latvia\" fully belongs to Estonia-registered \"Coca-Cola HBC \nEesti\" and is part of Greece-registered \"Cola-Cola Hellenic\" \ngroup. \n \n" - ], - [ - "Government to improve NCAs livestock marketing", - " \n\t \n\t \nWindhoek– The Eenhana and Outapi abattoirs will be ready for commissioning in the second quarter of this year, Minister of Agriculture, Water and Forestry (MAWF) John Mutorwa announced last week in Parliament.\nMutorwa  tabled his technical paper in support of the motivation statement of the MAWF 2015/16 budget of N$2.415 billion, of which N$1.245 billion (51.6 percent) is earmarked for the Development Budget and N$1.169 billion (48.4 percent) represents the Operational Budget. He announced that above mentioned abattoirs will be managed through public-private partnerships as part of MAWF’s beef value chain development programme in the Northern Communal Areas (NCAs). He added that the objective of the project is to ensure improved marketing of livestock in the NCAs and production of value added meat and meat products in order to compete at local, regional and international markets.\n“Cattle and goats in the NCAs have limited marketing channels and almost no access to lucrative markets. Appropriate, well-situated slaughter facilities, in the form of abattoirs that conform to best practice standards are therefore needed,†he noted. Mutorwa also referred to the construction of the new Rundu abattoir that commenced in the first quarter of this year, and the fact that the Zambezi Regional Council has availed land to the MAWF near Bukalo to erect a meat processing/cooking facility for value added products.\nIn the Zambezi region, a cooking facility will be set up to improve value addition as well as take advantage of the International Organisation for Animal Health (IOEH)’s Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) chapter on commodity-based trade to ensure continuous marketing of meat products from an FMD high risk area such as canned beef, cooked meat, biltong and other heat treated meat products. He also announced that the construction of the cold storage facility and meat processing plant at Ongwediva Fresh Produce Hub will start in the first quarter of 2015/16.\nConstruction of the cold storage and processing plant at Rundu will also commence during the first quarter of this year.\nMutorwa announced that the MAWF plans to implement the strategy for improved animal health status and achieving international recognition for FMD and lung sickness in the NCAs in the beginning of this new financial year. “MAWF will also increase the number of veterinary offices in the NCAs to reduce the distance that farmers have to travel to seek veterinary services. We will also increase the number of order infrastructure in the NCAs to improve import and export control of animals and animal products as well as develop and implement protocols to facilitate the local marketing of meat by small abattoirs in the NCAs. Border harmonising meetings will also be conducted in neighbouring countries, particularly Angola,“ he noted. Mutorwa concluded by stressing the importance of implementing the Angola/Namibia Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the control, prevention and eradication of FMD and lung sickness.\nA total of 142 908 cattle, 559 426 sheep and 4 707 springbok were slaughtered under veterinary supervision in 2014/15.\n \n\t \n\t \n\t" - ], - [ - "Namibia's Beef Industry is Shaking", - "The writing is on the wall that unless stakeholders in the agricultural sector and beef industry pull together and get more enterprising, the beef industry threatens to collapse.\nNamibia entered the European export market shortly after independence and this yielded good results. Unfortunately, the industry has been dogged by challenges, supreme of which are the threat posed by contemporary South African legislative considerations, as well as Namibia’s tenuous management of the wild animals that are associated with foot and mouth disease.\nAround July 2014 the government of South Africa expressed anxieties towards the Namibian Government because of concerns over how Namibia managed the beef industry. Shuttle diplomacy did the trick and South Africa backed off from perceived stringent measures. But the onus was on Namibia to manage the exercise more stringently. It seems that the latter did not perform to the satisfaction of South Africa whose anxieties resurged with new measures. \nThe South African government has circularised an import certificate as requirement for animals imported from Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland, in which the requirements are that animals coming from these markets must be free of diseases such as animal TB, brucellosis and other diseases. Animals to be exported to South Africa from these SADC countries must be placed in isolation for at least thirty days prior to export and must subsequently be accompanied by a clearance certificate confirming that this animal is free of identified diseases. These requirements evidently present a serious conundrum to Namibia. \nFor instance, 70% of Namibians cannot survive for one day without meat and meat products as diet and as economic drivers. For instance, when last year between May and August the export of live animals to South Africa was suspended, Namibia recorded a revenue loss of over N$85 million. It goes without saying that, should these measures be put in place, most of the communal areas will be closed off as there cannot be any facilities in any of these to isolate sold animals for over thirty days.\nAnother conundrum is presented by the regular appearance of buffaloes in the free-farming zone areas of the country, contrary to conventional commitments by Namibia pertaining to meat exports to the European Union. It is an open secret that the single most feared animal disease in Europe is the African foot and mouth disease that is known to prevail among African buffaloes. Yet, Namibia has lacked commitment to keep to the accords, as the buffalos are an occasional feature within these areas. \n In 2012 a buffalo broke out of the Koudom Game Reserve and created consternation among the farming communities as well as the stakeholders to the agricultural sector. Communal areas of Otjozondjupa and Omaheke were placed under quarantine for weeks and this rendered farming towns such as Gobabis in Omaheke economically deserted zones. Recently another buffalo escaped from the Waterberg Game Reserve and this is causing pandemonium, with stakeholders trading blame.\nThe tenuous management of the African buffalo in Namibia is sending mixed signals and is at best leaving the impression that Namibia cannot strategically manage this necessary but dangerous economic resource. \nThe Ministry of Environment and Tourism must either reduce the numbers of the buffaloes in the free farming zone and transfer them to outlying game reserves, or remove them altogether from the Waterberg Game Reserve.  Suffice to say, while there could be scientific evidence that buffaloes in the Waterberg Game Reserve had tested negative for foot and mouth disease, not all the buffaloes were tested, with high volumes of reproduction reported there the situation is pregnant with serious challenges. As of late, South Africa has Gazetted animal import regulations and circularised these to the neighbouring states of Swaziland, Lesotho, Botswana and Namibia with the requirement that these states comment on the contents within a given time, while the country has issued notification that the measures contained in this Gazette will apply with immediate effect come May 2015. \nTo this effect, it seems that Namibia faces a serious situation with regard to cattle export to South Africa, and no amount of enterprising will eliminate the potential negative impact of these import regulations with ease. \n" - ], - [ - "One vision for meat industry closer to reality", - " \n\tWINDHOEK – Stakeholders within the Namibian livestock and meat industry took another step towards the realisation of a joint industry vision, which seeks to provide sought-after quality products to the most viable markets for the benefit of all Namibians.\nUnder the auspices of the Meat Board of Namibia, stakeholders including Meatco, Agra, Hartlief, Feedmaster, the Abattoir Association of Namibia and the Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU), last Thursday witnessed  the handing over of the Common Vision for the Livestock and Meat Industry of Namibia by the Meat Board Chairperson Patricia Gurubes to the Minister of Agriculture, Water and Forestry, John Mutorwa. In achieving this vision, the industry has identified five plans of action to be implemented:\nImprove animal health and welfare as well as food safety \nUnder this action plan, the aim is to improve and maintain the animal health status and animal welfare in the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) free zone. The plan is to do the same for the Northern Communal Areas (NCAs), as well as to improve the hygiene and safety standards of food/animal origin.\nUnder this action plan, the aim is, amongst others, to create a conducive policy and institutional environment to increase production, align production with consumer demands as well as utilise slaughter capacity efficiently.\nThis action plan will focus on the development of the value addition strategy, gaining government approval, and eventually implementing it. Once realised, the plan is to monitor the implementation thereof.\nThis action plan is aimed at expansion into new premium international markets whilst maintaining existing ones. This plan will also focus on developing and supplying local markets with healthy meat products of a high quality. It will also look at the export of live animals.\nThis action plan will facilitate the effective cooperation between government and the livestock and meat industry, as well as oversee that working relationships between the different industry role players are implemented.\nVehaka Tjimune, Meatco’s Executive for Policy Innovation, Stakeholder Relations and Corporate Affairs, says this vision will act as a roadmap for the livestock and meat industry in terms of where the industry as a collective is headed. “We are coming out of an era where many things were driven from a stakeholder’s interest perspective only, meaning that although we were all part of the meat and livestock industry, we all had our own plans with no common vision for the industry. Now we are working towards one. It is a step in the right direction. This is a negotiated outcome with the participation of all stakeholders in the industry,†he says.\nGurubes notes that the Common Vision is in line with Vision 2030 as well as the country’s national goals. “This common vision calls upon visionary leadership in the livestock and meat industry that will mobilise resources, and encourage and motivate stakeholders to go the extra mile in terms of implementation,†she says. Mutorwa referrs to it is the common or collective eyes of Namibia’s Livestock and Meat Industry from East to West, North to South, adding that the document must be embraced and used to assist the process of creating an environment conducive to the expansion of the industry as a whole.\n \n \n\t" - ], - [ - "Grazing conditions worsen in dry season", - " \n\tBy Deon Schlechter\nWINDHOEK – Grazing conditions in various parts of the regions is said to have worsen during the course of the dry season and was reported to range between fair to poor.\nNevertheless, the situation was much better than the drought condition last year. According to farmers, this season was better than last season which saw many farmers losing many of their livestock. In general, there were few cases of livestock deaths related to poor grazing condition. Last year, many farmers lost lots of their livestock due to poor grazing condition. Although, the regions noted a delay in the onset of the 2014/2015 rainfall in which productive rainfall was received as from mid November instead of October, it was then reported that most parts of the country have since received good showers. As such grazing was  expected to recover as more good rainfall was reportedly falling in various areas countrywide.\nIn the Zambezi region, grazing conditions were reported to be fair to poor in the eastern part of the region (i.e. Kabbe North and Kabbe South, Katima Rural constituencies as well as areas along the river in the Linyanti and Lyaboloma constituencies), due to higher concentration of animals and range between fair to good elsewhere in the region. For the Kavango East and Kavango West regions, grazing was reported to be fair in areas along the river and good in most places in the inland. However, the region noted with a great concern the incidence of veld fires in the inland and this has resulted in very poor grazing conditions in the affected areas. The north central regions reported poor grazing conditions with all the four north central regions equally affected. According to farmers, grazing was affected by a prolonged dry spells in January and most February.\nHowever, the situation was said to be better compared to the same period last year. Nevertheless, better to good grazing conditions were reported in the cattle post areas of Omusati and Oshana regions. Many farmers were reported to have moved some of their livestock to some of these areas for better grazing conditions.Water availability for livestock was noted to be satisfactory in all the regions visited. Most livestock were said to get water from various sources such as wells, boreholes, dams, river and pipelines.\nLivestock Condition\nMost regions reported that livestock body condition ranging between poor to good. According to farmers, livestock body conditions are much better than last year. In the Zambezi, Kavango East and Kavango West regions, conditions of the livestock were said to be fair in the Eastern part of Zambezi region and areas along the river in Kavango East and Kavango West regions, while elsewhere in these regions, livestock conditions were said to range between fair to good. Livestock conditions in the four northern regions were reported to range between poor (in areas around the township) and fair to good in the cattle post areas.\nSuspected outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, in Linyanti Constituency of Zambezi Region has been reported after an investigation conducted on  December 1, 2014. The Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) in the region reported that further investigations were still underway. Meanwhile, the following measures had been imposed with immediate effect. A temporal and complete ban of all susceptible livestock movements within and into Zambezi region has been imposed with immediate effect. DVS further directed that movement of cloven-hoofed animals, like cattle, sheep, goats and pigs or their products, other potentially infectious commodities including hides, skins, game trophies, grass, plant material, etc., would remain restricted until further notice.\nMoreover, movement of livestock out of Zambezi Region was not allowed. A containment area has been established with a radius of 40 km around Linyanti. In the mean-time a moratorium on the movements of meat from Katima Mulilo abattoir has been imposed until further notice. Furthermore, drought related conditions were also reported and this included; Dystocia, Retained placenta and virginal prolapsed.\n \n\t" - ], - [ - "EC recommends Lithuania to improve its healthcare system", - "The European Commission (EC) said in its recommendations for Lithuania that in 2015-2016 it should not only ensure fiscal sustainability but also improve the performance of its healthcare system, reports LETA/ELTA. \n \t \n\t \n\tFirst of all, the EC has recommended \nto \"avoid deviating from the medium-term objective in 2015 and ensure that \nthe deviation in 2016 is limited to the allowance linked to the systemic \npension reform. Broaden the tax base and improve tax compliance.\" \n \n \n \nThe EC also noted that with the \ndemographic situation worsening, Lithuania's education system should be better \nadapted to the needs of the labour market and that Lithuania should \n\"reduce the high tax wedge for low income earners by shifting the tax \nburden to other sources less detrimental to growth\". \n \n \n \nIt was recommended to \"adopt a \ncomprehensive reform of the pension system that also addresses the challenge of \npension adequacy. Improve the coverage and adequacy of unemployment benefits \nand cash social assistance and improve the employability of those looking for \nwork.\" \n \n \n \nFor the first time this year, \nLithuania was recommended to improve the performance of its healthcare system. \nEuropean Commissioner Vytenis Povilas \nAndriukaitis has stressed that managing healthcare systems is a challenge, \nbut attention towards health must increase as the European public is ageing \nrapidly. \n \n \n \n\"This means that financial \nburden on healthcare systems will only increase. If we wish people to be \nhealthy for a longer time, we must properly invest money allocated for \nhealthcare and devote particular attention towards enhancing healthcare. This \nis of paramount importance to Lithuania as it is a very rapidly ageing country \nin the European Union,\" said MEP Andriukaitis. \n \n \n \nEU ministers will discuss \ncountry-specific recommendations in June, whereas heads of states and \ngovernments will approve them by the end of June. \n \n" - ], - [ - "Vietnam Avian and Human Influenza Control and Preparedness", - "\n\tBank Group ContributionVAHIP and VAHIP AF were financed by an IDA Credits ($30 million), an Avian and Human Influenza Facility (AHIF) Grant ($23 million), a Japan PHRD Grant ($5 million), and the Government of Vietnam ($5 million)PartnersVAHIP was developed and implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Ministry of Health, other departments of the government and 11 selected provinces. It was highly decentralized for the implementation of the project activities. There was strong commitment and highly beneficial engagement from the Ministries and the Provincial People’s Committees which contributed critical support and also provided tangible assets such as buildings at the district level.\nBeneficiaries “We’ve gained great benefits and support from VAHIP project. Our center has improved significantly in terms of environment, hygiene and food safety†Mr. Nguyen Dang Phong, head of Tan Truong Phuc Waterfowl slaughter center, Can Giuoc, Long An Province.“VAHIP provided us with effective prevention solutions. We are now more proactively in identifying avian influenza patients and able to provide the patients with timely and effective treatments. The skills of our medical staff from commune to district levels have been enhanced and our ability to contain the disease has been improved. As a result, our capacity for early detection of the disease and provision of timely treatment has been increased and we can prevent an epidemic from spreading into a pandemic†Mr. Do Thien Khuyen, Director, District Healthcare Center, Vu Thu District, Thai Binh Province.“I learnt about avian influenza prevention at the school. When I come home, I will tell my parents that it is necessary to use gloves and facemask when contacting or feeding poultry. They should notice the veterinary service staff when they suspect that their ducks or chicken may have influenza so that we can proactively prevent ourselves from influenzaâ€, a school pupil under VAHIP communication campaign.Moving ForwardWith contributions from VAHIP and other projects, the Vietnamese authorities have improved the performance of core animal health and human health capacities and the coordination between the two systems. The IDA-financed Livestock Competitiveness and Food Safety project is providing relevant support in this regard.\n" - ], - [ - "OIE: Viral Haemorrhagic Septicaemia Outbreak Reported in Croatia", - "NewsOIE: Viral Haemorrhagic Septicaemia Outbreak Reported in Croatia10 July 2013 CROATIA - An outbreak of Viral haemorrhagic septicaemia has been reported at a trout farm in Croatia.The outbreak occured on a freshwater farm in Stupe 18, Kostanjevac, KraÅ¡ic, Zagrebacka. \nThe outbreak affected 22 of the 23,000 trout susceptible and led to 22 deaths. \nThe source of the outbreak is inconclusive but there has been movements of live fish to the farm in the last two months. \n \nTheFishSite News Desk \n" - ], - [ - "Modi's visit may pave way for agro exports to China", - "\n\t\n\tWritten by Shruti Srivastava\n\t | New Delhi | \t\n\t\n\t Updated: May 11, 2015 2:15 am\n\t\n\tWhen Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits China, he is likely to achieve a rare feat — entering into an in-principle deal with the neighbouring country to mutually recognise each others’ standards on agro-products, thereby unlocking New Delhi’s export potential to Beijing.\nSources told The Indian Express that China’s Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) will sign an agreement with India’s agriculture department that will facilitate the recognition of the country’s plant protection measures in the neighbouring nation.\nAccording to estimates, the sources said, once operational the development would pave way for export of bovine meat worth $1billion in the first two years itself, around $500 million worth various fruits and non-basmati rice worth $500 million, all of which is currently stuck due to restrictions placed by the AQSIQ, the ministerial-level administration that is in charge of national quality, entry-exit commodity inspection, entry-exit health quarantine, entry-exit animal and plant quarantine, certification and accreditation among other functions.\n“The two sides have decided to work on an MRA for agro-products. This will provide a platform to India to at least put forth its concerns on decisions taken by the AQSIQ. The two sides are working on the procedures including the timeline for addressing issues, the schedule of the AQSIQ inspectors to visit facilities in India and procedure for recognising the country’s plant protection measures and organisation,†the sources said.\nThe Prime Minister will embark on a three-day visit to China from May 14-16 during which he will travel to Beijing, Shanghai and Xian and meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang. Among other issues, he is likely to strongly push for greater market access for Indian exports to China.\nIndia has been in talks with China to provide market access to its bovine meat and in 2013 the two countries had signed a memorandum of understanding to facilitate the same.\nHowever, despite the hopes offered by Chinese agencies, real market access has not yet materialised.\nIn August last year, commerce and industry minister Nirmala Sitharaman had told the Rajya Sabha that Indian bovine meat and meat products have been denied entry into the Chinese market on grounds of alleged foot and mouth disease in India.\nChina accounts for over a quarter of India’s trade deficit with restricted market access and non-tariff barriers (NTBs) blocking India’s exports of pharmaceuticals, agro commodities, IT and ITeS services. India’s trade deficit with China stood at $44 billion in the April-February 2014-15 period with imports from China increasing 18.18 per cent to $55.77 billion and exports declining 18.88 per cent to $11.01 billion.\nThe foreign trade policy 2015-2020 has warned that if the current situation persists, by 2016-17, merchandise imports from China will exceed $80 billion while India’s exports will be around $20 billion leaving “an unsustainable trade deficit of $60 billion.â€\nIn this context, the MRA will help India deal with the trade deficit situation to some extent even as it continues to pursue market access and removal of NTBs to augment exports of pharmaceuticals, agro commodities, including bovine meat, oil meals and cake, tobacco, rice, and fruits and vegetables. New Delhi is also working on promoting high value exports of products with a strong domestic manufacturing base, including engineering goods and electronics.\nCurbing trade imbalance\n* “The two sides have decided to work on an MRA for agro-products. This will provide a platform to India to at least put forth its concerns on decisions taken by the AQSIQ. The two sides are working on the procedures including the timeline for addressing issues, the schedule of the AQSIQ inspectors to visit facilities in India and procedure for recognising the country’s plant protection measures and organisation,†the sources said.\n* India’s trade deficit with China stood at $44 billion in the April-February 2014-15 period with imports from China increasing 18.18 per cent to $55.77 billion and exports declining 18.88 per cent to $11.01 billion.\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t" - ], - [ - "Competitor watch: China lifts three-year embargo on Brazil beef ...", - " \n \n \tCHINA has ended an embargo on Brazilian beef imports, Brazil’s agriculture ministry announced on Tuesday, lifting a three-year ban and opening the door to trade that could be worth half a billion dollars each year to Brazil in new sales.\nEight Brazilian beef processing plants and one poultry plant were approved to ship to China, the ministry said in a statement, reported by Reuters yesterday.\nThe announcement came after Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang signed trade, finance and investment deals worth tens of billions of dollars.\nSeventeen more Brazilian processing plants are expected to get approval in June, when Brazilian Agriculture Minister Katia Abreu visits China. The 26 plants represent $520 million of potential sales to China, the ministry said.\nChina’s ban on Brazilian beef imports came well before the huge surge in Chinese imported beef trade that started in late 2013. Given the size of the Chinese market and Australia’s reduced capacity to export beef in coming years, Australian analysts are not particularly concerned about ‘front-door’ competition in China from Brazilian beef. Some Brazilian beef already enters the country through the illegal ‘grey channel’, and will simply be supplied through a more legitimate route, market watchers say.\nTrade talk around the recently-held SIAL trade show in China suggested that Brazil had been hit extremely hard by China’s recent clamp-down on grey channel beef entering the country, which saw thousands of containers blocked up in ports like Hong Kong, Vietnam and Thailand. See Beef Central’s February report on the clamp-down here.\nAlthough yesterday’s trade access announcement was widely anticipated in Brazil, it nevertheless saw stocks in Brazil’s three largest meat packers – JBS, Marfrig and Minerva – rise by an average 4-5 percent yesterday. All three will have China-eligible plants, following the agreement.\nAn important part of the broader China-Brazil trade agreement announced yesterday is a multi-billion dollar China-backed railway project stretching coast-to-coast, that will allow Brazilian beef and other commodities to be shipped via Pacific Ocean ports in neighbouring Chile or Peru. Brazil itself has no direct access to the Pacific Ocean side of the South American continent. The project will make Brazilian beef much more accessible to China.\nA number of key beef importing countries currently have bans imposed on chilled/frozen beef from Brazil. Countries that imposed a suspension following the detection of an atypical BSE case in 2012 include China and Saudi Arabia. Despite those suspensions, the World Animal Health Organisation maintains Brazil’s status as a country classified with an ‘insignificant risk’ of the disease.\nAnother group of importing countries including the US, Japan, Korea, the EU and Indonesia have bans imposed on Brazilian beef due to its Foot and Mouth Disease status. However Brazil is confident of gaining access to the US from certain states with vaccination for FMD, well before the end of this year.\nBrazil’s agriculture ministry expects the US to approve imports of fresh Brazilian beef for the first time by late June, when President Dilma Rousseff visits Washington.\nBrazil is the world’s largest beef exporter and China is its top trading partner for all commodities. In 2014, Brazil exported $7.2 billion worth of beef – mostly to second-tier countries. A breakthrough in both China and the US could significantly change the global meat trade landscape.\n \nSource: Reuters, additional reporting by Beef Central.\n \n " - ], - [ - "DC NEWS JUNKIE | China, U.S. Playing a Game of Chicken", - "\nshutterstock\n\t\nCall it “battle of the bans.†Or maybe ask, “Why did the chicken cross the Pacific?†Fear of poultry-borne illness in two of the world’s largest chicken-consuming countries means the birds probably won’t be crossing too many oceans.\n\t\n\tBack in January, China banned the importation of chicken and eggs (both at the same time) from the U.S. after a virulent strain of avian bird flu was found in America’s Pacific Northwest. \nThat ban was still in place this April when U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack asked China to limit its ban only to poultry products from states where bird flu has been found. China has refused, and three states — Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa — have declared states of emergency following outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).\n—Click here to receive email updates from DC NEWS JUNKIE!\n“Not in the years that I’ve been in state government have we had a disaster situation affecting, in this case, our poultry, like this,†Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad said on Friday. “This is a magnitude much greater than anything we’ve dealt with in recent, modern times.â€\nMeanwhile, on this side of the road, Connecticut Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-3rd District, has introduced a bill, H.R. 2152, that would prevent chicken processed in China from being included in school lunches.\nIt’s not the first time DeLauro has found herself fighting against the proliferation of Chinese chicken. Last year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture granted “equivalency†to chicken processed in China, meaning that the approval of Chinese officials was sufficient, regardless of questions over the nation’s food safety record.\nThat meant chickens could be raised in the United States, shipped to and processed in China, and then shipped back to the states to be used in school lunches — a situation that made large-scale food purveyors happy but left others, such as DeLauro, concerned. \nProvisions in last year’s national budget prevented chicken processed in China from being used in school lunches, but the USDA’s budget hasn’t been passed yet, leading DeLauro to propose a bill that would make the ban permanent.\n“I introduced this bipartisan legislation to prevent Chinese meat and chicken from being used in federal nutrition programs given China’s atrocious history of poorly-enforced food safety laws,†DeLauro said. “It is a moral imperative to ensure the food we serve America’s children is safe. There is no better place to start than in their schools.â€\nJordan Fenster lives with his family in Fairfield County. He can be reached by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or @JordanFenster on Twitter.\n*  *  *  *  *  \nEDITOR’S NOTE: Introducing CTNewsJunkie’s latest offering — updates on Connecticut’s congressional delegates and their activities at the nation’s Capitol.\n\t\n\tWe are launching this feature in conjunction with our installation of new software from VoteTocracy.com, which provides a database of information on bills and lawmakers from around the country, and the option for you, our readers, to register with VoteTocracy to vote “yes†or “no†on bills your delegates are considering. \nJust float your mouse over the highlighted words in these reports, and windows will pop up to provide you with more information. VoteTocracy is free for you to use. Just follow instructions to register and let your voice be heard. Click here for more info on VoteTocracy. We hope you enjoy this new feature!\n" - ], - [ - "Mad cow disease confirmed in Alberta cow: CFIA", - "\n \n\t\n\t\n CTVNews.ca Staff\n \t\n\t\n \n \n \n Published Friday, February 13, 2015 7:15AM EST\n \n \n \n\t\n \n Last Updated Friday, February 13, 2015 3:22PM EST\n \n \n \n\tThe Canadian Food Inspection Agency says it has confirmed mad cow disease, or bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), in a beef cow from Alberta.\n\tThe agency says no part of the animal's meat entered the human food system or animal feed systems.\n\tThe CFIA has now launched an investigation into how the cow might have become infected. That investigation will focus on the cow's history as well as the feed supplied to the animal during its first year of its life. Other cows that may have been exposed to similar risks as the infected cow will need to be destroyed, the agency said.\n\tCanada's last confirmed case of BSE was reported in February, 2011.\n\tThe country's first known case was discovered in 1993 in a cow from a farm near Red Deer, Alta. that had been imported from Britain.\n\tThe first case of BSE in a Canadian-born beef cow was in May 2003. It's suspected that animal became infected through contaminated animal feed that contained a protein supplement made with ground meat and bone meal.\n\tBSE is a fatal and untreatable brain and nervous-system wasting-disease caused by rogue proteins called prions. The disease is related to chronic wasting disease in elk and deer in North America and scrapie in sheep.\n\tHumans who eat BSE-infected beef can develop a fatal disease called variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD). Fewer than 250 human cases have been reported worldwide, with the majority in the United Kingdom and France.\n\tWhen the first home-grown case of BSE was discovered in Canada in 2003, the Canadian Cattlemen's Association says the impact to the Canadian beef industry was \"enormous.\" About 40 markets immediately closed their borders to Canadian cattle and beef, many of which have since reopened.\n\tIn May 2007, the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) categorized Canada as a \"controlled risk\" status country for BSE, due to Canada’s effective surveillance and mitigation measures. After the mad cow crisis, testing in the country was strengthened and risk materials, such as brains and spinal columns, were banned from being used in feed and other products.\n\t\"Accordingly, this case should not affect current exports of Canadian cattle or beef,\" the CFIA said in its statement Friday. It added that Canada will maintain its controlled-risk status by the World Organization for Animal Health.\n\tThe agency says this latest case will be reported to the OIE, in line with Canada's international obligations.\n\tThe President of the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association, Doug Gillespie, said that the discovery of a new case of mad cow disease in Canada isn't surprising.\n\t\"They expect to find one of these from time to time … It really shows our system is working, that beef is safe. It really never reached the food chain or anything.\" he told The Canadian Press from his farm near Swift Current, Sask.\n\t\"Of course there's always concern, but we'll see where it goes from here,\" he added.\n\tJohn Masswohl of The Canadian Cattlemen's Association doesn’t foresee the discovery of this new BSE case as having a substantial effect on the beef industry.\n\t\"Very minimal, if any. We don't expect much impact from this on the international side,\" Masswohl told The Canadian Press from Ottawa. \"The CFIA have already been busy talking to other countries, explaining what is going on.\"\n\tLast year, Canada exported 317,000 tonnes of beef products worth $1.9 billion, according to Agriculture Canada.\n\tAgriculture Minister Gerry Ritz says he is not worried about the discovery of the BSE-positive cow. He says there is a strong safety system in place now that ensures Canadian cattle have high traceability through tagging and registration.\n\t\"We're working under international protocols that are well known and well established,\" he told reporters in Calgary.\n\t\"We have 'controlled risk' status which means we can have up to 12 outbreaks in any calendar year. We've stayed well below that.\"\n\tWith Files from The Canadian Press\n " - ], - [ - "Reck to deliver first 16 stationary speed cameras to Latvia already in ...", - "Latvia-registered company Reck has won the Road Traffic Safety Directorate's open tender for the procurement of 20 stationary speed cameras, and will deliver the first 16 devices already this year, the Road Traffic Safety Directorate informed LETA. \n \t \n\t \n\tThe said 16 cameras are \nmanufactured by Netherlands-registered Gatso, \nwhich has been working in the industry for several dozen years, providing services \nin more than 60 countries around the world. Reck \nwill take the cameras to Riga and ensure maintenance of the devices for five \nyears. The amount of the contract is EUR 896,786, without value added tax. \n \n \n \nReck's \noffer was selected as it offered the lowest price. \n \n \n \nThe procurement will consist of two \nparts: procurement of 16 stationary speed cameras with a Doppler radar, and \nprocurement of four speed cameras with a laser scanner.The Road Traffic Safety Directorate emphasizes that setting up \nstationary speed cameras is only one way to improve safety on the roads. \n It is also important that infrastructure upgrades continue, and \nportable speed cameras are also necessary. The public needs to be better \n educated about traffic safety as well.The directorate believes that speed cameras have to ensure safety and \n compliance with the traffic rules on the roads, not earn money for the \ncamera owners. For this reason, the directorate will place information \nsigns and speed limit signs on roads before setting up the speed \ncameras.It is important that the fines collected from violations detected by \nthese speed cameras go into the state budget and are used to improve the \n road infrastructure and traffic safety, the Road Traffic Safety \nDirectorate indicates. \n \nReck \ndeals with maintenance of electric installations, power lines, electric devices, \nand electrical transformers. \n \n \n \nIn 2013, the company turned over \nEUR 15,180,636, and earned EUR 969,566. Reck \nfully belongs to Armands Garkans and \nViesturs Kagis, according to \ninformation provided by Firmas.lv. \n \n \n \n" - ], - [ - "Endangered Saiga Antelopes Dying Out In Kazakhstan: Mysterious ...", - "\n \tSaiga antelopes in Kazakhstan are quickly dying off from a mystery illness. What could it be, and why does it matter?(Photo : Frank Wouters | Flickr) \n \n\tSaiga antelopes in Kazakhstan are dying by the thousands from an illness that has baffled biologists. Over the course of just a few weeks, as many as 120,000 saiga antelopes have fallen prey to the mystery disease. Half of these endangered animals have already succumbed to the illness — with no end in sight. \nVast numbers of saiga antelopes – into the millions – once lived on the Eurasian steppe. Since that time, hunting and habitat encroachment by humans drove them down to around 250,000. The official number of deaths from the mystery disease sits at 85,000, although some wildlife experts estimate fatalities at 50 percent higher. \nThe disease results in death by extreme diarrhea and difficulty breathing. The first fatalities among antelopes in Kazakhstan were seen on May 10. Just a few days later, 27,000 of the endangered animals lay dead. \n\"It's very dramatic and traumatic, with 100 percent mortality. I know of no example in history with this level of mortality, killing all the animals and all the calves,\" said Richard Kock of the Royal Veterinary College. \nWildlife officials believe that Haemolytic septicaemia (HS) is the most likely cause of the widespread death. This is caused by an infection of the bacteria pasteurellosis, which can be fatal to bison, buffalo and some cattle, but it is usually harmless to other species. However, this is just one of three possible diseases that could be the culprit. \nEpizootic haemorrhagic disease, a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes, is another possibility. This is the most common disease among white-tailed deer, according to Kip Adams of the Quality Deer Management Association, and often results in dead deer found in forests. \nThe third – and least likely – possibility is infection of clostridia bacteria, leading to blood poisoning. Tests are currently being conducted in an effort to ascertain the source of the mysterious deaths. \nHumanity may also be responsible for the massive die-off of antelope. According to Radio Free Europe, the Baikonur Cosmodrome – where rockets are launched into space – may be releasing a toxic fuel into the enviornment, killing off the animals. \nThe deaths \"could be, of course, linked to ecology, as well as to the Cosmodrome,\" said Meirbek Moldabekov, deputy chief of the Kazakhstan's Space Agency. \nSaiga antelopes are known for their sharp antlers and tubular snouts. Their fur and meat have been a traditional part of the local people's livelihood for centuries. As the Soviet Union collapsed, a burgeoning market for the horns of males arose, leading to widespread slaughter of the antelopes. Conservation efforts are currently working to protect the animals, which often migrate to China. \nThe animals give birth around this time of year, and mothers can easily pass diseases onto their offspring. Researchers speculate that this could be the reason why so many of the antelope died so quickly. \n \nPhoto: Frank Wouters | Flickr\t© 2016 Tech Times, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission." - ], - [ - "Russia lifts ban on meat import from number of Kazakh regions", - " \n Astana, Kazakhstan, Dec.29\nBy Daniyar Mukhtarov – Trend:\nRussia lifted the ban on import of meat from a number of regions of Kazakhstan, which was introduced earlier in connection with FMD (foot-and-mouth disease), said the press service of the ministry of agriculture of Kazakhstan.“Committee of veterinary control and supervision of the ministry of agriculture of Kazakhstan received the conclusion of Rosselkhoznadzor (the Russian Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance) for the welfare of the territory of Kazakhstan for FMD,†said the report.The report said that currently, issues of meat export and transportation of farm animals to Russia from a number of regions of Kazakhstan, the import of which was previously banned, except for the four rural districts of Zhambyl and five rural districts of Almaty region, bordering China and Kyrgyzstan, have been agreed upon with Rosselkhoznadzor.As of December 19, 2014, Kazakhstan exported 11.908.33 metric tons of meat and meat products.A few years ago, a buffer zone in Almaty, Zhambyl, Kyzylorda, South Kazakhstan and East Kazakhstan regions was created in Kazakhstan in order to provide safety during the transportation of the livestock products within the Customs Union. Thus, the export of meat and transportation of animals from these regions to other areas of the republic and Russia have been banned up to the present day.In August 2014, as a result of targeted measures from the Kazakh side and cooperation with Rosselkhoznadzor, restrictions on the export of meat from the East Kazakhstan region were lifted and the importation of animal products to Russia was allowed.In addition, the ministry of agriculture of Kazakhstan has submitted two applications to the Office International des Epizooties (OIE) (World Organization for Animal Health) in order to obtain the status of a zone free from foot and mouth disease. It is expected that after the consideration of the Kazakh dossier, the republic will receive the status of FMD-free country at the next Assembly of the OIE in May 2015. This will allow Kazakhstan to export animal products to the EU and the WTO countries, and will open access to the world markets for agriculture producers of the country.Follow us on Twitter @TRENDNewsAgency " - ], - [ - "Russia suspects pasteurellosis as cause of saiga die off in Kazakhstan", - "Russian Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance has commented on the mass saigas die off in Kazakhstan, Tengrinews reports citing RIA Novosti.\nThe Russian Service discussed the National Referential Center’s suggestion that saigas were dying from pasteurellosis in Kazakhstan. However, the researches stated that the diagnosis was not confirmed.\nSo far, 112 475 saigas have died in Kazakhstan, it said. “The Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance expresses concerns in this regard, because the reason for the die off could be uncontrollable spread of diseases like foot-and-mouth disease, PPR or sheep pox. Saigas are known to be migrating to Kazakhstan from Uzbekistan that has issues with these diseases,†the Russian service said.\nMeanwhile, the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Karim Massimov ordered a special governmental committee to study the situation and determine the reasons behind the tragic die off of the rare antelopes in Kostanay, Akmola and Aktobe Oblasts.\nThe die off began approximately at around May 11 with about 100 dead animals found in Amangeldinsk District of Kostanay Oblast. Since then the number of the dead animals has grown two thousand times exceeding 200 thousand dead representatives of the endangered species. The total number of the animals in Kazakhstan before the die off stood at 300 thousand saigas.\nSaiga antelopes are among the species at risk of extinction. It used to inhabit vast areas of the Eurasian steppe zone but are now found only in three areas in Kazakhstan and one in Russia. \nWriting by Gyuzel Kamalova, editing by Tatyana Kuzmina" - ], - [ - "Avian Flu Outbreak in Cote d'Ivoire", - "Poultry News Avian Flu Outbreak in Cote d'Ivoire29 May 2015 COTE D'IVOIRE - An outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza has been confirmed in Cote d'Ivoire.The virus was of the H5N1 serotype. \n98 out of 138 susceptible backyard birds were affected, and 93 birds died from the disease. \nThe outbreak is suspected to originate from introduction of new live animals or contact with wild species. \nThe outbreak occurred in the Bouake province,  in the centre of the country. \n \n \nThePoultrySite News Desk " - ], - [ - "Farmer threatens to shoot FMD veterinary officials", - " \n\tWindhoek\nA Kunene farmer was arrested over the weekend after allegedly threatening to shoot veterinary officials, who are in the area to help control the spread of mouth-and-mouth disease currently wreaking havoc in northern parts of the country.\nTsisuta Viongeka was apparently angered after the government officials killed and burned up his bull as a measure to control the deadly animal disease.\nThe animal was destroyed after Viongeka allegedly cut the Veterinary Cordon Fence at Makalani to let his bull through the surveillance fence between northern Kunene and southern Kunene areas.\nThings turned ugly after all in-contact animals were tranferred to the nearby quarantine area, and Viongeka came looking for officials yesterday morning with a loaded gun, threatening to shoot them on sight.\nThe police were notified and arrested Viongeka immediately without any injuries to the officials.\nA criminal case has been opened with the Kamanjab police and the accused is expected to appear in court today.\nMeanwhile, government will today declare foot-and-mouth disease the number one enemy of the multi-billion livestock industry when Minister of Agriculture, Water and Forestry (MAWF) John Mutorwa officially launches the biggest vaccine campaign against FMD in more than 40 years in the Ohangwena and Oshikoto regions.\nHalf-a-million doses of FMD vaccine from the Botswana Vaccine Institute landed in Windhoek on Friday evening and were immediately transported to the affected areas where a full-blown war is raging against the fast-spreading disease. \nSome 1.2 million doses of the vaccine will eventually be needed to vaccinate all cattle in the Northern Communal Areas (NCA), as prescribed by Cabinet’s N$208 million six-point plan last week to eradicate the most feared animal disease in southern Africa. \nYesterday, acting director of the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) Dr John Shoopala confirmed that a motorist is facing charges after he refused to step out of his car for the compulsory foot dip at the Oshivelo control point.\nMore details about the incident and the FMD situation on the ground is expected on Wednesday when Mutorwa debriefs all stakeholders and role players in the meat industry about the latest development after he paid a visit to both affected regions as well as various control points and road blocks.\n“So grave is the situation that the ministry will criminally charge any official who is not performing his or her duties at road blocks in accordance with the Animal Health Act,†Mutorwa told this newspaper before he departed for the north yesterday.\nShoopala confirmed fears that the disease has not been contained, saying FMD as the most contagious animal disease is not yet under control in the affected areas due to the free-roaming nature of communal cattle. “This already dangerous situation is compounded when farmers cut fences to give their cattle access to greener pastures, as was demonstrated by the incident over the weekend,†he said.\n“We certainly have our work cut out for us, and it will require the diligence and co-operation of each and every farmer, government official and role layers in the industry to halt FMD.â€\n“But we are confident that as a united front we will halt the disease in the industry and the Namibian economy’s interest.â€\nPaul Strydom, general manager of the Meat Board, as coordinator of the entire livestock industry, says of deep concern is the time it will take to restore Namibia’s status and pride as an FMD-free country. “It takes some six months for South African authorities to clear up a single outbreak of FMD, as we have encountered in Kavango East and Zambezi regions. The scale of the current outbreak will set our industry back by some two years and that will have serious financial implications, which are still to be determined,†he laments.\nMore than N$51 million will be made available in the next two years to erect animal control fences between Namibia and Angola and eventually also Botswana.\nThe lack of such control fences has been the biggest bone of contention in Namibia’s 50-year long battle against FMD and Cabinet has now made it clear that erecting such fences is the only lasting solution to eradicate the disease.\n \n\t" - ], - [ - "Access to global meat markets vital", - " \n\tNamibia has spent many years and considerable resources in ensuring that it has access to high-value markets for its beef and related commodities/products. \n The local meat industry is currently worth in excess of N$ 2.4 billion annually, which makes up 80 percent of agricultural Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and four percent of national GDP, according to studies conducted by the Meat Board. \nIt is therefore vital that the requirements for access to international markets are maintained. That is dependent, among other factors, upon preservation of Namibia’s excellent reputation as a source of safe, high quality meat and meat products. Following the widespread occurrence of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) in South Africa in 2010, and apparent spill-over into Namibia and the recent upsurge in occurrence of foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, a risk analysis for imports of livestock and meat and meat products into Namibia was seen as important. This is to assist in protecting the Namibian livestock and meat industry, i.e. identification and quantification of animal disease risks that potentially threaten the future viability of the meat industry of the country. \n Live animal imports into Namibia are limited in comparison to exports. In 2014 1 926 cattle, 1 257 sheep, 451 goats and 444 pigs were imported into the country, the vast majority originating from RSA. As far as animal products are concerned the importation of pork and processed pork currently represents 94 percent of all imports. Namibia does not produce these products in sufficient quantities to satisfy local demand. The production of pork is financially difficult due to high feed costs while processed meat is being imported as it is not produced locally in sufficient quantity. This is reportedly due to the specialised expertise required for its manufacture. Mutton and beef imports represent only two percent and four percent respectively of total meat imports. Pork and processed pork products imports are much higher. \n Livestock production in Namibia has historically been divided by the Veterinary Cordon Fence (VCF) established to prevent the spread of FMD and CBPP from the Northern Communal Areas (NCAs) southwards into the export zone of Namibia. Nevertheless, in recent years, deboned beef from the Katima Mulilo and Oshakati abattoirs has been sold south of the VCF. \nNamibia exported 100 211 live cattle to South Africa last year while Meatco and Witvlei Meat slaughtered a total of 115 819 cattle. Animals sourced from north of the VCF amounted to 8 019. Namibia exported 19 373 live goats, 803 sheep and 2 988 cattle to Angola in 2014.\nA recent investigation which examined the animal disease situation in countries that contribute to the Kavango-Zambesi (KAZA) Transfrontier Conservation Area (TFCA) as well as countries that border on those KAZA TFCA countries concluded that: \n• Published information on animal disease, including major TADs, is incomplete for most countries. \n• Reporting on FMD by Botswana and Namibia appears to be timely and accurate and to provide a true reflection of the situation; an imperative dictated by the export trade in beef. \n• Reporting on FMD by Angola, Tanzania and Zimbabwe is less likely to reflect the true situation in those countries and this may be a problem for their neighbours. \n• Apart from FMD, diseases of particular concern for KAZA countries include CBPP, bovine brucellosis, bovine tuberculosis, rabies and canine distemper for wildlife where they share their habitat with domestic animals. \n• PPR has been identified as an immediate threat by SADC to the entire region. Although the only countries that have officially reported that the disease is present are Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Tanzania, seropositive goats were found in Zambia near the border with Tanzania, thus bringing the infection closer to the KAZA area. \n• It was not possible to evaluate the efficacy of control measures applied by the various countries but it is fair to say that the reports of diseases indicate that much more is needed for effective control. \n• Disease outbreaks, in particular FMD and RVF, appear to be increasing in the region. Although some of this may be due to improved reporting, FMD is widely recognised to be on the increase in SADC countries and this is attributed at least in part to loss of effectiveness of vaccination. \n This unsatisfactory situation within the SADC region is supported by reports from SADC Country Veterinary Services to the World Organisation for Animal Health (SADC FMD Bulletin – www.wcs-ahaead.org). \n In the period 2005-2010 the following TADs (excluding those that affect poultry and companion animals exclusively) were reported to the OIE as being active: FMD, RVF, lumpy skin disease (LSD), African swine fever (ASF), anthrax, rabies, highly pathogenic avian influenza of ostriches (HPAI-O), contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) and peste des petits ruminants (PPR). These diseases therefore pose a threat to Namibia as well. However, some are endemic to Namibia and therefore do not pose an exclusively external threat, e.g. FMD, ASF, RVF, LSD, anthrax and rabies. \n A disease that is little mentioned in the context of TADs is contagious caprine pleuropneumonis (CCPP), a disease that causes significant losses in eastern Africa, including in Tanzania (WAHID – www.oie.int). It is likely that were CCPP to be introduced into Namibia, especially SVCF, it could have significant effect on the export of live goats by Namibia to RSA. \n The situation with respect to individual transboundary animal diseases (TADs) in the SADC Region are discussed individually below. \n The FMD situation in the SADC Region has deteriorated significantly in the last ten years, the last five particularly. \nSouth Africa – Namibia’s most important regional trading partner for livestock and livestock products – has regained its status as FMD free in 2013 after an outbreak in northern KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) in February/March 2011. That resulted in RSA being delisted by the OIE as having a zone free from FMD where vaccination is not practised. \n \n\t" - ], - [ - "Enough FMD vaccine for 1.4 million cattle", - " \n\tOndangwa\nThe Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry yesterday announced it has procured enough vaccine against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) to treat 1.4 million cattle.\nThe Agriculture, Water and Forestry Minister John Mutorwa said the vaccination of cattle in affected areas has already begun and was in full swing as planned. The ministry has 572 000 vaccines which are enough to keep the vaccination exercise going for the next 20 days, while 130 000 are on a truck on their way to Namibia from neighbouring Botswana, where they were procured. More consignments of 500 000 vaccines are expected to arrive by the end of June and July, respectively. So far 74 000 cattle of the 1. 4 million affected were vaccinated by May 29.\nThe ministry is scheduled to vaccinate one million cattle within the next 40 days to prevent the spread of the disease to other areas.\nAt the moment the ministry is vaccinating 4 000 cattle per day, \nhowever the number is expected to increase to at least 20 000 cattle per day to reach the set target.\nMutorwa who is on a field trip in some areas of Oshikoto and Ohangwena regions urged farmers not to panic.\n“As for Tuesday, the disease had not gone outside the affected areas so don’t panic as if the situation is not under control. We hope that we succeed,†said Mutorwa.\nSo far the agriculture minister visited Onanadi near Endola, Okalupalona in Ohangwena, the borders between Angola and Namibia and Ondama Yomunghete in Okongo where 200 sick animals were identified marking the first case to be reported on May 11. \nThe situation at Ondama Yamunghete, which is a water point along the Namibia/Angola border, is reported to be improving although the absence of fencing between the two borders is a challenge to closely monitor cattle movements between the two countries. \n“About 200 000 cattle graze 250 kilometres into Angola on a regular basis,†said Adrianatus Maseke the chief veterinary officer. \nAll the animals at Ondama Yamunghete were vaccinated between May 19 and 20 with the next vaccination area expected to be done within the next six weeks. Alec Bishi from the veterinary directorate assured the residents of Omusati there was no case reported in their region as yet.\nHe said the few suspicious symptoms were just similar to FMD which could be the result of injuries to the mouth due to the harsh environment animals are exposed to.\nMutorwa warned people against engaging in unlawful acts such as cutting animal disease control fences.\n“Any transgressions must be dealt with and swiftly in terms of the country’s laws,†said Mutorwa.\nMutorwa further urged citizens to continue giving their maximum cooperation and support to officials executing their duties at emergency roadblocks and to those vaccinating cattle. \nThe veterinarian on the ground in the northwest Kenneth Shoombe thanked the communities of Okongo, Eengodi and Okankolo for ensuring that the disease had not spread to other areas.\nShoombe also appealed to farmers to report suspicious cases, adding that it is important to be on the lookout for the disease as it assists the ministry in knowing the extent of the disease and to analyse whether there is progress in containing the animal sickness. \n \n\t" - ], - [ - "N$51.3 m for FMD control fences", - " \n\t \n\tWindhoek\nWhile Cabinet has approved N$157 million for the immediate needs to combat foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in the northern communal areas (NCAs), the government will eventually spend more than N$208 million to eradicate the most feared animal disease once and for all.\nThe additional N$51.3 million will be made available in the next two financial years to erect animal control fences between Namibia and Angola and eventually also Botswana.\nThe lack of control fences has been the biggest bone of contention in Namibia’s fifty-year battle against FMD and Cabinet now feels erecting such fences is the only lasting solution to eradicate FMD.\nThe importance of animal control fences was once again underlined by the fact the latest outbreaks in the NCAs all have their origin in cattle razed in Angola – or cattle that came into contact with such cattle.\nCabinet has now ordered that a permanent and lasting solution to control the outbreak of animal diseases in the NCAs is the erection of livestock fences between Namibia and Angola, which will control the movement of animals and allow for designated veterinary control points where such animals can and must be allowed to move strictly under control.\nWhen announcing Cabinet’s all-out war against FMD this week, Minister of Agriculture, Water and Forestry John Mutorwa said after the erection of such control fences, the continuous vaccination of animals within the borders of Namibia should eventually ensure the eradication of animal diseases.\nThis will be done with the necessary consultations between the Namibian and Angolan authorities since a memorandum of understanding (MoU) regarding the situation was already signed two years ago. \nThe most urgent intervention for now is the vaccination of all 1.2 million cattle within the containment area. Half a million doses of vaccine arrived from Botswana yesterday to start the process. The outbreaks occurred in the Ohangwena and Oshikoto regions on May 12 and 13. A total clampdown on animals and animal products from the NCAs was ordered last week as a result of the outbreak, which has since spread rapidly westwards, while roadblocks have been set up at strategic points where cars are being sprayed and disinfected. \nThe movement of animals from south of the veterinary cordon fence to the NCAs have also been suspended as well as movement of animals across the Namibian/Angolan border.\n \n\t \n\t \n\t" - ], - [ - "Latvia will not fund Riga \"Dinamo\"", - "The government does not plan to fund the Latvian ice hockey club Riga \"Dinamo\", Ministry of Education and Science informed LETA. \n \t \n\t \n\tPresident of the Ice Hockey \nFederation of Russia, Vladislav Tretiak \nurges the Republic of Latvia to fund Kontinental Hockey League's club Riga \n\"Dinamo\", as it is suffering from financial problems. Ministry of \nEducation and Science explained that the current regulations for sports funding \ndo not stipulate funding for professional clubs. \n \n \n \nThe Sports Law includes specific \nsports organizations which are eligible to receive the state funding, and in \ncase of ice hockey, this organization is Latvian Ice Hockey Federation. \n \n \n \nThe ministry indicated that in case \nof hockey, the state funding is intended for preparing the national teams for \nworld championships and the Olympic games. \n \n \n \n\"Some of the professional ice \nhockey club Riga \"Dinamo\" members are also part of the Latvian \nnational ice hockey team,\" the ministry stressed. \n \n \n \nThe state funding is also intended \nfor education professional ice hockey programs at sports schools. \n \n" - ], - [ - "Vaccine shortage hampers fight against FMD", - " \n\t \n\tNamibian veterinary authorities have confirmed an acute shortage of vaccine needed to contain the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in the northern communal areas (NCAs).\nThree separate outbreaks of Africa’s most dreaded animal disease were recorded in the north last week.\nConfirming the vaccine shortage, the acting chief veterinary officer of the Directory of Veterinary Services (DVS), Dr John Shoopala, said there was no reason to panic but described the shortage as serious.\n“We (DVS) are urgently awaiting vaccine from the Botswana Vaccine Institute, the only manufacturer of FMD vaccine in the world. They informed us today (Tuesday) that they only have 30 000 doses of the vaccine available immediately whereas Namibia needs at least 250 000 doses just to do the initial vaccination in the affected areas,†he said.\nA total clampdown on animals and animal products from the NCAs was ordered last week as a result of the outbreak of FMD in the Ohangwena and Oshikoto regions. The movement of animals from south of the veterinary cordon fence to the NCAs has also been suspended as well as movement of animals across the Namibian/Angolan border.\nShoopala says the disease is under control for now as no new cases has been reported to extension officers and field workers in the affected areas but DVS is dealing with the outbreaks as a matter of life and death as FMD is the most contagious of all animal diseases.\n“DVS is continuously conducting information meetings with communal farmers in the NCAs and this coming Saturday we will address producers from the Mangetti blocks at Ondangwa. The most important message now to farmers is not to move a single head of livestock because FMD is so contagious.\n“We managed to secure vaccine from Zambezi and Kavango regions to help us combat the disease and now we are waiting for more vaccine from Botswana, which should be arriving soon,†he confirmed.\nThis follows after the disease halted all operations at the Meatco Oshakati abattoir earlier this year and all exports to South Africa were banned due to the outbreak of FMD in Kavango East and Zambezi.\nThe outbreak was detected by DVS on May 11 at the Ondama Yomunghete crush pen and on May 12 at the Okalupalona and Onehanga crush pens in the Ohangwena Region. A second outbreak was detected on May 13 at Okakango village in Oshikoto Region.\nAfter the central veterinary laboratory confirmed the disease last week, Shoopala will implement and enforce strict disease control measures in accordance with the Animal Health Act No. 1 of 2011.\nTo control the outbreak, DVS subdivided the NCAs into infected, containment and surveillance areas.\nInfected areas currently consist of Okongo and Okankolo constituencies but it may change as more surveillance data becomes available.\nThe containment area is a line along the B1 road from Oshivelo to Oshikango border post, then from Oshivelo to Bravo Gate, from Bravo Gate via Mpungu Vlei to Katwitwi border post and the Namibian/Angolan border post.\nThe surveillance areas comprise of the FMD protection zone, which comprises all regions in the NCAs west of Shamagorwa veterinary fence in Kavango East and Kunene North.\nDue to the seriousness of the outbreaks farmers and the public are advised not move cattle, goats, sheep and wild animals, meat, milk, hides, manure, skins, horns, bones, trophies and potentially infectious material such as thatch grass, hay, straw and crop residue from the infected and containment areas to any part of Namibia.\n \n\t \n\t \n\t" - ], - [ - "Namibia leads the pack in reinforcing vet governance", - " \n\tWINDHOEK – Namibia has proved itself as one of the torch-bearers for animal health in Africa.\nOnce again, it is now a leader of the pack going into the new year in the reinforcing of veterinary governance to improve animal health strategies and legislation, as well as institutional capacity for livestock policy formulation.Last year, Namibia’s Directorate of Veterinary services (DVS), proved its worth by negotiating fiercely with South Africa for unique and relaxed veterinary requirements regarding livestock exports to South Africa. In October, the DVS also announced it has halted the latest outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease in the Zambezi region. Reinforcing veterinary governance is part of a wider project by the African Union (AU) to reinforce veterinary governance in Africa, at both national and regional levels to provide effective and efficient animal health services across the continent. In Namibia the project is being spearheaded by the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) under the auspices of the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry (MAWF). Namibia’s DVS received high praise from the International Animal Health Organisation in its annual report last year.\nSelma Shipanga, Corporate Communications Officer of Meatco, says it is not only our country that faces challenges when it comes to the control of veterinary services, but the continent as a whole. To improve control, the AU has sourced funding to make both financial and human resources available. Vehaka Tjimune, Meatco’s Executive for Policy Innovation, Stakeholder Relations and Corporate Affairs, says the project has come at a time where policy debates and dialogue are becoming critical. He adds that the Namibian agricultural industry has always hoped that a platform would be created where issues relating to the industry could be addressed, be it at policy or governance level.\n“At least now, through this programme, a platform will be created where we can discuss issues, be it at a service, governance or policy-making level within the DVS and that is of interest to the industry,†he says.\nImproving the governance of veterinary services in Namibia means that the agricultural industry will be able to point out to the DVS any possible implications of potential decisions it will take in future, thanks to constant interaction. “This does not mean the DVS won’t go ahead and take policy decisions they think are best for the country. Essentially it means that such decisions will be explained to the industry first, so that businesses like Meatco that operate in the industry, can align their commercial interests with such a decision,†he says.\nMeatco operations are entirely dependent on the services rendered by the DVS since it is the authority that ensures that what we produce is in accordance with export requirements and conforms to all standards.\n \nAccording to Vehaka, the DVS’s capacity to render services to food business operators has a direct impact on Meatco’s business, and that is why it is of interest to them that veterinary services are delivered as efficiently and as cost effectively as possible. “The question is, how effectively are veterinary services governed to provide those services to the industry and its operators? It is in this context that we value this programme. We appreciate that our own DVS saw the need to participate in the programme and that is why a senior staff member, Dr Baby Kaurivi, has been assigned to it,†says Vehaka.\nThe programme will focus on institutional capacity for the implementation of policies and better enforcement of regulations. It will also improve decision-making by fostering debate and interaction amongst stakeholders. It will further support evidence-based advocacy for increased investment in livestock. In addition to that, it will improve access to global understanding with regards to animal agriculture and the environment.\nBy Deon Schlechter\n \n\t" - ], - [ - "USDA cuts turkey and egg production estimates, citing bird flu", - " \n \n \n\t \n \n\tBy Daniel Enoch© Copyright Agri-Pulse Communications, Inc. WASHINGTON, June 10, 2015 - USDA today reduced its estimates for turkey production for this year and 2016, citing losses in commercial flocks caused by the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). Estimates of egg production were also reduced for both years. About 5.604 billion pounds of turkey meat will be produced in 2015, USDA said in a monthly report, down 6.3 percent from 5.979 billion forecast in May and down from 5.756 billion pounds produced in 2014. Estimated output for 2016 was cut to 6.010 billion pounds from 6.210 billion pounds. “HPAI has significantly affected supplies of turkeys and the expected pace of flock recovery results in a reduced 2016 production forecast,” USDA said today in its World Agriculture Supply and Demand Estimates report. The department estimated egg production for this year at 7.994 billion dozen, down from 8.323 billion dozen projected in May. For 2016, output is estimated at 8141 billion dozen, down from 8.525 billion dozen forecast a month ago. Through June 9, the presence of HPAI had been confirmed in 222 flocks, mostly commercial chicken and turkey operations since December, resulting in the deaths of more than 47 million birds, according to USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.#30 \n \n \n " - ], - [ - "Southern Vigo turkey operation keeps growing", - "\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Southern Vigo County will soon be the site of a larger turkey brooding operation.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Farbest Farms, a division of Farbest Foods, in February began construction on a more than $1.6 million confined-feeding operation to produce 1.1 million turkeys annually. The facility, located on Stephen Drive near Lewis, will take in 1-day-old turkeys and will raise them until they are 38 days old.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Now, Solar Sources is to construct a $1.28 million turkey grow-out facility, on East French Drive near Lewis, that will take some of those turkeys, housing them from 29 days until 20 weeks old, when they are shipped to market, said Jay Houchin, live production manager for Farbest Farms.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Farbest facility will grow 170,000 turkeys in the 38 days. The Solar Sources facility will be one of 200 grow-out farms to which those turkeys will be shipped, Houchin said. Both confined-feeding operations in Vigo County are located on reclaimed mining property.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Solar Sources, a coal mining company, also operates Solar Sources Agribusiness. The company's Vigo County facility will handle up to 54,000 turkeys until ready for market, according to its confined-feeding operation permit from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The company will construct six grow-out turkey barns, each of which can house 9,000 turkeys. Each barn will have a compacted earthen floor with wood shavings as bedding. The barns will be cleaned out annually, according to the state permit.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A compost/manure storage building with a concrete floor and a utility shop will also be constructed. The confined feeding operation, located on 35 acres, will have an earthen stormwater control basin and associated berms and swales for stormwater conveyance, according to the state permit.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The turkeys will be shipped to Farbest Foods' fully automated, 227-000 square-foot processing plant in Vincennes. The company is one of the largest turkey producers in the U.S., shipping about one million pounds of raw fresh and frozen turkey products daily to brand-name food processors in the U.S. and around the world.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Indiana ranks first in the nation for duck production and third for egg and turkey production, according to the Indiana State Poultry Association. However, two highly pathogenic avian influenza strains have caused the death of more than 40 million birds in 16 states.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Because of that, the Indiana Board of Animal Health on May 27 banned all bird shows at county fairs this summer and through the fall. Other states, including Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Iowa and West Virginia, have also banned events where birds can commingle.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Health officials say wild waterfowl, impervious to the viruses, spread the influenza strains in their droppings, which is deadly for chickens, turkeys and other poultry. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it poses little threat to humans.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \"We are very, very concerned about it,\" Houchin said. \"The first preventative measure is biosecurity and that we take very serious. This type of business model lends itself to that [bird flu]. This is a shower-in and shower-out facility. No vehicles go into the farm. [Bird flu] would be devastating.\"\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \"We are concerned about the commercial and backyard poultry,\" Houchin said. \"It is like any disease prevention.\"\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n There is no vaccination available, but surveillance and monitoring are important to prevent spread of disease, Houchin said. \"All of our birds are tested for that,\" he said.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Farbest's brooding facility, according to the company, will be entirely depopulated for about 2 1/2 weeks, during which time all spent litter will be removed and barns will be cleaned and disinfected and prepared for the next flock.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Howard Greninger can be reached at 812-231-4204 or howard.greninger@tribstar.com.\n \n \n \n \n " - ], - [ - "Just why has MERS spread so quickly in South Korea?", - " \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\tJust why has MERS spread so quickly in South Korea? \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\tPosted on : Jun.8,2015 16:32 KST \n\tModified on : Jun.8,2015 16:32 KST\t \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n \n \n\t \n\t \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\tSong Jae-hoon (far right) President of Samsung Medical Center and staff bow as they apologize to the public after announcing measures to contain the MERS virus, in Seoul’s Gangnam district, June 7. The center has been criticized for its handling of MERS, as one of the hubs of infection. (by Lee Jeong-a, staff photographer) \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n \nOfficials say the virus hasn’t mutated, but a few factors have contributed to a rapid spread\nOn June 6, the Ministry of Health and Welfare announced the results of an analysis showing that the coronavirus causing the current outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, or MERS, in South Korea has not mutated. These findings put to rest domestic speculation that the virus had mutated to allow airborne transmission, which would made it much more contagious.\nSo what could have enabled MERS to spread so rapidly, infecting 64 people in just 18 days?\n“When we sequenced the MERS virus that came into South Korea, we found it to be virtually identical to the virus that has caused disease in Saudi Arabia and other parts of the Middle East. We did not detect any major changes or mutations,†said Lee Ju-shil, director of South Korea’s National Institute of Health, which is affiliated with the Centers for Disease Control at the Ministry of Health.\nAfter collecting sputum from the second person in South Korea to be diagnosed with MERS (63, the wife of the first patient), the institute first isolated and cultured the virus and then analyzed its DNA sequence. \nNext, the institute shared this information with the South Korean Society of Virology, the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the Netherlands Institute for Health Sciences at the Erasmus Institute to compare the characteristics of the MERS virus that had entered South Korea with the virus in the Middle East.\n“In our comparative analysis, we found that the DNA of the virus taken from the second patient diagnosed with MERS was 99.82% the same as the DNA of the virus that caused the epidemic in Saudi Arabia in 2013. This means that the MERS virus that is spreading in South Korea is not some new mutation but is rather the same as the MERS virus that is currently active in the Middle East,†Lee said.\nThe analyzed DNA was extracted from the virus taken from the second patient, whose symptoms were so mild that she was supposed to be released from the hospital on Sunday. When asked whether this virus might be different from the viruses in the first, 14th, and 16th patients, who have been much more contagious, the ministry said, “We believe that the virus itself derived from the same source. Even in Saudi Arabia, where more than a thousand people have been infected, no mutations have been discovered.â€\nSince the announcement that the virus had not mutated, there have been a number of theories that propose to explain how MERS could have spread so rapidly. First of all, the viability of viruses decreases greatly in conditions of high temperature and humidity. It is possible that South Korea’s climate during May and June just happens to be the climate in which the virus thrives.\n \n Another theory for why the first, 14th, and 16th patients caused so many secondary and tertiary infections is that these patients were hospitalized from five to seven days after they began to experience the symptoms of MERS, which happens to coincide with the period when the virus is most active. \nEven though the first patient was hospitalized at Samsung Medical Center between May 18 and 20, none of the 400 people or so who came into contact with him were infected. According to this theory, the virus had already lost much of its strength by this time.\nIn regard to why so many people - 37 altogether - were infected at St. Mary’s Hospital in Pyeongtaek, the Ministry of Health explained that the patient served a large number of patients suffering from chronic diseases, including the elderly, people with low immunity, and diabetes patients. Such people are vulnerable to viruses.\nIt is also possible that the unique hospital culture in South Korea enabled MERS to spread more quickly. South Korean hospitals have many shared rooms, family members take care of patients, and hospital visits are fairly relaxed.\nBy Lee Keun-young, senior staff writer \nPlease direct questions or comments to [english@hani.co.kr]\n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t© 2012 The Hankyoreh Media Company. All rights reserved. \n\tNo part of this material may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted \n\tin any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, mimeographical, in recorded form or \n\totherwise for commercial use, without the permission of the Hankyoreh Media Company. \n\t \n\t \n \n\t \n\t \n\t" - ], - [ - "OIE: Peste des Petits Ruminants Found in Israel", - "News OIE: Peste des Petits Ruminants Found in Israel21 April 2015 \nISRAEL - There has been an outbreak of Peste des Petits Ruminants in a herd of goats in Israel.There were 100 cases in the herd of nearly 1500 goats. Ten of the affected animals have died. \nThe herd contains 475 milking goats, 185 dry goats, 310 males and kids, and 525 young goats. The herd was vaccinated for the last time on 26 December 2013. \nThe cases occurred in Hazafon district, in the north of the country. \n \nTheSheepSite News Desk \n" - ], - [ - "Third Cattle Sweep Sees Prices Rising, Industry Developing", - " \n \nIn August of 2012, we told you about the first ever Cattle Sweep in Belize. It was the start of an 11 million dollar project partially funded by the European Union to bring Belize's cattle industry up to international export standards. That meant extensive testing for two diseases: brucellosis and bovine tuberculosis. And now, two years later, only one case of tuberculosis has been detected after tens of thousands of cattle were tested in two sweeps. \n \nThe sweep and the disease free status has paid a real dividend for cattle farmers and we found out more when we went to the launch of the third sweep today:.. \n \nJules Vasquez reporting \nThese cattle on Doni Urbina's farm outside Orange Walk Town were the first to have samples taken in the third cattle sweep. \n \nThat means squeezing a as much as a thousand pounds of bull, heifer or calf into a stall and taking a blood sample from the tail vein then fixing an electronic tag on the ear - a sort of passport for this cow - and all hundred thousand or so in Belize. \n \nDr. Homero Novelo - Veterinary Coordinator, National Sweep \n\"Now in the country of Belize we've done 97,000 plus animals on the first sweep. The second sweep is finishing this Saturday and today we are launching the third sweep. We started Monday testing here in the north.\" \n \nToday at the launching of the third cattle sweep - officials spoke - but so did farmers who know that the project has directly added value to their cattle stocks: \n \nRaymond Carney, Cattle Farmer \n\"It's a more sustainable investment for me and other small farmers. Previously when the price was depress it was harder to find a market for you bovine. Now with the cattle sweep, it means that we got access to more markets and get a more realistic price.\" \n \nThat has added value to these heads and turned what used to be a catch and kill enterprise into a nascent industry: \n \nJules Vasquez \n\"Since the sweep movement started 2 years ago, how has this change?\" \n \nAlistair Macpherson, CEO - Livestock Producers Assoc. \n\"Hugely.\" \n \nAnd big part of that huge-ness is in the price per pound which has gone up almost 200%. \n \nHon. Gaspar Vega, Minister of Agriculture \n\"The price of the cattle on hoof before the first sweep was 90-95 cents per pound versus today you would get up to 2 dollars and fifty cents per pound. So the farmers are realizing that the cattle sweep is what made that change in the pricing.\" \n \nH.E. Paola Amadei, Head of EU Delegation to Belize \n\"The results are extraordinary and I think it's not just us being happy but the farmers being happy which is even more important. This is a windfall for all the farmers and I think they are aware of it.\" \n \nAlistair Macpherson, CEO - Livestock Producers Assoc. \n\"It's not just because of the cattle sweep, it's because of us being able to enter these markets legally because of the cattle sweep. That's what really bringing the price up here, so without the cattle sweep we would still be struggling and having to take whatever was offered to us. We wouldn't be in this strong position we are now.\" \n \nStrong position, but in most case, Belizean cattle is be exported illegally - basically smuggled into Guatemala - and that's because of..: \n \nAlistair Macpherson, CEO - Livestock Producers Assoc. \n\"Cash, cash in your pocket. Cash is king and Belizean farmers are quite lucky in that the way the market has been. A guy turns up and he pays you cash for your animals in your pocket, takes your animals away.\" \n \nBut that cozy arrangement can't last much longer \n \nDr. Homero Novelo - Veterinary Coordinator, National Sweep \n\"It's an informal trade that we have there, but then they are getting away with this. What happens Mexico has a tax on animals entering the correct way to their country. By going to the back they are eluding the stocks, so it's lucrative for them. However, eventually this will has to stop and animals will have to go through the right way through the northern border corral.\" \n \nAnd for the industry to continue developing the cattle sweep - which was once a novelty will have to become a fixture: \n \nHon. Gaspar Vega, Minister of Agriculture \n\"We know that it has to continue. We are hoping that the farmers will become even more cooperative so that it will be easier for the industry to be able to stay certified.\" \n \nH.E. Paola Amadei, Head of EU Delegation to Belize \n\"What is important now is that the results are sustained, the sweep has been successful.\" \n \nThis third sweep should be completed in 10 months. \n \nFarmers pay ten dollars per head of cattle for the sweep - which is a highly subsidized price. The European Union has provided 50% of the 11 million dollars needed to take the project through to the year 2015. \n" - ], - [ - "Mycoplasma Outbreaks Found in Finland", - "Poultry News Mycoplasma Outbreaks Found in Finland17 June 2015 \n \nFINLAND - Outbreaks of two different types of mycoplasma have been found in Finland.There were two outbreaks of Mycoplasma synoviae, which affected 16 birds in a susceptible population of 59 birds on two farms. The farms were hobby farms with both chickens and turkeys. \n \nMycoplasma synoviae outbreaks \n \nThe same farms tested positive for Mycoplasma gallisepticum, but one additional farm was also affected by this type of the disease. In all there were 34 cases of Mycoplasma gallisepticum out of a susceptible population of 78 birds. \nThe cases were confirmed by the Finnish Food Safety Authority. \n \n \nMycoplasma gallisepticum outbreaks \n \nFurther Reading \nFind out more about Mycoplasma on our disease pages here. \n \n \nThePoultrySite News Desk " - ], - [ - "Avian Flu Outbreak Found in Iran", - "Poultry News Avian Flu Outbreak Found in Iran17 June 2015 \n \nIRAN - An outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza has been confirmed in Iran.The outbreak was of the H5N1 serotype. \nThere were 19 cases of the disease in a susceptible population of 25 backyard chickens. 17 of the affected animals died, and the 8 other animals in the population were destroyed. \nA post-outbreak investigation is ongoing to trace the source of infection, and to detect a probable spread and circulation of the virus. \nThe outbreak occurred in the village of Nogardan, in the province of Mazandaran. \n \n \nThePoultrySite News Desk Top image via Shutterstock " - ], - [ - "Azerbaijan bans poultry meat import from Iran", - " \nBy Amina Nazarli\nAzerbaijan has suspended the import of poultry meat and products from Iran since June 22.\nYolchu Khanveli, the representative of the State Veterinary Service at the Azerbaijan Agriculture Ministry, said Azerbaijan banned import of poultry and eggs from the Iranian province of Mazandaran, citing immediate public health concerns.\nEarlier on June 19, a case of avian influenza virus had been reported in a flock of 25 birds in Amol village in the province of Mazandaran, according to the National Wildlife Health Center.\nSeven birds from the flock died and the rest were culled to prevent the further spread of the virus.\nThe highly pathogenic avian influenza virus is highly contagious among birds, and can be deadly, especially for domestic poultry. Since December 2003, the Asian HPAI H5N1 virus resulted in devastatingly high rate of mortality for poultry and wild birds in Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa.\nIn order to prevent the spread of these viruses in the country, Azerbaijan temporarily halted the import of poultry into the country, Khanveli noted.\nThe situation has been under control as of June 22, and there have been no recorded cases of the virus thus far. To maintain stability, the government takes all the necessary measures, Khanveli stressed.\nThe poultry industry developed in Azerbaijan in the late 90's, thanks to the privatization and modernization of Soviet era factory farms. The industry now uses modern automation technology in new, more technologically advanced facilities.\nExperts say that today, poultry is the most lucrative sector in Azerbaijan’s domestic livestock, which helps to offset the amount of poultry imported into the country.\n“The state program on providing the Azerbaijani population of food products for 2008-2015†aimed to increase the production of poultry meat in the country to 90,000 tons from 61,000 in 2007 and egg production to 1.3 billion pieces from 953 million in 2007.\nSince 2011, the demand for eggs was covered mainly by imports, due to a lack of breeding farms. Only 45 percent of domestic demand was covered by the country.\nAfter establishing a large poultry farm in Zira village in 2011, equipped with modern facilities made in Holland, Italy, and Turkey, the costs of producing eggs were significantly reduced.\n--\nAmina Nazarli is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarliFollow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz\t \n " - ], - [ - "Russia prohibits import of live pigs and pork products from Latvia", - "Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance service Rosselkhoznadzor imposed a ban on the import of live pigs and pork products from Latvia, the service announcement indicates. \n \t \n\t \n\tThe ban came into force yesterday \ndue to classicalswine fever, reports ITAR-TASS/LETA/Nozare.lv. \n \n \n \n\"The European Union is an \nunfriendly region in case of classical swine fever,\" deputy to the Rosselkhoznadzor director, Alexei Alexeyenko said. \n \n \n \nAlexeyenko indicated that the lift \nof the ban will depend on the changes in situation in Latvia. \n \n \n \nRussia imposed a ban on imports of \npork from Lithuania and Poland on January 30, 2014 over a threat of African \nswine fever infection. A previous ban like this was imposed by Belarus. \n \n \n \nIn January, when African swine \nfever was discovered in southern Lithuania, Russia imposed a ban on imports of \npork and live pigs from all countries of the European Union. \n \n \n \nAccording to Director at Food and \nVeterinary Service, Maris Balodis, \nconsidering the complicated relations between Russia and Ukraine, talks of \nrestoring the export to Russia might last for years, regardless of Latvia's and \nother European countries' efforts to achieve normalization of the situation. \n \n" - ], - [ - "Nam beef to enter China despite FMD concerns", - " \n\tWindhoek\nChina, whose market of 1.3 billion people could become the largest beef market in the world, is keen and could “very soon†start importing free-range beef from Namibia despite the Asian economic giant initially expressing concerns of sporadic outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease in beef-producing regions in Namibia. \nAmbassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Namibia, Xin Shunkang, said a team of technical and health inspectors dispatched by his country to Namibia despite its earlier concerns of foot-and-mouth disease is satisfied Namibia prescribes to stringent health requirements for beef processed for both domestic and far-flung export markets.\nSpeaking in an interview last Friday, Ambassador Xin said after the Chinese team’s visits what remains is for the two countries to clear the last barriers in what were lengthy talks by putting signature to the final bilateral trade documents.\n“The two sides are hard at work,†he said in reference to negotiators finalising the final agreement and ironing out what he termed “technical issues†that would culminate in Namibia having access to the lucrative Chinese beef market. Namibia currently exports beef to the European Union (EU), Norwegian markets and South Africa, and talks are also underway to penetrate the Russian market.\nXin was upbeat that Namibian beef will very soon be available in select Chinese restaurants and supermarkets.\nOne of the issues under scrutiny is the issue of the port through which Namibian beef will enter China.\nWhen asked if Chinese consumers have specific preferences when it came to particular portions of beef, the ambassador remarked, “Chinese people like Namibian beef, the meat here is very tasty because the cattle are freely raised, but different people have different tastes.â€\nHe also hinted that once Namibia enters the Chinese beef market there are other export opportunities that could open for the southern African nation if it expands its export permit to include other products such as game meat, which Namibia produces in abundance. Other products that could be commercially exploited are Namibian curios and other artefacts that the Chinese like.\n“In future we can talk about other Namibian products. Namibian handcrafts, and leather products are also very popular among visiting Chinese delegations,†he said.\nThe ambassador extraordinary, who expressed satisfaction with the excellent bilateral relations existing between Namibia and China, also pointed out to one striking similarity that both countries have specific interest in the development of their road infrastructure, which in turn improves living standards.\nOn the current bilateral exchanges, the People’s Republic of China last year alone sponsored 300 Namibians who went to China on party-to-party, government-to-government agreement for training on human capacity development programmes in the fields of education, agriculture, information and military, among others.\n \n\t" - ], - [ - "NAU president lauds Namibian farmers", - " \n\t \n \nWindhoek\nNamibia’ precarious situation with regards to livestock exports to South Africa will be discussed on the highest political platforms between the two countries after it emerged that South Africa is still contemplating stringent laws that will virtually close the borders for the Namibian multi-billion weaner export market.\nPresident of the Namibian Agricultural Union (NAU), Derek Wright, expressed his concerns about the situation when he addressed the 28th annual congress of the Agricultural Employers’ Association (AEA) In Windhoek, saying the Namibian government has fully committed itself to bilateral discussions on the highest level to find a lasting solution for the situation, which resulted in the Namibian livestock export industry grinding to a halt last year when South Africa introduced the new animal health requirements.\nWright hoped that an amicable solution will soon be reached when he addressed the congress on the latest outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in the Northern Communal Areas. He complimented farmers from south and north of the Veterinary Corridor Fence, saying the outbreaks could have been catastrophic, were it not for the immediate and swift action of farmers and their workers umping in with patrols near the fence to contain animals and prevent movement of animals.\n“Namibian farmers again proved that they are indeed the glue that keeps the local economy together. If not for their actions, we could have witnessed a complete clampdown of animals south of the corridor fence with catastrophic results for the whole meat industry,†he observes. Wright says the disaster would have been worst for those small towns and settlements in remote areas where farmers’ buying power keeps the inhabitants alive.\nHe is also concerned regarding the upcoming rain season, saying initial predictions for rain do not bode well for Namibian farmers. The NAU has listened to some weather experts, and according to them, Namibia could face another dry spell in the 2015/16 rain season. “Indications are that the El Nino effect is strengthening and that could surely mean another bad rain seasonâ€, he laments.\nWright says grazing in most areas in Namibia is already seriously depleted and farmers are battling to feed their animals as source of only income. “Namibian farmers must be the best in the world if you take into consideration all the elements they have to battle on a daily basis, living in the driest country south of the Sahara,†he notes.\nIn conclusion, he emphasises the importance of the governments of Namibia and South Africa keeping the doors pen for discussions on the livestock export situation, bearing in mind the FMD outbreaks and animal health in general. He stresses that the Feedlot Association of South Africa could eventually play a vital role in the final outcome as the association has already indicated that it wants the borders opened and the requirements relaxed to ensure weaner imports from Namibia.\n \n\t" - ], - [ - "Animal diseases linked to weather, climate changes", - " \n\tWith Namibia now in the grip of another outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), it is critical to remember that many important animal diseases are affected directly or indirectly by weather and climate.\nMany important animal diseases are affected directly or indirectly by weather and climate. Climate can affect distribution of a disease as well as the timing of an outbreak or the intensity of it. Many animal diseases of significant impact in Namibia are influenced by climate. Such influences are not the sole preserve of vector-borne diseases; certain directly transmitted food/waterborne and aerosol transmitted diseases are also affected. A common feature of non-vector-borne diseases affected by climate is that the pathogen or parasite spends a period of time outside the host, subject to environmental influence.\nClimate appears to be more frequently associated with the seasonal occurrence of non–vector borne diseases than their spatial distribution. A second host-related effect is genetic resistance to disease. Many animals have evolved a level of genetic resistance to some of the diseases to which they are commonly exposed. It seems unlikely that climate change will directly affect genetic or immunologic resistance to disease in livestock. But with significant shifts in disease distributions driven by climate change, naive populations may, in some cases, be particularly susceptible to the new diseases facing them.\nTo explain this further, certain diseases show a phenomenon called endemic stability, which occurs when the disease is less severe in younger than older animals, when the infection is common or endemic and when there is lifelong immunity after infection. Under these conditions most infected individuals are young, and experience relatively mild disease. Certain tick-borne diseases, such as anaplasmosis, babesiosis and cowdriosis, show a degree of endemic stability (Eisler et al. 2003). If climate change drives such diseases to new-areas, non-immune individuals of all ages in these regions will be newly exposed, and outbreaks of severe diseases could follow. Climate can affect distribution of a disease as well as the timing of an outbreak or the intensity of it. Many animal diseases of significant impact in Namibia are influenced by climate. Such influences are not the sole preserve of vector-borne diseases; certain directly transmitted food/waterborne and aerosol transmitted diseases are also affected. A common feature of non-vector-borne diseases affected by climate is that the pathogen or parasite spends a period of time outside the host, subject to environmental influence.\nClimate appears to be more frequently associated with the seasonal occurrence of non–vector borne diseases than their spatial distribution. A second host-related effect is genetic resistance to disease. Many animals have evolved a level of genetic resistance to some of the diseases to which they are commonly exposed. It seems unlikely that climate change will directly affect genetic or immunologic resistance to disease in livestock. But with significant shifts in disease distributions driven by climate change, naive populations may, in some cases, be particularly susceptible to the new diseases facing them. To explain this further certain diseases show a phenomenon called endemic stability which occurs when the disease is less severe in younger than older animals, when the infection is common or endemic and when there is lifelong immunity after infection. Under these conditions most infected individuals are young, and experience relatively mild disease. Certain tick-borne diseases, such as anaplasmosis, babesiosis and cowdriosis, show a degree of endemic stability since 2003.\nIf climate change drives such diseases to new-areas, non-immune individuals of all ages in these regions will be newly exposed, and outbreaks of severe diseases could follow.\n \n\t" - ], - [ - "Infectious Salmon Anaemia Outbreak in Norway", - "News Infectious Salmon Anaemia Outbreak in Norway21 May 2015 \n \nNORWAY - There has been an outbreak of infectious salmon anaemia (ISA) on a fish farm in Norway.The outbreak occurred in a susceptible population of 23000 Atlantic salmon. \nThere were 1060 deaths out of 1100 cases of the disease. The other 40 infected animals were destroyed as a preventative measure. \nFrom an epidemiological point of view, the Norwegian Food Safety Authority considers the ISA outbreak at NystølvÃ¥gen-24495 to be a first occurrence within this ISA free area. \nThey said that based on the genotyping of the complete ISA virus segment 6, it seems to be an isolated outbreak. \nThe outbreak, in a semi-open production system, occurred in the Hordaland county of Norway. \n \n \nTheFishSite News Desk \n" - ], - [ - "Q&A: What does latest BSE case mean for Ireland?", - "\n Mad Cow Disease? I thought we got rid of that years ago. How did it get back into the country?\nBSE, or Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, never went away you know. Commonly known as Mad Cow Disease, the fatal brain disease was first diagnosed in an Irish animal in 1989. There have been more than 1,650 cases since then but they have been reducing in number every year until last year when no case was recorded. \nWhat causes it?\n \nMost experts agree BSE was caused by animals eating feed that contained contaminated meat-and-bonemeal. This mix was made from otherwise unused animal products taken from the carcass and cooked. Feeding meat-and-bonemeal was banned in Ireland in 1990 and, after BSE outbreaks across Europe, a ban on feeding it to all farm animals was introduced in 2001.\nIf this animal is confirmed as being BSE-positive, how did she get the disease?\nThe investigation is ongoing but in previous cases BSE was contracted from feed containing meat and bonemeal. It can take four to six years for cattle to show signs of BSE. The disease is characterised by disorientation and clumsiness. Television viewers might recall footage of the unfortunate animal staggering and stumbling which was repeatedly used in RTÉ clips to illustrate the BSE crisis in the late 1990s.\nCan people get BSE?\nNo. However, in 1996 scientists discovered a new strain of CJD brain disease, now known as variant CJD, which has been connected with eating BSE-infected meat products. Like BSE, variant CJD is fatal. When scientists made the link, control measures were stepped up. Animal tissue shown to be capable of transmitting the BSE agent is now removed and destroyed during the slaughtering of all animals over two-years-old. This specified risk material includes some of the more unappetising parts of an animal, such as the brain, eyes and spinal cord.\nIn addition, all animals presented for slaughter are first subjected to examination by veterinary inspectors to ensure they do not have the disease. Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney said the current case posed “zero human health risk†and is an animal health issue. \nIs this bad for our beef exporters?\nIt’s a disappointment but not a catastrophe, according to Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association president John Comer. Up until a week ago, Ireland had “controlled risk status†for BSE. The US, China and Japan opened their markets to Irish beef with that status. Just last week the World Organisation for Animal Health upgraded our status to “negligible risk†because there had not been a case here since 2013. Optimists are hoping that if we revert to “controlled risk†status it will not affect trade. \nAnything else we should know about Mad Cow Disease?\nBSE also stands for Bombay Stock Exchange so some Indian stockbrokers may have been scratching their heads today when they saw #BSE trending on Twitter in Ireland.\n \n\t" - ], - [ - "'Mad cow' disease detected in Ireland", - " \n\t \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n'Mad cow' disease detected in Ireland\n \n \n \n By Tim Sandle  \n  \n Jun 25, 2015 in Health\n \n\tDublin\n\t- \nA single case of \"mad cow disease\" has been identified in the Republic of Ireland, from a dairy located in County Louth.\n \n \n \n The suspect cow was identified early in June 2015, following its sudden death. Authorities were initially alarmed that other cows could also be affected at the farm; however, all other tests have recorded negative results. The cow was around five years old.\nAuthorities, at the Irish Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, have assured Irish citizens that the cow did not enter the food chain and that the body was disposed of through incineration. \nThe cause of the infection has yet to be reported. Nevertheless, the death comes in the wake of a clampdown on feeding cows — natural vegetarians — animal remains. The cases in Ireland are relatively low (1,353 to date) and they have not reached the levels seen in the U.K., where the practice of feeding ground down sheep brains to cows in the 1980s and 1990s saw some 180,000 cattle become infected and the government forced to slaughter of 4 million cattle. The British case led to a tightening up of animal feeding practices worldwide. \nThe infectious agent is a prion (a type of heat-resistant misfolded protein), termed bovine spongiform encephalopathy (dubbed \"mad cow disease\"). It is a fatal neurodegenerative disease, triggering a spongy degeneration in the brain and spinal cord. The disease can be transmitted to people if an infected animal was to be eaten, where it manifests as a new variant, Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease.\nCommenting on the Irish case, government official Eddie Downey said “consumers can be reassured about the robustness of the food safety controls in place in Ireland.â€\n \n \n \n \n \n" - ], - [ - "ASF hinders exports of Ukraine pork to the EU", - "\n By Vladislav VorotnikovVladislav Vorotnikov , 30-Oct-20142014-10-30T00:00:00Z\n Sporadic outbreaks of African swine fever (ASF) in Ukraine are blocking the possibility of launching pork exports to the European Union (EU), said Vitaly Bashinsky, deputy head of Ukraine’s state veterinary and phytosanitary service.\n \n \"Three cases of ASF on pig farms have put a stain on Ukraine’s reputation. While we have such problems, we can forget about establishing export supplies to the EU,\" he said.However, he added that a few Ukrainian pig farms will be inspected by EU experts soon.Industry observers believe Ukrainian pork has good prospects in EU markets, due to its competitive price.According to Ukraine’s deputy minister of agrarian policy and food Andriy Dykun, Ukraine is ready to start pig product exports to the EU. The ministry said that pork and confectionery were the Ukrainian goods that showed the best promise for sale in Europe.\"We have already started poultry product exports to the EU, and I think we can also export pork and confectionery products in the near future,\" said Dykun. Ukrainian experts predict the country could dramatically boost its pork exports to the EU market, with annual volumes potentially reaching 10,000–20,000 tonnes (t).By comparison, in 2013 Ukraine exported only 4,600t to the EU with a total value of US$20.9 million, according to official statistics. About 94% of all exports were destined for Russia. In 2012 Ukraine exported 20,200t of pork, also mostly to Russia.\"After Russia’s accession to the World Trade Organization in 2013, the process of supplying pork to this market was simplified, as quotas were abolished. Yet, along with the growth of pork supply, the market experienced a fall in imports. So for many Ukrainian companies it became unprofitable to continue pork exports to Russia,\" explained Arthur Loza, head of Ukraine’s Association of Pig Producers.However, in 2014, following the ban on pork imports from the EU, prices in the Russian domestic market rose again and are now higher than in Europe. But many Ukrainian producers say they will no longer bet on the Russian market, claiming that it is \"unreliable\". According to Bashinsky, if the fight against ASF in the country is successful, four or five Ukraine producers could gain permission as early as next year to export pork to the EU, which would allow the country to restore the overall volume of export supplies.\"When we remove the quarantine restrictions, send the relevant report to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and go through the procedures to verify our data, we will be able to apply to the European Commission with a request to put us on a list of countries that are allowed to export pork to the EU. After that, it will be selected businesses that meet EU requirements. From this list, four or five enterprises will be selected to be inspected by foreign experts,\" added Bashinsky. \n \n " - ], - [ - "Agence France-Presse: Ukraine frontline troops dig down with pig ...", - "\n Agence France-Presse: Ukraine frontline troops dig down with pig named Putin\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A ruined building in Pisky.\n \n © Alexander Rychkov \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pisky - This frontline Ukrainian village lacks gas, power and water. Yet with barely a house left standing, Pisky remains a daily target of shelling, despite the latest truce with pro-Russian rebels, and Kyiv's troops are digging down to survive.\n \n \n \n Read more here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Putin\n \n \n \n Ukraine\n \n \n \n Russia\n \n \n \n Russia's War Against Ukraine\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nThe Kyiv Post is hosting comments to foster lively public debate through the Disqus system. Criticism is fine, but stick to the issues. Comments that include profanity or personal attacks will be removed from the site. The Kyiv Post will ban flagrant violators. If you think that a comment or commentator should be banned, please flag the offending material.\nPlease enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.\ncomments powered by \n \n \n \n \n " - ], - [ - "Reuters: Russia slaps Ukraine with fruit and vegetable import ban", - "\n Reuters: Russia slaps Ukraine with fruit and vegetable import ban\n \n \n \n \n \n Oct. 21, 2014, 4:06 p.m. |\n \n \n Business — by\n \n Reuters\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Angry farmers dump cauliflowers in front of the prefecture building of Saint-Brieuc, northwestern France, as riot policemen onwatch, on Sept. 24, 2014, as part of a protest against falling prices and revenues, as the vegetable sector is being hit by a drop in prices, and by a Russian embargo on Western products due to the crisis in Ukraine. \n \n © AFP\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n " - ], - [ - "Classical swine fever discovery in Ukraine", - "\n Results came back positive for three boars out of the 98 testedThree wild boars have tested positive for classical swine fever as part of a routine hunting exercise in Ukraine.\n \n A report was filed with the World Organisation for Animal Health on 12 January – the first recorded outbreak of the virus since July 2001.It was discovered in hunting grounds, in Borodyans’kyy, Kiev. As part of the framework of the monitoring programme in the region’s wildlife reservoirs, 98 wild boars were hunted, with three positive results found. \n \n " - ], - [ - "Poland confirms case of African swine fever in farm pigs", - "\nWARSAW Polish authorities have identified the country's first ever case of African swine fever (ASF) to be found in farm pigs, the chief veterinary officer said on Wednesday.Previous cases of ASF, in wild boars, promoted Russia and China to impose restrictions on Polish pork exports, causing a fall in domestic pork prices.\"This is the first case of ASF in farm pigs in Poland,\" Chief Veterinary Officer Marek Pirsztuk told Reuters. \"The area lies 3-6 km from the border with Belarus.\"\n \n He also said that about 200 farm pigs from the danger zone of 7 km (4.3 miles) around the county of Grodek may have to be put down. This is the same area where nine cases of ASF in wild boars were identified earlier this year.\n \n Pirsztuk added in a statement that the case of ASF had been identified in a farm with five pigs. Two of them died and the remaining three have been put down. The farm has been disinfected, he said. According to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OiE) there is so far no effective vaccine against ASF, but the disease poses no danger to human health.\n \n (Writing by Marcin Goettig; Editing by Pravin Char)" - ], - [ - "Al Jazeera: West isolates Putin over Ukraine at G20", - "\n Al Jazeera: West isolates Putin over Ukraine at G20\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Australia's Prime Minister Tony Abbott (L) and Russia's President Vladimir Putin as they meet Koalas before the start of the first G20 meeting in Brisbane on Nov. 15, 2014.\n \n © AFP\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n " - ], - [ - "After Russia annexed peninsula, Crimean wine produced on ...", - "\n After Russia annexed peninsula, Crimean wine produced on mainland Ukraine\n \n \n \n \n \n May 29, 2015, 5:40 p.m. |\n \n \n Business — by\n \n Alyona Zhuk\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Harvested grapes at a vineyard near Bakhchisarai in Crimea in 2011. \n \n © UNIAN\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More than a year after Russia annexed Crimea, shelves in Ukrainian supermarkets are still stuffed with Crimean wine. The only thing Crimean is the name in some cases. \n \n \n \n \n Announcement To Readers\n \n Since 1995, the Kyiv Post has been the world's window on Ukraine.\n Please support the newspaper’s quality, independent journalism with\n a digital subscription. Subscribers receive unlimited access to all\n stories, archives and PDFs from the Kyiv Post's staff writers and news services.\n More info.\n \n \n \n \n 12 months\n \n 1 month\n \n \n \n \n $50.00Pay\n \n $20.00Pay\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ukraine\n \n \n \n annexed\n \n \n \n wine\n \n \n \n russian\n \n \n \n Crimea\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nThe Kyiv Post is hosting comments to foster lively public debate through the Disqus system. Criticism is fine, but stick to the issues. Comments that include profanity or personal attacks will be removed from the site. The Kyiv Post will ban flagrant violators. If you think that a comment or commentator should be banned, please flag the offending material.\nPlease enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.\ncomments powered by \n \n \n \n \n " - ], - [ - "Russia bans almost all product imports from Ukraine", - "\nThe Russian federal consumer rights protection service Rospotrebnadzor has banned all confectionery imports from Ukraine beginning September 5.\nIllustration\nThe ban was imposed because Ukraine’s ABK and Konti confectioneries violated the regulations for product marking, the control service said in a statement. The Ukrainian ABK, Konti and Roshen companies imported their products mainly to Russia. The Russian consumer rights watchdog banned Roshen imports in late July 2013, saying the confectionery did not meet quality and safety requirements.\nAs ITAR-TASS reported earlier, Russia banned all milk and dairy imports from Ukraine on July 28, 2014. The federal veterinary and phytosanitary control service said Ukrainian dairy imports were barred first of all in connection with supplies of unsafe cheese products. The service repeatedly detected remains of tetracycline antibiotics, heavy metal salts and pathogen microorganisms in milk and dairy products imported from Ukraine.\nEarlier, the watchdog banned potato from all Ukrainian farms because of vermin and barred pork supplies because of the African swine fever threat. Rospotrebnadzor has banned cheeses from 13 Ukrainian firms, juice, including for babies, alcohol products, beer from three Ukrainian firms and canned vegetables, fruit and fish from seven companies.\n" - ], - [ - "Olga Bielkova: In Ukraine's energy sector, failure is not an option", - "\n Olga Bielkova: In Ukraine's energy sector, failure is not an option\n \n \n \n \n \n June 24, 2015, 10:16 p.m. |\n \n \n Op-ed — by\n \n Olga Bielkova\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n An employee checks equipment at the Dashava underground gas storage facility near Striy, outside Lviv, on May 28.\n \n © AFP\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n During OPEC's oil embargo in the 1970s, America learned what happens when a reliance on foreign energy meets geopolitics. Today the situation in my country - Ukraine - is even more serious. Our energy policy has long been linked with politics, and our dependence on Russian energy supplies has left us vulnerable to political blackmailing. Achieving energy independence is not just a matter of Ukraine's economic viability; it is also a matter of national security, sovereignty, and survival as a state.\n \n \n \n Read the story here.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n energy\n \n \n \n Ukraine\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nThe Kyiv Post is hosting comments to foster lively public debate through the Disqus system. Criticism is fine, but stick to the issues. Comments that include profanity or personal attacks will be removed from the site. The Kyiv Post will ban flagrant violators. If you think that a comment or commentator should be banned, please flag the offending material.\nPlease enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.\ncomments powered by \n \n \n \n \n " - ], - [ - "USDA turkey report hints at fewer birds for Thanksgiving meals", - "\nCHICAGO The U.S. Department of Agriculture's monthly turkey hatchery report on Tuesday showed a significant decline in the number of poults, or young turkeys, placed on feed in May, suggesting supplies of fresh whole birds may tighten this Thanksgiving.But analysts are at odds about how much the shortfall will impact shoppers planning Thanksgiving Day meals as many of the birds available in stores are slaughtered and frozen long before the November holiday.The worst-ever U.S. outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza, or bird flu, has raised concerns about higher turkey prices this holiday season. The outbreak has claimed about 7.8 million turkeys in seven states this year, many of them culled to control the virus' spread.The losses represent a sliver of total U.S. production that was pegged at 237.5 million turkeys in 2014, according to USDA data.Tuesday's monthly report showed poult placements dropped to 21.6 million in May, down 1 percent from the prior month and 7 percent from a year earlier. Amanda Martin, senior analyst with Indiana-based Express Markets Inc Analytics, said that Tuesday's report offered a \"hint\" of the bird flu's impact since an unknown number of breeder flocks were hit by the outbreak. A clearer picture may come with a USDA poultry slaughter report on June 25.\n \n At 22.3 million, total poults hatched last month fell 8 percent from May 2014, and were down 4 percent from April 2015.May placements would be going to slaughter between August and October, depending on whether birds are hens or toms. Martin noted a May and June deadline for placing heavy tom poults for them to be ready to be sold as whole birds at Thanksgiving.\"To see that it is down 7 percent makes me think, that's probably going to mean the big, whole birds for Thanksgiving are going to be extremely hard to come by,\" said Martin.\n \n Others downplayed the impact and blamed the drop in placements on a \"bunching effect\" in production cycle.National Turkey Federation spokesman Keith Williams noted that most shoppers buy turkeys that are frozen and those consumed this November were produced before the bird flu struck the upper Midwest.\n \n USDA's May 22 Cold Storage Report showed there were 394.4 million pounds of turkey in cold storage during April 2015, up 5.2 percent from April 2014.(This version of the story adds dropped word \"big\" to quote in paragraph nine, referring to whole turkeys for Thanksgiving. The earlier version of the story was published on June 16) (Reporting by Theopolis Waters and Karl Plume; Editing by Bernard Orr and Matthew Lewis)" - ], - [ - "US May turkey slaughter drops as bird flu decimates flocks: USDA", - "\nThe U.S. turkey slaughter in May tumbled 12 percent from the prior month, government data on Thursday showed, as the country's worst-ever case of bird flu decimated flocks in top producer Minnesota and surrounding states.The 17.758 million turkeys slaughtered nationwide last month was 8 percent fewer than May 2014, according to the U.S. Agriculture Department's monthly poultry slaughter report. It was also the lightest slaughter for the month of May since 1987, USDA data showed.More than 7.7 million turkeys have been killed by highly pathogenic avian influenza or culled to control its spread since December, according to USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). Hardest hit have been top producer Minnesota, which to date has lost more than 4.8 million birds, and No. 8 producer Iowa, where more than 1.5 million have died.\n \n Minnesota's May slaughter of 2.894 million young turkeys was down 31 percent from the previous month. However, the slaughter in Iowa rose 5.4 percent in May to 1.209 million birds.\n \n \n \n (Reporting by Karl Plume; Editing by Phil Berlowitz)" - ], - [ - "Bird Flu May Affect Turkey Market Come Thanksgiving", - "Following the worst-ever U.S. outbreak of the highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, supplies of whole turkeys may be limited when Thanksgiving rolls around.\nRoughly 7.8 million turkeys died this year as a result of the outbreak, according to Reuters. There has also been a drop in poults (young turkey or fowl being raised for food), whose numbers are down eight percent compared to last year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. \nPoults who are developed in May head to slaughter between August to October, depending on whether the birds are male or female. Amanda Martin, senior analyst with Indiana-based Express Markets Inc. Analytics, said to Reuters there is a May and June deadline to place heavy tom poults to develop so they can be ready to be sold as whole birds come November.\n“To see that it is down … makes me think, that's probably going to mean the big, whole birds for Thanksgiving are going to be extremely hard to come by,\" Martin told Reuters.\nExperts don’t all agree that this outbreak will affect turkey sales, as some credit the drop in placement numbers to “bunching effects†in the production of turkeys. National Turkey Federation spokesman Keith Williams also told Reuters that most people buy frozen turkeys, and said that those consumed this upcoming November were slaughtered before the bird flu struck the upper Midwest. \n \n \nStill, bird flu has already made an impact on the market. U.S companies are importing eggs from Europe for the first time in over a decade to combat rising prices of domestic eggs due to the virus. States have even declared a state of emergency due to bird flu, so seeing the virus affect turkey prices come Thanksgiving isn’t difficult to imagine. \n" - ], - [ - "China imposes new curbs on Norway salmon", - "\nChina has imposed new restrictions on imports of Norwegian salmon citing fears of a fish virus, Norwegian authorities said on Monday.\n\tAs of Monday, Beijing has banned imports of whole salmon from three Norwegian regions amid concerns they carry infectious salmon anaemia (ISA). That ban represents one-fifth of Norway's salmon exports to China.\n\t \n\tFor salmon from other regions of the Scandinavian country, Chinese authorities have imposed stricter controls aimed at detecting ISA and pancreas disease.\n\t \n\tNorway's food safety agency was informed by letter of the decision, which it judged to be baseless but which strikes yet another blow to the country's star export product.\n\t \n\tSales of Norwegian salmon to China plummeted after the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo.\n\t \n\tNorway's food safety agency stressed meanwhile that Norwegian salmon was safe.\n\t \n\t\"We believe there is no risk that Chinese salmon will be contaminated by the ISA virus because fish products from Norway go directly to consumption,\" it said in a statement last week. \"The ISA virus is not harmful to humans,\" it added.\n\t \n\tThe awarding of the Nobel Prize to Liu plunged the two countries' bilateral ties into a deep-freeze, and led to a tightening of veterinary controls on Norwegian salmon.\n\t \n\tIts share of the Chinese market dropped from 90 to less than 30 percent. The new restrictions come on the heels of an import ban announced by Russia -- another important market for Norway -- in response to western sanctions against Moscow over the Ukraine crisis.\n For more news from Norway, join us on\n Facebook\n and Twitter.\n " - ], - [ - "Norway ISA Outbreak Reported in Troms", - "News Norway ISA Outbreak Reported in Troms28 November 2014 NORWAY - An outbreak of Infectious Salmon Anaemia (ISA) has been reported in Troms, Norway.The ISA virus was detected at Finnstein-11353, Troms, and was verified as a deleted, virulent variant based on sequence analysis of ISAV HPR (segment 6). \nFrom an epidemiological point of view, the Norwegian Food Safety Authority considers the ISA outbreak at Finnstein-11353 likely to be a first occurrence. \nInfectious salmon anaemia (ISA) was present at another location in Troms region in March 2014 as well. \nThe previous outbreak occurred at a distance of about 250 km, and these ISA cases seem to be two separate outbreaks without any epidemiological correlation although both of them belong to the same administrative region. \nThe Norwegian Veterinary Institute use genotyping to determine whether ISA outbreaks are an occurrence or a reoccurrence. \nGenotyping based on the complete ISAV segment 6 and further epidemiological studies are required to determine if this is an isolated outbreak. This work is ongoing at the Norwegian Veterinary Institute. \nOf the 1,158,549 salmon susceptible at the farm, the outbreak led to 2,830 cases resulting in 2,530 deaths and 142,817 salmon being destroyed. \nTheFishSite News Desk \n" - ], - [ - "Russia to reward EU sanctions critics with food exports", - "Russia says firms from Cyprus, Greece, and Hungary - the leading critics of EU sanctions - will be first in line to restart food exports if relations improve. Sergei Dankvert, the head of Russia’s food safety authority, Rosselkhoznadzor, made the announcement at a press briefing in Moscow on Tuesday (19 May). \n \nHe said about 20 companies from the three states, 15 of them from Hungary, already qualify following technical inspections. \nHe noted Russia would like to go further, but complained the issue is clouded by politics. \n“There’s a lot of talk about the fate of Polish apples in the domestic market. Frankly, Russia might not be against their export. The issue should be decided on an individual basis by agreement between the two countries. But at the slightest attempt to make contact with Poland our country is accused of trying to divide European states,†he said, Russian media report. \nMoscow imposed the ban on most EU food exports last August in retaliation against EU economic measures on its banks, arms firms, and energy companies. \nThe Russian sanctions expire on 7 August. \nThe EU measures end in July unless they are renewed by consensus. But EU leaders, at a summit in March, announced a “political agreement†to extend them until the end of the year.\n \n \n \nDankvert said his “minimal estimate†is that Russian counter-sanctions have cost EU exporters “approximately $3.5 billion†in “direct lossesâ€.\nHe noted Russia has, in the meantime, increased imports of cheese, other dairy products, and sea food from Asia, Latin America, and north Africa. \n“The ‘forbidden’ foods have been absent from our shelves for almost a year, and … we have somehow survivedâ€, he said. \nHe claimed that the Russian ban, including an earlier one on pork, linked to complaints about African swine fever, has created piles of unsold goods in Europe. “Their warehouses are overstocked nowâ€, he said. \nPolish criticism\nRussia began to approach individual EU states and the European Commission on bilateral sanctions relief in January. \nBut its initiative prompted criticism, primarily from Lithuania and Poland. \nCommenting on a Franco-Russian accord on pork sales at the time, Polish agriculture minister Marek Sawicki said: “France has shown many times its relations with Russia are more important to it than its relations inside the EU and that disturbs me\".\nA German initiative to hold three-way talks between the commission, Russia, and Ukraine on implementation of the EU-Ukraine free trade pact prompted similar criticism. \nA ministerial meeting in Brussels on Monday saw Moscow drop its request for the pact to be delayed by one more year, from 2016 to 2017. \nBut the joint text spoke of “extension of the transition periods†for Ukrainian regulatory alignment with the EU in “specific sectors or products … taking advantage of the flexibilities built into the DCFTA [the trade accord]â€.\nUkrainian industrialists fear Russia will find a pretext to impose trade bans or customs blockades when the treaty enters into force. \nThe joint text also spoke of “strengthened customs co-operation and dialogue†between the three parties, including “EU expert advice and technical supportâ€, with a follow-up report by experts due by July. \nA ‘real war’\nThe trade discussions are taking part in the context of ceasefire violations in east Ukraine. \nUkrainian president Petro Poroshenko, in an interview with the BBC on Tuesday, said: “This is not a fight with Russian-backed separatists, this is a real war with Russiaâ€. \n“I believe they are preparing an offensive and I think we should be readyâ€. \nFor his part, Nato secretary general Jens Stoltenberg, following a meeting with Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov also on Tuesday, spoke of “the very serious situation we see in eastern Ukraineâ€, adding: “I … called on Russia to withdraw all its troops and support for the separatistsâ€. \nRussia denies its armed forces are in Ukraine. \nBut Ukraine recently captured two Russian officers in Shchastya, a town near Luhansk in east Ukraine: Yevgeny Yerofeyev, a captain, and Alexander Alexandrov, a sergeant. \nRussian soldiers\nA seniot US diplomat, Victoria Nuland, who also met Russian officials this week, said it’s “very, very important†the officers are being “well taken care ofâ€. \n“Minsk [the name of a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire accord] is being violated on a daily basis … and that is what needs to stopâ€, she added.\n“There is no indication from our own information, or from my consultations in Kiev, that anybody on the Ukrainian side, anybody in leadership … has any intention of launching new hostilitiesâ€.\n " - ], - [ - "Baltics and Poland unite to battle African swine fever", - "\n By Gerard O’Dwyer, in Helsinki and Monika Hanley in RigaGerard O’Dwyer, in Helsinki and Monika Hanley in Riga , 05-Aug-20142014-08-05T00:00:00Z\n Four Baltic rim states have reached an agreement on a programme of joint measures to combat the outbreak of the fatal African swine fever virus (ASF) in the region.\n \n Poland, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia established a Baltic-Polish taskforce on 30 July, to eliminate the spread of the disease, which was detected at a piggery in Eastern Lithuania on 22 July.\"We need to move quickly and develop a solid common plan to eradicate this problem. The taskforce is led by officials from all four agriculture ministries. It will include food and veterinary service specialists from the four countries. This challenge needed a strong common response,\" Latvia’s agriculture minister Janis Duklavs told a news conference in Vilnius on 30 July.According to Duklavs, Baltic and Polish governments intended to petition the European Commission for special funding to assist the taskforce’s work in combating the spread of the virus, and to provide compensation to any affected pig farms. \"We must first contain and then eliminate the problem. We do not want ASF spreading to other European states,\" he added.Sporadic outbreaks of the virus were detected at piggeries in Lithuania and Poland during the second quarter of 2014. The virus was detected in a pig herd in Latvia on 26 June, leading the Latvian government to introduce a three-month state of emergency, set to end on 1 October, at more than 100 pig farms across the country.The virus in Lithuania was detected at the Rupinskai pig farm, operated by the Danish Jutland-based Idavang Group’s Lithuanian subsidiary, Idavang, which operates 11 pig farms in the country.Lithuania’s State Food and Veterinary Service (SFVS, or ‘ValstybinÄ— Maisto Ir Veterinarijos Tarnyba’) immediately imposed a 10-kilometre infection control and monitoring zone around the farm. This was the first outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in a commercial holding in the European Union, with a state of emergency the declared in the Ignalina district of Lithuania on 28 July.The farm’s entire stock of 19,411 pigs were subsequently destroyed, Idavang’s spokesperson Lina Mockute told GlobalMeatNews. \"We are cooperating fully with authorities to establish how the disease found its way on to the farm,\" said Mockute.The SFVS’ investigation includes the possibility that the virus is being transmitted by wild boar. The virus has been detected in the carcases of at least 20 wild boar since January, and resulted in Lithuania ordering a mass cull of wild boar that targeted 90% of the estimated 60,000 in its territory.Forty samples were taken from the culled pigs and 36 tested positive for ASF. The Lithuanian Food and Veterinary Services said it is the same strain of ASF found among wild boar or farm/backyard holdings in Russia, Georgia, Belarus, Latvia, and Poland.\"Pigs from Rupinskai were transported to slaughterhouses in Poland and Lithuania. The meat is currently being checked. It was immediately withdrawn from trade,\" Jonas Milius, director of SFVS, told GlobalMeatNews. \n \n " - ], - [ - "'Abattoirs spreading foot-and-mouth'", - " \n \n\tAgriculture deputy minister (livestock) Paddy Zhanda yesterday said government had stopped issuing out new licences for abattoirs accusing them of spreading foot-and-mouth disease.\nBY MTHANDAZO NYONI\nSpeaking at the Zimbabwe Association of Dairy Farmers (ZADF) second annual general meeting in Bulawayo yesterday, Zhanda accused private abattoirs in Bulawayo and Zimbabwe as whole of spreading the disease through illegal transportation of cattle from other areas.\n“We are not going to issue any new licences for abattoirs because there is no need. We have heard that some of them are responsible for importing foot-and-mouth disease and we are not going to allow that to happen. We are not going to have stakeholders that are not responsible,†Zhanda said.\nZhanda said private abattoirs were ignoring restrictions regarding movement of cattle from areas where there was a foot-and-mouth outbreak, all for the love of money.\nZhanda was responding to a question by one participant who accused some players in the agriculture sector for spreading the disease.\nIn April this year, the Veterinary Services Department ordered Mbokodo Abattoir along Plumtree Road to suspend operations after foot-and-mouth was detected.\nZhanda warned others were on surveillance with a view to containing the disease.\nRecently, Zhanda named Mwenezi as the source of a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak stalking Matabeleland region.\nFoot-and-mouth disease is a viral infection which affects livestock.\nMeanwhile, Zhanda also urged dairy farmers to produce enough products for the Zimbabwean market before talking about exporting to other countries in the region.\nHe said dairy farmers needed to be protected from cheap imports coming from South Africa.\nStakeholders who participated in the meeting said there was need for the government to align the Dairy Act which was established in 1938.\nSpeaking at the same event, ZADF national chairperson Craig Follwell said the industry was growing as their monthly production had increased by 1,5%.\n“We have seen a slow, but constant increase in milk volumes and I do believe within the next couple of years we will supply our country with the raw milk and products our people require,†he said. \n \n\t" - ], - [ - "New outbreaks of ASF identified in Latvia, Lithuania and Ukraine", - "\n By Vladislav Vorotnikov Vladislav Vorotnikov , 01-Jul-20152015-07-01T00:00:00Z\n The spread of African swine fever (ASF) in Eastern Europe countries has accelerated in recent weeks, with a number of new outbreaks reported in Latvia, Lithuania and Ukraine.\n \n Experts from Russian veterinary body Rosselkhoznadzor, which regularly publishes reports on the development of the ASF situation in neighbouring countries, has expressed concerns that, this year, the virus may penetrate previously unaffected European Union (EU) countries.\"Rosselkhoznadzor expects a merger of the affected zones of ASF in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, and the spread of ASF to other EU countries. We also see an intensification of the epizootic progress of ASF in Ukraine, which threatens neighbouring countries as well,\" stated a report from the Russian veterinary body.Russian vets have said the measures so far taken by the veterinary authorities in countries affected with ASF are inadequate and cannot prevent the epidemic spreading to new territories. According to information from Rosselkhoznadzor, in the period from March-June, nearly 200 outbreaks of ASF were reported among wild boars across the Baltic States and Poland.In addition to this, on 16 June the first outbreak this year of ASF among domestic pigs has been reported at a pig farm in Latvia. \"The outbreak in the Dubni district has forced the Food and Veterinary Service (FVS) to cull 18 pigs,\" stated the press-secretary of FVS Anna Joffe. \"The last outbreak of ASF [among domestic pigs] was reported on 17 September 2014. In total, 574 domestic pigs were culled last year in Latvia, due to ASF.\"Last Friday (26 June), an outbreak of ASF among domestic pigs was reported in the Chernihiv Oblast of Ukraine. There is still no information on how many pigs have been affected. At the end of May Rosselkhoznadzor stated that the spread of ASF in Ukraine posed a threat to pig farmers in Belarus, Poland and Russia.The report said it was important to note that a significant proportion of the pig populations in countries in Eastern Europe did not have adequate biosecurity measures to withstand the threat of ASF.Russian veterinary experts believe that, for the most part, the disease moves west via two main routes – northern and southern. The first route goes through the Baltic States and Poland, which poses risks that the epidemic may soon reach regions of Germany and the Czech Republic. The southern way encompasses Ukraine and, via this route, the disease could penetrate Slovakia, Hungary and Moldova. Rosselkhoznadzor has not ruled out the possibility that outbreaks of the disease in these countries may have occurred already this year, especially given the fact that the virus becomes more active during the warm summer and autumn months. \n \n " - ], - [ - "Low Pathogenic Avian Flu Outbreak in South Africa", - "Poultry News Low Pathogenic Avian Flu Outbreak in South Africa09 June 2015 \n \nSOUTH AFRICA - There have been three outbreaks of low pathogenic avian influenza, of the H5N2 serotype, in South Africa.The cases occurred on three commercial ostrich farms. \n270 cases occurred in a total population of 3339 susceptible animals. \nIn response to the outbreak, movement controls and quarantines have been put in place. \n \n \nThePoultrySite News Desk Top image via Shutterstock " - ], - [ - "Melinda Haring: Corruption, not Russian tanks, greatest threat to ...", - "\n Melinda Haring: Corruption, not Russian tanks, greatest threat to success of Ukraine\n \n \n \n \n \n June 18, 2015, 6:13 p.m. |\n \n \n Op-ed — by\n \n Melinda Haring \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anti-corruption activists theatrically stage a news conference at Parliament on June 17 to urge lawmakers to keep the newly formed Anti-Corruption Bureau independent and free of presidential control.\n \n © Volodymyr Petrov\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Corruption threatens to derail Ukraine's progress, American and Ukrainians officials agreed at the Atlantic Council's WrocÅ‚aw Global Forum in WrocÅ‚aw, Poland on June 13. \"There is no issue that is a greater threat to Ukraine's long-term success today than institutionalized corruption,\" said Geoffrey R. Pyatt, US Ambassador to Ukraine. \"It's a bigger threat than Russian tanks.\" \n \n \n \n Read the story here.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ukraine\n \n \n \n corruption\n \n \n \n Russia\n \n \n \n war\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nThe Kyiv Post is hosting comments to foster lively public debate through the Disqus system. Criticism is fine, but stick to the issues. Comments that include profanity or personal attacks will be removed from the site. The Kyiv Post will ban flagrant violators. If you think that a comment or commentator should be banned, please flag the offending material.\nPlease enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.\ncomments powered by \n \n \n \n \n " - ], - [ - "WTO rules against India in poultry dispute", - " \n The World Trade Organization's (WTO) Appellate Body rejected India's appeal of its ban on U.S. poultry imports. \nIndia placed a ban on U.S. poultry meat, eggs, and live pigs in 2007 under the guise of preventing low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI), but produced no scientific evidence to support the ban's validity. In response, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) initiated consultations in 2012, refuting India's claims that LPAI will mutate into a highly pathogenic form of the virus. \nThe WTO panel and Appellate Body overwhelmingly agreed with U.S. claims that, for example, India's ban is not based on international standards or a risk assessment; India discriminates against U.S. products in favor of Indian products; India's measures are more trade restrictive than necessary because it is safe to import U.S. products meeting international standards; and India's restrictions are not adapted to the characteristics of U.S. exporting regions.  \nU.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman welcomed this win “which will help us eliminate unjustified trade barriers so U.S. farmers can sell high quality U.S. agricultural products to customers around the world.†\nIn a joint statement from the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council (USAPEEC) and the National Chicken Council (NCC), the groups said the announcements affirms what they’ve claimed – that “India’s ban was thinly veiled protectionism.†The groups said they hoped the ruling would send a signal other countries that have placed similar bans on U.S. poultry that they are inconsistent with WTO rules and with guidelines established by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). \nUSAPEEC and NCC estimate that if India complies with the ruling, U.S. poultry could see a market valued at $300 million open up. \nSecretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack echoed that sentiment and noted that the decision affirms the importance of basing agricultural trade requirements on sound science. \"This is a major win for U.S. agriculture and, in particular, the U.S poultry industry,\" he said.  \"Today, America's poultry producers are being challenged again by an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza, and this decision serves to encourage USDA's efforts to maintain open markets for U.S. poultry based on international standards.\" \nVilsack added that a “rules-based international trading system is critical to allow U.S. farmers and ranchers to compete on a level playing field worldwide.†\nSince 2009, 19 enforcement actions have been brought forward in the WTO by the U.S. and every single one decided thus far has been in favor of the United States. \n \n \n\t" - ], - [ - "India orders culling after bird flu outbreaks in Kerala", - "\nPARIS India has found two outbreaks of a highly contagious bird flu virus in the southern state of Kerala, prompting the authorities to cull more than 200,000 birds, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) said on Tuesday.The virus itself killed about 15,000 infected ducks in Kottayam and another 500 in nearby Alappuzha, the first cases of the disease in the country since February this year, the Paris-based OIE reported on its website, citing data submitted by the Indian ministry of agriculture. The report said the animals died of an H5 strain of the flu virus but did not specify the exact variant.Germany, the Netherlands and Britain have been hit this month by the H5N8 bird flu strain which has devastated flocks in Asia, mainly South Korea, earlier this year but has never been detected in humans. \n \n Another strain, the feared H5N1, can be fatal to humans. It caused the deaths of nearly 400 people and hundreds of millions of poultry after it spread from Asia into Europe and Africa in 2005-2006.\"This is not a rare event,\" OIE Director General Bernard Vallat told Reuters. \"India regularly reports cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza in wild and domestic birds.\"\n \n \"The problem in this case is that they have not been able to determine which variant yet, whether it is the same as the one in Korea and elsewhere.\"Over 200,000 birds were being culled in the villages where the outbreaks were found and an intensive surveillance campaign had been launched in a 10 km radius around the area to ensure that the virus did not spread further, the Indian ministry said it its report.\n \n Since 2006 India has culled 6.4 million birds due to bird flu, Vallat said, adding that the latest outbreaks were not a particular cause for concern. (Reporting by Sybille de La Hamaide; Editing by Keith Weir)" - ], - [ - "AI to tighten holiday turkey supply", - " \n\t \n\tA.I. to tighten holiday turkey supply \n\t \n\t6/22/2015 \n\t- \n\tby Ron Sterk \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\tSearch for similar articles by keyword: [Turkey] \n\t \n\t \n\t \n \n\t \n \n \nCome turkey-buying time this fall, the A.I. impact on poultry will be noticed. \n \nWhile much of the impact on the current H5N2 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak has been on eggs and egg products, the virus also is affecting the meat side of the poultry market, especially turkeys. That impact may be less evident, especially to consumers who mainly see higher egg prices and certain products missing from retail shelves or restaurant menus, but come turkey-buying time this fall, it may well be noticed. Just as A.I. has hit the top egg-producing state — Iowa — the hardest, it also has had the greatest impact in the top turkey-producing state — Minnesota. By the latest count from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, more than 7.7 million turkeys have died or been euthanized overall due to A.I. Because turkey operations tend to have smaller flocks than chicken farms, considerably more turkey operations have been affected, and Minnesota even has more total detected cases (105) than does Iowa (75). Minnesota so far has lost more than 4.8 million turkeys, about 10% of the 46 million produced annually in the state, or slightly less than one month’s outturn. Turkeys lost in all states account for about 3% of national annual production. Nearly 20% of the 237.5 million turkeys slaughtered in 2014 came from Minnesota, and about 30% of those are sold as whole birds for the holiday season. A significant difference between the impact on eggs and turkeys is the rebuilding time for the turkey industry may be longer. For laying hens, the egg is the “end product,†so to speak, while for turkeys and broilers, the meat is the end product, so eggs are hatched and birds must be fed to slaughter weight. The timeline from hatching to slaughter for turkeys ranges from 14 weeks for a hen to 22 weeks for a tom, plus 28 days to hatch the egg. So, from when the turkey egg is laid to slaughter takes about four to six months. The restocking process was under way in Minnesota, but with just a few flocks as of mid-June. There is a long ways to go before numbers will be back to pre-A.I. levels. “The biology of turkeys and the structure of the turkey hatchery industry are expected to result in a time lag in rebuilding flocks to pre-A.I. levels,†the U.S.D.A. said, which the agency doesn’t expect to happen until the end of 2016. There has been some impact on the broiler market as some countries have banned broiler imports because of A.I., adding to the unrelated ban on exports to Russia because of the Ukraine conflict. “What this situation has done is increase the amount of broiler products on the domestic market, boosting cold storage holdings and resulting in placing downward price pressure on a number of broiler products,†the U.S.D.A. said in its June Livestock, Dairy and Poultry Outlook. That’s not the case for turkeys. Turkey part prices reported by the U.S.D.A. and carried in Food Business News have soared since the A.I. outbreak was detected in Minnesota in early March. Boneless/skinless turkey breasts were quoted at $4.65 a lb last week, up 60% from mid-March, when values were near one-year and seasonal lows. Prices for destrapped turkey tenders were quoted at $4.25 a lb, up 50% in the same period. The U.S.D.A. in June reduced its forecast for 2015 turkey production and raised its forecast for turkey prices. In its June Turkey Hatchery report, the U.S.D.A. said eggs in incubators on June 1 totaled 27.4 million, down 5% from a year earlier, turkey poults hatched in May totaled 22.3 million, down 8%, and net poults placed in May were 21.6 million, down 7%. Those numbers were in stark contrast to the U.S.D.A.’s June 2014 Turkey Hatchery report, which showed eggs in incubators up 8%, poults hatched in May up 8% and poults placed in May up 9% from the prior year. Hatching and poult placements in the first half of the year are critical for turkey supplies with birds going into freezers ahead of the holiday season. In its June Cold Storage report, the U.S.D.A. said there were about 243 million lbs of whole turkeys in freezers on May 31, up 11% from April 30 and up 1% from a year earlier. The increase in freezer stocks from the end of April to the end of May was 26 million lbs this year compared with 44 million lbs last year. While freezer supplies of turkeys may help mitigate the impact of A.I. on the turkey market compared with dramatic increases in egg and egg product prices, which have tripled in some cases, any loss in production can’t help but have an effect on prices, especially as demand peaks during the holiday season. \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n" - ], - [ - "Turkey Farmer 'Living the Nightmare'", - "\nBrad Moline at his turkey operation near Manson, Iowa. \n\"I am currently living the avian influenza nightmare,\" said Iowa turkey farmer Brad Moline. \nTestifying Tuesday afternoon on behalf of the National Turkey Federation's growers and processors before the Senate Agriculture Committee, Moline said two-thirds of his family's income has been wiped out with the loss of all 12 growing barns, containing more than 56,000 turkeys. The nationwide loss of nearly 8 million turkeys from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and the resultant economic impact of nearly $500 million and 400 employee layoffs has weighed heavily in communities where each of the 153 cases has struck since late January.\n\"If we are lucky, we will be able to salvage this year with one flock that we hope to repopulate soon,\" said Moline of his farm that, before HPAI, raised 155,000 turkeys a year. \"Without APHIS indemnification payments, many farmers may have been forced to hang it up. We appreciate Congress and USDA for their continued support of indemnification. We will depend heavily on these payments until our next flock goes to market around Thanksgiving.\"\nThe third-generation turkey farmer from Manson, Iowa came to the committee with recommendations critical to eradicating the disease - depopulation within 24 hours, streamlined disposal, consistent repopulation strategy, viable vaccine and the necessity for a coordinated and enhanced focus on biosecurity. Moline said increased efficiency will require clear communication.\n\"Initially, federal and state governments missed a critical opportunity to sit down with industry to develop a defined game plan,\" said Moline. \"This would avoid the mass confusion that we experienced in Iowa. Having a clear road map explained by government officials (not contractors) is a must. We understand contractors play an important role in eradication but, they should have been better trained. Finally, we recommend that USDA staff assignments overlap in the field to reduce communication errors.\"\nMoline also recommended that APHIS needs to examine biosecurity practices, especially those of their contractors. \"APHIS is doing an excellent job of documenting the transmission of this disease, but to date the agency has shared very little information that examines the role delayed depopulation and biosecurity lapses played in spreading this disease.'\nMany strategies will be needed for the recovery of growers affected by HPAI. Moline cited one of the most powerful tools would be the use of a vaccine to eradicate the disease, in a limited, targeted strategy. \"Under an approved vaccine strategy, we can ensure trade partners and customers that infected birds will never leave the farm, and that no meat from vaccinated birds gets exported,\" concluded Moline. \"However, we lack the assurance that we will be allowed to use this powerful tool, even with protocols that will guarantee its safe usage\"\n" - ], - [ - "African Swine Fever detected for seventh time", - " \n \n African Swine Fever detected for seventh time \n \n \n PR dla Zagranicy \n \n \n \n Nick Hodge \n \n 10.07.2014 11:21 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Poland's Chief Veterinary Officer has confirmed that African Swine Fever has been detected once again near the Polish-Belarusian border, dealing a further blow to the Polish pork industry. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nPhoto: wikipedia \n \n \n“The seventh instance of ASF concerns six wild boar that were found dead in the forest by border guards on 4 July,†Marek Pirsztuk announced. \nAccording to Pirsztuk the dead animals were discovered near the village of Luzany, 4 km from the Polish-Belarusian border. \nThe discovery has jeopardised hopes that a block on Polish pork exports to Russia and several countries in the Far East might be lifted in the immediate future. \nUkraine ended its embargo on Polish pork products in June, having initially blocked imports on 17 February. \nAlthough the finds have been confined to wild boar, pig farmers suffered in the buffer zone set up in eastern Poland, with bans on export of pork products from the region. \nRussia initially introduced an EU-wide block on pork products, although EU Health Commissioner Tonio Borg argued that in all likelihood, the outbreak occurred in Belarus, and not within the EU. \nAfrican Swine Fever is not dangerous to humans, but it is one of the most deadly viruses for wild boar and pigs. (nh)Source: IAR \n \n \n \n \n " - ], - [ - "Deutsche Welle: Uneasy cease-fire in Ukraine sees fresh violence", - "\n Deutsche Welle: Uneasy cease-fire in Ukraine sees fresh violence\n \n \n \n \n \n Oct. 5, 2014, 7:21 p.m. |\n \n \n Ukraine | Politics — by\n \n Deutsche Welle\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Ukrainian servicemen repairs equipment in a base camp near the town of Debaltseve in the Donetsk Oblast on Oct. 4, 2014.\n \n © AFP\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n " - ], - [ - "Australia flags new live cattle export deal, possibly with China, as ...", - "\n* Australia says new live cattle export deal imminent* Australia has long sought access to China market* Indonesia slashes third quarter import quotas by 80 pct* Australia to lean on Vietnam and Malaysia to offset impactBy Colin PackhamSYDNEY, July 14 Australia's agriculture minister\nsaid on Tuesday that a new live cattle export deal will soon be\nsigned with an unnamed country. The news comes a day after its\nlargest buyer Indonesia slashed quarterly import quotas by 80\npercent.The comment will stoke hopes that a long-awaited deal with\nChina for the sale of live cattle may finally be sealed, though\nmarkets such as the United States and Papua New Guinea are also\nseen as potential export destinations.\n \n Indonesia issued permits to import 50,000 cattle in the\nthird quarter, a trade official said on Monday, less than\none-fifth of what was allowed in the previous quarter.\"It is my responsibility now to find alternative market for\nthose cattle not taken up in that supply in Indonesia,\" Joyce\ntold a news conference.\"I don't want to pre-empt anything, but I can say that I'm\nworking diligently towards an imminent signing of another\nagreement.\"\n \n Australia and China have been in talks concerning live\ncattle trade for well over a year and despite hope of a deal\nbeing close, a resolution continues to be delayed by an insect\nthe size of a pen tip.The trade is potentially worth billions of dollars as\nappetite for red meat soars, but the presence in the Australian\nherd of Bluetongue disease has delayed the opening of trade.Analysts said the impact of the Indonesian import cut will\nbe softened in the short-term with increased Australian sales to\nVietnam and Malaysia.\n \n The Indonesian decision is a blow to farmers in Australia's\nnorth which rely almost exclusively on live sales, primarily to\nIndonesia, a market which has been volatile this year.Indonesia imported 97,747 live cattle, or 98 percent of its\nfirst quarter quota of 100,000. It issued permits to import\n250,000 cattle in the second quarter and later added a further\n29,000 head in anticipation of the annual rise in beef demand\nduring the Islamic fasting months in June and July.Indonesia said its reduced third quarter quota was based on\nexpectations of supply needs amid a drive for self-sufficiency.Indonesia's President Joko Widodo came to power in 2014\npromising to prioritise self-sufficiency in the livestock\nmarket, but analysts questioned whether Indonesia can continue \nto restrict supply from Australia in the long-term.\"You've seen what happened when they put quotas in place (in\n2011), domestic prices shot up,\" said Angus Gidley-Baird, senior\nanalyst, animal proteins, Rabobank.\"If Indonesian producers see prices say double, they will\nall go and cash it in and while beef production increases\nmomentously, the size of Indonesian herd falls.\"\n (Reporting by Colin Packham; Editing by Michael Perry)" - ], - [ - "Chinese billionaire buys two cattle stations in northern Australia for ...", - "\nA Chinese billionaire has bought two large Australian cattle stations for $47m in at least the third deal this year involving a Chinese investor buying into the country’s farmlands.\nXingfa Ma, who owns the Tianma Bearing Group, snapped up 40,000 head of cattle with the 705,700-hectare Wollogorang and Wentworth stations on the Northern Territory/Queensland border, a person close to the deal said on Thursday.\nMa already has significant agricultural holdings in Australia, including other cattle stations and a wine group, through the Australian arm of Tianma Bearing.\n Related: China: the economic behemoth gives Australian mining a glimmer of hope \nRealtors Heinemann Rural and CBRE Australia, a unit of New York-listed CBRE Group, declined to comment on the buyer or details, but said the property held a strategic position in the red meat supply chain.\n“Wollogorang is located within one of the country’s most unique and diverse regions, with favourable land and soil types supporting what is already a successful cattle breeding operation,†CBRE’S Geoff Warriner said.\nNews of the purchase comes just days after agriculture minister, Barnaby Joyce, said he would be trying to sign a new deal with an unnamed country, stoking hopes of a long-awaited deal with China.\nAustralia and China have been in talks about a deal that is potentially worth billions of dollars as appetite for red meat soars in China.\nA resolution continues to be delayed by concerns the live exports would introduce into China an insect responsible for Bluetongue disease in the Australian herd. The virus is not harmful to humans but can be deadly for animals.\nSeveral Chinese investors have been jostling for an advantage ahead of a likely deal.\nEarlier this year the Hailang Group spent more than $40m on cattle stations in southern Queensland. Yiang Xiang Assets bought a smaller property for about $11.5m.\nChongqing Agriculture Investment Group said earlier this year it wanted to buy up to $100m worth of cattle stations within the next year.\nThere is also interest more broadly across agriculture as China’s rising middle class spurs demand for quality Australian produce.\nWarriner said Wollogorang and the neighbouring Wentworth station had development potential beyond cattle breeding.\n“There is scope to expand the current operation, enabling increased pasture utilisation and therefore an increase in carrying capacity,†Warriner said. \n" - ], - [ - "Over 4000 Ebola Orphans Identified In Liberia", - "\n\tMONROVIA, Montserrado – The deadly Ebola virus which struck Liberia last March and killed over 3,000 people seems to have vanished as the country has been declared Ebola free. Despite the disappearance of the virus from Liberia, it has left a severe toll on children who lost either one or both parents to the virus.\nLydia Sherman, Deputy Minister for Children Protection at the Ministry of Gender and Social Protection told The Bush Chicken that the government of Liberia, as of May 4, identified and documented 4,572 orphans across the country.\nAccording to their statistics, there are 2,200 boys and 2,372 girls who have become orphans due to Ebola. She said the United Nations Children Education Fund supported the government initially to assist 2,500 orphans.\nShe said these children have received US$150 each, which is a one-time donation from UNICEF through the Government of Liberia.\nSherman noted that a total of 2,282 orphans have so far received assistance while the payments for the other 218 orphans is in process.\nThe number of orphans is higher than expected because, as Sherman notes, the Ministry is using a broad definition of orphans – including both semi and full orphans in its tally. She defined semi-orphans as children who casino online lost one biological parent while full orphans are those children who lost both parents.\nAccording to Sherman, the Government of Liberia is targeting about 7,000 affected children across the country. She added that “support will also be extended to an additional 4,500 children.â€\n“UNICEF has been able to hire 120 social workers for the government, and they are in the field locating these affected children on a daily basis,†Sherman said.\nSherman said one major challenge to her department is the issue of educational support for the orphans.\n“We are trying to strengthen the partnership with the Ministry of Education to have these affected children in school,†he said.\nSherman indicated that in rural Liberia, Ebola-affected children find it very difficult to be in school because of the distances between towns and villages.\nAffected children are also receiving psychosocial counseling and case management care from the government.\nJanice Cooper, the Director of Psychosocial Counseling, working closely with the Ministry of Gender and Social Protection confirmed the report.\nJanice Cooper, the Director of Psychosocial Counseling. Photo: Zeze Ballah\nCooper said the World Bank is also assisting each of the orphans with US$25 every month.\n“We hope that the Government of Liberia can put some money into the next budget to help these children,†Cooper said.“There are still more affected children out there and we hope to assist them.â€\nShe said that in the case where these affected childrenâ€s family members are incapable of taking care of them, the government will send them to the SOS Children Village, a child care center in Liberia.\nFeatured image courtesy of USAID\n\t" - ], - [ - "Nearly 900000 Children Vaccinated Against Polio in Liberia", - "\n\tMONROVIA, Montserrado – Liberian health authorities have reported that the recent polio, measles and deworming campaign across the country was a success.\nAccording to Adolphus Clarke, an estimated 900,000 children were vaccinated against polio. Clark is the Deputy Program Manager for the Integrated Measles and Polio Campaign at the Ministry of Health.\nHe said the vaccination campaign occurred from May 8 to 14 and targeted children under the age of five.\nThe campaign was much needed because, during the Ebola outbreak, many children were not immunized. The situation created a cause for concern as health authorities feared another health disaster.\nEven during the period of the campaign, at least seven of the 562 suspected measles patients died. The deaths came from Margibi, with three deaths; Montserrado with two; and Grand Bassa and Nimba, which both recorded one death.\nClark said, “The Ministry of Health was able to reach 588,677 children with the measles vaccine, which also represents 98% of the period covered during the immunization campaign.â€\nHe also said the Ministry of Health was able to deworm 509,813 children; which represents 98% of the target. The deworming campaign aimed to treat 522,732 children between 12-month-old to five-year-old.\nAccording to the World Health Organization, deworming is an effective treatment against infections caused by a group of parasites known as helminths, generally referred to as worms. Common infections caused by these parasites include internal bleeding, diarrhea, and poor absorption of nutrients, which can negatively impact the growth and development of children.\nClarke said there was initially resistance to the campaign in some communities. However, the Liberian National Red Cross Society and local leaders helped them resolve those issues. He commended casino online the Red Cross for supporting the measles campaign.\nFayiah Tamba, Secretary General of the Red Cross, said his organization trained 3,130 volunteers. They provided information on the immunization campaign and also addressed concerns relating to misinformation.\nThere had been rumors that the current immunization drive was a cover to test the Ebola vaccine on Liberians, leading the Ministry of Health to refute those suggestions.\nFayiah Tamba, Secretary General of the Liberia National Red Cross. Photo: Zeze Ballah\nIn addition to debunking rumors, the Red Cross volunteers also supported health teams in RiverCess, Gbarpolu, Grand Gedeh, Grand Cape Mount and Bomi by transporting the measles vaccines to remote towns and villages.\nTamba said the organization also transported mothers with children under the age of 5 to the nearest vaccination centers. They also encouraged the mothers of unimmunized children to take their children to the nearest vaccination center.\nOver 2000 children could not be taken for vaccination due to the farming obligations of their parents or guardians. However, Tamba said they were identified by the Red Cross active case searches and later transported to immunization centers.\nAlthough the campaign is now completed, Clarke said, “the Ministry of Health will continue to provide routine immunization services in 517 health centers across the country.â€\nFeatured image courtesy of  Julien Harneis\n\t" - ], - [ - "Largest African swine fever outbreak to hit Ukraine", - "\n By Vladislav VorotnikovVladislav Vorotnikov , 06-Aug-20152015-08-06T00:00:00ZLast updated on 06-Aug-2015 at 13:25 GMT2015-08-06T13:25:55Z\n Russia is considering banning pork and pork product imports from Ukraine following a large-scale outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) in Kiev Oblast, according to the press secretary of Russian veterinary watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor. \n \n However, a final decision has not yet been made and supplies may only be restricted from one region. Several of Russia’s agricultural holdings have sent an official letter to the country’s Agriculture Minister Alexander Tkachev, demanding that he close the border to Ukraine for pork imports. “The internal political situation and the continuing conflict in the east of Ukraine mean we are not confident in the ability of government agencies to effectively deal with ASF and monitor the movement of goods,†said the letter, which has been signed by all the major Russian pork producers, including Miratorg, RusAgro, Cherkizovo, Agro-Belogorie and Agropromcomplektachia.Pork During the first half of 2015, Ukraine increased supplies of pork to Russia nearly sixfold to about 9,000 tonnes. Russia now accounts for 93% of all Ukraine pork exports.  However, on 28 July, an outbreak of ASF was detected at a pig farm run by Kalita, the ninth-largest pork producer in the country, according to data from the Union of Pig Farmers. To contain the spread of the disease, veterinary services had to introduce a quarantine and destroy a pig population numbering 60,000 head. It makes the outbreak not only the largest one Ukraine has ever seen, but one of the largest in the whole post-Soviet Union space since 2007, when the disease first entered the southern regions of Russia, presumably from Georgia. Heavy consequences Preliminary estimates show that the outbreak will cost Kalita UAH170 million (over US$7m) in just direct losses. And industry commentators are doubtful whether the company can actually survive this incident. “In such cases, quarantine is removed six months after the culling of the pigs, while breeding them in such a disadvantaged territory will not be possible until one year after the removal of the quarantine,â€Â said Nikola Babenko, CEO of the Center for Increasing Efficiency in Livestock Farming. “This means stopping Kalita’s operations, which is almost a death sentence for the company.â€Also the outbreak of such a strong incidence of ASF could bring negative consequences for the whole country’s agricultural industry. On 2 August, Agriculture Ministry deputy head Yaroslav Krasnopolsky said this case could result in putting a hold on Ukraine’s grain exports, which generate an income of US$5bn for the country annually.Plant inspectionsUkraine’s government has already allocated UAH45m (US$2.04m) to combat ASF in the Kiev Oblast. Representatives from the country’s veterinary service Gosvetphitosluzba said the authorities may cancel the moratorium on pig farm and meat processing plant inspections and initiate a large-scale check of these businesses. In addition according to Kalita’s chairman of the board Yuri Zhiharev, the company was insured against all risks, except one - ASF. According to him, since 2014 all insurance companies, both domestic and foreign, have refused to deal with this risk, and in order for the pig industry to operate normally, the government will have to deal with the problem as well. \n \n " - ], - [ - "Germany to lend 500 million euro for eastern Ukraine reconstruction", - "\n Germany to lend 500 million euro for eastern Ukraine reconstruction\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk and German Chancellor Angela Merkel arrive for a press conference on April 1, 2015 at the chancelelry in Berlin.\n \n © AFP\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BERLIN - The Ukrainian government signed a memorandum of intent with the German government on an untied financial loan worth a total of 500 million euro and the Framework Agreement with the German Credit Institution for Reconstruction (KfW) at the eighth session of the Ukrainian-German High Level Group on Economic Cooperation in Berlin on Wednesday, an Interfax-Ukraine correspondent reported.\n \n \n \n \n Announcement To Readers\n \n Since 1995, the Kyiv Post has been the world's window on Ukraine.\n Please support the newspaper’s quality, independent journalism with\n a digital subscription. Subscribers receive unlimited access to all\n stories, archives and PDFs from the Kyiv Post's staff writers and news services.\n More info.\n \n \n \n \n 12 months\n \n 1 month\n \n \n \n \n $50.00Pay\n \n $20.00Pay\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ukraine\n \n \n \n Russia\n \n \n \n Germany\n \n \n \n war\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nThe Kyiv Post is hosting comments to foster lively public debate through the Disqus system. Criticism is fine, but stick to the issues. Comments that include profanity or personal attacks will be removed from the site. The Kyiv Post will ban flagrant violators. If you think that a comment or commentator should be banned, please flag the offending material.\nPlease enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.\ncomments powered by \n \n \n \n \n " - ], - [ - "Poland's pork meat exports return to growth path", - "\n Poland’s exports of processed pork meat have returned to growth in the first four months of 2015, with an increase of 6.5% to 128,600 tonnes (t), according to the Polish Ministry of Agriculture.\n \n Last year, exports dropped as a result of Poland’s trade disputes with Russia and the spread of the African swine fever (ASF) in some parts of the country, but this year, local meat industry players improved their sales to foreign markets. In the first four months of this year, the reported growth was mostly driven by increased sales to the EU markets, which rose by 27% to some 108,200t.This said, restrictions were placed on Polish unprocessed pork meat by Russia and some other Asian countries following last year’s outbreak of ASF. As a result, Poland’s exports to non-EU markets were down by about 42% to a total of 20,400t in the January-April 2015 period.Italy and GermanyItaly and Germany both increased their imports of Polish unprocessed pork meat, up 25% each, while exports to the UK nearly doubled to 4,900t in the first four months of 2015.The US imported 7,400t from Poland, which represented an increase of 69%, and allowed the country to become the largest importer of Polish unprocessed pork meat outside of the EU. In the first four months of 2015, some 4,900t of unprocessed pork meat were exported from Poland to the UK, which doubled the result from the same period a year earlier, as indicated by figures from the ministry. On a related note, commenting on the latest data released by the ministry, analysts from local bank BGZ BNP Paribas said that, “taking into consideration the changes in exports and imports [of pork meat], Poland remains a net importer of unprocessed pork meat. The country’s trade deficit increased in the analysed period by 1,800t to 85,000t.â€Â Unprocessed pork exportsWhile the country managed to raise its exports of unprocessed pork meat from January to April 2015, its imports also rose by 4.8% to some 213,500t.Some of the major exporters of unprocessed pork meat to Poland from within the EU include Belgium, Germany and Denmark, respectively. The three countries combined are responsible for about 72% of the country’s imports of unprocessed pork meat. Meanwhile, local analysts suggest that Poland’s pork meat consumption will further increase this year. In 2014, the country’s pork meat consumption rose by 8.4% to 38.5kg per capita, compared with some 35.5kg a year earlier.This year, an average Pole is expected to consume 39.5kg of pork meat, according to the latest estimates from the country’s Institute of Agricultural and Food Economics (IERiGZ). \n \n " - ], - [ - "Russia fears spread of AI from Siberia", - " \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n \n \n\t \n \n \n \n Broilers \n \n\t \n \n \n \n\t \n \n \n Health \n \n\t \n \n \n \n\t \n \n \n \n \n\t \n \n \n \n\t \n\tRussia fears spread of AI from Siberia \n\t \n \n\t \n\t \n \tJul 9, 2015 \n\t1980 \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\tAn outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza (AI) has been detected in the Republic of Tuva in the Siberian part of Russia, reports the country’s veterinary watchdog Rosselhoznadzor, Russia fears that the virus may spread to the European part of the country, where the largest poultry farms are located. \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\tLarge numbers of wild birds may be infected with the highly virulent strain of AI and it is almost impossible to fully eliminate the possibility of them coming into contact with poultry on farms. - \n\tPhoto: \n\tTheo Tangelder \n\t \n\t \n\t \n \n\t \n\t\"There is a particular high risk of of the virus spreading to Novosibirsk, Tomsk, Omsk, Kurgan Oblasts, the Altai Territory and the northern part of Yakutia,\" according to Rosselhoznadzor.At the end of April, a gene of highly pathogenic avian influenza was detected in curly pelicans, in the Ikryaninsky district of the Astrakhan Oblast. It is said that large numbers of wild birds may be infected with the highly virulent strain of AI and it is almost impossible to fully eliminate the possibility of them coming into contact with poultry on farms.At the same time, according to the Russian veterinary experts, the situation can become more complicated if the virus would spread to the European part of Russia, where the largest poultry farms are located. A spreading of the virus to poultry farms in Siberia, with its small population, would be far less dangerous to humans than an outbreak in the central part of Russia. \n \n\t \n \n\t \n \n\t \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n \n \n \t \n \n\t \n\t \n \n\t \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n \n \n\t \n\t \n \n \n\t \n\tsee also \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n \n \n \n\t \n \n \n \n\t \n \n\t \n \n \n To comment, login here \n \n Or register to be able to comment. \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n \n " - ], - [ - "Avian Flu Outbreak Reported in Russia", - "Poultry News Avian Flu Outbreak Reported in Russia16 June 2015 \n \nRUSSIA - An outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza has been confirmed in wild birds in Russia.The outbreak was of the H5N1 serotype. \nTwo great crested grebes (Podiceps cristatus) and two common terns (Sterna hirundo) were affected, and all four birds died from the disease. \nRussia is actively monitoring birds in the surroundings of Ubsu-Nur Lake, where the dead wild birds were found. Testing of other, healthy wild birds has not shown any evidence of the virus. \nThe virus showed strong similarity with H5N1 isolates collected in Russia over the past year. \n \n \nThePoultrySite News Desk Top image via Shutterstock " - ], - [ - "New case of African Swine Fever detected", - " \n \n New case of African Swine Fever detected \n \n \n PR dla Zagranicy \n \n \n \n Nick Hodge \n \n 29.05.2014 13:30 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A further case of African Swine Fever (ASF) has been detected after a dead wild boar was found in a river on the Polish-Belarusian border. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nPhoto: wikipedia \n \n \nMinister of Agriculture Marek Sawicki said on Thursday that the boar had tested positive after being taken to the Veterinary Institute in Pulawy. Follow-up tests will be carried out in Spain. \nRussia blocked imports of Polish and other EU pork products in February after cases of ASF were discovered in wild boar near the Belarusian border in both Poland and Lithuania. \nUkraine, China, Japan and South Korea were among the countries to follow suit with the import ban. \nThe latest case is the third for Poland, but Sawicki claimed that the find will not influence Ukraine's impending 4 June lift on its embargo on Polish pork. \n“We are dealing with a case that affects the border, and there is no danger that the virus escaped to the living herds of wild boar in Poland,†he insisted. (nh)Source: PAP \n \n \n \n \n " - ], - [ - "Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) – Iran", - "\n Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) – Iran\n \n\t\n \t\n \tOn 1 May 2015, the National IHR Focal Point for the Islamic Republic of Iran notified WHO of 1 additional case of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection.\nDetails of the case are as follows:\n\t\n \t\n \tA 61-year- old male from Kahnooj city developed symptoms on 18 March and was admitted to hospital in Kahnooj city on 26 March. The patient was transferred to another hospital in Kerman city on 28 March. He has no comorbidities. On 13 March, the patient had contact with two individuals with influenza-like illness (ILI) who returned from Umrah on 10 March. He has no history of contact with other known risk factors in the 14 days prior to onset of symptoms. The patient was discharged from hospital on 27 April. \n\t\n \t\n \tContact tracing of household and healthcare contacts is ongoing for this case. Also, investigation of the two ILI cases is ongoing. The two ILI cases have no history of exposure to any of the known risk factors while performing Umrah.\n\t\n \t\n \tGlobally, WHO has been notified of 1112 laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with MERS-CoV, including at least 422 related deaths.\nWHO advice\n\t\n \t\n \tBased on the current situation and available information, WHO encourages all Member States to continue their surveillance for acute respiratory infections and to carefully review any unusual patterns.\n\t\n \t\n \tInfection prevention and control measures are critical to prevent the possible spread of MERS-CoV in health care facilities. It is not always possible to identify patients with MERS-CoV early because like other respiratory infections, the early symptoms of MERS-CoV are non-specific. Therefore, health-care workers should always apply standard precautions consistently with all patients, regardless of their diagnosis. Droplet precautions should be added to the standard precautions when providing care to patients with symptoms of acute respiratory infection; contact precautions and eye protection should be added when caring for probable or confirmed cases of MERS-CoV infection; airborne precautions should be applied when performing aerosol generating procedures.\n\t\n \t\n \tUntil more is understood about MERS-CoV, people with diabetes, renal failure, chronic lung disease, and immunocompromised persons are considered to be at high risk of severe disease from MERSâ€CoV infection. Therefore, these people should avoid close contact with animals, particularly camels, when visiting farms, markets, or barn areas where the virus is known to be potentially circulating. General hygiene measures, such as regular hand washing before and after touching animals and avoiding contact with sick animals, should be adhered to.\n\t\n \t\n \tFood hygiene practices should be observed. People should avoid drinking raw camel milk or camel urine, or eating meat that has not been properly cooked.\n\t\n \t\n \tWHO does not advise special screening at points of entry with regard to this event nor does it currently recommend the application of any travel or trade restrictions.\n " - ], - [ - "Iran reports MERS case; camel workers at increased risk", - "The World Health Organization (WHO) today announced a MERS-CoV infection in a 61-year-old man from Iran, while a new research report underscored the likelihood that camels can be a source of the virus.The reports come amid a leveling off of MERS-CoV (Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus) activity in Saudi Arabia but ahead of the start of the busiest travel time for religious pilgrimages to the country.WHO details cases in Iran and Saudi ArabiaIranian health officials reported the case to the WHO on May 1. The man, from Kahnooj in the country's southeastern province of Kerman, got sick on Mar 18 and was hospitalized 8 days later. He had no underlying medical conditions and was discharged from the hospital on Apr 27.The report mark's Iran's first MERS-CoV case since last July.Investigators found that his only known risk factor was contact with two people who had flu-like symptoms after returning from Umrah in Saudi Arabia on Mar 10. The WHO said tracing of the Iranian man's household and healthcare contacts is still under way, as is the investigation of the illnesses in the two returning travelers who were sick.The WHO said the two individuals didn't have any history of exposure to known MERS-CoV risk factors while they were performing Umrah.In a separate statement today the WHO provided more details about a MERS-CoV case first announced by Saudi Arabia, also on May 1; since then the country has reported two additional cases. The statement said the 35-year-old man from Khamis Mushait in the southwestern part of the country started having symptoms Apr 27, was hospitalized 2 days later, and is listed in critical condition.According to the investigation, the man's only known risk factor is that he lived adjacent to a camel market. However, he didn't have direct contact with the animals or consume raw camel products. Tracing of the patient's household and healthcare contacts is ongoing, the WHO said.The cases lift the global MERS-CoV total to 1,112 lab-confirmed cases, with at least 422 deaths. Most of the cases have been reported in Saudi Arabia, where the health ministry has put the country's total at 984 cases, 429 of them fatal, according to an update today.CDC posts Hajj and Umrah travel noticeIn a related development, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on May 6 issued a yellow travel alert for upcoming Hajj and Umrah travel to Saudi Arabia because of unique health risks surrounding mass gatherings.The Hajj will take place from Sep 20 to 25 this year, and though Umrah pilgrimages can be performed any time of year, the CDC said the religious sites will likely be more crowded during the Ramadan month, which begins Jun 17.The CDC urged travelers to take enhanced precautions, especially regarding safety and security, heat, foodborne illnesses, and mosquito-borne illnesses. The agency said a MERS travel alert is already in place.The agency isn't recommending that travelers change their plans because of MERS-CoV, but it pointed out that the WHO has urged people with underlying health conditions to take additional precautions, such as avoiding contact with camels, refraining from drinking raw camel milk or camel urine, and avoiding eating undercooked meat, especially from camels.Occupational MERS exposure in QatarIn medical literature developments, an international research team says people in Qatar who handle dromedary camels are at greater risk for MERS-CoV than the general population.The investigators analyzed serum samples from Qataris who did and didn't have contact with camels, comparing the findings with those for control samples from people in the Netherlands and Germany. The researchers, from Qatar, Egypt, the Netherlands, and Germany, published their findings today in Emerging Infectious Diseases.Of the 498 serum samples from Qatar, 294 were from people who had daily occupational contact with dromedary camels, which included slaughterhouse workers, camel racetrack workers, and camel farmers. Molecular data showed that MERS-CoV was circulating in camels at the locations where human serum samples were obtained.The researchers also examined 56 random samples from construction workers and 10 from people working on sheep farms in northern Qatar.To confirm the testing algorithm specificity, they examined 138 serum samples from the Netherlands and Germany.When the samples were analyzed, neutralizing antibodies to MERS-CoV were found only in the Qataris who had camel contact, which the authors said suggests dromedary exposure as an infection risk.Seropositive study participants didn't report severe health problems, which the authors said provides evidence for mild or asymptomatic human infections that frequently go unrecognized. That in turn suggests that the overall 37.1% case-fatality rate for MERS-CoV is probably an overestimation.Airline contact tracingIn another study involving MERS-CoV, health officials from the United Kingdom shared lessons learned from airline contact tracing in two cases. The report appeared yesterday in Eurosurveillance and described the public health response after infections were detected in two people shortly after each flew through London's Heathrow International Airport on the way from Saudi Arabia to the United States in two separate May 2014 incidents.The researchers noted difficulties in the responses, which included delays in getting contact details for passengers and uncertainty about which passengers to follow more closely. They noted that airlines were cooperative but that systems to supply passenger lists and details when an infectious disease threat surfaces should be strengthened.No other illnesses were detected in relation to either case, which seems to fit with other reports of MERS-CoV on commercial flights, the team noted. They added that the WHO's recommendation that contact tracing be limited to passengers in the same row as well as two rows ahead of and two rows behind the index case seems to be an appropriate response, with evaluation of the policy needed in each specific instance. (In the current study, only passengers in two seats all around each index case were traced, with remaining passengers and crew alerted to watch for symptoms for 2 weeks.)The authors also noted that human-to-human transmission of the virus seems to be concentrated in household and healthcare settings and that a better understanding of the transmission risk is needed to inform such public health responses as airline contact tracing.See also:May 8 WHO statement on Iran MERS-CoV caseMay 8 WHO statement on recent Saudi MERS-CoV caseMay 6 CDC travel noticeMay 8 Emerg Infect Dis reportMay 6 CDC travel noticeMay 7 Eurosurveill report " - ], - [ - "World View: Iran Demands a Nuclear Agreement 'Snapback ...", - "\n\tThis morning’s key headlines from GenerationalDynamics.com\nSouth Korea fears that MERS virus will break out into general population\nIran demands a nuclear agreement ‘snapback’ provision of its own\nSouth Korea fears that MERS virus will break out into general population\nAnti-government protesters in Seoul on Sunday wear masks for protection from MERS (AP)\nSouth Korea is implementing panic measures to keep a rapidly spreading epidemic of Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) under control.\nThe are 95 known cases, with seven deaths.\nSo far, the only new infections have occurred in hospitals, where one infected person comes to the hospital seeking treatment, and ends up infecting other people, including patients, nurses and doctors.\nIt has not started spreading in the general public, and authorities are taking numerous steps to keep that from happening. 2,000 schools have been closed, and hundreds of public events have been canceled.\nMore significant are the quarantines. Some 2,500 people have been ordered to stay home under quarantine for 14 days, and their cell phones are being monitored to make sure that they do so. The authorities call the cell phones regularly to make sure that the patient has not left home without his cell phone.\nSometimes entire villages are quarantined. Men in protective clothing are guarding all roads in and out of Jangduk village, which is 172 miles south of Seoul, preventing any of the 105 residents from leaving. The only contact the villagers have with outsiders is twice-daily visits from health officials checking their temperatures.\nMERS was first identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012. Globally, there have been almost 1200 cases since then, most in Saudi Arabia, and at least 444 related deaths. The original hosts for the MERS virus are thought to be bats, and the bats have transferred the virus to camels, which can carry the virus without showing symptoms. Studies show that it had been common in camels for at least 20 years before spreading to humans. Camel handlers and shepherds are the people most at risk for MERS in Saudi Arabia.\nHowever, that figure represents only people who were diagnosed. One study of 10,000 people in Saudi Arabia found that many more had been exposed to MERS, but had not shown symptoms or been diagnosed.\nMERS spread to Seoul several weeks ago when a Korean working in Saudi Arabia returned home and went to a hospital because he was feeling ill. He infected several nurses and doctors, who spread it to nurses, doctors and patients.\nNorth Korea is also in danger from MERS, as there are some 50,000 North Korean workers in Saudi Arabia. South Korea was able to respond quickly to a MERS pandemic, but it could be a real disaster in North Korea, which is ill-equipped to handle it. World Health Organization and Reuters and Deutsche Welle and Live Science\nIran demands a nuclear agreement ‘snapback’ provision of its own\nIn the nuclear negotiations with Iran, the West is insisting that the agreement contain a “snapback†provision, meaning the following: If the sanctions are removed, and then Iran violates the nuclear agreement, then the sanctions will “snap back†and be reapplied.\nIran has consistently refused to agree to the snapback provision, but is now changing its position: It will agree to the West’s snapback provision, provided that it also has a snapback provision of its own.\nIran’s snapback provision would permit Iran to resume full nuclear development if the West breaches its side of the deal.\nMany people are skeptical of the whole snapback concept. They argue that once the agreement is in place and sanctions have been lifted, it would be politically impossible to reintroduce sanctions, even if Iran breached the agreement.\nOn the other hand, Iran’s snapback option would seem to have little meaning. If the West breached its side of the agreement, which would presumably mean failing to lift the sanctions, then Iran could resume nuclear development with or without a snapback option. Reuters\nKEYS: Generational Dynamics, South Korea, Seoul, Saudi Arabia, Jangduk, Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus, MERS-CoV, Iran, snapback provision\n Permanent web link to this article\n Receive daily World View columns by e-mail\n\t" - ], - [ - "Kruuse: Estonia has to learn to live with swine flu", - "Estonian Minister for Rural Affairs Urmas Kruuse said at a meeting with representatives of pig farming sector on July 23rd that the state has to stand for the preservation of the local pig farming, but we must take into account in the coming decades the constant threat of African swine fever, reported LETA the ministry's press service. \n \t \n\t \n\t\"Estonian pig farming sector's \nchallenge in the coming decades is how to adapt the economic activities to the \nconstant threat of swine fever. Swine fever does not recognize state borders, \nand once it has reached the territory of the country, getting rid of it is a \nvery long-term and complicated process, in which there are no simple solutions, \n\"said the Minister. \"This means for both large and small pig farms a \nvery strict self-discipline in complying with the biosecurity measures, as well \nas looking for solutions to problems of swine flu-free farms that are in the \nstrict requirements danger zone. What is certain is that we need to stand up \nfor the preservation of the local pig production. \" \n \n \n \nThe meeting lasted for over two \nhours and participants say it was very heated since the future of the Estonian \npig farmers is at stake, Public Broadcasting reports. \n \n \n \nAlthough by now, all animals of the \nthree farms where swine fever was discovered this week have been killed, \nseveral firms and households are subject to restrictions that are detrimental \nto the economic interests of the manufacturers. Currently, the control zones affect \nonly small producers, but since the flu has reached domestic pigs, the European \nCommission has to establish the so-called third zone and companies located in \nthat cannot sell their animals. This area may reach up to 40-kilometre radius \nof the infection site and it might include Estonia's major producers. \n \n \n \n\"If the price of pork in that \nzone falls to 30%, then it is quite a high probability that the European \nCommission is prepared to open up the measure, and this means that the EU will \ncompensate 50% of the possible fall,\" explained Minister Kruuse. \n \n \n \nAccording to the producers, this \nnumber is too small, since already pork is produced for 30% below production \nprice, which is why farmers see no solution in the European Commission's \nmeasure. \n \n \n \nKruuse plans to meet with farmers \nagain in a week. \n \n" - ], - [ - "Russia's Cherkizovo reports pork sales hit by African Swine Fever", - "\n By Chloe RyanChloe Ryan , 30-Jul-20152015-07-30T00:00:00ZLast updated on 30-Jul-2015 at 13:14 GMT2015-07-30T13:14:17Z\n The largest integrated meat processor in Russia, Cherkizovo, has reported increased sales in its poultry and meat processing division in the first half of 2014, but a decline in sales in its pork division. \n \n Volume sales in the poultry division increased by 9% to 225,223 tonnes, while value sales also grew 17% to 95.38 RUB/kg (£1.04) from 81.53 RUB/kg (89p) in the first half of the year.Volume sales in the pork division declined 9% to 74,379 tonnes, due mainly to the quarantine closure of two finishing facilities following an outbreak of African Swine Fever in December 2014, the company said.Average pork prices increased 17% to 103.37 RUB/kg (£1.12) in the first half of 2015 from 88.72 RUB/kg (96p)in the first half of 2014.Sales in the meat processing division increased by 28% to 81,755 tonnes on the back of increased sales of case-ready products and meat on the bone, all manufactured from meat sourced from the company’s farms. Last week GMN reported Cherkizovo had begun a major $336 (£215.18) million pig farm project following the approval of a loan from Sberbank CIB. The 12-year loan will enable the company to develop pig farms housing 46,000 sows.The project will allow the company to boost pork capacity by 70%, leading to an overall meat capacity of more than one million tonnes per year. \n \n " - ], - [ - "Highly pathogenic avian influenza confirmed in Canada geese in ...", - "LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan departments of Natural Resources and Agriculture and Rural Development announced June 8 the state’s first confirmed cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N2 in the state.The disease was found in free-ranging Canada geese in Macomb County, north of Detroit. The county borders Lake St. Clair.Avian influenza is a virus that can infect both free-ranging and domestic poultry such as chickens, turkeys, quail and geese.Michigan had previously banned all poultry shows for 2015.Three goslings collected in Sterling Heights were delivered to the DNR’s Wildlife Disease Laboratory for necropsy. Initial testing was performed at Michigan State University’s Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health in Lansing. These tests were positive and the samples were forwarded to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Lab in Ames, Iowa, for final confirmation.The state received confirmation June 6 that the goslings were infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza, subtype H5N2.Affects all flocksMichigan is the 21st state to report a case of HPAI since December 2014. In the other 20 states, the virus has been found in captive wild birds or free-ranging birds, backyard flocks, and commercial flocks.Michigan also becomes the sixth state to detect in wild or free-ranging birds only.To date, there are 226 detections of HPAI across the country (affecting approximately 50 million birds), with Iowa and Minnesota experiencing the most cases.“While this is disappointing news that the H5N2 virus has been found in Michigan’s free-ranging bird population, it was not unexpected given avian influenza has been found in a number of our neighboring states and Ontario,†said MDARD Director Jamie Clover Adams.Adams stressed that avian influenza has not been identified in Michigan’s domestic poultry flocks.Keith Creagh, DNR Director, said the state’s chief focus now is preventing the disease’s spread in wildlife and its transmission to domestic poultry.Wild birds commonly have avian influenza and sometimes spread it to domestic birds through direct or indirect transmission. Ducks and geese are considered carriers; however, geese generally do not pass it on.STAY INFORMED. SIGN UP! Up-to-date agriculture news in your inbox!" - ], - [ - "Philippines Lifts Ban on Poultry Products from Canada, Japan", - "Poultry News Philippines Lifts Ban on Poultry Products from Canada, Japan08 July 2015 PHILIPPINES - The Philippines' Department of Agriculture has lifted a temporary ban on the importation of poultry and other poultry products from Canada and Japan, after confirmation by global animal health authorities that the countries are free from bird flu virus.Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala ordered the immediate lifting of the ban, reported the Daily Tribune. \nThe ban affected the importation of domestic and wild birds and their products coming from British Colombia in Canada and Japan, and the ban was lifted in line with the completion of appropriate surveillance, containment and eradication of the disease. \nThe agriculture chief said this is based on their evaluation that the risk of contamination from importing poultry and such products from both territories is negligible. \nIn an earlier report submitted to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), Toshiro Kawshima, chief veterinary officer of Japan’s Animal Health Division at the Ministry of Agriculture, said that the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) event in the country appeared to have been resolved. \n“In compliance with the terrestrial animal health code of OIE, Japan is now free from HPAI,†Huang said. \nThe Philippines' Department of Agriculture chief said the ban against British Columbia, Canada was lifted after cleaning and disinfection following stamping out of all the infected and exposed birds in affected establishments. \nHowever, Mr Alcala said that all import transactions of products should be in accordance with the existing rules and regulations of the Bureau of Animal Industry and the National Meat Inspection Service. \nThe Department of Agriculture is regularly monitoring advisories from OIE to protect local bird population from threats of avian influenza, as well as to ensure the safety of consumers. \nThe Philippines remains the only country in Southeast Asia free from highly pathogenic avian influenza or bird flu. \nAvian influenza is a highly contagious viral disease affecting several species of food producing birds (chickens, turkeys, quails, guinea fowl, and so on) as well as pet birds and wild birds. In its notifiable form, the disease can be divided into two categories - the high and low pathogenecity. \nHPAI virus spreads rapidly, may cause serious disease and result in high mortality rates (up to 100 per cent within 48 hours). The low pathogenic avian influenza can causes mild disease that may be undetected or no symptoms at all in some species of birds. \n \nThePoultrySite News DeskTop image via Shutterstock " - ], - [ - "Closing Ekseko in Estonia would cause chain reaction making ...", - "The Ekseko pig farm owner, AS Rakvere Farmid pig farming division director Mati Tuvi said that their company has done everything to prevent the African swine fever and if Ekseko was still designated into the danger zone because of the negligence of small farms in the immediate area, this would mean disaster, LETA/Public Broadcasting reports. \n \t \n\t \n\t\"It would mean a catastrophe \nfor about 40% of Estonian pig farming, because that is how many pigs we \nproduce,\" said Tuvi. According to him, around 280,000 piglets are born in \nthe Ekseko farm, 50,000 of whom are \ngrown up there, too. \n \n \n \n\"230,000 pigs are sent out to \nother farms in Estonia, of which there are a total of 25,\" said Tuvi, who \nadded that if the strict restrictions are imposed, according to which Ekseko can no longer export animals, all \nthese farms will remain empty. Also all sows and piglets whom Ekseko could not place anywhere would \nhave to be executed. \n \n \n \n\"If we have to stop our \nproduction here because of restrictions, then it is not a joking matter, \nbecause in our system 200 people work, and the pig farming is associated to the \nfodder industry, transport companies, pharmaceutical companies, fodder \nadditives production, and so on,\" said Tuvi. \n \n \n \nIn his opinion, restricting the \nactivities of one big farm would cause a lengthy chain reaction due to which \nthousands of people would suffer. \n \n \n \nEstonian Food and Veterinary Office \n(FVO) said on Tuesday that additional tests confirmed that the African swine \nflu has reached a fourth farm in Estonia; the Baltic states biggest pig farm Ekseko that is located just a few \nkilometres away escaped narrowly the strictest restriction zone for now but the \nEU can set certain extra requirements with its decisions, for example export \nrestrictions to the uninfected farms that are in the vicinity of infected \nfarms, like Ekseko is. It can take \nanywhere from two weeks to a couple of months for the European Commission to \nannounce its decision. \n \n \n \n" - ], - [ - "Ukraine veterinary service holding consultations with neighbor ...", - "\n \n 2015-08-21T10:35+02:00\n \n 10:35\n 21.08.2015\n \n \n \n Ukraine veterinary service holding consultations with neighbor countries' services to regionalize pork supplies due to ASF\n \n \n \n \n \n The State Veterinary and Biosecurity Service of Ukraine is holding consultations with veterinary services of Russia, Belarus and the European Union regarding the regionalization of pork supplies and pork productions due to outbreaks of African Swine Fever (ASF).\n\"In pursuance of the order of the prime minister yesterday we started direct dialog with authorized agencies of the neighbor countries,\" Deputy Head of the State Veterinary and Biosecurity Service Oleksandr Verzhykhovsky said.\nHe said that a video conference with the top managers of the authorized agency in Russia was held. The dialog with Belarusian counterparts is planned for August 21 and from August 25 – with European colleagues.\n\"We want to show our actions and want to assure our trade partners that if they introduce temporary restrictions they should concern those regions where we have problems,\" he added.\nVerzhykhovsky said that Kyiv, Poltava, Chernihiv and Sumy regions are of ASF concern, where the wild bores depopulation measures are being taken.\nHe said that on August 19, some 264 pigs were destroyed at Kozatska farm after the confirmation of ASF virus by lab tests.\nHe said that local authorities could compensate the loss to private households: around UAH 2,500-3,000 per pig.\nVerzhykhovsky said that according to the draft 2016 national budget, financing of the veterinary service is left at the level of the previous year, which is unsatisfactory for the realization of effective measures to maintain the epizootic situation in Ukraine.\nThe top managers of the service would ask the European Union and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to provide financial and consultation aid in fighting ASF virus.\nAs reported, an ASF outbreak at the Kalita farm was registered on July 28, 2015. Its pig livestock exceeded 60,000 animals. The farm estimates its losses at about UAH 200 million. This is the first ASF outbreak at an agribusiness.\nSince 2012, there have been over 30 ASF cases in Zaporizhia, Luhansk, Chernihiv, Sumy, Kyiv, Zhytomyr, Rivne and Poltava regions.\nThe ASF virus is the causative agent of ASF. The virus causes a hemorrhagic fever with high mortality rates in pigs, but persistently infects its natural hosts, warthogs, bushpigs and soft ticks of the Ornithodoros genus, without any visible symptoms. There is currently no vaccine against ASF.\n " - ], - [ - "Foot and mouth disease outbreaks in Botswana", - "\n There have been two reports of foot and mouth disease (FMD) recorded in cattle in Botswana.\n \n A total of 79 cases of FMD were reported on a farm in the Segongwana crush, Ngamiland District last month. The farm held 250 cattle in total.In a second report on 4 August another farm in the Gubago Crush, Shorobe Extension Area, Ngamiland was found to have 26 infected cattle out of a herd of 170.Movement controlsVaccination is taking place in response to the outbreaks, along with surveillance, movement controls and disinfection.The disease report claims the infection could have spread via the illegal movement of animals or contact with wild species. \n \n " - ], - [ - "Polish Pork producers feeling ASF strain", - " \n \n Polish Pork producers feeling ASF strain \n \n \n PR dla Zagranicy \n \n \n \n John Beauchamp \n \n 30.07.2014 09:31 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Though only a small number of African swine fever cases have been recorded so far in Poland, the presence of the virus is already affecting the country’s meat industry. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nPhoto: Glowimages \n \n \nData from the Central Statistical Office show that pork exports from Poland have declined by 17 percent year-on-year in the first five months of 2014 alone. This can be largely attributed to export bans linked with the presence of the ASF virus. \nRussia, Belarus and Kazakhstan were the first countries to impose an embargo on pork from all EU countries in late January this year. Less than a month later, Asian markets also placed a ban on Polish pork imports. \nMore recently, Ukraine again closed its market to Polish pork products after reopening its doors less than a month ago. \nBoth Russia and China were major export markets for Polish pork before the bans were imposed. Meat worth some 190 million euro had been sold to each of these countries in 2013. Even if Poland manages to battle the virus, it will only be able to resume exports a year later. \nExport restrictions have an additional effect on the Polish pork meat production sector. Prices offered to farmers have sharply declined, by as much as 40 percent, as the volume of unsold meat held in storage areas grows. \nWitold Choinski, from sector organisation Polish Meat, told Gazeta Wyborcza that the situation will not be contained if the virus does not spread further. \n“EU markets are still open for us and we are increasing our export there,†he said. “Even so, if veterinary services do not manage to stop the spreading of the disease, even EU markets will close.†\n“This would be a tragedy for the whole meat industry.†(kw/jb) \n \n \n \n \n " - ], - [ - "Thousands tonnes of packaging was sent into recycling in Estonia in ...", - "A total of 54,836 tonnes of packaging was channelled to the Estonian market last year, of which 40,887 tonnes Eesti Pakendiringlus sent into recycling, LETA/Postimees Online reports. \n \t \n\t \n\t\"The biggest amount is paper \nand plastic packaging that emerges in companies, although when acting \nreasonably, it is even possible to make money on waste,\" explained the \nboard chairman of the Eesti \nPakendiringlus Aivo Kangus. \nAccording to him, the majority of waste comes from businesses and the share of \npackaging that reaches circulation from households is considerably smaller. \n \n \n \nWhile starting this year, companies \nhave the obligation of auditing packaging reports, just a quarter of the data \nthat was submitted was audited since auditing obligation is unreasonably high \ncost for many companies, said Kangus. \n \n \n \nThe aim of packaging registry is \nkeep a calculation of packaging sent to the Estonian market, packaging waste, \nrecycled waste etc. \n \n \n \nPakendiringlus submitted to the register 1,648 companies' data. \n \n" - ], - [ - "New cases a setback in battle against FMD", - " \n\tWindhoek\nNamibia’s 50-year old dream of declaring itself free from foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) seems to be shattered for now, as the outbreak in May this year is proving much tougher to contain than previously anticipated.\nWhile Namibia is winning the battle against the disease in the Northern Communal Areas, where it erupted on May 11 at two locations in Ohangwena and Oshikoto regions, the battle rages on after another suspected outbreak at Malundu and Shaile in Linyanti constituency, 60 km west of Katima Mulilo last week.\nThe Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry, Abraham Nehemia, says 39 cattle from eight kraals were showing signs of the disease and the outbreak was discovered after a farmer reported suspected FMD in his kraal at Malundu.\n“A full investigation has since been launched and appropriate samples have been collected for laboratory confirmation,†Nehemia says.\nA temporary but complete ban of all susceptible livestock movements within and into Zambezi has been imposed with immediate effect. A containment zone has been established with a radius of 30 km around Malundu and Shaile and roadblocks have been set up.\nDeputy chief-director of the Directorate of Veterinary Services, Dr John Shoopala says the work of DVS is made more difficult by the fact that wild buffalo roam freely in Botswana close to the area where the suspected latest outbreak took place.\n“Botswana has a constant battle with FMD, because of their free-roaming buffalo and these animals can easily cross over into Namibia. This compounds our problem as buffalo are the main carriers of FMD along the Chobe River,†he says.\nShoopala admits this year’s outbreaks will have a serious effect on Namibia’s efforts of declaring the country FMD free. DVS and all role players in the meat industry were until recently optimistic that Namibia could gain that status soon.\nBut, this year’s outbreaks translate into a huge setback, as it could take up to two years for the Animal Health Organisation to recognize Namibia’s FMD free status.\n“We have the disease under control in the NCAs, but these newly reported cases are of great concern as it halts all our hard work of almost 50 years,†lamented Shoopala.\nChief veterinary officer of DVS, Dr Milton Maseke praised the Namibian livestock industry, all role players and more than 850 government officials and 450 casual workers for halting the worst outbreak of FMD in its tracks in a relative short time in the NCAs.\n“DVS has almost two-thirds of its total workforce of 1,500 people in the field fighting day and night to eradicate the disease and repair the Veterinary Corridor Fence. They work under extreme conditions and sometimes in isolation,†he told New Era.\n“Therefore, we appreciate the donation of packets of 500 each of various food supplements from Meatco, Namib Mills, Bokomo, Agra and Windhoek Livestock Auctioneers to secure an everyday meal for these gallant troops in the field. These workers will receive regular food supplements for as long as they have to combat the disease,†he said.\nGovernment reacted swiftly after the first outbreaks, with Cabinet approving N$208 million to eradicate the disease once and for all. Some N$52 million of this amount will be spent over the next two financial years to erect the fence.\nAll livestock movement has been stopped and the vaccination of some 1.4 million cattle is going ahead full steam.\nThirty-eight temporary roadblocks to monitor and enforce animal and commodity movement control and decontamination of vehicles and footwear are in operation throughout the NCAs and at permanent veterinary checkpoints along the Veterinary Corridor Fence.\nGovernment will spend about N$119 million on the vaccination of some 1.4 million head of cattle against FMD. The vaccination campaign is being conducted by 48 teams and the first round is expected to be completed by the end of June.\n \n\t" - ], - [ - "FMD worries meat sellers in the North", - " \n\tOndangwa\nFollowing the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in the Northern Communal Areas (NCA), meat traders relying on kapana and fresh meat in the contaminated areas have seen a dip in sales.\nThe situation is also likely to affect the cash-in of meat traders at various exhibition trade fairs expected in the northern regions between July and August.\nPeople familiar with the industry allege that the Ministry of Agriculture Water and Forestry’s decision to have livestock movement and direct slaughter confined to 24 hours have worsened the situation.\nAfter the FMD outbreak was reported, movement of animals and meat products, like milk and meat from the affected areas was halted.\nIn addition, the Ministry of Agriculture has since then also put in place preventative measures permitting the movement of livestock aimed for direct slaughter to be done within a 24-hour period under strict veterinary supervision. Meat traders say the 24-hour restriction is a burden on their businesses and restricts their ability to secure livestock for slaughter in order to keep their businesses up and running. “Getting livestock is easy, as we get these from our usual suppliers. However, getting a veterinary official is not always easy, leaving the business dysfunctional for some days,†an industry source explained.\nRauna Kalwenya, an annual participant at the Eenhana Trade and Business Expo also expressed concern over their ability to secure fresh meat.\nKalwenya, who sells meat and other food delicacies, said that meat has not been easy to secure since the outbreak of FMD in May this year.\nShe said her profits at the expo are heavily dependent on meat sales, but she was hopeful that they would find a way to keep the business afloat.\n“Sometimes one is forced to buy meat from the supermarkets, which is very expensive. It then also forces us to up our prices, but we don’t have a choice. Perhaps this year, we will have to look at incorporating chicken and fish in order to make enough sales,†Kalwenya said.\nMeanwhile, meat traders along the roads, such as the route between Ongwediva and Oshakati have also tended to become casual sellers.\nFMD was first detected in the Ondama Yamunghete crush pen in Okongo of the Ohangwena Region. Since then the disease spread to other parts of Oshikoto, Oshana, with some suspected cases in the Omusati and Kavango West regions.\n \n\t" - ], - [ - "Kavango West wallows in poverty – Ausiku", - " \n\tNkurenkuru\nKavango West Regional Governor Sirkka Ausiku says the region faces extraordinary challenges, such as extremely high levels of poverty and unemployment among rural youth and women.\n“The challenges facing the region are many. According to the Poverty Mapping and Namibia Index of Multiple Deprivation Report of 2011, the former Kavango Region is the poorest region in the country,†she said.\nAusiku made the remarks during her State of the Region address for the year 2015 in Nkurenkuru on Monday.\nIn 2001 poverty levels in the then Kavango Region stood at 57.9 percent. This figure dropped slightly to 53.2 percent by 2011, but compares poorly with developments in other regions. In the Kunene Region the number of households living in poverty fell from 53.7 percent in 2001 to 38.9 percent 2011; in the Ohangwena poverty levels fell from 62.8 percent in 2001 to 35.3 percent in 2011. In the Omusati poverty levels decreased from 50.9 percent in 2001 to 28.6 percent in 2011.\nWhile other regions made huge advances in tackling poverty, the level of poverty in the Kavango Region dropped with less than 3 percent. “The question is why,†the governor said. “By 2011, out of the 20 poorest constituencies in Namibia, eight were in the former Kavango Region and they all fall within the new Kavango West Region.â€\nThe five dimensions of deprivation identified in the report relate to the material wellbeing of residents, employment, health, education and living environment, she said.\nAusiku further argued that the region lacks proper road networks and suffers from a lack of rural electrification, partly because of existing government policy, which concentrates on schools and clinics only.\n“Here we are appealing to our government to revisit this policy as it does not serve any purpose in developing our region. The region lacks water infrastructure, although we have a perennial river to bring development to our communities,†Ausiku said.\nShe further said the two Green Schemes at Sikondo and Musese are not fully utilised and noted that there is also a general lack of information on government and other institutions’ support programmes.\nBy 2011 network coverage for TV was a mere 29.9 percent, radio coverage was 56.9 percent, while MTC coverage reached 31.2 percent, the regional governor pointed out, adding that “ We have to remember that information is power and without it you cannot expect development to take place.â€\nAs a new region and the ‘last-born,’ Ausiku said, despite all the challenges Kavango West faces, she wants the region to be treated as a ‘special case’ and cannot to be expected to compete with other regions that enjoy the first-mover advantage.\n“With all these challenges facing our region, we find comfort in the words of our president when he declared war against poverty. Our president also assured us that no Namibian in the Namibian house should feel left out.â€\nAusiku further revealed that the region is experiencing a high level of school dropouts, teenage pregnancies and is also reeling under the impact of the HIV/AIDS pandemic.\nShe further noted that there is a lack of proper accommodation for teachers in the area: “Learners and teachers travel long distances to the nearest school and most of our schools don’t have basic facilities, like safe drinking water, electricity and sanitation,†Ausiku emphasised.\n“The region still experiences a shortage of qualified teachers and 41 schools are currently operating under temporary structures. We’ve also started to engage the shebeen owners to organise themselves so that we know how to control the mushrooming of sheebens in our region in order to address high levels of alcohol and drug abuse,†she said.\nAusiku took time out during her speech to commend Mpungu Constituency for successfully assisting the Ministry of Agriculture during the last outbreak of foot and mouth disease in the area.\n“This year, we experienced the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Mpungu Constituency. I have to thank the Ukwangali Traditional Authority and famers in the region, who came up with emergency strategies to support the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry to contain the outbreak.â€\nShe said the Ukwangali Traditional Authority engaged the neighbouring Oukwanyama and Ondonga Traditional Authorities. Farmers from both areas agreed on one strategy to address the problem, and it worked.\n \n\t" - ], - [ - "Namibia Becomes First African Nation To Export Bone-in Beef To ...", - "\n\t\n\tWORLD › NEWS\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\tArchived News (13/08/2015) : Namibia Becomes First African Nation To Export Bone-in Beef To China\t\n\t\n\t Please subscribe to http://blis.bernama.com for the full news.\t\n\t\n\t\n \n \n \tWe provide (subscription-based) news coverage in our \nNewswire\n service. \n\t\n\t" - ], - [ - "African Swine Fever Found in Zimbabwe", - "News African Swine Fever Found in Zimbabwe29 July 2015 \n \nZIMBABWE - There have been two outbreaks of African Swine Fever in Zimbabwe.The outbreaks were in village pigs in Mashonaland Central district, where the pigs were of varying age groups and kept under a free-range system. \nThere were 50 deaths from the disease out of a susceptible population of 1918. \nThe disease was first detected in villages along the northern border with Mozambique. The country last reported cases of African Swine Fever in this area more than 10 years ago. \nThe whole of Mount Darwin district has been placed under quarantine with movement of swine and swine products not being allowed in or out of the district. \nWeekly inspections are currently on going in the affected villages and neighbouring properties within a 20km radius. Infected carcasses are being disposed of through burning and burying. \n \n \nThePigSite News Desk \n" - ], - [ - "Zimbabwe bans some cattle movement over foot and mouth", - "\nHARARE Zimbabwe has banned the movement of cattle in the southern part of the country near the South African border after an outbreak of foot and mouth disease, the deputy minister of agriculture said on Monday.Zimbabwean farmers and communities living near wildlife parks are at risk of foot and mouth, which led to the country losing its quota to export 9,100 tonnes of beef to the European Union in 2001.Foot and mouth is a highly contagious and often fatal disease that affects domestic livestock such as cattle, pigs, goats and sheep and can be transmitted from wild buffalo.Deputy agriculture minister Paddy Zhanda told Reuters the government was vaccinating all cattle in the affected and neighboring areas.\n \n \"We have then created a buffer zone where we want to restrict the movement of the outbreak into new areas,\" Zhanda said.Zhanda said dry conditions following a drought meant cattle had to move long distances in search of water and pasture, making it difficult to control the disease.\n \n South Africa's Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries said it had met officials from Zimbabwe and Botswana over the disease outbreak, but had been assured it was under control.South Africa was hit by a foot and mouth disease outbreak in 2011 and was only certified as being free from the disease in February 2014.\n \n \"A number of markets were lost, some of which have still not been opened yet. The South African livestock industry cannot afford another setback at present,\" the department said. (Reporting by MacDonald Dzirutwe; Editing by Ed Cropley)" - ], - [ - "Mat South cattle under threat from drought, foot-and-mouth", - " \n \n\tMORE than 300 000 cattle in Matabeleland South province are at risk of being wiped out by drought and foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) that has hit the region hard this year, farmers have said.\nBY MTHANDAZO NYONI\nThe province, according to Matabeleland South chief livestock specialist Simangaliphi Ngwabi, has a total herd of\n636 441.\nPresenting her report on the livestock drought situation in a drought relief sub-committee meeting in Gwanda town recently, Ngwabi said out of 636 441 cattle in the province, 364 622 were at risk and the situation was critical in areas such as Beitbridge, Gwanda, Bulilima and Mangwe districts.\nFarmers who spoke to NewsDay during the Matabeleland South Agricultural Show said the future looked bleak at the moment due to drought and FMD that has hit the region hard this year.\n“Drought is very intense in this province and our livestock at great risk. Drought mitigation strategies are required to save the livestock,†said Solomon Linda, a small livestock farmer.\n“We are also being affected by foot-and-mouth disease and if nothing tangible to arrest it is done, then we are heading for a disaster,†he added.\nLinda said due to drought and FMD the price of their livestock had been affected. He said they were anticipating that by October, if nothing was done to bolster farmers, the prices would further drop by more than half.\nCurrently, according to farmers, a goat or sheep goes for $45 while a cow rakes in between $300 and $500 depending on weight.\n“If everything goes like this, by October we would be selling our cattle for $50 or $100. We need water and the government should supply farmers with stock feed,†Linda said.\nHe urged farmers to form associations so that they could work together to source stock feed for their livestock.\nAnother livestock farmer, Tariro Maphosa, said the issue of diseases was posing a threat to farmers in the region. He said when their livestock are affected by diseases you can’t stand your ground as a farmer.\nHe, however, blamed farmers for spreading the disease in the province by failing to adhere to the regulations set by veterinary services. \nHe said in times such as this, farmers needed to complement each other and they should not view themselves as rivals.\n“We need to be a family now because we need each other. What affects farmer A affects farmer B also. Individualism won’t take us anywhere,†he said.\nAt this year’s show, the number of cattle that were brought for exhibition was very small.\nMatabeleland South Agricultural Show spokesperson Mvelo Zondo attributed this to drought and the outbreak of FMD in the province.\n“The reason why there are few cattle for exhibition this year is because of FMD which affected the entire region, especially areas like Umzingwane, Insiza and Beitbridge,†Zondo said.\nZondo also attributed the limited number of cattle in the exhibition to transport challenges. He said the only livestock that was affected was cattle.\n“The small stock which is goat, sheep and pigs were not affected and farmers have brought them for exhibition,†he said.\nThe 58th edition of the Matabeleland South Agricultural Show which kicked off last Thursday in Gwanda was bigger and better compared to last year, according to Mvelo.\nThe annual exhibition, which ended on Saturday, was running under the theme Innovations that Promote Value Addition and Beneficiation.\n \n\t" - ], - [ - "Farmers urged to venture into beekeeping", - " \n \n\tFARMERS in Matabeleland South have been urged to venture into beekeeping (apiculture) to supplement their drought and foot-and-mouth-threatened livestock, an official has said.\nBY MTHANDAZO NYONI\nA beekeeper and trainer with Beekeeping Association of Zimbabwe, Feli Khumalo, told NewsDay that beekeeping had unlimited opportunities and potential to be a huge income earner for farmers in the region whose more than 300 000 cattle are at risk of being wiped out by drought and foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) that has hit the region hard this year.\n“Beekeeping in Matabeleland South is not common and we are trying as an association to have more farmers to venture into it as it is a business that brings income,†Khumalo said.\nHe said beekeeping was not that much capital intensive as the market was very lucrative in the country and beyond.\n“The market is very good and we are supplying honey to companies like Datlabs. But because here in Matabeleland we are not producing enough, they end up getting honey from as far as Mutare. This is the reason why we are mobilising more people to venture into beekeeping,†he added.\nKhumalo said countries the world over prefer honey from Africa due to good climatic conditions.\nHe said the type of trees in Matabeleland South were good for beekeeping.\n“Therefore, people must come so that we can get reasonable market and we are looking forward to having our own market points,†he added.\nHe, however, said beekeeping farmers needed advanced training focusing on how to use machinery for higher production.\nSo far, Khumalo said, they had trained people in areas such as Maphisa and Mangwe. Plans are place to train others in Bulilima, he said.\nHe said beekeepers were trained on hive construction, honey harvesting and marketing.\nHe said lack of adequate finance and technical support from government was a major impediment to the development of the beekeeping industry in the country.\nBeekeeping farmers recently said legislative restrictions and growing government marginalisation of the sector were key issues slowing the growth of the industry. \nThey said inconsistencies in legislative framework that supports beekeeping and confusion around the administrative authority of the Bee Act, were hampering growth of the critical component of the farming sector.\nBeekeeping has a very long tradition in Africa dating back over 6 000 years ago when beehives were first used for producing honey in ancient Egypt. \nIt promotes economic self-reliance and for some of the poorest people, it has become a life- sustaining source of income and livelihood. \nIt is an ecologically and technically appropriate form of income generation for communities in some of the poorest areas of Zimbabwe.\n \n\t" - ], - [ - "Poland criticizes bilateral trade deals with Moscow after French accord", - "\nBRUSSELS/PARIS Poland led EU criticism of bilateral farm deals with Moscow on Monday following a French accord with Russia to lift its ban on live pig and pork imports, saying they broke the \"principle of European solidarity\".Pressure is mounting on the European Union to consider tougher sanctions on Russia following an upsurge in fighting in Ukraine. European Union foreign ministers will meet in emergency session on Thursday.France, meanwhile, has said a ban on live pigs, offal and fat that was imposed by Moscow a year ago would be lifted for France in the coming weeks.The EU-wide embargo followed an outbreak of African swine fever in the east of the EU and was separate from an embargo imposed by Moscow in August last year on food imports from Western countries, in response to U.S. and EU sanctions on Russia over its role in the Ukraine crisis.Poland's Agriculture Minister Marek Sawicki in a letter, seen by Reuters, to his counterpart from Latvia, current holder of the rotating EU presidency, said he was \"deeply disappointed\" at the news of bilateral agreements with Russia.\n \n A diplomat who asked not to be named said the Lithuanian prime minister would also write a letter objecting to bilateral deals.\"The pick and choose principle is dangerous. It allows Russia to divide and rule,\" the diplomat said.A meeting of EU farm ministers in Brussels on Monday debated the issue after Poland led push for it to be on the agenda.\n \n Diplomats and EU officials said the European Commission told the meeting trade policy had to be agreed by the bloc as a whole.The Commission, the EU executive, is challenging Russia's ban on pig products in relation to African swine fever at the World Trade Organization.But Commission officials said that still did not justify bilateral agreements with Russia, which had to be \"based strictly on EU frameworks\".\n \n A spokesman for the French farm minister stressed that talks on the lifting of the embargo were purely technical and were done by veterinary services, not at a political level. The ministry has said Russia represented a market of 100 million euros ($112 million) for French pig farmers. ($1 = 0.8894 euros) (Editing by David Evans)" - ], - [ - "Newcastle Disease Outbreaks in Botswana", - "Poultry NewsNewcastle Disease Outbreaks in Botswana04 August 2014 \n \nBOTSWANA - The veterinary authorities in Botswana have reported five fresh outbreaks of Newcastle disease in Central Serowe, Kgatleng, South-east Ramotswa, Southern Kanye and Kweneng.The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) received an immediate notification on 1 August. According to the report, the affected population consists mainly of backyard chickens as well as the Eurasian collared-doves and other birds. \nA total of 42,315 backyard chickens and other species of birds have been found susceptible, out of which 3,958 cases have been reported. A total of 1,041 deaths have been reported. No birds have been destroyed and/or slaughtered. \nAs for the Eurasian collared-dove, eight birds were infected and reportedly found dead. \nWhile the main source of the outbreaks remains inconclusive, contact with wild species has been determined as the primary cause of the outbreaks. \nAccording to the OIE, several cases of Newcastle disease have been recorded in different districts with high morbidity and mortality. \n \nFurther Reading \nFind out more information on Newcastle disease by clicking here. \n \nThePoultrySite News Desk " - ], - [ - "Kenya: Anthrax outbreak kills more than 100 animals at Lake ...", - " \n\t \t \tAgriculture officials in Nakuru County, Kenya are investigating an anthrax outbreak that has killed scores of animals at Lake Nakuru National Park.\nAccording to local media, more than one hundred buffaloes and two rhinos have died in the past five days.\nRhinoceros/ U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service\nIn addition, officials have killed animals suspected of having the lethal bacterial disease. Bacillus anthracis, the agent of anthrax, was confirmed by Kenya Wildlife Service veterinarians at the Lake Nakuru National Park.\nNakura County Executive for Agriculture Dr. Stanley Chepkwony said, “We are also warning people not to come into contact with these animals or their meat products.â€\nAnthrax is a bacterial pathogen in livestock and wild animals. Some of the more common herbivores are cattle, sheep,goats, horses, camels and deers. Anthrax is a very serious disease of livestock because it can potentially cause the rapid loss of a large number of animals in a very short time. Affected animals are often found dead with no illness detected.\nIt infects humans primarily through occupational or incidental exposure with infected animals of theirskins.\nBacillus anthracis/CDC\nAnthrax is caused by the bacterium, Bacillus anthracis. This spore forming bacteria can survive in the environment for years because of its ability to resist heat, cold, drying, etc.  This is usually the infectious stage of anthrax.\nWhen conditions become favorable, the spores germinate into colonies of bacteria. An examplewould be a grazing cow ingests spores that in the cow, germinate, grow spread and eventually kill the animal.\nThe bacteria will form spores in the carcass and then return to the soil to infect other animals. The vegetative form is rarely implicated in transmission.  Strict enforcement of quarantines and proper burning and burying of carcasses from livestock suspected to have died from anthrax is important to prevent further soil contamination with the bacterial spores.\nThere are no reports of person-to-person transmission of anthrax. People get anthrax by handling contaminated animal or animal products, consuming undercooked meat of infected animals and more recently, intentional release of spores.\nThere are three types of human anthrax with differing degrees of seriousness: cutaneous, gastrointestinal and inhalation.\nRelated news: \nColorado Springs mule deer tests positive for plague \nChronic wasting disease confirmed for the first time in Michigan’s free-ranging deer population \nPlum Island’s move to Kansas: ‘This research facility is an accident waiting to happen’\n \n \n \n \n\t \t \n\t \t \n\t \t" - ], - [ - "Catholic Bishops oppose polio vaccination campaign in Kenya", - " \n\t \t \tKenya’s Catholic Bishops are calling for a boycott of an upcoming mass polio vaccination campaign scheduled to commence Saturday because the manufacturer failed to provide requested information and the government disregarded the bishops’ request for tests, according to a National Catholic Reporter report.\nKenya/CIA\nThe Bishops are questioning the safety of the vaccine and want to have tests performed on it.\nAs you may recall, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) late last year opposed the mass tetanus vaccination program in the country due to claims of the vaccine being tainted with Beta HCG hormone.\nThe opposition apparently stems from adverse reactions noted in 30 children with an antimalarial drug.\nKenyan health officials responded in a statement:\n“Any attempts aimed at mobilizing the public against taking their children for vaccination is a serious violation of the right of children to health and survival,†said Dr. Nicholas Muraguri, director of Kenya’s Medical Services, in the statement.\n“The ministry of health once again reassures the public of the safety of all vaccines used in Kenya,†he said. “I therefore appeal to all stakeholders, especially the leadership of the Catholic Church, to continue supporting†the immunization campaign in Kenya.\nSubnational Immunization Days (SNIDs) are planned in August in Kenya on 1 – 5 and 29 – 2 September.\nKenya reported its first polio cases in 2013 during the Horn of Africa outbreak. These were the first cases reported in two years. The Horn of Africa has not seen a new polio case in nearly one year (Somalia in August 2014).\nPolio is caused by the poliovirus types 1, 2 and 3. All three types cause paralysis, with wild poliovirus type 1 being isolated from paralysis cases most often.\nThis viral infection is primarily spread from person to person through the fecal-oral route. However, in places where sanitation is very good,transmission though throat secretions may be considered more important.\nPolio is recognized in about 1 percent of infections by flaccid paralysis, while over 90 percent of infectionsare unapparent.\nParalysis of poliomyelitis is usually asymmetric and the site of paralysis depends on the location of nerve cell destruction on the spinal cord or brain stem. Legs are affected more often than the arms.\nParalysis of the respiration can be life threatening.\nMost cases of polio are in children under the age of three.\nPrevention of polio is through immunization. \nThere are three countries left on the planet that have not succeeded in interrupting polio transmission and are considered endemic: Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan.\nRelated news: \nKenya: Anthrax outbreak kills more than 100 animals at Lake Nakuru National Park \nMeningitis warning for Africa: Agencies call on increased meningitis C-containing vaccine \nPolio: The lowest number of cases ever reported in first 6 months of 2015\n \n \n \n \n\t \t \n\t \t \n\t \t" - ], - [ - "State Asks Chicken and Turkey Owners to Report Location, Size of ...", - "Got chickens or turkeys? How many? Where are they?In anticipation of a possible outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza, those are the questions the state Department of Environmental Management are asking chicken owners in Rhode Island.The disease has not been found in Rhode Island but “DEM is taking steps now to control HPAI should it spread to\nthe Ocean State,†according to a Wednesday news release. “As part of these preparations the Department is reaching\nout to all poultry owners, including commercial as well as backyard or hobby\nbreeders, and asking them to voluntarily notify DEM of the location of their\npoultry and the approximate number and type of birds they possess.â€The state has developed a HPAI response plan which lays out the steps that would be taken to protect public and animal health if the disease is detected.“The sooner DEM can\nidentify the location of poultry within a control zone, the sooner the\nsurveillance testing can take place and the sooner the control zone can be\nreleased if all testing is found to be negative. That is why the information\nfrom poultry owners about the location and number of birds they have is so\nimportant,†the DEM said.From the DEM:Poultry owners are asked to download a form from the DEM\nwebsite that will capture all of the necessary information. The form is\navailable at http://www.dem.ri.gov/programs/bnatres/agricult/pdf/hpai_readiness.pdf\nCompleted forms should be emailed to the RI State Veterinarian at scott.marshall@dem.ri.gov or mailed\nto Scott Marshall, DVM, RI State Veterinarian, c/o RI DEM/Division of\nAgriculture, 235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI, 02908. DEM urges poultry owners to take simple, precautionary steps\nnow to protect their poultry. These biosecurity precautions can be viewed at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/downloads/animal_diseases/ai/HPAIchecklist.pdf\n(more appropriate for commercial operations) and http://healthybirds.aphis.usda.gov/\n(which is general information tailored more to hobbyists and non-commercial\npoultry owners). The US Department of Agriculture considers HPAI to be among\nthe worst animal disease outbreaks in American history. Currently, HPAI has\nbeen found in 21 Western and Midwestern states. As of August 5, 2015, there\nhave been 232 affected premises in those states. Nearly 50 million chickens and\nturkeys have died as a result of infection or control measures to stop the\nspread of this disease. Thankfully this strain of HPAI has not been reported to\naffect people, but public health officials continue to pay close attention to\nnote any changes in that pattern and continue to prohibit the introduction of\ninfected poultry products into the food chain. \n \n \n Trending Across Patch\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n " - ], - [ - "First turkey farm back in business after bird flu", - "Cleaning a truck used to haul away dead birds.\nThe Iowa Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Tuesday that a turkey farm that was infected with the bird flu completed the cleaning and disinfection process and is starting over.\nIowa Turkey Federation spokesperson, Gretta Irwin, says they are pleased to see the progress. “It’s definitely good news that the turkey farms that have been impacted with the high path avian influenza are starting to restock now in Iowa,†Irwin says.\nThe turkey farms composted the dead birds in their buildings and then those buildings had be cleaned and tested before new birds could be brought in. “Our first farm is the Moline farm up in Manson. And they placed birds this last week and are getting back into production,†Irwin says.\nThe farm in Calhoun County was confirmed to have the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza on May 19th. This farm had six barns that hold 28,800 turkey poults that ranged from birth to five weeks of age, and 14,400 finisher turkeys that are five to 20 weeks of age.\nNew birds were place in the buildings last Friday (July 31st) Irwin says they it won’t belong before more turkey farms follow. “Other farms are currently in the stage of testing,†Irwin explains, “so they have to have tests in their barns to prove that there is no virus in those barns to prove that they can repopulate. So there’ll be other farms coming quite soon.â€\nThere were some 34 million turkeys and chickens destroyed after they became infected. Irwin says “This has been very hard on the turkey farmers who have lost their birds to high path A-I. And seeing other farms becoming repopulated is very encouraging to all of those farmers,†Irwin says. “This tragedy is about ready to end and they can get back to what they do best — which is raising and caring for turkeys.â€\nThe Iowa Department of Agriculture says it is in the process of lifting 69 of the 77 control zones that were established around facilities in Iowa infected with the avian flu.\nThe control zones were established around each site with a confirmed case of the disease and all poultry that were located within the control zone surrounding an infected site were quarantined and all movement of poultry and poultry products, feed, fuel in and out of those quarantined non-infected facilities had to be permitted by the Ag Department.\n" - ], - [ - "Estonia to cull 3700 more pigs to prevent spread of African swine fever", - "\n \n\t\n\t\n The Associated Press\n \t\n\t\n \n \n \n Published Wednesday, August 12, 2015 9:27AM EDT\n \n \n \n\t\n \n \n\tCOPENHAGEN -- Estonian authorities say they will cull about 3,700 pigs to prevent the spread of African swine fever.\n\tAgriculture ministry spokeswoman Karin Volmer says two more cases of the disease have been found in domestic pigs in southern Estonia, the northernmost of the three Baltic countries.\n\tVolmer said Wednesday a total of 15,700 pigs have been killed in Estonia to prevent the spread of the disease since the first case was reported there on July 21.\n\tUnlike swine flu, the disease doesn't affect humans, but it can be deadly for domestic and wild boars, and cause massive losses to the farming sector.\n\tSince 2014, dozens of cases have been reported on farms and in wild boars in the Baltic countries and Poland, prompting Russia to ban EU pork imports.\n " - ], - [ - "Human and animal Brucellosis reported in Rila town, Bulgaria", - " \n\t \t \tA number of animal cases and a human case of the bacterial, zoonotic disease, Brucellosis, have been reported from the town of Rila, Kyustendil Province, in southwestern Bulgaria, according to a Bulgarian news source.\nHerd of goats/Public domain image via Wikimedia commons\nThe Focus Information Agency reports a man from Rila who owned a buffalo farm contracted the bacterial infection. This is the first human brucellosis case in the region in several years.\nAccording to the report, the man went to his doctor in April exhibiting symptoms. He was treated for pneumonia. The investigation into the case shows the man drank dairy products when he was on a visit to a family in Rila. The family produced milk on their farm.\nIn addition, local media reports a brucellosis outbreak that has been confirmed positive in 15 goats from three sites in Rila. The animals are kept at the barns and there is a ban on the consumption of milk and dairy products, as well as other animal products.\nBrucellosis is a contagious disease of animals that also affects humans. The disease is also known as Bang’s Disease. In humans, it’s known as Undulant Fever.\nBrucellosis is one of the most serious diseases of livestock, considering the damage done by the infection in animals. Decreased milk production, weight loss, loss of young, infertility, and lameness are some of the affects on animals.\nThe Brucella species are named for their primary hosts: Brucella melitensis is found mostly is goats, sheep and camels, B. abortus is a pathogen of cattle, B. suis is found primarily in swine and B. canis is found in dogs.\nThere are two common ways people get infected with brucellosis. First, individuals that work with infected animals that have not been vaccinated against brucellosis. This would include farmers, slaughterhouse workers and veterinarians.\nThey get infected through direct contact or aerosols produced by the infected animal tissue. B. abortus and B. suis are most common.\nThe second way is through ingesting unpasteurized dairy products. This is seen in people who travel to areas of the Middle East or Latin America (B. melitensis) where brucellosis is endemic in ovine and bovine animals.\nBrucellosis is also an occupational hazard to laboratory workers who inappropriately handle specimens or have an accident or spill. Brucella is highly infectious in the aerosolized form.\nIf someone gets infected with Brucella, the incubation period is about 2-3 weeks, though it could be months. Fever, night sweats, severe headache and body aches and other non-specific symptoms may occur.\nAcute and chronic brucellosis can lead to complications in multiple organ systems. The skeletal, central nervous system, respiratory tract, the liver, heart, gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts can all be affected. Untreated brucellosis has a fatality rate of 5%.\nRelated news: \nBulgaria reports human anthrax death in Varna district \nEurope reports first human West Nile virus case in Bulgaria \nEurope reports slight increase in cefixime resistance in gonorrhea\n \n \n \n \n\t \t \n\t \t \n\t \t" - ], - [ - "Pork import ban to remain for Baltic States and Poland", - "\n By Vladislav Vorotnikov Vladislav Vorotnikov , 12-Feb-20152015-02-12T00:00:00Z\n Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia will not be able to resume supplies of pork to the Russian market for at least three years, according to Russian veterinary body Rosselkhoznadzor.\n \n Sergey Dankvert, head of Rosselkhoznadzor, criticised the European Union’s current stance (EU) on the issue and stated that all European countries would not be able to resume supplies simultaneously, as the status on African swine fever (ASF) varies from country to country.Rosselkhoznadzor had begun inspection of pork producers in several European countries, including Denmark, Hungary and the Netherlands, but suspended this, claiming that the EU’s current position seemed unclear. According to Dankvert, when Rosselkhoznadzor announced the inspections, officials in Poland and the Baltic states disagreed with the approach, claiming the inspections should take place in all pork exporting countries of Europe at the same time.\"But how can we conduct these [inspections] at the same time if the different European countries have a different status on animal health? ASF has been discovered in Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, so these countries will not be able to supply pork products to the Russian market earlier than three years’ time. We cannot apply the same measures [to those markets] that we would like to apply to Denmark and other countries, for example, where the disease has not been detected,\" stated Dankvert.\"We have tried to find a way out and create an opportunity for European companies producing pork to return pork to the Russian market, but if this is unacceptable to our European colleagues, we will not implement the initiative,\" he added.ASF situation remains tenseMeanwhile, the situation with the ASF virus in the Baltic States and Poland remained complicated. For example, in Latvia the emergency on ASF has ended, but the threat of new disease outbreaks still remains, said Food and Veterinary Service representative EdvÄ«ns Olshevskis.According to Olshevskis, the emergency situation cannot last for more than six months, but all the previous measures aimed at fighting ASF remain in force. He recalled that the last outbreak among domestic pigs was reported on 17 September, while the disease continues to circulate among wild boars, and, since the beginning of 2015, 29 outbreaks of the disease have been discovered in the wild.Neighbouring Estonia also continues to struggle with ASF, with state-owned company Vireen recently purchasing a mobile incinerator to burn dead pigs and wild boars at a total cost of €239,000. The money was allocated from the government’s reserve fund. A Hurikan 1000E mobile incinerator has been ordered from Waste Spectrum Environmental (UK). It is expected that, in future, the mobile unit can be transported to areas of Estonia where new outbreaks of ASF are reported.At the same time, Polish agriculture minister Marek Sawicki recently proposed culling the entire population of the wild boars in the country, to decrease the risk of any further spread of ASF. Local ecological associations protested against this initiative, and it is believed the measure will not be approved. \n \n " - ], - [ - "Twenty-seven people in Bulgaria's Rila area infected with brucellosis", - "\n \t\n \n \t \n \n \n \n A further five people in the town of Rila in Bulgaria had been found to be infected with brucellosis, bringing the total in the area to 27, local authorities said on August 11.\nThe regional governor of Kyustendil, Viktor Yanev, said that new findings by the Food Safety Agency and the health inspectorate were that there were 176 infected animals, including two goats the Rila Monastery.\nThese goats had been donated and all other animals at the monastery had tested negative, Yanev said.\nBrucellosis, also known as Crimean Fever, Gibraltar Fever, Malta Fever and Mediterranean Fever is transmitted either by ingestion of unpasteurised milk, soft cheese or undercooked meat from infected animals, and by occupational exposure of laboratory workers, veterinarians, and slaughterhouse workers.\nA ban was to be introduced on movement and slaughter for consumption of animals in the area of Rila Monastery, especially at weekends, when thousands of pilgrims are expected for the Christian festival of the Assumption.\nEarlier, on August 7, local authorities announced that 80 goats in the town of Rila were being euthanised because of the brucellosis outbreak. After euthanasia, the carcases were incinerated at a facility in the town of Shoumen.\nOn August 11, it was announced that brucellosis had been found in the village of Rakita in the Pleven district. Checks were carried out in the village after it emerged that some of the animals came from the Rila area.\nSteps had been taken by police and the regional directorate for food safety to restrict the movement of animals, local authorities said. Transport of farm animals from the village had been banned and infected animals would be euthanised and their owners compensated.\nProfessor Todor Kantardzhiev, director of the National Centre for Infectious and Parasitic Diseases in Sofia, told Bulgarian National Radio that in order to prevent new outbreaks, buying cheaper animals of Greece, Serbia, Macedonia and Turkey should be stopped.\n Comments comments \n \n \n " - ], - [ - "Bulgaria: Brucella outbreak up to 11 cases in Rila", - " \n\t \t \tIn a follow-up to a report Wednesday of a human case of brucellosis in Rila, Bulgaria, the regional health inspectorate in Kyustendil say the number people infected have increased to at least 11, according to a Focus Information Agency report.\nAll the infected people were adults and are receiving treatment for the bacterial infection.\n“Most often transmission occurs through consumption of non-thermally processed milk and dairy products. People looking after sick animals are also in danger,â€Professor Todor Kantardzhiev, Director of the National Centre for Infectious and Parasite Diseases said.\nHealth officials call on the public to be vigilant against brucellosis, particularly those exposed to animals.\nDr Georgi Chobanov with the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency said, “There is an order issued by the Executive Director of the Bulgarian Agency for Food Safety for declaring an outbreak of brucellosis in animals occurred in the town of Rila. In this regard were ordered measures to curb the outbreak of the disease.â€\nAt least 15 goats had to be euthanized due to the infection.\n \n \n \n \n\t \t \n\t \t \n\t \t" - ], - [ - "Anthrax-tainted meat kills one in Bulgaria", - "\n A man has died in Bulgaria from B. Anthracis after handling contaminated meat.\n \n He was infected with anthrax after slaughtering a sick cow and preparing sausages in a village near Varna city.The Regional Health Inspectorate in Varna has identified 26 people who were in contact with the ill cow or who handled or consumed the meat.The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) said it does not consider there to be any remaining risk for the EU with regards to this case. However, anthrax-contaminated meat has been found in stores in Varna and Dobrich (Northeast Bulgaria), according to the Bulgarian news agency\n, quoting Tsvetomir Petrov, Varna deputy regional governor.It said an investigation found infected meat and parts from the animal's carcass had been sold, resold and processed in a few locations. \n \n " - ], - [ - "Kazakh man sentenced to five years in jail for fighting in Ukraine", - "\n Kazakh man sentenced to five years in jail for fighting in Ukraine\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n An armed supporter of the self-proclamed People's Republic of Donetsk mans a checkpoint in the city of Horlivka near Donetsk on Dec. 13, 2014.\n \n © AFP\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ASTANA - The N2 court in the Saryarka District of Astana issued a guilty verdict to a 30-year-old Kazakhstani, Yevgeny Vdovenko, for his participation in Ukrainian hostilities on the side of Kremlin-led militants.\n \n \n \n \n Announcement To Readers\n \n Since 1995, the Kyiv Post has been the world's window on Ukraine.\n Please support the newspaper’s quality, independent journalism with\n a digital subscription. Subscribers receive unlimited access to all\n stories, archives and PDFs from the Kyiv Post's staff writers and news services.\n More info.\n \n \n \n \n 12 months\n \n 1 month\n \n \n \n \n $50.00Pay\n \n $20.00Pay\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ukraine\n \n \n \n Kazakhstan\n \n \n \n Russia\n \n \n \n war\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nThe Kyiv Post is hosting comments to foster lively public debate through the Disqus system. Criticism is fine, but stick to the issues. Comments that include profanity or personal attacks will be removed from the site. The Kyiv Post will ban flagrant violators. If you think that a comment or commentator should be banned, please flag the offending material.\nPlease enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.\ncomments powered by \n \n \n \n \n " - ], - [ - "FMD threatens beef exports to Asia – Geingob", - " \n\tOutapi\nPresident Hage Geingob yesterday said Namibia will collectively work with the Angolan government to address frequent outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), if it is to penetrate beef markets in China and Indonesia.\nGeingob was speaking at a meeting with the community in Outapi town hall, which lasted for three hours. About 800 people gathered to listen and interact with the President who was on a regional visit to the town.\nChina provides a huge beef market as it has a population of 1.3 billion, while Indonesia has a population of 180 million.\nA farmers’ representative asked Geingob during the question-and-answer session whether a recent deal that Namibia sealed with China would include those residing north of the veterinary cordon fence. Another question was whether Namibia will also engage Indonesia to buy Namibian beef.\n“Let us start with China and work on the quarantine of more animals north of the the so-called redline to be included in the export deal. A joint effort would be required to include Angola to collectively address the issue of foot-and-mouth disease, if we are to succeed in having more cattle availed to that lucrative market,†responded the Head of State.\nOn a question regarding the possible introduction of religious studies, Geingob reminded the audience: “Namibia is a secular state that recognises all religions to be equal. No state religion exists.â€\nAbout regulating churches, Geingob said: “Namibia is a free society and it will be difficult to regulate religious institutions,†though he felt debate on the issue should continue in a democratic manner.\nHe further said: “Nation building is important and the Namibian house needs to be built firm by us all, and no Namibian should feel left out.â€\nAt the same meeting the Minister of Agriculture, Water and Forestry, John Mutorwa, assured residents of Omusati that the Calueque-Oshakati water canal will not be closed as was reported in the media recently. He indicated appropriate measures are needed to improve the efficiency of the water flow through the canal.\nMutorwa was responding to a question posed to the President at Outapi. Among the Outapi audience were communal farmers who asked about the closure of the canal as indicated by NamWater.\nMutorwa said that a detailed study is being conducted by the water utility NamWater to determine what to do with the canal to guarantee improved water supply, and that no plans are afoot to randomly block the crucial water canal on which thousands of people rely. He said after a careful study the next steps would be announced to residents.\n“People who use the canal water for household consumption, industrial and irrigation purposes can rest assured that the canal will not close as perceived by many,†stated Mutorwa.\nOn the issue of limited funds allocated to local uthorities to service land, the Minister or Urban and Rural Development, Sophia Shaningwa, who was in the delegation accompanying the President, said the mass land servicing project team is working round the clock to provide a detailed roadmap on funding and to make land available cheapily.\nShe stressed the basic principle is to accord one plot per applicant as a start, at a reasonable price.\nOn his part, Minister of Works and Transport, Alpheus !Naruseb, informed the public that plans to upgrade the Tsandi-Onesi gravel road to bitumen standard has been included in the ministry’s masterplan, after residents complained about its dilapidated state. In addition, plans to upgrade the Onesi community clinic are also underway as announced by the Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr Bernhard Haufiku.\nGeingob also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to executing government policies and programmes, including that of mass land servicing that is currently underway on a pilot phase in Windhoek, Walvis Bay and Oshakati.\nThe President proceeded to view the sites in Outapi that are earmarked for the mass land servicing programme, which received a cash injection of over N$900 million from treasury to service plots across the country.\n \n\t" - ], - [ - "Poultry still troubled despite import curbs", - " Nigeria has banned frozen chicken  import. The move has provided local  producers with an opportunity to gain a bigger market share, but it has also presented stakeholders with some challenges, DANIEL ESSIET writes.\nThe ban on frozen chicken imports would have been a boom to local producers, allowing them to enlarge their market share and boost sales. But, so far, the policy has proven successful only in boosting domestic output. The problem is partly the mismatch between the high demand for poultry products, the productive capacity of the local industry and the harsh operating realities.\nIndeed, the mood in the industry is lukewarm. Smuggling continues; high feed costs and red tape threaten growth. The sector that could have turned out to be a huge asset for the growth of the national economy remains a todler.\nWhile the international community may see Nigeria as a fading import market for chicken, stakeholders see the inability of the domestic poultry industry to respond adequately to expanding demand for poultry products, as opening up a market for smuggling.Nigeria is losing about $2.7billion (about N399.4billion) yearly in revenue to smuggling of poultry products, the Poultry Association of Nigeria, has said.\n“The supply of  corn  is  not  adequate to meet expanding feed use, and restrictions on corn imports could combine to constrain growth in both the poultry and egg industries, raising production costs and consumer prices and slowing consumption.â€Â \nThe President of the association, Dr. Ayoola Oduntan, said at the Nigeria Poultry Summit that local production of chicken has fallen short of the demand for the product, thereby creating an avenue for smuggling.\nAccording to Oduntan, while the local demand for frozen chicken is above two million metric tonnes yearly, Nigerian farmers produce 300,000 metric tonnes, leaving a wide gap of more than 1.7 million metric tonnes.â€Out of this figure, smuggled chicken accounts for 1.2 million metric tonnes annually,†he said.\nThe industry still appears unprotected, a state of affairs that is being exploited by smugglers. Oduntan said smuggled chicken and rising costs of production are forcing local poultry producers to shed a bigger chunk of the chicken industry. The local poultry industry, experts   maintained, has seen the demise of some of smaller poultry producers. In the last couple of years, some of small producers have either gone under, or scaled down production.\nAccording to the PAN  President, though the ban on import is supposed to boost production, yields are lower, and the viability of poultry is reduced by its high production costs and increased chicken imports.\nTo this end, Oduntan said local producers must be committed to increasing output and supplying fresh chicken to limit the import of chicken. While local producers are making efforts to produce more chicken, he said the industry is bewildered by the negative impacts of   higher input costs, especially maize, soya, power, labour and fuel.\n \nFeed costs\n \nThe high price of feed raw materials is an issue everywhere. Since the high feed costs are felt throughout the industry, operators have found the business less competitive. Feed is the single biggest input cost, making up 60 to 70 per cent of total input costs. Inputs and costs have presented the poultry industry with huge challenges, he said, highlighting the fluctuations in feed ingredients prices.\n“Many  farmers have  complained  that the  industry  doesn’t  have  the  capacity  to  facilitate smooth movement  of  poultry  products  from the farms  to  supply  points. While  there are  marginal   investment in infrastructure, not  so much  have  been  recorded  to make  specialised  chick delivery vehicles  commonplaceâ€\nFor the Vice- President (Agriculture), Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria (ASBON), Mr. Stephen Oludipupo,  the sector is not moving forward as it battles soaring feed costs and rising electricity bills. He believes if poultry and egg production are sustained, growth in demand for corn and soybean meal is likely to outpace gains in domestic production.\nFarmers like him also complained that the supply of corn is not adequate to meet expanding feed use, and restrictions on corn imports could combine to constrain growth in both the poultry and egg industries, raising production costs and consumer prices, thereby slowing consumption. The same thing is said about soybean meal, which the industry cannot guarantee local surpluses and ready availability.\nCurrently, the poultry industry accounts for about a third of local maize consumption and almost all the soya consumption in the country, its sustainability and future development are also in danger. This scenario represents an “industry in distress†as acknowledged by experts who are considering measures that help producers to remain in business.\nThe concern is that Nigeria is on the verge of becoming a major importer of soymeal, thanks to the country’s surging poultry production, boosting feed demand. The layer industry is also expanding rapidly as it is able to provide a relatively cheap protein source compared to other sources of protein. However, poultry feed manufacturers are also finding a ready growth market in livestock, for which production of suitable rations is increasing at an accelerated pace to meet the demand .This has resulted in a shift in demand of soymeal by feed millers from the traditional poultry farmers.\nThe increased demand for soymeal is driving feed mills beyond their typical origin and supplies also suffer from consistency in quality.\nAlready, like the Chairman,Lagos Chairman,Dr Dotun Agbojo once disclosed, local operators have   demanded permission to import soybean meal, to help them deal with the impending competition of cheaper smuggled chicken. Producers think this will help the poultry industry to get cheaper raw material and reduce its cost of production, which is three times the cost of production of imported ones.\nHe said corn supply was important because the commodity was the main material used in poultry feed, which currently consumes 90 percent of national corn production.\nHowever, as he said, it is not only feed prices that present challenges to producers. The sector now faces a number of issues and difficulties including water, food, electricity and other major problems. As a result, the economic efficiency of local producers does not compare as well as their technical efficiency, largely due to higher production costs. Therefore, the industry is struggling to remain competitive. Many farmers have abandoned commercial poultry production because it was uncompetitive, and instead focus on other things. In addition to the challenges posed by the various pathogenic diseases, the farmers also face the problem for low capital. Unfortunately, lack of financial support and incentive packages for players in the industry has, over the years, led to the gradual collapse of the industry and the retrenchment of a large number of employees in it. Due to the high-risk nature of poultry farming, many commercial banks shied away from giving loans to operators in the industry.\n \nForeign direct investment (FDI) \n \nForeign direct investment (FDI) has, so far, not been a major factor in the development of poultry sector. But to watchers the nation’s   competitive, and potentially large industry offers investment opportunities in input activities, such as breeding, medicines, feed, and equipment, as well as vertical integration and processing. While the country permits FDI in these activities, investments are constrained by market and policy uncertainty, poor power and transport infrastructure, and high taxes on processed food.\nCapital and infrastructure for future production is a concern. Very little investment in infrastructure has been made in the last 10 years because of poor returns, restricted access to credit because of the economic situation, the difficulties in obtaining planning permission and the new requirements for environmental permits. Currently, the poultry business is still kept by smallholders.\nThe poultry production system is a mix of family businesses and commercial operations, from the small- to large-scale with varying degrees of modern technology. This has clear implications for rising demand for poultry meat.\n \nBird flu\n \nThere have been four more outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Nigeria. The outbreaks were of the H5N1 subtype, and all four involved layers of different ages between 20 and 60 weeks.\n“Except there is a development plan for the poultry sector to  boost production of chickens and eggs, the  import ban on frozen chicken meat may not achieve its goalâ€\nThere were 668 deaths from the disease out of a susceptible population of 3600. The remaining birds were destroyed to prevent the disease spreading. The disease report to the World Organisation of Animal Health (OIE) commented that the one farm and three backyard operations involved displayed poor biosecurity. Help from the side of the government and other investment institutions, is all that is needed by them for ensuring health growth and development conditions for the domesticated animals.\n \nPower \n \nMeanwhile, as far as poultry farmers are  concerned, a more reliable supply of electricity is needed if food security is to be truly enhanced. Some frozen food traders in Ijora-Olopa, Lagos, lost approximately N10 million worth of product to spoilage in late May, following a electric grid blackout compounded by a scarcity of petrol to power backup generators.\n \nInefficient supply chain\n \nA major concern is the inefficient supply chain in handling poultry production and distribution is another of those sob stories which still poses a big question mark on management skills.\nOduntan said cold chains , a crucial part of the supply chain infrastructure in poultry production is not sufficient to support massive production. His concern is that not only is the industry lacking in the issue of storage facilities but other vehicles such as refrigerated vehicles. For him, the cold chain is essential. This is because it is the conduit for the flow of poultry products.\nHe is not alone sharing this concern. Other stakeholders believe the cold chain segment  plays a critical role in the poultry supply chain. Most of the domestic poultry business is in chilled product, but freezing is necessary for longer journeys. Stakeholders believe the industry operators of cold chain transportation need to pay close attention to market trends and best practices as continuous temperature monitoring is also of growing importance to the industry. Many farmers have complained that the industry doesn’t have the capacity to facilitate smooth movement of poultry products from the farms to supply points. While there are marginal   investment in infrastructure, not so much have been recorded to make specialised chick delivery vehicles commonplace. These differences in infrastructure and logistics performance translate into real costs for supply chains. To overcome these constraints, government intervention is required, for instance, to build infrastructure such as roads, which need to be improved to allow heavy feed trucks and chicken transporters move around easily in rural areas.\n \nDay-old chicks and broiler producers\n \nThe industry’s challenges also include lack of large quantities of day-old chicks and broiler producers or even farmers who could move into poultry. Though the number of broilers slaughtered and poultry meat produced have increased, the industry does not produce sufficient quantities to satisfy demand, with the shortfall addressed through imports.\n \nOpportunities for sector expansion\n \nThere are various opportunities available to commercial poultry producers, and chief among these are production of further processed products, expansion of broiler breeding facilities to meet hatching egg requirements.As foreign nationals are not involved in production, partnerships between current medium-size producers and foreign companies with access to capital and technology are the way forward. There are good opportunities for the poultry industry, which Oduntan summarised as the growing demand for foods and those produced to higher welfare standards, as well as cost savings.\n \nThe business environment\n \nWatchers have expressed concern that the once flourishing small-scale poultry industry has over the past two decades undergone a severe deterioration as a result of fortunes that have diverted the industry from near self-sufficiency to a net importer of poultry products. The market has followed a steep and uncontrolled influx of cheap poultry meat from subsidised poultry producers from advanced countries. A multiplicity of factors have accounted for the decline and mortalities of the domestic poultry industry. These include unfair competition from subsidised smuggled poultry from advanced countries, unfavourable and indifferent government’s policy direction, escalating costs of production, inefficient methods of production, lack of funds and credit, inadequate knowledge in poultry management, lack of information needs on the part of small-scale poultry farmers, inadequate access to market, lack of processing facilities, and high rates of perishability. The business environment for the poultry industry has been challenging in recent years. For Oladipupo, if the challenges are overcome and poultry production and industry are enhanced, the industry has the potential of employing more people and thereby helping to reduce the problem of unemployment in the country.\nWatchers believe if Nigeria creates a more friendly business environment, the poultry industry will grow and attract more investment.\n \nTechnical training and assistance for farmers\n \nMore specifically, poultry producers face multiple challenges such as inefficient feeding practices and low quality of baby chickens-the two key inputs that together represent a large percent of their costs.\nAnother issue is disease management, which are critical to the sustainability of the industry.\nTo address a lot of  issues, stakeholders canvassed training programmes to provide awareness to the famers on various diseases, health conditions, strategies and techniques to ensure the quality of poultry products and for the better health of the chickens, ducks and other domesticated animals.\nTraining and mentoring on poultry production and business are also needed. Small poultry farmers need the services of specialist extension officers who are continually assessed and up-skilled. Gaining market access is a common problem. The   poultry sector has lost a lot in profits over the years. This loss is primarily due to the fact that local SMEs lack formal training on farm management and struggle to stay profitable.\n \n Prospects for change\n \nThe outlook for the future is unclear. The plight of the poultry industry comes to the fore with regular cries for help from the industry, followed by regular promises from the government and answered with regular accusations of insufficient government support. The solution lies in the hands of the government.The other issue is that watchers are not anticipating any major industry investments in the short-term, given the country’s economic situation. A lot of farms are facing challenges due to limited access to bank credit and operating funds. For farmers, food security will be put at risk if the chicken business is not well funded. The one thing that might change this picture again could be future developments. To observers, except there is a development plan for the poultry sector to boost production of chickens and eggs, the import ban on frozen chicken meat may not achieve its goal. Oladipupo  urged the government to provide incentives for poultry farmers, such as support for those who import poultry feed and other inputs, so that those items can be obtained at affordable prices. He wants commercial banks encouraged to give favourable responses to the funding of the poultry industry by devising innovative products to meet the needs of poultry farmers. For him, there is a compelling need for such interventions to restore the vibrancy of the poultry industry and  create jobs, which will also help realise the government’s dream of reducing the rate of unemployment. There is need to work with Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and farmers in the poultry sector to strengthen their technical skills, increase profitability, and expand access to markets. The government needs to build the capacity of local poultry companies and poultry farmers, address industry-wide challenges, such as lack of veterinarian skills and bio-security standards, low production efficiency, and limited farm management skills.\nFor sure, the ban calls for further action and reaction. On the whole , producers in the poultry industry are welcoming a government ban on poultry products imports. The ban was imposed following ongoing concerns about potential health threats.Farmers say, the ban will boost business for local poultry producers by giving them an increased foothold in the local market.Poultry farmers had been advocating for a ban to protect the local industry . They say the ban will support hard working small holder farmers. They also say the ban is good news for small and medium enterprises and will provide more job opportunities in the community. They said the ban is a step forward in the right direction towards improving policies that will protect local produce and increase trade\n" - ], - [ - "Poland, Baltics seek more cash for swine fever battle", - "\n By Vladislav VorotnikovVladislav Vorotnikov , 24-Aug-20152015-08-24T00:00:00ZLast updated on 24-Aug-2015 at 14:34 GMT2015-08-24T14:34:35Z\n The Baltic States and Poland are seeking more cash from the European Commission (EC) to help fight African swine fever (ASF), according to Kaspars Funts, a representative of Latvia’s Ministry of Agriculture.\n \n According to the statement, the countries have asked the EC to raise funding for anti-epizootic measures from the current level of 75% to 100% of all costs for the next three to five years. For instance, in 2014 the level of support was close to €2.7 million. “These funds are requested to cover the cost of veterinary monitoring at the farms, collecting and transportation of samples [of pigs], transportation of dead pigs and other measures aimed at fighting against the disease,†explained Janis Duklavs, Latvia’s Minister of Agriculture. However, it is still unclear if the list of measures will include support for pig farmers. The original statement does not include this point.EstoniaAccording to Estonian agriculture minister Urmas Kruuze, Estonia is forecasting that it will spend €12.7m this year alone in combating ASF. “So far the overall spend on fighting ASF in Estonia has amounted to €620,000. We hope that about 75% of all outlay will be covered by the EC,†he stated. “Out of the predicted 2015 spend €2.7 million will be used to support small farms, while €10m will be used to help larger farms.â€Â Experts estimated that, together with the support for pig farmers, overall funding to combat ASF could reach €50m. Every year this figure is likely to increase as, according to a recent report from the Latvian Food and Veterinary Service, ASF is moving west and covering new areas at a speed of 100km per year. If these estimates are correct, then countries in Central Europe have nothing to fear, as the closest ASF outbreaks to Germany, for example, were detected in the Podladsky Voevodstvo of Poland on the border with Belarus, a distance of 780km from the border with Slovakia and 1,060km away from Germany’s border.Number of cases growingHowever, Russian veterinary watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor, which has systematically criticized the measures taken by the Baltic States to counter ASF, pointed out that the number of ASF cases in the region is growing, with a geometric progression. According to Rosselkhoznadzor, as of May 1 the number of outbreaks in the four countries had risen to 403, but by August this figure had more than doubled to 903. Given this situation, representatives of the pig industries in the Baltic States and Poland have appealed to the authorities to not only increase the amount of money spent in combating the disease, but also to develop a joint approach on the issue. It is expected that an attempt to achieve this will be coordinated in September. “Given the deteriorating situation [on ASF] in the Baltic region, in early September of this year the EC is planning to convene senior veterinary specialists from these countries to discuss strategies to combat ASF further and find ways to prevent the spread of this dangerous virus,†claimed Jonas Milius, head of the Lithuanian State Food and Veterinary Service. \n \n " - ], - [ - "Minister: ASF might have spread to Estonia because of Latvians ...", - "Estonian Minister of Rural Life Urmas Kruuse stated that Estonia has not been less efficient than Latvia in preventing the spreading of African swine fever, writes LETA/Postimees Online. \n \t \n\t \n\tHe noted that the disease might have \nreached Estonia due to Latvia excessively actively trying to destroy wild \nboars. \n \n \n \n“If we were to look at the fact that \nwe have slaughtered more pigs than Latvians, this is due to the fact that pig \nfarms here are bigger than in Latvia,†said Kruuse, explaining that 80% of \nfarms in Latvia have less than ten pigs, whereas in Estonia the pig-farming \nfacilities are bigger. \n \n \n \n“This means that per one disease \noutbreak site, we lose significantly more pigs,†said the Minister. He asserted \nthat Estonia has not been less efficient than Latvia in preventing the \nspreading of the disease. \n \n \n \nKruuse said that the measures \ncurrently used are approved by numerous experts, and the move to destroy wild \nboars ought to be approached with caution. He said that hunting wild boars is \nnot a universally accepted measure, and that there are those who find that \nbecause Latvia rushed with enhancing hunting, the disease reached Estonia \nfaster, as the hunt caused wild boars to migrate more. \n \n \n \nAccording to Kruuse, the three \nBaltic States and Poland approved the disease prevention plan in the early \nphase of the spreading of the disease, and it was also accepted on the European \nlevel. \n \n" - ], - [ - "Canada Says BSE-Infected Cow Was Born Two Years After Feed Ban", - "\n \nCALGARY, Alberta—Canada said Wednesday a beef cow confirmed to have bovine spongiform encephalopathy was born in March 2009, two years after the country enacted a ban on cattle feed containing animal proteins in a bid to prevent the spread of the disease. The diseased cow, which was detected before it entered animal or human food chains, was the first reported case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy, also known as BSE or mad-cow...\n " - ], - [ - "Polish food exports up despite Russian pork embargo", - " \n \n Polish food exports up despite Russian pork embargo \n \n \n PR dla Zagranicy \n \n \n \n Nick Hodge \n \n 26.05.2014 11:24 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Poland's Agricultural Market Agency (ARR) has revealed that Polish food exports are up 7 percent in the first quarter of 2014, in spite of blocks on Polish pork by Russia and other countries. \n \n \n \n \n \n Photo: sxc.hu \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nPhoto: sxc.hu \n \n \nThe 7 percent rise compared with the same period in 2013 is welcome news for Poland's food industry, coupled with Ukraine's decision to reopen its market to Polish pork on 28 May. \nSeveral non-EU countries, including China, Japan and South Korea, followed Russia's example of blocking imports of Polish pork in February after African Swine Fever (ASF) was detected in wild boar near Poland's border with Belarus. \n“Export results are slightly better than we expected,†commented Wieslaw Åopaciuk of the Institute of Agricultural and Food Economics, although he acknowledged that exports of red meat are down. \nSome 80 percent of all Polish food exports in the first quarter of 2014 were to other EU member states, and sales exceeded 5 billion euros. \nIn 2013, Russia was the third biggest importer of Polish foodstuffs, behind Germany and the UK. Overall, 2013 was a record year for Polish food exports, with sales reaching 19.9 billion euros. (nh)Source: PAP \n \n \n \n \n " - ], - [ - "Kiwi horses blamed for equine flu outbreak in Malaysia", - "Malaysian authorities suspect four New Zealand racehorses who travelled there via Singapore are behind an outbreak of equine influenza which has resulted in widespread movement restrictions.\nMore than 100 horses are understood to have come down with the the highly contagious disease and race meetings have been cancelled across the country.\nThe deputy director-general of Malaysia’s Department of Veterinary Services, Dr Kamarudin Md Isa, reportedly told a press conference: “The source of infection could have originated from four horses imported from New Zealand via Singapore on July 31.â€\nHowever, given that New Zealand is among a handful of countries that are free of the disease, that could only be the case if one or more of the horses had picked up the disease in transit or in quarantine.\nKamarudin said the horses had not shown any signs of infection while undergoing a 14-day quarantine period at Kuala Lumpur International Airport’s Animals Quarantine Station.\nThe disease was detected after the horses, two of which were transferred to the Selangor Turf Club and one each to Perak Turf Club and Penang Turf Club in mid-August, showed influenza-like nasal discharge.\n“Now more than 100 horses have been infected from the four imported horses but the situation is still under control,†he said. “We are taking this problem seriously.â€\nHis department banned the transfer of horses from August 28 and racing clubs have been asked to tighten controls, ensuring that no equipment, as well as horses, left their facilities.\nIt is estimated the country has about 5000 horses, housed across around 100 stables.\nKamarudin said his department would also temporarily suspend any export or import of horses.\nTesting carried out by the Veterinary Research Institute in Ipoh and the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore confirmed that the outbreak was caused by the equine influenza virus.\nKamarudin said he was confident the outbreak could be controlled within the next six weeks.\nMalaysian Racing Association secretary Krishna Kumar confirmed to local media that all horse races scheduled this month had been cancelled.\nThe outbreak represents the first confirmed cases of equine flu in the country since 1977, when the racing industry in Malaysia faced disruption for about two months.\nEquine influenza is rarely fatal, but the controls and quarantines required to contain outbreaks can be economically damaging.\nSigns include lethargy, fever, coughing and nasal discharge. Affected horses generally remain infectious for up to 10 days.\n" - ], - [ - "Greece Destroys 200 Cattle After Lumpy Skin Disease Flare-up", - "News Greece Destroys 200 Cattle After Lumpy Skin Disease Flare-up25 August 2015 GREECE – Two hundred cattle have been destroyed due to lumpy skin disease in eastern Greece following fourteen animals testing positive across two separate holdings.The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has reported the disease in Anatoliki Makedonia Kai Thraki but states the source of infection is unknown. \nA raft of measures are in place to control the disease, including surveillance and screening; vector control, zoning and screening. \nMovement controls are also in place but the OIE said vaccination is prohibited. \nTheCattleSite News Desk \n" - ], - [ - "High-pathogenic bird flu hits Germany - again", - "\n High-pathogenic bird flu hits Germany – again\n \n Wednesday 29 July 2015 12:51 \n \n © Action Press/Rex ShutterstockA fresh outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza has been reported in Germany this week, involving a flock of 10,100 layers in the north-west of the country.\nGerman chief vet Karin Schwabenbauer informed the World Organisation for Animal Health in Paris on Monday (27 July) that 50 birds in the flock had died and the remaining birds on the farm in the Emsland district of Lower Saxony had been destroyed.\nLaboratory analysis had confirmed the strain as highly pathogenic H7N7 – the same sub-type that affected the UK earlier this month.\nSee also: US sees ‘new world order’ as bird flu goes global\nAccording to EU law, the German state authorities have set up a 3km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone around the holding, applying strict movement restrictions on farms in the area.\nIt is reported that preliminary cleaning and disinfection is now under way. Three backyard flocks on neighbouring farms have also been culled as a precaution.\nThe chief vet’s statement also makes clear that no poultrymeat or eggs have been dispatched from the affected area to other parts of Germany or other EU countries.\nHighly pathogenic avian influenza was last seen in Lower Saxony in December 2014 on a turkey farm. Then the strain was H5N8 – the same strain as was found on an east Yorkshire duck farm last November.\nThis was followed by further outbreaks of H5N8 elsewhere in Germany in early 2015, as well as more recent outbreaks of low-pathogenic H7N7.\n \n " - ], - [ - "Voice of America: Right-wing party members charged with Ukraine ...", - "\n \n \n \n \n Odesa governor Saakashvili says he is not planning to aspire to prime ministerial post\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Poroshenko signs bill on Oct. 25 elections in united communities\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Kyiv says it has support of Venice Commission on changes to Constitution \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n EU not planning to review sanctions against Minsk before Belarusian presidential election\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Construction ministry initiates new beneficial mortgage crediting program worth Hr 1.5 billion\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Poroshenko enacts NSDC decision to protect Ukraine's aviation interests\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Crown Agents, Adam Smith International candidates to provide customs management services\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ukraine Today: Putin's propaganda mocked in new Ukrainian monument\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Daily Beast: Chechen Jihadis leave Syria, join the fight in Ukraine\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Kuchma calls for fight for Donbas\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ukraine's forex reserves 21.6 percent up in August\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trilateral Contact Group's security subgroup agrees upon document on withdrawing weapons in Donbas\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n African Swine Fever registered in six households in Rivne Oblast\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Halya Coynash: Kremlin-funded Sputnik Int. claims West criticizes Stalin to weaken Russia & its leadership\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Halya Coynash: Russia claims ‘universal jurisdiction’ to try Ukraine for human rights crimes\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n EU to provide 55 million euros of donor aid to Ukraine to support enterprises\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Guardian: Ukraine's government bears more responsibility for ongoing conflict than the far-right\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yaroslavsky wants to buy back Metalist Kharkiv soccer club\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SBU accusing coal supplier to Centrenergo of financing terrorists\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n UPI: US monitoring reports of Russian troops in Syria\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cabinet decides to introduce region assessment ranking\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Experts: Constitutional changes don’t threaten national sovereignty\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ukraine Today: UNICEF says new polio vaccines are available\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cabinet receives proposal to dismiss Likarchuk, the deputy head of fiscal service\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Contact Group's security subgroup ends talks in Minsk\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Contact Group participants hope to extend ceasefire in Donbas until agreement on weapons withdrawal signed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Inna Shevchenko: Giving Russia the top job at the UN is an Orwellian nightmare and a betrayal of global peace efforts\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Parliament passes bill on experiment of using customs duties to finance repair of roads\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Poroshenko says wealth, luxury tax needs to be introduced\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Klitschko rolls out free English lessons to adults\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Hearing of Savchenko case to resume in Donetsk City Court in Rostov region on Sept. 15\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Diplomat: How Russia is helping China develop its naval power\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Government dismisses Antoniuk as head of Aviation Service\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Reuters: Gazprom, European partners sign Nord Stream-Two deal\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n One serviceman killed in ATO zone over last 24 hours\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Associated Press: Senior right-wing party members charged with Aug. 31 clashes\n \n \n \n " - ], - [ - "Ukraine Today: Putin's propaganda mocked in new Ukrainian ...", - "\n \n \n \n \n BBC: Russia in 'information war' with West to win hearts and minds\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Marvin Kalb: Putin won his war in Ukraine\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Kuchma says Minsk agreements helped prevent escalation of war in Donbas, more losses\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ukraine Today: One Ukrainian soldier killed over last 24 hours in east Ukraine war zone\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Groups of people distributing explosive objects were among protesters at Rada on Aug. 31\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n EU doesn't rule out extension of sanctions against Russia\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Explosion staged outside Rivne regional prosecutor's office building\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Klimkin to meet with NATO secretary general in Brussels on Sept. 7\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Kharkiv police probe footage of dark-skinned man beaten by law enforcers\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty: Saakashvili, Yatsenyuk spar over Ukrainian reforms\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Klimkin reckons Russia's stance on EU-Ukraine free trade deal purely political\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Odesa governor Saakashvili says he is not planning to aspire to prime ministerial post\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Poroshenko signs bill on Oct. 25 elections in united communities\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Kyiv says it has support of Venice Commission on changes to Constitution \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n EU not planning to review sanctions against Minsk before Belarusian presidential election\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Construction ministry initiates new beneficial mortgage crediting program worth Hr 1.5 billion\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Poroshenko enacts NSDC decision to protect Ukraine's aviation interests\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Crown Agents, Adam Smith International candidates to provide customs management services\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n S​aakashvili says Yatsenyuk’s Cabinet thwarts reforms, serves oligarchs\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Kuchma calls for fight for Donbas\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ukraine's forex reserves 21.6 percent up in August\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Trilateral Contact Group's security subgroup agrees upon document on withdrawing weapons in Donbas\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n African Swine Fever registered in six households in Rivne Oblast\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Halya Coynash: Kremlin-funded Sputnik Int. claims West criticizes Stalin to weaken Russia & its leadership\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ​E-commerce law to regulate commercial deals online\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Halya Coynash: Russia claims ‘universal jurisdiction’ to try Ukraine for human rights crimes\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n EU to provide 55 million euros of donor aid to Ukraine to support enterprises\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Guardian: Ukraine's government bears more responsibility for ongoing conflict than the far-right\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n International Business Times: Russian threat will last decades, Ukrainian President Poroshenko says\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Voice of America: Right-wing party members charged with Ukraine clashes\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yaroslavsky wants to buy back Metalist Kharkiv soccer club\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SBU accusing coal supplier to Centrenergo of financing terrorists\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n UPI: US monitoring reports of Russian troops in Syria\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cabinet decides to introduce region assessment ranking\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Experts: Constitutional changes don’t threaten national sovereignty\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ukraine Today: UNICEF says new polio vaccines are available\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cabinet receives proposal to dismiss Likarchuk, the deputy head of fiscal service\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Contact Group's security subgroup ends talks in Minsk\n \n \n \n " - ], - [ - "O delegatie din Egipt vine in Romania pentru a negocia conditiile de ...", - "\n\t07.09.2015\n\t\n\tActualitate, Bovine, România, Zootehnie\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\tAfişări: [post_view]\t\n\t \n \t \n \n 68 Flares \n \n \n \n Twitter \n \n \n 0 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Facebook \n \n \n 64 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Google+ \n \n \n 0 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n LinkedIn \n \n \n 4 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pin It Share \n \n \n 0 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 68 Flares \n \n \n × \n \nIn perioada 7 – 9 septembrie, la invitatia ANSVSA, o delegatie din cadrul Ministerului Agriculturii din Republica Araba Egipt, condusa de catre Subsecretarul de Stat, dr. Sayed Gad El Moula, efectueaza o vizita de lucru in tara noastra.\nLa sedinta de deschidere, care a avut loc in data de 7 septembrie, in prezenta Excelentei sale Alaa Elhadidi, Ambasadorul Republicii Arabe Egipt la Bucuresti, Presedintele ANSVSA, dr. Dumitru Baiculescu si-a exprimat convingerea ca aceasta intalnire va fi un pas inainte in dezvoltarea relatiilor de colaborare intre serviciile veterinare ale celor doua state.\nMentionam ca primele demersuri in acest sens au fost intreprinse in anul 2014, in cadrul proiectului „Misiune de evaluare a nevoilor din domeniul sanitar veterinar si pentru siguranta alimentelor in unele state din regiunea Africa de Nord si Orientul Mijlociu (MENA), finantat de Ministerul Afacerilor Externe din Romania.\nScopul principal al acestei vizite este negocierea conditiilor si a modelelor de certificate sanitare veterinare pentru exportul de bovine vii, destinate sacrificarii imediate si a celor pentru exportul carnii dezosate de bovine.\nCu acest prilej, vor fi abordate si aspecte legate de implementarea standardelor sanitare veterinare si fitosanitare, dar si de Memorandumul de Intelegere pentru intarirea si dezvoltarea relatiilor bilaterale de cooperare in domeniul sanitar veterinar si al sigurantei alimentelor care a fost semnat intre cele doua institutii.\nPe agenda vizitei figureaza si vizite la o ferma de bovine si la un abator de bovine autorizat pentru sacrificarea rituala, de tip “Halalâ€.\nVizita se incadreaza in seria de actiuni cuprinse in strategia de transfer a expertizei romanesti in Republica Araba Egipt pentru domeniile specifice de activitate care se inscriu in Planul de Actiune al Uniunii Europene, dar si de extindere a pietelor de desfacere pentru animalele vii si produsele de origine animala din Romania.\n\t\n " - ], - [ - "Panama border agent dies from Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis ...", - " \n\t \t \tPanamanian officials say a border agent who worked near the Colombia border has died due the mosquito borne viral disease, Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis (VEE), according to a local media report (computer translated).\nPanama map/CIA\nThe deceased officer of the State Border Service (SENAFRONT), died in late August, but was only revealed last week.\nOn Thursday, authorities said in a public statement that there are 11 confirmed cases of Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis, including death; and a case for human Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).\nAs for diagnosis of encephalitis in horses, 10 cases had a positive diagnosis of which 6 were eastern equine encephalitis, and the diagnosis for the other four is pending.\nVenezuelan equine encephalitis is an acute viral disease characterized by fever, chills, headache, nausea, vomiting, lumbosacral pain, and myalgia, which may progress to encephalitis. It is caused by the Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus and is a significant disease in the Americas.\nEastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) is spread to horses and humans by infected mosquitoes, including several Culex species and Culiseta melanura.\nSymptoms of EEE disease often appear 4 to 10 days after someone is bitten by an infected mosquito.\nEEE is a more serious disease than West Nile Virus (WNV) and carries a high mortality rate for those who contract the serious encephalitis form of the illness. Symptoms may include high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, and sore throat. There is no specific treatment for the disease, which can lead to seizures and coma.\nRobert Herriman is a microbiologist and the Editor-in-Chief of Outbreak News Today and the Executive Editor of The Global Dispatch\nFollow @bactiman63\n \n \n \n \n\t \t \n\t \t \n\t \t" - ], - [ - "Ukraine eyes meat export growth in Middle East, Asia", - "\n Ukraine expects to double poultry meat exports by 2018 and boost export growth for other meats off the back of increased trade with the Middle East and South-East Asia.\n \n \"Under favorable conditions, Ukraine in the next three years will be able to increase the export of poultry meat to 350,000 tonnes (t),\" said Sergey Karpenko, head of the country’s Association of Poultry Farmers. “We should focus on the opening of the new markets, including Saudi Arabia, China, Japan and South Africa.â€Â According to the country’s Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, last year Ukraine exported 218,000t of meat, including 175,000t of poultry, 28,000t of beef and 11,000t of pork. This year, the ministry forecast was for meat exports to grow by 19.3% year-on-year to 260,000t, including 215,000t of poultry, 30,000t of beef and 15,000t of pork. By 2017, meat export volumes are expected to increase to 450,000t. “Ukraine covered the loss of the Russian market, with the increase of export to the EU and expansion of supplies to the number of already opened destinations, such as for example Iraq,\" added Karpenko. “In 2013, Russia imported 35,000t of Ukraine pork, in 2014 – only 8,000t, while this year it was 350t.â€Â Export to RussiaAccording to Ukraine’s agricultural minister Alexei Pavlenko, the volume of agricultural export to Russia this year stands at the record lows ever. At the same time, in recent months Ukraine has signed a number of important agreements in the area of export supplies, including for the supplies of 12,000t of poultry per year to Egypt and for export of some poultry production to Israel. At the same time, the situation regarding exports of other meat products is more complicated. During the first half of 2015 Ukraine exported 18,620t of pork, a sevenfold increase compared with the same period last year. Thus, the volume of pork exports has already exceeded government forecasts.However, Russia accounts for 93% of all exports, with the largest regional importers being Crimea and Sevastopol. Ukraine’s experts previously estimated that the volume of pork export from the country may reach 50,000t – 60,000t by 2018, but these plans may be ruined by the epidemic of African swine fever (ASF) which is raging in the country. Beef exportThe prospects of beef export increases are also questionable. The Ukrainian government aims to bring it to 50,000t within the coming three years, but beef production in Ukraine is expected to drop by 6-8%, as the state has significantly cut the size of the industry support. However, beef producers this year are preparing to launch test export supplies to some Middle East countries, in particular Iran. Ukraine has also staked some hopes on the Free Trade Zone with the EU, set to be established since January 1, 2016. It is expected that it may benefit poultry producers, while the prospects for Ukraine pork and beef in the European market also remain questionable. \n \n " - ], - [ - "Panama report Eastern Equine Encephalitis outbreak in Darien ...", - " \n\t \t \tUp to a dozen people are suspected of contracting the mosquito borne viral disease, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), in Darien province in eastern Panama, the Panama Health Ministry reports.\nOne person has died die to EEE.\nIn addition to adult illnesses, health officials report 2 children, ages 6 and 10 months, have contracted the disease and both are reported as stable.\nDirector General of Health, Itza Barahona said that although mortality is low in humans, one must take preventive measures such as eliminating mosquito breeding sites, using repellents, wearing clothing that covers most of the body, and keeping areas clean. She stated that they will be carrying out fumigation days in order to avoid more cases.\nSymptoms of EEE disease often appear 4 to 10 days after being bitten. EEE is a more serious disease than West Nile virus and carries a high mortality rate for those who contract the serious encephalitis form of the illness. Symptoms may include high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, and sore throat. There is no specific treatment for the disease, which can lead to seizures and coma.\nRobert Herriman is a microbiologist and the Editor-in-Chief of Outbreak News Today\nFollow @bactiman63\nRelated: 13 Diseases You Can Get From Mosquitoes\n \nPanama map/CIA\n \n \n \n \n\t \t \n\t \t \n\t \t" - ], - [ - "Rasa de vaci de carne Aubrac devine tot mai populara in Romania ...", - "\n\t09.09.2015\n\t\n\tBovine, Zootehnie\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\tAfişări: [post_view]\t\n\t \n \t \n \n 109 Flares \n \n \n \n Twitter \n \n \n 0 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Facebook \n \n \n 108 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Google+ \n \n \n 0 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n LinkedIn \n \n \n 1 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pin It Share \n \n \n 0 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 109 Flares \n \n \n × \n \nO noua rasa de vaci de carne ar putea sa detroneze popularitatea Angus sau Charolaise in Romania. Este vorba de rasa franceza Aubrac, recunoscuta pentru adaptabilitatea sa, precum si pentru sporul de crestere. Daca la fatare, un vitel are in jur de 40 de kg, intr-un an de zile acesta ajunge la circa 400 de kg. Mai mult decat atat, vacile pot ajunge pana la o greutate de 800 de kg, iar un taur pana la 1.200 de kg.\nUna dintre fermele din Romania in care regasim rasa de carne Aubrac este cea detinuta de omul de afaceri Marius Tucudean in localitatea Voievodeni, din judetul Arad. Aici, peste 60 de capete de vaci din rasa Aubrac sunt crescute cu multa atentie sub indrumarea lui Nelutu Hanis, administratorul fermei, precum si sub atenta observatie a lui Andrei lung, medicul veterinar al fermei din Voievodeni.\nPrimele vaci Aubrac au fost cumparate de ferma lui Marius Tucudean in 2013, direct din Franta. Achizitionarea acestei rase nu a fost una intamplatoare, ci realizata in urma unei ample documentari. Cele mai importante caracteristici ale rasei Aubrac care l-au facut pe Marius Tucudean sa cumpere un prim efectiv de 15 vaci Aubrac au fost calitatile extraordinare de adaptare, gustul superior al carnii, precum si datorita sporului foarte bun de crestere.\n„Initial au fost cumparate 15 capete din rasa Aubrac, apoi au mai fost aduse inca 14 gestante si un taur, iar dupa aceea inca 30 de junici de un an. Ceea ce inseamna ca avem in prezent un efectiv de 60 de capete. Prima calitate care ne-a facut sa achizitionam aceasta rasa a fost faptul ca animalele sunt rezistente si se adapteaza foarte usor de la un mediu la altul. De exemplu, ele au venit de la o inaltime de 1.000 si ceva de metri, din Muntii Aubrac. Aici la noi s-au intalnit, cel putin in aceasta vara, cu temperaturi foarte mari. Cu toate acestea rezista fara probleme. Stau libere pe o pasune de 50 de hectare. Chiar si cand era foarte cald, multe dintre animale nu simteau nevoia sa intre in adapost, la umbra, ceea ce arata inca o data rezistenta acestei raseâ€, declara, pentru StiriAgricole.ro, Nelutu Hanis, administratorul fermei din Voievodeni.\nDin punct de vedere al hranei, bovinele din rasa Aubrac sunt hranite cu siloz de iarba si fan, iar tineretul pentru ingrasare primeste si un supliment de vitamine si minerale. Pentru a diminua din costuri, ferma lui Tucudean isi produce singura si furajele necesare hranei.\n„In timpul verii le lasam la pasunat liber. Daca este nevoie, suplimentam hrana si cu lucerna, eventual si cu ocatura de tulei sau porumb si grau macinat. La vitei, in perioada de ingrasat, le dam si cateva concentrate. Merita spus ca aceste animale mananca destul de mult, mai ales ca provin dintr-o rasa de carne, insa nu sunt pretentioase la hranaâ€, explica Andrei Lung, medic veterinar la ferma din Voievodeni.\nLa nastere, un vitel din rasa Aubrac are circa 40 de kg, ajungand in 120 de zile la 158 de kilograme, iar dupa un an la o masa totala de 400 de kg. O vaca din rasa Aubrac poate atinge o greutate maxima de circa 800-900 de kg, iar un taur poate cantari pana la 1.200 de kg. In medie, viteii se comercializeaza cu aproximativ 3,5 euro kilogramul, iar vitelele cu 3,2 euro/kg.\n„Pana acum am vandut doar 10 taurasi la un domn italian de la noi. Dansul are o firma si face export in Italia. Cumpara de la mai multi proprietari din zona. Viteii se comercializeaza cu 3,5 euro kilogramul, iar vitelele cam cu 3,2 euro/kg. La aceasta rasa, laptele nu se colecteaza, fiind pastrat pentru cresterea viteilorâ€, precizeaza Andrei Lung, medic veterinar la ferma din Voievodeni.\nIn general, exemplarele din rasa Aubrac au culoare cafenie-rosiatica, mai inchisa in jurul ochilor si a botului care se continua cu culoarea alba, pielea de culoare neagra, coarnele in forma de lira. Gatul scurt, pieptul larg, crupa musculoasa, picioarele scurte si puternice. In Franta peste 60% din vaci sunt insamantate cu Charolaise datorita fatarilor usoare.\nUn aspect de care fermierii trebuie sa tina cont atunci cand doresc sa-si mareasca efectivul din rasa Aubrac este ca junicile sa fie montate doar daca au peste 350 de kilograme.\n„Daca sunt mai bine dezvoltate, atunci nu vor avea probleme la fatare. Totusi, ceea ce pot sa amintesc este ca femelele devin foarte agresive la fatare. Au un instinct matern foarte dezvoltat. Ceea ce pot recomanda este o monta naturala sau una realizata intr-un spatiu amenajatâ€, mai spune Andrei Lung.\nNelutu Hanis, administratorul fermei din Voievodeni, considera ca fermierii din Romania se vor orienta tot mai mult catre bovinele din rase de carne, avand in vedere ca sprijinul cuplat pentru asemenea exemplare este mai mare decat in alti ani. Rasa Aubrac este inclusa de exemplu pe lista vacilor care sunt eligibile la plata sprijinului cuplat pentru exemplarele din rasele de carne. Astfel, in 2015, fermierii ar putea primi o subventie de 300 de euro pentru un animal de rasa pura.\nUn exemplar adult Aubrac, din rasa pura, se comercializeaza cu un pret de circa 2.000 de euro, mai afirma Andrei Lung, medic veterinar la ferma din Voievodeni.\nAubrac este o rasa foarte veche din Franta, originara din muntii Aubrac (sudul masivului Central). Crescuta in principal in departamentul Aveyron, Cantal, Lozere si Haute-Loire, de-a lungul timpului s-a raspandit in special in zonele dificile, improprii altor rase: zona montana (Aude, Puy-de-Dôme, Pirineii Orientali, etc) si platourile inalte calcaroase (Gard, Hérault, Landes, etc). Initial crescuta ca si rasa mixta (laptele este utilizat la obtinerea branzei Laguiole) ulterior dupa cel de-al doilea razboi mondial a fost crescuta in special pentru productia de carne.\n\t\n " - ], - [ - "Poland approves wild boar cull", - " \n \n Poland approves wild boar cull \n \n \n PR dla Zagranicy \n \n \n \n Nick Hodge \n \n 17.07.2014 11:57 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A cull of over 3000 wild boar in the north eastern Podlaskie region has been approved after further cases of African Swine Fever were confirmed last week. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nPhoto: wikipedia \n \n \nLocal hunters had complained of financial losses, noting that although ASF is not dangerous to humans, demand has dropped dramatically for wild boar meat in Poland in recent months. \nThe cull will take place within the buffer zone that was created near the Belarusian border following the outbreak of ASF in late January. \nPoland's Chief Veterinary Officer Marek Pirsztuk has allowed hunters to shoot about 3200 wild boar. \nHunters will be paid 150 zloty per carcass (32 euros) by the State Treasury. The dead animals will be handed in at collection points and then disposed of by a specialist company. \nAccording to Miroslaw Czech, from the Regional Veterinary Inspectorate in Bialystok, the goal is to keep the wild boar population down. \nRussia introduced an EU-wide block on pork products after the initial ASF outbreak, although EU Health Commissioner Tonio Borg argued that in all likelihood, the source of the virus was in Belarus, and not within the EU. \nChina is among the countries to have placed an embargo on Polish pork products, although Ukraine ended its embargo in June. (nh) \nSource: PAP \n \n \n \n \n " - ], - [ - "France to vaccinate livestock following…", - "\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\tPARIS, Sept 11 (Reuters) – France is preparing a widespread vaccination campaign for livestock following an outbreak of bluetongue disease on a farm in the centre of the country, the government said on Friday.\nFrance, the European Union’s biggest agricultural producer, had been declared free of bluetongue on its mainland since 2012 and the return of the viral disease could lead to restrictions of live animal exports in another setback for livestock farmers, who have been protesting about falling meat and dairy prices.\nThe disease, which affects ruminants but not humans, was detected in the Allier administrative department in central France, part of a major cattle region, agriculture minister Stephane Le Foll told reporters.\nTests conducted so far on a suspected farm had shown 27 positive results among cattle and six among sheep, while another 14 ruminants had tested positive in a two kilometre zone around the farm.\nThe authorities are introducing a wider 150 km restriction zone around the farm, with limits on livestock movements, and have ordered 1.3 million doses of a vaccine to tackle the disease.\nThe origin of the outbreak was unclear because it involved the serotype 8 that had not been reported for several years in herds anywhere in the world, officials said, pointing to the possibility the strain may have gone undetected among wild animals.\nBluetongue has been a recurring disease in parts of southern Europe and swept through northern Europe in 2007-2008 in a wave that led to mass vaccination of ruminants.\nThe French government will consult health experts and livestock farming representatives next week in order to decide on the scope of vaccination program and its funding, Le Foll said.\n\t\n\t\n\t" - ], - [ - "'Blue-ear disease' kills over 1200 pigs in northwest Cambodia", - "\n\t\n\t‘Blue-ear disease’ kills over 1,200 pigs in northwest Cambodia\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\tBy PNA/Xinhua\nPhnom Penh – A new breakout of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) has killed more than 1,200 pigs while infecting some 3,200 more in three districts across Cambodia’s Siem Reap province since mid-August, a local newspaper reported Monday.\nOfficials, meanwhile, are attempting to stem the spread of the disease by disinfecting pig farms and transportation vehicles.\nPrum Vich, an animal health and production chief at the Siem Reap Provincial Agriculture Department, said the outbreak started on Aug. 14, according to the Phnom Penh Post.\nSince then the disease has killed 1,204 pigs and infected 3,241 more. Two districts in Siem Reap – Sotr Nikum and Chi Kraeng – have borne the brunt of the outbreak, though the disease, also known as “blue-ear disease,†has also spread to Prasat Bakong district.\n“This happened in Cambodia in 2009, but for more than five years we had not had an outbreak,†he was quoted by the newspaper as saying.\nHe added that while the disease is unlike bird flu or H1N1 in that it doesn’t directly infect humans, tainted meat may cause health problems down the line and therefore must be disposed of.\n“It affects human health if we eat the disease-ridden meat,†Vich said. “That’s why we told farmers whose pigs have died to bury them and not sell (the meat) at the market.â€\nVich said that officials have taken 23 samples to send to the National Laboratory for analysis, adding that the disease usually arises from a lack of hygiene on farms or in transportation vehicles.\n \t" - ], - [ - "Foot and Mouth Rumours Confirmed in Angola", - "News Foot and Mouth Rumours Confirmed in Angola03 September 2015 \n \nANGOLA - Investigations confirmed the presence of Foot and Mouth disease after rumours of infection in village cattle spread.Six cattle were found to have signs and lesions consistent with Foot and Mouth infection. \nThe cattle came from a village herd of 34, in an area along the Cubango River used to transport cattle between summer and winter pastures. Another 5000 cattle are listed as susceptible to the disease following the outbreak. \nMovement controls, quarantines and surveillance along with modified stamping out of the disease will be used to control spread. \nThe outbreak occurred in the Cubene region, in the south of the country. \n \nTheCattleSite News Desk \n" - ], - [ - "USAID provides $2 million to battle animal diseases", - " \n \n Updated  \n \n \n September, 17 2015 18:43:00 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n USAID provides $2 million to battle animal diseases \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n USAID gives Viet Nam $2.1 million to help its fight against animal diseases, including bird flu. — Photo dantri.com.vn \n \n \n \nHA NOI (VNS) — The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has given Viet Nam US$2.1 million to help it fight against animal diseases, officials said. \nViet Nam's agriculture and rural development deputy minister, Vu Vãn Tám, and the Country Representative of Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) in Viet Nam, Jongha Bae, signed the project here yesterday. \nThe project, titled \"Risk mitigation and management of human health threats along animal value chains,\" aims to both prevent animal diseases and improve breeders' living standards. \nIt includes four main components: One-Health mechanisms and collaboration; disease risk reduction along livestock value chains; surveillance for disease prevention and control; and cross-border collaborations in the lower Mekong and Red River deltas to prevent the spread of disease. \n\"Our new project will be built upon the long-standing successful avian influenza emergency response programme previously implemented by the FAO Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases Operations (ECTAD) country team,\" Bae said at the signing ceremony. \n\"And they will once again play an important role in ensuring FAO collaboration and support in Viet Nam.\" The Vietnamese deputy minister expressed appreciation for USAID's support through the FAO to help Viet Nam fight against avian influenza, pledging that the agricultural ministry would closely supervise partners in order to implement the project effectively. \nDr. Scott Newman, the Senior Technical Coordinator of FAO ECTAD Viet Nam, said the co-operation between the FAO and Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development had resulted in reducing the impact of the avian influenza virus on poultry and people by improving the country's capacity to detect and respond to the disease. \nHowever, after surviving the crisis surrounding the emergence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1), the need for a fundamentally sustainable approach to fight against not only avian influenza but also other livestock and zoonotic transboundary diseases has emerged. — VNS \n \n \n \n \n \n \n  \n \n \n VietNamNews may edit your comments and not all emails will be published. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n " - ], - [ - "Beef shortages hit Zim due to foot and mouth diseases", - " \n \n\tZIMBABWE has been hit by beef shortage due to the outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) recently across the country, the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ) has said.\nBY MTHANDAZO NYONI\nZimbabwe has experienced regular outbreaks of the disease in recent times in cattle rich regions of Matabeleland and Midlands, which have adversely affected the industry as the country is an exporter of meat.\nThe same was also witnessed in Matabeleland South Agricultural Show, where a limited number of cattle were brought for the exhibition due to FMD.\nIn its monthly update, CCZ said due to outbreak of FMD, the price of beef shot up to $3,80 per kg from $3,60 recorded last month, thereby pushing up the consumer basket for an average family of six by $2,71 to $561,02 as at the end of August 2015.\nThe food basket increased by 2,46% to $117,95 by end-August 2015. \n “As CCZ, we assume that the above price increase is caused by the limited supply of beef on the market due to foot and mouth disease outbreak, which occurred recently and the season of tomatoes which has ended hence the price rise in these certain products,†CCZ said.\nIn April, the veterinary services department in the Midlands suspended cattle trade in parts of the province due to the outbreak of FMD.\nThe department also banned the exhibition of cattle at this year’s edition of the Midlands Agricultural Show in an effort to contain the spread of the disease.\nCCZ said some of the increases in prices were recorded on sugar by 8c to $1,75 per 2 kg from $1,67, flour by 9c to $1,69 per 2kg and tomatoes by 25c to $0,85 per kg among others.\nThe price of detergents decreased by 12c to $9,07. \nHowever, decrease in prices was recorded on roller meal by 79c to $9 per 20 kg, 750 ml of cooking oil by 7c to $,35, 2 kg of rice by 5c to $1,55 and onions by 15c from $1 to $0,85.\nThe prices of other basic commodities, which include margarine, fresh milk, bread, salt, laundry bar and bath soap remained unchanged from end July 2015 figures.\nCCZ said it would continue to encourage consumers to shop conscientiously and to always buy certified products.\nThe watchdog said consumers should check for vital information such as manufacturing and expiry dates and ingredients used in the making of products they buy.\nThe survey is conducted twice during the first and the last weeks of every month.\nThe total cost of the food basket and the price of each commodity are arrived at by averaging prices gathered from retail outlets throughout the country.\nThe basket is considered a fairly accurate depiction of the cost of living in urban Zimbabwe.\n \n\t" - ], - [ - "Fresh beef exports: What we need to do", - "\n \n \n \n\tDr Unesu  Ushewokunze-Obatolu\nAs a cattle country, we have not been exploiting our real potential in beef production. The reasons for this are many and interlinked. First is inconsistency in the supply of quality beef, good enough to satisfy discerning local and external tastes in the face of international competition. Beef on sale presently is mostly undifferentiated and volumes have been negatively affected by reduction in off-take and carcass yield due to declining attention to issues of breeding, husbandry practices and selection criteria to assure consistency, predictability and traceability. Discretions for these criteria, which could be applied at marketing, are being undermined by unclear policies in the marketing of live cattle, particularly those that have to do with levies not necessarily related to development-related incentives and services. The marketing of beef cattle has, therefore, become too informal and regulatory services meant to guarantee price fairness and to assure consumer protection cannot be delivered.\nA breed of beef cattle producers with a flair for production of high numbers of animals offering high quality meat and who subject themselves to the regulatory services in animal health and production to guarantee good beef quality and provide meat safety assurance are now needed.\nFarmers are also encouraged to join commodity associations in order to learn from each other, from extension agents, and understand market requirements and lobby for value chain support.\nInformal marketing has another danger in connection with effectiveness of veterinary controls on sanitary safety with respect to the spread of contagious diseases and pests of economic and others of public health importance.\nVeterinary controls, especially movement restrictions, are an important measure applied to limit contact between affected or potentially infected animals, and those that are susceptible to given diseases or pests. The periods of movement restriction depends on the disease or pest of concern, known best by the veterinary authorities, and which can change from time to time and from area to area.\nUnfortunately, transacting parties (buyers and sellers), often underplay the importance of these measures and we end up with spread which undermines effectiveness of veterinary services with negative consequences to the industry.\nThis has been a significant factor in the current Foot and Mouth disease epizootic in cattle, which has eroded the gains which the veterinary service had made over the last seven years in pushing the frontier of the disease affected areas to within less than 50 km of the disease’s natural occurrence areas within game conservation ranges.\nA second cause of increased frequency of occurrence and spread of FMD in cattle is the contact between cattle and the wild buffalo, which is the refractory natural reservoir of the causative FMD virus.\nGame parks and conservancies are expected to be secured by fencing on grounds of safety and security to people and livestock, in addition to wildlife conservation interests.\nOur game conservation areas are now generally not secured to effectively separate wildlife from cattle farming areas.\nWhere separation exists, however, it may be undermined when grazing areas become depleted, especially in the more marginal areas. This forces farmers to drive cattle onto game areas where they come into close contact with buffalo, especially following the weaning of buffalo calves when they begin to amplify the virus. Similarly, shortage of water during the dry periods lead to increased exposure to infection due to mixing at the few watering points. The conservation areas managed by the Parks and Wildlife Management Authority of Zimbabwe are only a part of much larger Transfrontier Conservation areas (TFCAs), which nature conservationists are urging to remain unfenced to allow wildlife to follow their natural habitat ranges, without limits. This results in conflict between livestock producers and the conservation movement, further driven by interests in tourism. A balance needs to be struck between the two spheres of interest affecting the viability of livestock producers, land use options and national economic interests.\nLivestock keepers in such areas need to be supported with feed resources and watering infrastructure in order to limit movements of cattle.\nOnce cattle are confined either by physical fencing or through good herdsmanship, additional benefits such as pasture regeneration, breeding improvement and general security against theft and predators will be realised.\nEffective separation from game can also result in benefits to improved health, including better control of the spread of FMD. Our communally managed cattle, which now account for upwards of 90 percent of the national cattle herd, escalate the spread of contagious disease because herds are characterised by high stocking rates and are not necessarily separated from neighbouring herds by physical boundaries. Cattle-to-cattle spread of disease, therefore, challenges the system and is associated with large contingency resource requirements.\nThere’s an urgent need to change cattle management in this sector through the animal production and health extension system. FMD – being the most dreaded contagious disease affecting cattle and pigs — is naturally of trade concern and is a bottom line in decisions made by prospective importing countries.\nAs a consequence, potential trade partners lose their interest in importing our beef, live cattle and other farm produce such as farm feeds and hay.\nWe also lose opportunities to realising earnings from sought-after indigenous breeds and certain wildlife from lower risk areas. Therefore, it matters a great deal that veterinary services are able to effectively detect FMD rapidly through a system of continuous vigilance and rapid control at source to safeguard areas not yet affected by it. This depends a lot on the application of best veterinary practices as defined in animal health standards set by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), to which Zimbabwe is a member. The OIE sets standards for the performance of national veterinary services, the science-based measures utilised in the detection, prevention, control and eradication of listed animal and zoonotic diseases. This is a resource-intensive exercise.\nThe OIE standards are the basis for arbitration in trade involving animals and animal products. In applying these standards, countries earn their sanitary status by endorsement from the OIE following assessments for their compliance with the set standards. Such endorsements enhance prospects for favourable trade decisions by interested importers.\nOver the past few years, therefore, Zimbabwe’s veterinary service has undergone a performance assessment, leading to the determination of gaps in the system, which now urgently need to be addressed largely through investment and review of best practices for public sector veterinary services in support of the industry. Some of these investments include capacity optimisation, re-establishment of disease control zones and fencing of cattle farming properties as a basis for cattle traceability and movement control.\nIn the same vein, FMD being the leading trade-related animal disease, an application has been lodged with the OIE for consideration in having the national official programme for FMD control endorsed. Consequent to that application, the OIE recently sent its scientific commission on a validation mission to see first-hand the various measures applied in FMD control with respect to their effectiveness and how they comply with the standard. In follow-up steps, FMD control zones will need to be redefined in the context of national goals and additional options now provided by the OIE standard for trade in “safe†commodities such as canned beef.\nWhile veterinary services are obviously important, weak stakeholder involvement render them not as effective as they should be. Livestock keepers, traders, processors and transporters need to play their part in promoting and sustaining veterinary control measures.\nStrict compliance along the full value chain, starting from the farm with responsible stockmanship involving confinement of cattle to their properties, herding by day and kraaling at night, providing them with sufficient water and feed and preventing straying to compliance with veterinary movement regulations and other orders right up to the abattoirs, go a long way towards limiting the impact FMD exerts on commerce and trade involving cattle and beef.\nCattle permitted only for direct slaughter must never be diverted to farms or feedlots. Management of feedlots is specific and closely supervised for specified circumstances.\nTherefore, greater discipline by stakeholders is of paramount importance if we are to overcome the negative effects of FMD outbreaks on herd performance, agricultural productivity and commercial activities involving cattle, including export trade of farmed produce.\nMarket access for our beef can then become a reality.\nDr Unesu Ushewokunze-Obatolu is the Principal Director of the Livestock & Veterinary Services Department and wrote this article for The Sunday Mail.\n\tRelated\n\t\n\t\n\t" - ], - [ - "Further Bluetongue Cases Reported in Romania, Hungary", - "News Further Bluetongue Cases Reported in Romania, Hungary14 September 2015 \n \nROMANIA & HUNGARY - There have been two more outbreaks of bluetongue disease in Romania and one in Hungary.The cases in Romania follow several recently reported cases in the same area near the Moldovan border. \nThe two new outbreaks in Botosani infected six cattle, out of a total of 13 susceptible animals. Both the outbreaks occurred in backyard herds. \n \nIn Hungary, the outbreak occurred in the Tolna region, towards the south of the country. \nTwo cattle were infected out of a susceptible population of 299 cattle on a farm. \n \nTheCattleSite News Desk \n" - ], - [ - "Nigeria lost 79134 birds worth over N85 million to Avian Influenza", - " \n\tAbout 79,134 birds worth over N85 million were lost to Avian Influenza, popularly known as bird flu in Lagos, the Director, Veterinary Services, State Agricultural Development Authority, Dr Ganiu Adams, has said.\nTo control the spread of the disease, he said the veterinary department depopulated 71,026 birds.\nHe said 20 farms in Lagos have been confirmed positive for bird flu infection following laboratory examination by the National Veterinary Research Institute in Vom, Plateau State.\nIn a statement in Abuja, Adams said bird flu education remained a critical and central strategy of control of the disease worldwide.\nHe said many poultry trades risked being affected by the highly pathogenic Avian Influenza, adding that few commercial farms and live birds markets practice adequate bio-security measures.\n“Since the beginning of July, streams of reports of high mortalities of birds in various poultry farms across Lagos State have been pouring into the Avian Influenza desk office. So far, 20 farms in Lagos have been confirmed positive for bird flu infection following laboratory examination carried out by the National Veterinary Research Institute.\n“The current scourge has led to the loss of 79,134 birds with an estimated worth of over N85 million. This excludes the stock of farmers who did not make official report to the state. To control the spread of the disease, the veterinary department depopulated 71,026 birds,†he said.\nAdams, who spoke at the Sensitisation/Awareness Workshop for Stakeholders on Preventive Measures against Avian Influenza, added that the state was at risk of bird flu infection through birds being brought from other parts of the country. The state, he said, accounts for over 200 poultry markets and serves as the most popular outlet for poultry and poultry products from different parts of the country.\nEarlier, the Federal Government called for collaboration with the private sector to prevent further outbreak of the disease.\nThe Director, Federal Department of Veterinary and Pest Control Services, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural development, Dr. Abdulganiyu Abubakar, said it was sad to note that after about eight weeks of non-report of suspicious outbreak of the flu nationwide, the disease was recently recorded in Lagos and Oyo states. It also made incursions into Abia and Enugu states.\nHe said the problem must be urgently addressed because of the grave consequences of the outbreaks on the traumatised poultry industry.\nAbubakar said: “It is thus imperative that concrete steps are taken to reduce the socio-economic impact of bird flu and improve the well-being of our people. I am aware that participants at this workshop are important stakeholders from the private and public sectors.\n“This I believe will foster the much needed spirit of public-private partnership and collaboration in the current fight against the on-going threat of bird flu.â€\n\tRelated\n \n\t " - ], - [ - "Botswana beef exports on the decline", - " \nThe Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis (BIDPA) has warned that Botswana beef exports could decline.\nThis follows the poor financial performance of Botswana Meat Commission (BMC), trade reforms in European Union (EU) beef market, worsening droughts and repeated outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease in some parts of the country.\nBotswana has been ranked among the leading beef exporters in the world.\nIn a research report released last week BIDPA has noted that the country’s high ranking beef industry is facing a potential threat.\nBIDPA has warned that the single statutory export market channel through BMC is risky as collapse of the entity would lead to abrupt discontinuation of beef exports to the lucrative EU market.\n“Given that BMC has been experiencing declining and negative profits in the past, this threat may be eminent, unless perpetual bailouts by taxpayers are indefinitely continued,†said BIDPA.\nThe research institution has noted that the communal system which is the most prominent and accounts for more than 80 percent of the country’s cattle population is another factor which poses a serious threat to beef exports.\nThe communal system is considered less productive when compared to ranching.\nBIDPA Researcher Tebogo Seleka has indicated that changes in EU beef export requirements pose risks to Botswana’s beef industry.\n“The requirement that cattle should have been kept in a single enclosed area for a given period before they are slaughtered for the EU market is not practical under communal arrangements and serves as a trade barrier. Given that over 80 percent of Botswana’s cattle are in the communal production system, this requirement would therefore lead to reduced exports to the lucrative EU market, impacting adversely on beef industry competitiveness,†said Seleka.\nHe said drought conditions in this country are worsening and evidence have shown that the occurrence of drought causes farmers to increase cattle sales, as a strategy to minimize the risk of loss and in subsequent good years following drought, farmers rebuild their breeding stock, and thereby reduce cattle sales.\n“Thus, such drought-induced decisions have had both short- and long-term adverse impact on cattle sales and beef exports,†said the Researcher.\nSeleka has also cited Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreaks as another factor, which could adversely impact cattle sales directly through the banning of trade from affected areas.\n“FMD outbreaks have had long-term adverse impact on the beef industry where they have led to destruction of cattle in the the affected areas to halt further FMD spread. Mandatory cattle destruction impacts adversely on cattle sales to the BMC and overall beef exports. It also reduces the breeding stock now, leading to a reduction in future cattle sales,†he said.\nThe Agricultural Economist said there is a rising domestic demand for beef and this could contribute to declining beef exports.\n“With the stagnant cattle supply, this could lead to declining beef export and the continued rise in domestic demand for beef may ultimately render it non competitive for the country to export beef, and may lead to the total collapse of beef exports,†warned the researcher.\nBMC throughput has declined about double-fold from its peak of about 240 thousand herds in 1984 to only 120 thousand herds in 2014.\nFacebook Comments" - ], - [ - "Poland revisits meat exports to Ukraine", - "\n By Vladislav VorotnikovVladislav Vorotnikov , 17-Sep-20152015-09-17T00:00:00Z\n Ukraine has finally lifted an eight-year ban on meat imports from Poland, according to Polish prime minister Ewa Kopacz, following a meeting with Ukraine prime minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk last month.\n \n In 2007 Poland lost the ability to supply beef to Ukraine, while a restriction on pork was added last year due to African swine fever (ASF). “In 2013, Poland exported pork worth a total of €80 million to Ukraine, which makes Ukraine an important customer for Polish meat exports,†said the minister.The decision by the Ukrainian authorities could help to ease an overproduction crisis in the Polish meat market, due to severe drought in July and August. “Beef and pork on the domestic market are becoming cheaper, because of the drought,â€Â said Witold Choinski, president of the Polish Meat Association (ZwiÄ…zku Polskie MiÄ™so). “It turns out that more animals are going to slaughter, due to a lack of feed. In the past three weeks, a lot of agricultural animals have been slaughtered. This concerns not only pigs, but also cattle. Some dairy cow owners are getting rid of weak animals as well.â€However, experts said the potential of Russia, Ukraine and other post-Soviet countries as importers of meat was not the same as before, due to the devaluation of their national currencies. As a result, in the long-term it is unlikely that Polish suppliers will restore exports to these countries to the levels observed prior to the restrictions, particularly given the growth of Polish exports to other countries. 'Serious problem'“The bans have only had a symbolic impact on food exports,†said Bartosz Urbaniak, a member of the agribusiness board for BGZ BNP Paribas. “A much bigger influence has been the impoverishment of society in Russia, Ukraine and other eastern markets. The ruble and other local currencies have depreciated against the euro by 25%. And that means food is by 25-30% more expensive there. This is a much more serious problem than administrative barriers, because the people who used to buy Polish food, now cannot afford it.â€Meanwhile, data from European statistical service Eurostat said that Poland’s meat exports in non-EU countries were booming; in the first half of 2015 they jumped 41% compared to the same period last year, when the growth rate was 31%. Poland’s meat companies are also expanding their presence in African markets, including Benin, which acts as a transmission port, as well as China and Hong Kong.The growth of Polish exports to EU countries this year slowed down to 10% growth during the first half of 2015, compared to 18% growth last year. In total, Polish exports of meat and poultry during the first half of 2015 were estimated at 482,000 tonnes, 16% more than during the same period in 2014. \n \n " - ], - [ - "Polish-Chinese trade looking up?", - " \n \n Polish-Chinese trade looking up? \n \n \n PR dla Zagranicy \n \n \n \n Nick Hodge \n \n 04.08.2014 09:48 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Poland could increase exports to China and be a major beneficiary of that country's investments, according to the head of Poland's foreign investment agency. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nBeijing financial district: wikipedia \n \n \nPoland currently has a significant trade deficit with China, with Polish exports to the Asian country amounting to 2.1 billion US dollars in 2013, while Chinese exports to Poland stood at 19 billion dollars. \nThe disparity is already decreasing, SÅ‚awomir Majman, head of the Polish Information and Foreign Investment Agency (PAIiIZ) told the Polish Press Agency. \n“In the first quarter of this year, we observed a three-percent growth in Polish exports,†he said. \nMajman stressed that equal values are out of reach, but it would be satisfactory if Polish exports rose to one sixth or one fifth of what China sells to Poland, rather than one tenth. \nIn his opinion, Polish exports have the potential to grow, especially those in the food sector, such as milk, dairy products and meat. \nPoland does have to overcome an obstacle in one of these spheres. In February this year, China introduced an embargo on Polish pork after cases of African Swine Fever were recorded in Poland. Majman said he is counting on a positive outcome of bilateral talks. \nThe head of PAIiIZ also expects an increase in Polish-Chinese business relations in general. Over the past year or so, some 120 Chinese business delegations have visited Poland and more visits are expected later this year. \n“We are encouraging Chinese companies to invest in Poland in areas such as IT and telecommunications, research and development, car parts manufacturing and food processing,†Majman said. \n“The Chinese are strongly interested in the Polish energy sector. But I think that the future of Chinese capital in Poland lies in machinery manufacturing and IT,†he added. (kw/nh) \n \n \n \n \n " - ], - [ - "France sees first case of bluetongue in EU since 2011", - "\n France sees first case of bluetongue in EU since 2011\n \n Monday 14 September 2015 15:29 \n \n ©Nick Spurling/FLPA / imageBROKER/REXUK livestock farmers have been told to be on the alert after the first case of bluetongue disease seen in the EU since 2011 was confirmed on a farm in central France.\nSuspicions were raised after a sheep on the holding in the Allier region showed symptoms of the disease on 21 August.\nSubsequent tests have found five out of 175 sheep and 27 out of 147 cattle were positive for the disease.\nSee also: Bluetongue symptoms\nAccording to the French Ministry of Agriculture, a 150km zone has since been put in place, introducing movement restrictions, along with active surveillance and a ban on gatherings.\nIn addition, the French government and livestock sectors have in place a vaccination strategy and 1.3m doses of vaccine will be made available as soon as possible.\nPreliminary investigations suggest an additional seven holdings in the 2km zone around the index case also have animals which have tested positive.\nAccording to a Defra briefing document, investigations are under way in the region and neighbouring areas to determine the source of infection.\nThe EU’s trade notification system (Traces), shows there have been no direct cattle or sheep/goat imports into the UK from this region or the neighbouring Puy de Dome region since 1 August.\n“However, as many consignments come through assembly centres, it is not always obvious what the place of origin would be and therefore livestock keepers in the UK should be vigilant to possible clinical signs,†said Defra.\n“Until the origin of disease is understood and the extent of spread, it is difficult to assess whether this outbreak signifies an increase in our risk level from low to medium. Meteorological modelling of recent weather conditions to assess whether the UK has been at risk of incursion in the past two months will be carried out.â€\n " - ], - [ - "Bluetongue in France; 1.3m doses of vaccine made available", - "\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\tThere has been an outbreak of bluetongue in a sheep and cattle herd in Allier, France, the department of agriculture in France has confirmed.\nThe disease, which is transferred by insects such as midges, is not transmissible to humans and does not affect the quality of food.\nAccording to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), of the 147 cattle on the farm 27 tested positive for the disease.\nOf the 208 sheep, six tested positive for bluetongue and one sheep has been destroyed. Only one sheep out of the 208 sheep and 147 cattle was showing clinical signs, it said.\nThe French minister for agriculture Stephane Le Foll, has put in place measures to prevent any risk of spread of the disease.\nThe livestock on the farm with the outbreak was placed under enhanced surveillance and the movements of animals were blocked in operation.\nIn addition, a protection zone and surveillance of 150km radius around the affected farm has been set.\nIn this area and in accordance with European regulations, management measures are implemented: restriction of movement of animals, regrouping ban, active surveillance and so on, the French government said.\nStarting next week, 1.3m doses of vaccine will be available, Le Foll has announced.\nLe Foll will contact the European Commissioners for health and agriculture from the beginning of next week to inform them of the health situation and management measures implemented by France.\nDomestic ruminants such as cattle, sheep and goats are susceptible to bluetongue and mainland France has been free from the disease since 2012.\n\t\n\t\n\t" - ], - [ - "Interreg IPA cross-border cooperation Programme Romania-Serbia ...", - "\n\t Interreg IPA cross-border cooperation Programme Romania-Serbia was launched yesterday\n\tWednesday, September 16, 2015\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t The Interreg IPA cross-border cooperation Programme Romania-Serbia, which continues financing of the cross-border cooperation projects in the Romanian-Serbian border area for the 2014-2020 programming period, through the pre-accession assistance Instrument, with the EU support and the one of the two countries' governments, was officially launched on Tuesday. \nAccording to a release by the Regional Development and Public Administration Ministry (MDRAP), the total budget of the programme is 88,124,999 euros, of which 74,906,248 euros in EU grant. The first call for projects under the programme was also launched on Tuesday, on a budget of 50 million euros, of which 22 million euros earmarked for strategic project. The deadline for tendering is January 15 2016, except for strategic projects, which can be proposed until March 15 2016. The applicant's guides are available on the programme's website www.romania-serbia.net. From 2014 through 2020, projects on four priority axes could be funded in the following fields: promotion of employment and services for a growth favourable to inclusion - 18 million euros, environment protection and risk management - 21 million euros, sustainable mobility and accessibility - 21 million euros, and attractiveness for a sustainable tourism - 18 million euros. The programme's eligible area is covered by the Romanian southwestern counties of Timis, Caras-Severin and Mehedinti, and the Serbian districts of Severno Banatski, Srednje Banatski, Juzno Banatski, Branicevski, Borski and Podunavski. Romania continues to be a management authority through the MDRAP, the national authority being established within the European Integration Office - the Government of the Republic of Serbia, and the joint secretariat is organized in Timisoara, within the Timisoara Regional Office for Cross-border Cooperation, being supported by Antena SC established in Vrsac, Serbia. The programme's audit will be carried by the auditing authority under the Court of Accounts of Romania, and the attributions of certification will be covered by the management authority. The potential beneficiaries and those interested in the Romanian-Serbian cross-border cooperation within the Interreg IPA Programme of cross-border cooperation Romania - Serbia can get more information by accessing the section 2014-2020 of www.brct-timisoara.ro and www.romania-serbia.net websites. \n\t" - ], - [ - "ASF Discovered in More Zimbabwe Swine", - "News ASF Discovered in More Zimbabwe Swine17 September 2015 ZIMBABWE - Five new outbreaks of African Swine Fever (ASF) have been reported in village pig operations.The villages all have free-range pigs of varying age groups and are located on the boarder with Mozambique. \nIn total, 649 cases were reported. \nInfection is still confined to the Dande valley communal area, along the Mozambican border with local spread due to movement of infected animals and meat. \nSalvage slaughter of infected pigs and selling of the pork at discount prices and movement of pigs from one village to the nearby villages to save them have been the major routes of spread. \nPoor carcass disposal has also contributed to the spread. \nThe infected areas have been placed under quarantine and movement of pigs and pig products out of the area is not allowed. \nA 24 hour roadblock with veterinary and police personnel has been set up at a strategic point along the only major outlet road from the valley to prevent infection from moving out of the valley. \nAwareness campaigns in the infected areas and adjacent villages are on-going. These are stressing the need to confine pigs, proper disposal carcasses by burning and burying and discouraging the trade of infected meat. \nAlthough villagers are prepared to confine their pigs in pens their major challenge if provision of feed to the penned pigs as the majority of farmers are poor. \n \nThePigSite News Desk \n" - ], - [ - "Lithuania becomes second EU country to export beef to US", - "\n By Monika Hanley in RigaMonika Hanley in Riga , 17-Sep-20152015-09-17T00:00:00Z\n Lithuania’s meat sector has welcomed the new access granted to US markets for its exports, saying it expects a major boost to sales.\n \n Lithuania Meat Processors Association director Egidijus MackeviÄius was happy that Lithuania has become the second EU country after Ireland to receive approval to export beef to the US.The decision allows the import of Lithuanian beef, pork, sheep and goat meat and derived products and follows investigations by the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).“It took several years to convince the US to approve Lithuania, and the good thing for us was that we never had bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), which was a critical problem for the major part of other EU countries,†explained MackeviÄius.OptimismHe also expressed optimism about the new opportunity. “The impact expected is significant. The US is the biggest market after the EU for Lithuania,â€Â he said. “We have a lot of migrants in the US, as well as other neighbouring countries’ migrants there, who like high-quality Lithuanian meat products and we think there is some niche for such products in the US.â€\nCommenting on the likely economic benefits, MackeviÄius added: “Value is difficult to predict – it is a new market, so it will depend on a lot of things. We will do our best to enter the US market as much as possible.â€\n A spokesperson for the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: “Lithuania’s negotiations on veterinary requirements and the harmonisation of documents with the responsible US institution lasted nearly 11 years. This question became even more urgent after Russia placed a ban on the import of all meat products.â€African swine feverAccording to Lithuania’s State Food and Veterinary Services director, Jonas Milius, at least five experts visited Lithuania during this time and assessed meat production and measures against African swine fever in animal by-products. \nMackeviÄius pointed out that Lithuania was never “banned†from exporting meat to the US but that permission had simply not been granted and that new trading relationships would now have to be established.\n Algis Baravykas, director of the Lithuanian Pig Producers Association, said: “It is good to be able to export some niche products or just know that a Lithuanian product would be accepted.â€ChallengeThat said, he anticipated that it would be a challenge for Lithuania to export general pig meat products to the US’ competitive market, where costs are low, compared to Lithuania, which has to comply with EU feed quality, veterinary and welfare rules.“EU members do not use some parts of GMO feed and also growth hormones used in the US,â€Â he said. “All these, transport costs and current exchange rates make EU meat products uncompetitive in the US market.â€The Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs official added that it expected further market opening and new opportunities for business would be delivered by a Transatlantic Trade & Investment Partnership (TTIP) trade deal between the EU and the US.The FSIS stated that the meat safety control system in effect in Lithuania is now in full compliance with US requirements. However, companies wishing to export will still be subject to the approval of Lithuania’s State Food and Veterinary Services and entry port inspectors. \n \n " - ], - [ - "Malawi bans livestock slaughtering: Foot-and-mouth disease scare", - " \nMinistry of Agriculture officials have issued a temporary ban on livestock slaughters, insurance of livestock permits and suspended all livestock markets in and around Mthumba dip tank in the Mitole Extension Planning AREA in Chikhwawa district in the Shire Valley Agriculture Development Division.\nCow slaughter banned in the wake of foot and mouth disease scare\nThe measures follows Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak in cattle there, which was confirmed on 4th September, 2015.\nFMD is a highly contagious viral disease that mostly affects cattle and has very devastating socio-economic consequences if not timely controlled.\nA statement signed by Secretary Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development Erica Maganga says preliminary investigation conducted by Veterinary experts from the Ministry indicates that a total number of 700 cattle are at immediate risk within the affected dip tank.\nIt says the investigations are however still on going to establish the magnitude of spread and map the extent of the problem.\nShe says the measures are “in conformity with the Control and Animal Diseases Act and the World Animal Health organization guidelines.â€\nMaganga says the Ministry is currently “working tirelessly†to contain the disease and will continue updating the general public on the situation from time to time.\n“The Ministry is therefore urging the livestock farmers and the general public to cooperate with its officials and the police during the implementation of these measures,†she says.\n" - ], - [ - "Cambodia Reports PRRS Outbreak", - "News Cambodia Reports PRRS Outbreak 18 September 2015 CAMBODIA - Two new outbreaks of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) have been reported in Cambodia.The outbreaks affected two village pig farms in Chi Kraeng and Soutr Nikom, both of which are located in Siem Reap. \nIn total, of the 33,680 pigs susceptible, 2661 cases were reported leading to 997 deaths. \nFrom 20 to 22 August 2015, after having received a report from a provincial veterinarian on pig diseases spreading in his district, the National Veterinary Research Institute (NaVRI) team went to the two village farms to collect samples. \nThrough examination the pigs showed clinical signs with high fever (40-41oC), red spots on the skin and ear, constipation, difficultly in breathing and discharge from the nose. Pregnant sows also aborted. \nTwenty-one (21) serum samples in pigs were collected to be submitted to NaVRI for testing. The tested samples were confirmed positive to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS). \nThePigSite News Desk Top image via Shutterstock \n" - ], - [ - "Agriculture: Wheat Harvest Booms As Russia Sanctions Still Hurt ...", - "\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n \n \t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\tHungary’s wheat harvest rose by 0.4% from a year earlier to 5,284,000 tonnes in 2015, the Central Statistical Office (KSH) said on Thursday. Although the harvested area in the country was down by 7.6%, the harvest was 19.1% over the average harvest in the years 2010-2014. The average wheat yield rose by 8.7% in 2015 from a year earlier. It was up by 21.8% compared to the average in the years 2010-2014 and was the highest since 1991. Total cereal crop amounted to 7.5 million tonnes, up by 2.8% from a year earlier, harvested from a 4.6% smaller area, KSH said.\nsource: ksh.hu\nEarlier this week it was announced that Hungary would receive 2.9 billion forints (EUR 9.3m) in emergency farm aid from the European Union based on the decision taken at the EU farm ministers meeting in Luxembourg. Sándor Fazekas. the Hungarian minister of agriculture said the EU set aside 500 million euros of aid to balance falling producer prices in the milk sector, the effects of the embargo against Russia and the damages from the summer drought. The EU will also finance new Private Storage Aid schemes for dairy and pork products.\nMeanwhile Hungary’s food safety authority (Nébih) said it found an animal infected with bluetongue in Somogy County, in southwest Hungary, a week after announcing an outbreak of the viral disease in neighbouring Tolna county. The authorities have established a 20km restriction zone around the cattle farm where the animal was found. Restrictions related to an outbreak of bluetongue were introduced in about two-thirds of Hungary last year.\nvia ksh.hu, hungarymatters.hu and MTI\n \n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n" - ], - [ - "Agriculture ministry apologies for Oshivelo delays", - " \n\tWindhoek-The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry says contingency provisions have been put in place at the Oshivelo check point to immediately respond to any situation should delays of motorists occur as experienced on Sunday where hundreds of drivers were left enraged over long and slow queues.\nThe ministry has not only apologised to the aggrieved motorists and members of the public who were delayed at the Oshivelo veterinary Check point, but is also looking at several medium and long term measures in anticipation of the upcoming festive season, if the FMD situation remains the same.\nHundreds of motorists were left high and dry at the Oshivelo veterinary Check Point on Sunday following long queues stretching over two kilometres from the check point.\nSome of the motorists claim they joined the queues leading to the check point as early as 06h00 in the morning, but only left in the evening because of the long and slow moving queues.\nThe crisis is attributed to the control measures which were instituted during May in response to the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak, as each and every vehicle passing had to be sprayed, while individuals had to step on a carpet with chemical solutions.\nMany passengers and motorists abandoned their vehicles and resorted to walk to the nearby shebeens to quench their thirst, while others rested under the trees alongside the Omuthiya and Oshivelo main road. The Namibian traffic police was also deployed along the buy road to maintain law and order.\n“Our cardinal objective with this intervention is to prevent the transmission of FMD through the food, clothes or vehicles returning from the NCA (northern communal areas) and causing an outbreak elsewhere in the country. We cannot overemphasize the importance of this disease and the devastating effect it has and may have on the economy and livelihood of the farming communities of our country and we therefore appreciate the patience and understanding of the public and continue to ask for your maximum cooperation and understating during the control of this outbreak,†Abraham Nehemia, the acting permanent secretary in the ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry yesterday said.\nHe said the reason for the delay was mainly attributable to the huge numbers of travellers returning from school holidays, the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair and the Olufuko festival.\n“Whilst this phenomenon is expected at this time of the year, it was compounded by the control measures that were introduced to contain the spread of FMD in the Northern Communal Areas of the country,†he noted.\nFurther, he explained each vehicle and all the occupants of  vehicles were expected to subject themselves to search and disinfection procedures as prescribe by the Animal Health Act {Act 1 of 20ll}, which increased the time it normally takes a vehicle to pass the check point as opposed to when there is no FMD outbreak.\n“This alerting and returning to vehicles caused more delays as not all members of the public promptly returned to their vehicles in order to make space for other vehicles in the queue,†he said.\nCoincidentally, Nehemia said that almost 60 percent of motorist chose to use the veterinary check point at Oshivelo, between 07hOOand 20hOO on Sunday, resulting in congestion at that checkpoint with normal to under utilization at Verda and Bravo Check points.\nHe however, informed the nation that the situation has normalized as from 02h30 yesterday morning (31 August 2015), and vehicles are passing the checkpoints with minimal delays.\n \n\t" - ], - [ - "Highly pathogenic avian influenza reported in Germany", - "\n An outbreak of the highly pathogenic avian influenza strain H5N8 has been discovered in Germany, with more than 30,000 birds reportedly susceptible to the disease.\n \n So far there have been 5,000 cases, resulting in 1,880 deaths – equivalent to a 37.60% fatality rate - in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Northern Germany. The bird population affected is a turkey fattening holding in the district of Vorpommern-Greifswald.A report was issued to the World Organisation for Animal Health yesterday (6 November), from the Bundesministerium für Ernährung, Landwirtschaft und Verbraucherschutz (BMELV).It also stated that culling had already started and that dead birds were being disposed of safely.It is the first time a case of H5N8 has been reported in the country since March 2009. \n \n " - ], - [ - "North central regions' farmers battle to sell livestock", - " \n\t \n\tWindhoek\nDespite the advice to farmers to sell some of their livestock, farmers in the north central regions are unable to sell their cattle because of the recent Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak detected in May.\nThe Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) has since put some measures in place to contain the further spread of the disease. Some of the measures that have been enforced include a ban on livestock marketing; vaccination and revaccination; restrictions on livestock movements and livestock products and surveillance teams at strategic points.\nThe marketing of livestock is generally progressing well in most parts in the south and central parts of the country, following the advice of the government that farmers should sell some of their livestock because of the serious drought conditions this year.\nAccording to the latest Crop Prospects, Food Security and Drought Situation Report of the government, the recent FMD outbreak in the north central regions affected the destocking and marketing of livestock exercise as part of the drought mitigating measures. Furthermore, farmers north of the Veterinary Cordon Fence (VCF) are complaining about the lack of formal marketing facilities in their areas, which is said to hamper the effective marketing of livestock.\nThe report also notes that poor grazing conditions, which are widely reported in various parts of the country, is threatening livestock production this season. Water availability for livestock has reached critical conditions as most catchment areas did not receive significant inflow this year. The affected regions are mostly the north central regions that are heavily dependent on surface/rainfall water for livestock consumptions. The report requests that the Directorate of Agriculture Production, Extension and Engineering Services to reiterate its advice to farmers affected by poor grazing conditions to take necessary precautionary measures, such as destocking and culling while livestock are still in fair condition to avoid a complete loss.\nThe government has since re-introduced support services such as the livestock marketing incentives, transport and lease of grazing and livestock fodder/hay and animal health packages as part of this year’s drought relief measures.\n \n\t \n\t \n\t" - ], - [ - "Agri sector: The long walk to Vision 2030", - " \n\tThe unforeseen drought and outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in 2015 have underlined the urgent need for the Namibian agricultural sector to ensure the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry (MAWF)’s five-year strategic plan is implemented to the letter.\nThis strategic plan, launched in 2012, created the opportunity to redirect ministerial efforts to specific strategic focus areas in line with Vision 2030. These focus areas include the development of a policy and a legal environment as well as product, market and infrastructure to redirect resources towards increasing agricultural production. In some regards, like establishing the Agro Marketing and Trade Agency (AMTA), in partnership with Agriculture Business Development (Agribusdev), as well as recent access to China’s massive beef market, great strides are being made to achieve the aims of Vision 2030. But in other respects, it is apparent that a unified effort will be needed to guide the agricultural sector towards utilising all opportunities in both domestic and international markets that would result in the country reaping maximum benefits. The next five years will be crucial for AMTA, as activities that utilise operate the facilities are put in action, as well as the building of infrastructure to facilitate agricultural marketing processes, storage and trading. The strategic objectives are the establishment of a stakeholder partnership, ensuring that the volume traded is kept at a minimum 200 metric tonnes per month per agent at each hub for 2016, as well as ensuring that AMTA is compliant with Food Safety and Total Quality Management requirements by 2018.\nAMTA hopes to up its cereal and pulse reserves to 67 000 metric tonnes in line with infrastructure plans by 2018 together with the development of a rotation system that supports local millers, and does not negatively impact prices with a rotational manual and guidelines. This year’s drought severely impacted on these ideals as the National Strategic Food Reserves’ storage capacity, which AMTA is mandated to manage, dropped to about 18 900 tonnes, which is 28% of the targeted national storage capacity. Dismal harvests resulted in massive reduction in the harvest of 46 percent below average, and 49 percent lower than last season’s harvest. Namibia has to import some 201 000 tonnes of cereal this year, while 550 000 inhabitants are in desperate need of food aid.\nThe drought and outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) was a stark reminder of just how vulnerable the agricultural sector is, and how easily the apple cart can be overturned by such events. For both the crop and livestock sectors, it is imperative that an efficient and effective marketing system is put into place to gain an increased share of and profit from the domestic market and for potential buyers to find quality local products at comparative prices.\n“The Namibian Agricultural and Trade Policy and Strategy makes it clear that it is necessary to adopt a marketing orientation approach as opposed to a production orientation approach, whereby production is based on market needs, contrary to the approach where a country only engages in marketing once it has products to market. â€\nThis would mean stimulating downstream agro-industries, improving competitiveness of the agricultural industries, increasing the local products’ share of the domestic market and increasing agricultural contribution to the national economy.\nAgriculture and agro-industries, which contribute more than 5.5 percent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), has a growth rate of some 12 percent per annum, employ about 16 percent of the country’s active workforce and contribute agricultural products in excess of N$5 billion per annum. Specific strategies are set for the livestock and meat as well as for the cereals and horticulture industries. Trade-related strategies must be implemented, taking into account the need for competitive sourcing of production inputs, food security, safeguarding national interests and expanding the market scope for the local industry. Will Namibia succeed in reaching these goals? It is a long walk to Vision 2030. Time will tell.\n \n\t" - ], - [ - "Agra's largest retail branch officially opened", - " \n\tWindhoek\nAgra’s largest retail branch opening was officiated by the Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Tjekero Tweya, last Wednesday at the Agra Hyper Centre in Lafrenz, Windhoek.\nThe launch of this investment of just over N$110 million was described by Agra Chairman of the Board, Ryno van der Merwe as “a celebration of perseverance and growth, trust and confidence, hard work, good workmanship and dedication, good governance, and being proudly Namibian.â€\nAgra’s outgoing CEO, Peter Kazmaier expressed his pride in celebrating yet another milestone and having fulfilled one of his and his team’s dreams in his 20 years as CEO of the company. Kazmaier explained a number of challenges experienced at the Agra Windhoek branch that are addressed in the retail development at Agra Hyper.\nSufficient space; faster and more effective loading of vehicles, easier traffic flow as well as a much larger and more extensive range of products provide for a top class shopping experience.\nThe search for another location was prompted by the fact that Agra Windhoek branch had outgrown its available shop and yard space which has been expanded and upgraded three times.\nFour erven were then purchased in the Trustco Industrial Park in Lafrenz and consolidated in order to achieve optimal space requirements.\nThe services of Namibian companies were used for the construction of the development and during construction a number of temporary and some permanent employment positions were created. At least 90 new employment positions were created by Agra for staff necessary to operate the new facility.\nThe retail store has floor space of 3 250m² and the bulk store extends over an area of more than 2 600m², while the total investment in stock amounts to more than N$28million.\nMinister Tweya, who conveyed the inauguration speech on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Water and Forestry, John Mutorwa, stated that Agra plays a crucial role as provider of inputs to the agricultural industry, marketer of livestock and our Swakara pelts and as provider of expert advice, mentoring and training. He also stated that Agra will continue to play an important role in agriculture, as well as the general economy.\nEconomic prospects show that there will be a slowdown in agricultural growth in the coming year due to the drought and the outbreak of foot and mouth disease in the northern regions of the country, while growth in wholesale and retail trade is expected to remain strong.\nThe minister commended Agra’s initiatives to grow and make a difference and its strategy to diversify some business interests in non-agricultural investments to counteract the cyclical nature of agriculture with steady income streams, not dependent on weather conditions.\nThis not only contributes to strong growth in the wholesale and retail trade, but also to the community by making essential products available to the general public at reasonable prices.\nAgra’s investment in another retail branch in the north, which will soon be opened in Rundu, is also appreciated by government.\nThe minister’s message was concluded with a special word of congratulations to Kazmaier, who served as CEO of Agra for 20 years. “Looking at Agra’s growth during the past number of years and your investments through a number of upgrades and new developments, countrywide – you and your team definitely make such words as improvement, achievement and success visible and meaningful,†he said, as he wished Agra the best of success with its business in the Lafrenz Industrial Area of Windhoek.\n \n\t" - ], - [ - "Low Pathogenic Avian Flu Outbreak in Germany", - "Poultry News Low Pathogenic Avian Flu Outbreak in Germany16 June 2015 \n \nGERMANY - There has been an outbreak of low pathogenic avian influenza in Niedersachsen in Germany.The outbreak only affected two birds in a susceptible population of 36,100 laying hens. The two birds were later destroyed. \nThe virus detected in the infected birds was of the H7N7 serotype. \nNo birds or meat from the area have been moved elsewhere, but eggs from the infected farm have been moved to other areas in Germany. \nThe origin of this outbreak is unknown. \n \n \nThePoultrySite News Desk Top image via Shutterstock " - ], - [ - "France to vaccinate 1.3 million animals against bluetongue", - "\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\tThe first case in the current bluetongue outbreak was detected on a French sheep farm on 11 September.\n\t\n The French government has extended veterinary measures after 18 cases of bluetongue disease were detected in the country since 11 September.\n \n\t\n Since the first case of bluetongue disease in France was detected on a sheep farm, a further 17 have been identified, all in the Massif Central region – a major livestock farming area in the heart of the country.“The first phase is to ensure that live exports can happen to avoid the economic consequences of an export ban, †said Agriculture Minister Stéphane Le Foll. He added that two measures would protect export markets: “Firstly, test animals for bluetongue and, when those tests are negative, allow immediate export as planned. Secondly, launch vaccination.â€Live exportsHe said that 1.3m doses of vaccine were available to cover all planned live exports of cattle, sheep and goats until the end of this year. “Anybody who wants to export must vaccinate, there will be no discussion,†Le Foll added. The measures include breeding animals.Strict animal movement controls are in place, with the Sommet de l’Élevage event – one France’s largest livestock shows – planned to take place between 7 and 9 October under threat from a suspected case on a neighbouring farm.Mainland France had bluetongue-free status since 2012 and this is the first outbreak in the EU since. The French authorities say they are still investigating how the disease, of a strain not seen since 2008, resurfaced this month.\t\n" - ], - [ - "Case of BSE confirmed in Slovenia", - "\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\tSlovenia has been classified as a country with negligible BSE risk since 2013\n\t\n A 12-year-old cow that died on a farm in southern Slovenia has tested positive for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).\n \n\t\n The animal was from a holding at Adlesici, Novo Mesto, close to the Croatian border in the southwest of the country. A spokesperson from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food in Slovenia confirmed to the Irish Farmers Journal that this is the ninth case of BSE in Slovenia and the first since 2007. He added that it is not yet confirmed whether the BSE is classical or atypical as the sample has only been sent today (Monday) to the UK for testing. Animal movement to and from the farm has been banned and the cow's history is being examined. Slovenia has been classified as a country with negligible BSE risk since 2013 and the spokesperson said the case was unlikely to change given that the cow was born 12 years ago. The Administration for Food Safety, Veterinary and Plant Protection in Slovenia said that measures have already been taken at the farm, The Slovenia Times reports. \t\n" - ], - [ - "88 confirmed cases of bluetongue in France, 2.2m vaccines available", - "\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\tThere are now 88 cases of bluetongue in France, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed.\nOf the 88 cases, some 79 cases are cattle and nine are sheep.\nThe disease, which is transferred by insects such as midges, is not transmissible to humans and does not affect the quality of food.\nSome 28 farms have been infected by bluetongue, the OIE has confirmed.\nIn response to the increased number of cases of the disease, the French agricultural ministry has increased the number of vaccines available from 1.3m to 2.2m.\nThe ministry said that beyond the protection of infected flocks, priority would be given vaccination animals intended for trade and exports as well as breeding animals intended for breeding programmes breeds (cattle, sheep, goats).\nA protection zone and surveillance of 150km radius around the affected farm has been set.\nIn this area and in accordance with European regulations, management measures are implemented: restriction of movement of animals, regrouping ban, active surveillance and so on, the French government said.\nDomestic ruminants such as cattle, sheep and goats are susceptible to bluetongue and mainland France has been free from the disease since 2012.\nThe French agricultural minister Stephane Le Foll has contacted the European Commissioners for health and agriculture to inform them of the health situation and management measures implemented by France.\n\t\n\t\n\t" - ], - [ - "Romania's Supreme Court starts first hearing of Ponta-related ...", - " \nBUCHAREST, Sept. 21 (Xinhua) -- The first court hearings of the \"Turceni-Rovinari\" case involving the incumbent Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta started Monday at the High Court of Cassation and Justice, but without the head of government showing up in court. \nPonta, indicted by the National Anticorruption Directorate (DNA)'s prosecutors, was not subpoenaed, according to the official Agerpres news agency. \nThe process is in the preliminary chamber stage, which means the session is not public. \nPonta's fellow Social Democrat Senator Dan Sova, who has been subject to legal restrictions pending trial in the case, did attend court. \nPonta was sent to court on Thursday by DNA's prosecutors in connection with false private statements, complicity to tax evasion and money laundering relating to his time as a lawyer in 2007 and 2008. \nHe was indicted with four other people who were all involved in the case of Turceni and Rovinari energy complexes, among them the two general directors of the energy complexes, according to the DNA. \nOn June 5, the DNA opened a criminal investigation against Ponta, who allegedly received unjustifiable payments and benefits from Sova's legal firm, when they were both lawyers. \nThe case put the young prime minister in an awkward situation, and the opposition has been stepping up attacks against him, calling for his resignation. \nIt was announced that the main opposition National Liberals are going to file later on the day a censure motion on the lack of credibility of the cabinet led by Ponta. \nIn mid-August, Ponta announced he suspended himself from all his leading positions in the ruling Social Democrat Party, but explicitly asserted he was not stepping down from the office of prime minister. \n" - ], - [ - "ALERTA! Boala LIMBII ALBASTRE revine in ROMANIA. Patru ...", - "\nBOALA LIMBII ALBASTRE (BLUETONGUE) a revenit in ROMANIA, afectand cateva FERME din nord-estul tarii, transmite site-ul thecattlesite. Serotipul 4, acelasi care a provocat epidemia din perioada august — decembrie 2014, a fost identificat in 18 cazuri, de cand a fost facuta notificarea initiala, in 7 septembrie.\nCele mai recente date, din 18 septembrie, arata ca 28 de animale sunt suspecte, fiind a patra ferma unde se constata BOALA LIMBII ALBASTRE. Autoritatile au adoptat masuri pentru a reduce deplasarea animalelor in zona judetului BOTOSANI unde s-au depistat animale infectate. Si Ungaria a confirmat luna aceasta cazuri de animale infectate cu BOALA LIMBII ALBASTRE.\nSaptamana trecuta, Autoritatea Nationala Sanitara Veterinara si pentru Siguranta Alimentelor (ANSVSA) a anuntat ca BOALA LIMBII ALBASTRE a fost diagnosticata, in data de 4 septembrie, in trei exploatatii din localitatea Bobolusti, judetul BOTOSANI, motiv pentru care au fost organizate deja intalniri de informare si instruire cu medicii veterinari, in judete, pentru prevenirea raspandirii bolii.\nReprezentantii ANSVSA sustin ca au notificat Comisia Europeana si statele membre ale Uniunii Europene (UE), dar si Organizatia Mondiala pentru Sanatatea Animala (OIE), despre prezenta virusului pe teritoriul ROMANIEI. ANSVSA precizeaza ca in jurul focarelor s-a instituit o zona de control de 20 kilometri, “fiind interzisa iesirea rumegatoarelor cu exceptia animalelor destinate abatorizariiâ€.\nPotrivit OIE, BLUETONGUE (serotipul 8) a fost confirmata, in 11 septembrie 2015, la 27 de bovine si 6 ovine dintr-o ferma de 200 de ovine dar si 150 de bovine din Franta, tara unde virusul BLUETONGUE nu a mai fost depistat din 2010. In 10 septembrie 2015 au fost confirmate doua cazuri de BLUETONGUE si la 2 bovine dintr-o ferma de 300 de capete din sudul Ungariei (Comitatul Tolna). Ultimul caz de BLUETONGUE in Ungaria a fost confirmat in ianuarie 2015.\nBOALA LIMBII ALBASTRE nu afecteaza omul, dar produce pagube economice, datorita restrictiilor aplicate miscarii animalelor.\nBOALA LIMBII ALBASTRE este cauzata de un virus din genul Orbivirus, care este transmis prin intepatura unor specii de insecte hematofage, din genul Culicoides si nu prin contactul direct intre animale. BOALA LIMBII ALBASTRE afecteaza rumegatoarele domestice si salbatice, de cele mai multe ori oi, dar si vite si capre, si are caracter sezonier.\nSursa foto: bzi\nNu numai E-urile din alimente ne ameninta grav san…\nIubesc sa fie iubite si au un instinct sexual nati…\nCuceritor din fire, Catalin Botezatu a devenit din…\nDavid si Victoria Beckham fac bani si din piatra s…\n \n \n \n \n" - ], - [ - "Large virgin beech forests in Romania to be included in the ...", - "\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\nRomanian authorities and members of the civil society are taking the last necessary steps for including Europe’s largest virgin forest in the UNESCO World Heritage list. Their actions target the virgin beech forests from Nerei Springs Natural Reservation in Romania, which covers an area of over 5,000 sqm.\nThe experts involved in this project are taking the measurements necessary to mark the exact areas to be included in the list, according to reservation manager Sorin Tudorescu, cited by local Romanialibera.ro.\nExperts from the Environment Ministry, as well as experts from the National Forests Administration Romsilva, and those from the National Forest Research and Management Institute are involved in this process. Representatives of environmental organizations such as Greenpeace and WWF Romania also got involved in this project.\nSome 65% of Europe’s virgin forests are currently located in Romania’s Caras-Severin county. Some experts’ evaluations show that the minimum age of the beech forests is 450 years.\nNerei Springs Natural Reservation is part of a wider protected area – Semenic-Cheile Carasului Natural Park. Brown bears, gray wolves, lynxes, wildcats, and eagles live in the reservation.\nGreenpeace tries to include Romania’s virgin beech forests on UNESCO list\nRomania’s Constantin Brancusi ensemble fails to make it on UNESCO’s World Heritage List\nIrina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t" - ], - [ - "Bird flu at UK duck farm same strain as Germany and Netherlands ...", - "\nThe strain of bird flu found on a duck-breeding farm in the UK is the same as the one recently identified in the Netherlands and Germany, the environment department has said.\nThe culling of 6,000 ducks at the farm in Nafferton, near Driffield, East Yorkshire, where the “highly pathogenic†virus has been found, is under way, according to officials.\nA spokeswoman for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said the disease was the H5N8 strain, the same as the strain confirmed at a chicken farm in the central province of Utrecht, the Netherlands, and in Germany.\nBut the advice from the chief medical officer and Public Health England remained that the risk to public health from the virus was “very low†and the Food Standards Agency has said there is no food safety risk for consumers, she said.\nShe said the cull to prevent the potential spread of infection was being carried out in a safe and humane manner by fully-trained staff from the government’s Animal and Plant Health Agency.\n“Our response to this outbreak follows tried and tested procedures for dealing with avian flu outbreaks and we expect the cull to be completed later today. Additionally, our animal health laboratory at Weybridge has confirmed that the outbreak of avian influenza in East Yorkshire is the H5N8 strain.\n“The advice from the chief medical officer and Public Health England remains that the risk to public health is very low. The Food Standards Agency have said there is no food safety risk for consumers,†the spokeswoman said.\nThe cull of 6,000 ducks at the farm owned by the UK’s largest producer of duck and duck products, Cherry Valley, comes after the transport of poultry and eggs throughout the Netherlands was banned after the H5N8 outbreak in Utrecht.\nOfficials have been quick to reassure the public that the strain found at the farm after the alarm was raised by a vet on Friday was not the H5N1 strain of the virus which has led to human deaths, and that the risk to public health from the outbreak remained very low.\nBut experts have warned further outbreaks could emerge in the coming days.\nOfficials are investigating how the virus reached East Yorkshire, whether it could have be the result of commercial transport of birds, or carried by wild birds which are also affected by bird flu.\nThe East Yorkshire outbreak is the first serious case of bird flu since 2008, when the H7N7 strand was found in free-range laying hens near Banbury, Oxfordshire.\nMost types of bird flu are harmless to humans but two types, H5N1 and H7N9, have caused serious concerns.\nChief veterinary officer Nigel Gibbens said the Cherry Valley farm at the centre of the alert had good biosecurity in place, and as a result the risk of spread was “probably quite lowâ€, he said. But he warned more cases could follow and, because of the risk of wild birds spreading the disease, urged farmers and their vets all over the country to be alert to the possibility of disease.\nKeith Warner, president of the British Veterinary Poultry Association, also said that while previous outbreaks of bird flu had been controlled on one or two isolated farms, there could be more incidents in the latest outbreak.\n“Everybody in the UK that owns birds in any number should be on biosecurity lockdown,†he urged, advising no unnecessary visits to farms, transport or sharing of equipment, and that free-range birds in the restriction zone should be kept inside.\nPaul Bellotti, head of housing, transportation and public protection at East Riding of Yorkshire council, said staff would be stationed across the six-mile (10km) surveillance zone and the two-mile protection zone immediately around the farm to provide advice and guidance and gather important data.\n“By the close of play today, every registered poultry farm will be visited within the 3km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone, as well as other smaller non-registered poultry and bird-keeping premises that we become aware of during the course of the day,†he said. “Residents should not be concerned by the visits being undertaken by our officers and we would ask that they provide any and all assistance, if requested.\n“The council would like to once again state that the risk to public health is very low and would also like to reassure residents that poultry and eggs are safe to purchase and eat, subject to normal food preparation. Motorists and the travelling public should continue to use any and all routes on the highways network, unless they are advised otherwise, and, unless specifically closed, public footpaths remain open.â€\nThe British Poultry Council said: “Defra confirmed this afternoon that the strain of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) found on a duck breeding farm in Yorkshire is of the H5N8 strain, which is a very low risk to human health and no risk to the food chain. Work is now under way to understand the route of the infection.\n“The exclusion zones around the farm, at 3km (protection zone) and at 10km (surveillance zone), remain in place. Across the country a high level of surveillance of housed and wild birds is continuing.â€\n" - ], - [ - "Cum îi afectează scandalul Volkswagen pe proprietarii din România", - "ÃŽntr-un comunicat de presă, Volkswagen Group a venit cu detalii noi pentru proprietarii din România. Astfel, potrivit producătorului german, modelele actuale, cu motoare Euro 6, comercializate în UE sunt conforme cu toate standardele È™i cerintele legale. AÈ™adar, teoretic, clienÈ›ii de maÈ™ini noi nu sunt afectaÈ›i.MaÅŸinile cu probleme sunt cele cu motorizare 2.0 TDI cu cod EA189. Proprietarii acestora vor fi anunÈ›ati direct È™i vor fi invitaÈ›i la service pentru recall, dacă este cazul, iar campania de rechemare va fi publicată pe site-ul ANPC. ÃŽn ciuda scandalului, clienÅ£ii Volkswagen nu vor avea de suferit pe tema taxării, cum ar fi de exemplu taxa de timbru.O altă veste bună este că problemele privind emisiile poluante È™i consumul nu afectează siguranÈ›a maÈ™inii È™i utilizarea ei. De altfel, autorităţile din România au anunÅ£at că vor supraveghea ÅŸi ele scandalul noxelor. Volkswagen este în acest moment una dintre cele mai populare mărci în România. ÃŽn primele opt luni ale lui 2015, înmatriculările de autoturisme noi È™i second-hand marca Volkswagen au ajuns la 49.486 unități. Din acestea, 4.675 au fost maÈ™ini noi, în creÈ™tere cu 16% față de perioada similară din 2014, iar 44.811 unități au fost second-hand, potrivit statisticii DirecÈ›iei Regim Permise de Conducere È™i ÃŽnmatriculare a Vehiculelor. PreÈ™edintele Volkswagen, Martin Winterkorn, a demisionat din funcÈ›ie după scandalul privind falsificarea testelor de poluare a aerului.AcÈ›iunile Volkswagen au căzut drastic în deschiderea È™edintei Bursei din Frankfurt, compania piezând 22,6 miliarde de euro pe bursă în ultima săptămână.Volkswagen a recunoscut că 11 milioane de maÈ™ini livrate în toată lumea sunt dotate cu un software care permite păcălirea testelor legate de poluare. De la izbucnirea scandalului emisiilor de carbon, grupul Volkswagen a rechemat la service 500.000 de maÅŸini. " - ], - [ - "Gospodăriile din România, ticsite cu tehnologie modernă", - "© 2007 Curierul National. Toate drepturile rezervate. Textele ÅŸi fotografiile sunt proprietatea titularilor de copyrightÅŸi nu pot fi reproduse fără acordul scris al acestora. \n\tPolitica de confidentialitate \n \n \n \n \n \n \n  \n \n \n\t" - ], - [ - "RuÅŸii ne avertizează: Ucraina se pregăteÅŸte de război cu România ...", - "© 2007 Curierul National. Toate drepturile rezervate. Textele ÅŸi fotografiile sunt proprietatea titularilor de copyrightÅŸi nu pot fi reproduse fără acordul scris al acestora. \n\tPolitica de confidentialitate \n \n \n \n \n \n \n  \n \n \n\t" - ], - [ - "Major reductions in pig population forecast for Latvia and Estonia", - "\n By Vladislav VorotnikovVladislav Vorotnikov , 29-Sep-20152015-09-29T00:00:00Z\n Latvia and Estonia could almost halve the volume of pork they produce in the next few years, as both countries find themselves unable to halt the spread of African swine fever (ASF). \n \n The disease is not only forcing farmers to increase spend on biosecurity measures, but is also cutting manufacturers’ export potential, which has already resulted in an oversupply crisis and pushed down prices, according to market participants. “Since ASF was discovered in Latvia, the purchase price of pork has fallen 15%. As a result, Latvian pig producers have lost €8.1 million, so the European Union (EU) needs to support the fight against the disease,†said Latvian Agriculture Minister JÄnis DÅ«klavs. “Right now, 40% of farms are affected by internal veterinary restrictions. They cannot sell pork outside their area, so they have to decrease production volumes, or even suspend production completely,†he added. The same situation is occurring in Estonia, where the spread of ASF and internal veterinary measures could halve the number of pigs by spring next year. If so, pork product volumes would also decrease twofold, according to a report by Roomet Sormus, head of the Agricultural Chamber of Commerce in Estonia. “To date, members of the Association of Pig Breeders have already lost one-third of their pig population. Many companies have claimed they will not be able to return to pig breeding in future. It will be good if, by spring next year, we manage to keep half of the pigs at the farms,†he stated. Official data indicates that, as of August this year, activity has stopped at 285 pig-breeding farms in Estonia, including 17 farms where ASF was discovered. Most of the farms were small as, out of this number, only 33 farms had a population of more than 10 pigs. Supporting measures required Meanwhile, a large number of producers are pinning their hopes on funding support, both from the European Commission (EC) and the countries’ governments. “We have asked the EC to allocate €23.5m to create a guarantee fund for pig producers, so that if ASF spreads further, they can reorientate their business [to other forms of livestock] and retain their resources,†said DÅ«klavs. He also pointed out that ASF was not dangerous for any agricultural animals other than pigs, so reorienting the business could save farms from bankruptcy. However, reorientation is a hard process, which farmers cannot go through without support. Some support has also been promised for pig farms in Estonia. “Pig producers can apply for assistance under the Rural Development Plan. The subsidies are designed to improve their biosecurity methods or allow them to exit the sector. In August this assistance had been requested by a total of 56 farms,†said Maarja Kristian, head of the veterinary and food department at Estonia’s Agriculture Ministry. Estonia’s government has recently supported a controversial measure, allowing pork from quarantine areas to be purchased and then processed further as canned meat. It is well-known that ASF is not dangerous to humans. However, all countries affected by the disease have so far refrained from using any potentially dangerous pork. Estonia’s government believes this measure is necessary, however, as the domestic pig industry is suffering losses of €2m every month, due to the ongoing spread of the disease. \n \n " - ], - [ - "Focar de boala limbii albastre în Suceava", - "\n \n \n \n \n \n ÃŽn mai multe gospodării din judeÈ›ul Suceava au fost confirmate patru cazuri de boala limbii albastre. DirecÈ›ia Sanitar Veterinare ÅŸi pentru SiguranÅ£a Alimentelor (DSVSA) a instituit o zonă de control de 20 de kilometri în jurul focarului, potrivit Mediafax. Potrivit purtătorului de cuvânt al DSVSA Suceava, Vasile Semeniuc, boala limbii albastre a fost confirmată, în ultima săptămână, la patru bovine din patru gospodării învecinate din localitatea suceveană Poieni-Solca.El a precizat că boala a fost confirmată în urma analizelor de laborator.ÃŽn aceste condiÅ£ii, reprezentanÈ›ii DSVSA Suceava au dispus instituirea unei zone de control pe o rază de 20 de kilometri în jurul focarului, cu interzicerea circulaÅ£iei animalelor, cu excepÅ£ia celor destinate abatorizării, a menÅ£ionat sursa citată.Semeniuc a mai declarat că animalele bolnave au fost izolate, fiindu-le administrat tratament simptomatic.Animalele din gospodăriile din zonă vor fi monitorizate de medicii veterinari pentru a se vedea dacă apar modificări ale stării de sănătate ÅŸi simptome specifice acestei boli.Cazuri de boala limbii albastre au fost confirmate È™i în gospodării din judeÈ›ul BotoÈ™ani.Astfel, Autoritatea NaÈ›ională Sanitară Veterinară È™i pentru SiguranÈ›a Alimentelor (ANSVSA) arăta, într-un comunicat, că în 4 septembrie a fost confirmată boala limbii albastre (Bluetongue) în localitatea BobuleÅŸti din judeÅ£ul BotoÅŸani, în apropiere de râul Prut ÅŸi de graniÅ£a cu Republica Moldova.â€Ulterior, au mai fost identificate animale infectate ÅŸi în alte două localităţi din aceeaÅŸi comună, respectiv BadiuÅ£i ÅŸi ÅžtefăneÅŸti. Boala a fost confirmată la 18 bovine din 18 exploataÅ£ii, după cum urmează: în localitatea BobuleÅŸti 12 bovine, în localitatea BadiuÅ£i 4 bovine, în localitatea ÅžtefăneÅŸti 2 bovineâ€, se arăta în comunicatul citat.Conform sursei citate, cele 18 bovine infectate ÅŸi-au revenit în urma aplicării unui tratament simptomatic, nefiind înregistrată â€nicio mortalitateâ€.Boala limbii albastre este cauzată de un virus din genul Orbivirus, care este transmis prin înÅ£epătura unor specii de insecte hematofage, din genul Culicoides, ÅŸi nu prin contactul direct între animale.Boala afectează rumegătoarele domestice È™i sălbatice (de cele mai multe ori oi, dar È™i vite È™i capre) ÅŸi are caracter sezonier. Mortalitatea este variabilă, în funcÅ£ie de situaÅ£ie, procentul de îmbolnăvire putând ajunge, uneori, la 100% din efectiv.Prevenirea bolii se face prin dezinsecÅ£ii periodice, pentru a distruge insectele hematofage care transmit boala.Proprietarii de animale au obligaÅ£ia să anunÅ£e imediat medicul veterinar de apariÅ£ia unor semne de boală la animale, a cazurilor de moarte suspectă sau despre tăierile de necesitate. \n \n \n " - ], - [ - "Outbreak of Pig Disease 'Over'", - "\n\tPHNOM PENH (Khmer Times) – Cambodia is now free of “blue-ear†pig disease, which had infected more than 4,000 pigs in five provinces last month, the Ministry of Agriculture said yesterday. \n \n \n“Since a few days ago, they are all cured,†said Tan Phanara, the director of the Animal Health and Production Department of the Ministry of Agriculture. \n \n \nThe disease – which is officially named porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome –was particularly concentrated in Siem Reap Province, where an estimated 1,000 pigs died. In response, the ministry mobilized a team of veterinarians who inspected pigs throughout the country. They worked to separate the sick from the healthy pigs to prevent a further spread and prevented unhealthy animals from being transported from Siem Reap Province. \n \n \nNow, Mr. Phanara says, the ministry is focusing on prevention for next year. They are currently preparing a budget to fund a “bio-security†program that is likely to consist of sterilizing animal pens with a spray on a weekly basis. Mr. Phanara expects this treatment to begin just before next year’s rainy season and will be the responsibility of the ministry, not the farmers.  \n \n \nEffects Still Felt \n \n \nAlthough this year’s bout of the disease is cured, farmers, restaurateurs and vendors are still feeling the effects. Although it cannot be transmitted to humans, consumers have made a marked shift to avoid pork. Oth Phalla, a meat vendor in Phnom Penh’s Central Market, said that her sales had dropped nearly 50 percent over the last two weeks. The price of pork, meanwhile, has remained the same. \n \n \n“The customers are worried about the illness. That’s why they don’t come to buy pigs,†she said. \n \n \nThe drop in demand is despite safeguards that should protect humans from any exposure to the disease. Ms. Phalla says that the pigs are checked by veterinarians before being shipped to Phnom Penh and then are screened again after their arrival.   \n \n \nMr. Phanara said that the public should not have any concerns about the disease. \n \n \n“We make the press releases very clear and declare that there’s no risk to people,†he said. \n \n \nFor farmers who have experienced losses, he said that there was little the government could do to help them. \n \n \n“We know there’s an impact of course, even if one small piglet dies. But is there any compensation for humans who have died?†he asked. “How we can help them is with our technical expertise for prevention.†\n \n \n(Additional reporting by Jonathan Cox and Va Sonyka) \n \n \n\t" - ], - [ - "Sindicatul National al Crescatorilor de Ovine si Caprine din ...", - "\n\t05.10.2015\n\t\n\tActualitate, Ovine, România, Zootehnie\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\tAfişări: [post_view]\t\n\t \n \t \n \n 124 Flares \n \n \n \n Twitter \n \n \n 0 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Facebook \n \n \n 124 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Google+ \n \n \n 0 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n LinkedIn \n \n \n 0 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pin It Share \n \n \n 0 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 124 Flares \n \n \n × \n \nSindicatul National al Crescatorilor de Ovine si Caprine din Romania, afiliat la Agrostar, il acuza pe ministrul Agriculturii ca, prin politica pe care o promoveaza, duce la distrugerea zootehniei din Romania si ameninta cu actiuni de protest in perioada urmatoare, din cauza faptului ca nicio solicitare adresata pana acum ministerului de resort nu a fost solutionata.\n„Domnule ministru, prin ceea ce intreprindeti, facand jocurile unor cercuri de interese din jurul dumneavoastra, duceti la distrugerea sectorului de crestere a ovinelor din Romania si, implicit, la distrugerea zootehniei. Oieritul este o activitate traditionala, care nu a fost distrusa nici de comunisti, dar se pare ca dumneavoastra o sa reusiti si o sa faceti din Romania o tara care sustine economiile altor state, fiind doar o piata de desfacere. De cand ocupati aceasta functie, nu ati facut nimic pentru sustinerea sectorului de ovine si caprine. Ba, mai mult, ne-ati ingreunat activitateaâ€, a declarat presedintele Sindicatului National al Crescatorilor de Ovine si Caprine din Romania, Marcel Andrei, intr-un comunicat de presa.\nPotrivit acestuia, un exemplu de masura care ingreuneaza activitatea celor din domeniu este ordinul 619 (act normativ cu privire la cererea unica de plata), „care este atat de stufos si de complicat incat aproape ca ai nevoie de facultate ca sa reusesti sa-l completeziâ€. „In plus, a fost si modificat de trei ori, pe parcursul perioadei in care cererile trebuiau depuseâ€, a adaugat Marcel Andrei.\nIn cadrul comunicatului, reprezentantul Sindicatul National al Crescatorilor de Ovine si Caprine din Romania afirma ca seceta si-a pus amprenta si asupra sectorului de crestere a oilor si caprelor si, pana in prezent, nu s-a luat nicio masura pentru compensarea pierderilor inregistrate de crescatori.\nFederatia Agrostar are in componenta peste 45.000 de membri, atat producatori agricoli, cat si salariati din agricultura si servicii conexe, din sectorul privat, cat si din cel bugetar.\n\t\n " - ], - [ - "Zimbabwe runs out of money to contain outbreak of Foot and Mouth ...", - " \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n ZIMBABWE has run out of money to vaccinate millions of domestic animals to curb the spread of Foot and Mouth and protect against\nNewcastle Disease, acting Agriculture Secretary John Gondo said.“We are in the process of vaccinating over 1.5\nmillion cattle and 8 million chickens for FMD and Newcastle Disease, but the\nchallenge is that there’s no money to buy more vaccine from Botswana,†Gondo\ntold lawmakers Thursday in the capital, Harare.Government veterinarians have so far vaccinated\n410,000 cattle against FMD at a cost of about $2 per head, Gondo said. An\noutbreak has struck animals in Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South and\nMidlands provinces and recently spread to Mashonaland West.South Africa, which borders an affected area, has\nraised pressure on Zimbabwe to prevent further transmission of the disease,\nwhich could have an impact on beef exports.Foot and Mouth is an infectious disease affecting\ncloven- hoofed animals, in particular cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and deer. \nNewcastle Disease is a highly contagious virus that\naffects many species of birds, especially poultry, according to the World\nOrganisation for Animal Health. \n \n \n " - ], - [ - "Zimbabwe Seeks To Import More Botswana Beef", - " \n CSC is an export licensed beef commission, which markets beef from Zimbabwe to other countries. \n The parastatal, which is implementing a turnaround strategy, has revealed plans to do business with regional partners, including importing cattle from Botswana and exporting to regional markets in Angola and Mozambique. \nCSC looks to exploit the abundant 500,000 cattle population in Ngamiland including to help Botswana harness the potential of small to medium scale leather tanning and allied industry. \nIn 2011, Zimbabwe signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Botswana to import 30,000 cattle from Foot and Mouth Disease-affected areas in Botswana for direct slaughter in Bulawayo. \nCSC marketing director, Isaiah Machingura, when briefing stakeholders from Botswana, who were on a Zimbabwean tour funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), said they were looking forward to commence buying cattle from Botswana once the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) situation improves. Machingura said CSC abattoir in Bulawayo, which was toured by the Botswana UNDP contingent, has the best technology and has the capacity to slaughter up to 1,200 animals per day. However, the company has not been able to access European markets, relying only on regional SADC markets. Machingura said that the regional demand for their products is on a rise, adding that \n\t \n \n \n cattle supply in Zimbabwe is a challenge. \nHe said that they were eyeing export markets in Angola and Mozambiqu, hence they needed to import more cattle from Botswana to meet the demand. He said currently they were struggling even to meet demand even within Zimbabwe due to supply challenges. \nThe Zimbabwean cattle industry has been on a decline due to low numbers of cattle for slaughter. A delegate, Galefele Maokeng from the Trust for Okavango Cultural and Development Initiatives suggested that the government of Zimbabwe could avail some of the unutilised farms in Zimbabwe for Batswana cattle farmers to rear cattle in there. \nMaokeng observed that while Zimbabwe was complaining that it has cattle supply problems, there was, in fact a cattle oversupply in Botswana. Machingura, however, suggested that what Batswana farmers could do was export their cattle by trucks to Zimbabwe for slaughter. \nThe Zimbabwe tour was part of the Ngamiland Sustainable Land Management Programme, which is being undertaken with UNDP funding. The programme seeks to explore potential of the district’s richness in natural resources for supporting sustainable livelihoods. \nAmongst the aims of the project is to promote the non-meat livestock products enterprises in Botswana as a way of benefiting the cattle sector in Ngamiland. \n" - ], - [ - "Bird Flu Updates From Japan, Germany & South Korea", - " \n\t \t \tMike Coston is the Owner/Editor of Avian Flu Diary\nWe’ve updates this morning on two (now confirmed) suspected bird flu outbreaks I wrote about yesterday in Germany and Japan (see here, and here) , along with an update on the ongoing H5N8 outbreaks in South Korea. H5N8 first appeared in South Korea 11 months ago, and since then has forced the culling of nearly 14 million birds across wide swaths of that country.\nWhile some media reports are stating the bird flu outbreaks in Germany and Japan are confirmed as H5N8, others simply state HPAI H5 – and that further characterization is awaited.\nJapanImage/CIA\nFirst, an update on Japan’s outbreak. This first statement from the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries(MAFF), which does not fully identify the subtype, followed by a recent media report (vianews24.jp) on the immediate response.\nFor confirmation of suspected affected animals of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Miyazaki Prefecture\nFor cases where highly pathogenic avian influenza in Miyazaki Prefecture is suspected, the results of genetic testing, is a H5 subtype, today, has been confirmed to be a pseudo-affected animals.\nIn addition, combined, I will inform you as Attachment, because there was a prime indication.\n1. Overview\nFor cases where highly pathogenic avian influenza in Miyazaki Prefecture is suspected, the results of genetic testing, is a H5 subtype, today, has been confirmed to be a pseudo-affected animals.\nCurrently, it is a test in National Agriculture and Food Research Organization National Institute of Animal Health for NA subtypes.\nPrefecture measures meeting with bird flu occurrence of Miyazaki Prefecture\n(Kumamoto Prefecture)\nIn response to that bird flu has occurred in the poultry farm in Miyazaki Prefecture Nobeoka, Kumamoto Prefecture was installed the 16th measures meeting. The avian influenza virus, which is seen as highly pathogenic is confirmed, Miyazaki Prefecture Nobeoka of poultry farms. Miya 﨑県 went from dawn the 16th, chickens have been bred in this poultry farm, approximately 4000 birds slaughtered. In addition, this poultry movement and restriction of birds within a radius of three kilometers from, and radius 10 km within the carry-out limit also performed. Kumamoto Prefecture In response to this open the installation and the first round of meeting the livestock epidemic measures meeting that top the the 16th of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Department. The conference was carried out interviews over the phone for all poultry farmers prefecture has been reported that there was no abnormality. In addition measures conference in Kumamoto City opened, it has become a high alert in preparation for the occurrence of the prefecture.\nWhile the latest reports from Germany indicate a HP H5 virus – and while H5N8 is high on the suspect list – a final determination of the subtype has not been made. At least according to most media reports.\nMedical Journal online, 16.12.2014\nLower Saxony\nOn a poultry farm in Lower Saxony Cloppenburg the bird flu virus has been detected. Whether it is the Asian dating, dangerous pathogens H5N8, should further tests show during the day.\nCLOPPENBURG / HANNOVER. After the detection of avian influenza virus in Lower Saxony further study results are expected this Tuesday.\nSpecialists of the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut Riems to determine which virus subtypes are involved and how dangerous it is.\nThe disease had occurred on Monday on a turkey farm in Cloppenburg. Almost 20,000 animals on the farm now have to be killed.\nWhether it’s the dangerous H5N8 bird flu as recently is in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern , now have to show the test results.\nAlone in Cloppenburg nearly 13.5 million turkeys and chickens are kept. Lower Saxony is around 100 million poultry poultry producer in Germany is the most important.\n(Continue . . . )\nMeanwhile, in South Korea, while we aren’t seeing much media coverage (and what is available doesn’t translate particularly well), they are obviously continuing to see scattered outbreaks of H5N8 on poultry farms,presumably carried by migratory birds.\nYesterday it was announced that the zoo at Ulsan Grand Park would be closed over AI fears.\nUlsan Grand Park ‘AI precaution, zoo temporarily closed\n(Ulsan ACN 1) gimgyusin reporter | 16/12/2014 10:27:07 send an investigative\nDue to the highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) occurred in the production of Ulsan Grand Park Zoo is temporarily closed.\nAccording to Ulsan City Facilities Management Corporation 16 days from the day to prevent the entry of bird flu bird flu has decided to temporarily calm closed to the point. This complex is that avian influenza region’re about 17km away from the Ulsan Grand Park beyond the scope of avian influenza court explained that. But at least 43.2% of the total passengers Ulsan Grand Park Zoo Considering that Busan, Gyeongnam residents in preventive dimension has been highlighted as a temporary closed. closed for a minimum period of 30 days or more, given the incubation period of 15 days of virus is expected to be. Ulsan Grand Park zoo official said, “Citizens exhibited to the public for the animal to obtain the understanding of the points that inevitably closed for safety reasons,†said “closed period is unclear ago â‚© 0 Visit website or contact us by phone (052- 271-8816 1-8) and asked to check whether the zoo and different operations, “through the Ulsan Grand Park Zoo has exhibited birds such as parrots to Kum Hong, including 22 kinds of more than 900 horses in the nation’s first successful breeding.\nAnd this syntax challenged machine translation of an outbreak in South Gyeongsang, that appears to be the cause of the zoo shutdown.\n‘Largest poultry farm miljipji’ production caused highly pathogenic avian influenza AI\nArticles input 2014-12-16 11:09\nNearby Busan and Ulsan also emergency alert rush\n[ Herald = Yoon Jeong-hee (London) reporter – the largest poultry farm areas in South Gyeongsang production from highly pathogenic (H5N8) avian influenza (AI) let that occur in Yangsan Pusan ​​perimeter and nearby and Ulsan has embarked on an emergency alert.\nGyeongnam Yangsan myeonggokdong one of the farms in the Highly Pathogenic Avian dokgamga occurred, according to the ruling confirmed a rating of 13 days on laying hen farms in densely populated areas in Hebei and nearby (only 40 140 farm animals), the Figure defenses will chobisang stuck in. Last month, 20 days racing farm bird flu at a farm where the conduct occurred after disinfection of their defenses, such as increasing the number of bird flu since last 12 days off were pouring struggled on.\n(Continue . . . )\nWe’ve already seen the H5N8 virus show up this fall in Korea, China, Japan, Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK – both in domesticated poultry, and in wild or migratory birds.\nCompared to other avian flu viruses we’ve followed over the past decade, this one seems to be spreading geographically at a very rapid rate.\nThe good news, is that so far there have been no documented human infections with H5N8, and so this virus remains primarily a threat to wild birds and poultry operations.\nFor more on the spread of H5N8, you may wish to revisit:\nFAO Warns On H5N8’s Spread\nBird Flu Spread: The Flyway Or The Highway?\nEID Journal: Subclinical HPAI In Vaccinated Poultry – China\n \n \n \n \n \n\t \t \n\t \t \n\t \t" - ], - [ - "Zim suspends Botswana beef import deal", - " \n \n\tGOVERNMENT has reportedly suspended an import deal between the Cold Storage Company (CSC) and Botswana Meat Company to protect the local beef industry, NewsDay has learnt.\nBY SILAS NKALA\nWhen the deal collapsed early this year, officials cited the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in some parts of the country, including Botswana, but minutes of the CSC board meeting seen by this publication indicated that the government stopped the beef imports in order to safeguard local producers.\nMinutes of a CSC board meeting dated September 1, 2015, indicate that cattle were being sourced from an area which was not affected by foot-and-mouth disease.\nUnder the deal, which was supposed to run for four years, CSC bought live cattle from Botswana and slaughtered them at its abattoirs for sale to the local market.\n“The committee was informed that Zimbabwe veterinary authorities were yet to visit Botswana to verify assertions by the Botswana veterinary authorities that the area CSC was drawing its cattle imports from is far from the areas affected by the foot and mouth disease,†part of the minutes read. \n“The committee was further informed that the suspension of cattle imports was mainly triggered by the need to protect local cattle producers, and not by the foot-and-mouth outbreak.†\nEarlier reports had also indicated that the deal had been stalled by CSC’s failure to pay for the beef imports.\nBotswana Agriculture permanent secretary Micus Chimbombi confirmed that CSC was indebted to Botswana.\n “They have owed us for four years now, but have, however, acknowledged this debt and we regularly communicate with them about that issue. They seem to be willing to pay, but they do not have the funds right now,†he was quoted as saying.\nCSC reportedly has a debt of close to $22 million that has seen its production going down to around 10% of capacity.\nThe company was at one time the largest meat processor in Africa, handling up to 150 000 tonnes of beef and associated by-products each year, as well as exporting to the European Union.\nMore than $80 million is needed to bring the company back to its feet.\n \n\t" - ], - [ - "Ministry acts over swine fever outbreak", - "\n \n \n \n\t\nDeputy Minister Zhanda\nHappiness Zengeni and Felex Share Government has taken measures to control the spread of contagious small ruminants diseases that have affected parts of Mukumbura in Mashonaland Central. Deputy Minister for Agriculture responsible for Livestock Production Paddy Zhanda said Government is engaging stakeholders and livestock farmers to conscientise them on the African Swine Fever outbreak and how to control its spread.\n“I can confirm that ASF outbreak in Mukumbura area. We suspect that it may have found its way into the country from Mozambique. “We are meeting stakeholders to ensure we control its spread,†said Deputy Minister Zhanda. Measures have already been put in place including mounting roadblocks to stop movement of pork from the affected areas.\n“We are encouraging farmers not to let their pigs roam about, but confine their pigs to their homesteads. We have mounted roadblocks to stop pork from the affected areas. We also want butcheries in the affected areas to stop selling pork and pork products,†said Deputy Minister Zhanda.\nAfrican Swine Fever has no vaccines and Government is closely monitoring the situation. Minister Zhanda said in the event that the outbreak becomes unmanageable Government will be left with no choice but to burn all the pigs in the affected areas.\nDeputy Minister Zhanda said another small ruminants plague known as Peste des petit ruminants (PPR) has also been reported mainly from Zambia. For the PPR Government is encouraging farmers to report any signs to the veterinary services.\nDeputy Minister Zhanda was speaking at the Boka Tobacco Auction Floors Growers Forum held at Chiunye Primary School in Mt Darwin on Sunday.\nAt the same meeting Local Government, National Housing and Public Works Minister Saviour Kasukuwere said tobacco farmers should take knowledge they receive from experts seriously if they were to achieve higher growth levels and improved quality\nMinister Kasukuwere is also the legislator for Mt Darwin South. Minister Kasukuwere said improved tobacco output and quality would only come with maximum utilisation of land and application of the relevant knowledge. “We should build our country with agriculture and note that it was not a mistake to take the land,†he said.\nThe forum created a platform for interaction among tobacco farmers and service providers such as insurance companies, buyers, research institutions as well as Government departments. The agrarian reform saw many black farmers taking up tobacco farming, previously a preserve of a few white commercial growers, but many do not have adequate knowledge of growing the crop.\nIt has also brought negative effects on the environment, which has resulted in the wanton cutting down of trees, which farmers use for curing. These were some of the issues that were deliberated during the forum.\nMinister Kasukuwere appealed to fertiliser manufacturers to sell their products at reasonable prices and urged farmers to engage insurance firms to be cushioned in the event of droughts.\n“Climate change is affecting us and we have to have ways of dealing with it such that year in year out we do not work for nothing.â€Â Deputy Minister Zhanda said: “We do not want over reliance on Government, Members of Parliament or councillors.\n“Be self-sufficient and that is why we are saying sit down with the stakeholders and see where you are going wrong and improve next season. “This is vital because even if you are given hordes of money, without knowledge nothing will come out.â€\nBTF marketing director Ms Chido Nyakudya, said the forum would prepare farmers well ahead of the coming tobacco season. “Farmers should be told of what is expected of them as they come to the floor with their leaf and we are trying to give them as much information together with the other stakeholders. This is the only way they can fetch high prices.â€\n\tRelated\n\t\n\t\n\t" - ], - [ - "Chinese investments in Namibia expected to multiply – Xin reveals", - " \n\tWindhoek\nDue to excellent bilateral ties between the two countries, Chinese investments in Namibia since independence in 1990 total US$4.6 billion (N$62.1 billion) and created over 6 000 jobs by 2014.\nThe long-term investment of US$5 billion (N$67.5 billion) in the Husab Uranium Mine in the Erongo Region could provide 2000 permanent jobs and make Namibia the second largest uranium producer and exporter in the world.\nChinese Ambassador to Namibia, Xin Shunkang, revealed the latest trade figures on Chinese investment in Namibia at a reception hosted on Thursday in Windhoek to mark the 66th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.\nHe said the pragmatic diplomatic cooperation between Namibia and China has deepened over the past 25 years.\n“The bilateral trade volumes in 2014 reached US$863 million (N$11.6 billion), 16.78 percent up from a year earlier,â€\nXin told diplomats, government officials and other dignitaries gathered at the function.\nXin also referred to the fact that China has become the number one trading partner with various African countries, with Chinese investment on the continent reaching a record high of US$221.8 billion last year, an increase of five percent from 2013.\n“More than 2500 Chinese companies are running businesses in Africa and created over 100 000 local jobs,†Xin stated.\n“Other good news is that in August China signed the protocols to import Namibian beef with the visiting Namibian agricultural delegation. The door to exporting beef to China is open,†said Ambassador Xin.\nHe also alluded to the fact that China and Namibia are in talks to build a factory to locally produce vaccines for foot-and-mouth disease that periodically breaks out in Namibia.\n“China is helping African countries speed up their industrialisation with the goal of common development and win-win cooperation,†said the Chinese ambassador.\nHe believes the current China-Africa cooperation is full of vitality and creates new opportunities for bilateral ties. He also said China’s gross domestic product per capita in 2014 reached US$7 500 (N$101 250) compared to US$100 (N$1 350) when the republic was founded some 66 years ago.\nLast year alone China produced goods worth over US$10 trillion (about N$130 trillion). In a nutshell China became the world’s second largest economy, and the country with the world’s largest foreign reserves.\nFormer president Hifikepunye Pohamba and former first lady Penehupifo Pohamba, the Minister of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Creation, Erkki Nghimtina, Inspector General of the Namibia Police Sebastian Ndeitunga and Russian Ambassador to Namibia Alexander Khudin were among the VIPs present.\n \n\t" - ], - [ - "Canada lifts import ban on poultry from Washington state", - "\n\t\n\t\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\nCanadian health officials have relaxed their ban on poultry for four U.S. states that have been cleared from any signs of bird flu.\nOn September 1, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced birds from Washington, California, Oregon and Idaho were free of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and were once again safe to import. Poultry from Iowa, Wisconsin, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Minnesota and North and South Dakota are still at risk.\nThe CFIA instituted the ban in late 2014, after thousands of birds in British Columbia had to be destroyed following an outbreak.\nAs a result of the restriction, items such as raw poultry or other byproducts like eggs or pet food will not be allowed into Canada if they were processed, sourced or packaged in any of the eight restricted states. CFIA has also placed a ban on live birds or hatching eggs, feathers, poultry manure and laboratory material containing poultry byproducts.\nCommercial imports are restricted from certain quarantined zones throughout Canada until further notice. Pet birds must be cleared through the U.S. Department of Agriculture before crossing the border.\nFor more information, visit inspection.gc.ca.\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t" - ], - [ - "Brazil probes contagious horse disease near Olympic site", - "\n \n \n \n \n \n \n The National Equestrian Centre at the Deodoro Sports Complex in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on July 3, 2014\n Brazilian officials said Wednesday they are investigating an outbreak of the highly contagious disease glanders among horses stabled close to the site of next year's Olympic riding contests.\n \n \n \n \n \t There is alarm in the equestrian community over the appearance of the disease just when riding events start on Thursday to test the Olympic preparations at Rio de Janeiro's Deodoro complex. \nThe Agriculture Ministry says at least one horse diagnosed with glanders and subsequently killed to stop the disease from spreading had spent several months at the Army Equestrian Complex in Deodoro, which is just a few hundred meters from the Olympic site. \nHowever, officials insisted there was no risk of the disease—which can infect humans as well—spreading to participants during this week's test events. \n\"The installations where the riding tests for next year's Olympic Games will take place... are under a complete quarantine and rigorous bio-security measures,\" the ministry said in a statement. \n\"There are and won't be any health problems during the riding test events.\" \nAll 584 horses in the army facility are being subjected to a series of tests with samples sent for analysis at a laboratory in Germany. The tests are to run into October. \nSince some of the horses from the army facility have been used at another of the city's riding centers to the south, the approximately 300 horses kept there are also being tested and kept under strict quarantine. \nIn total, 17 horses diagnosed with glanders are being kept in Brazil's Sao Paulo state, awaiting further examination and extermination. \nGlanders is a sometimes fatal, incurable disease which causes ulcers in the respiratory tract and spreads through cuts, sneezing or contaminated food and equipment.\n \n \n Explore further: \n Investigating the respiratory health of horses and their owners\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n \n \n © 2015 AFP\n \n \n\t" - ], - [ - "Two cases of glanders in Brazil", - "A horse with cutaneous nodules of glanders on the legs. © University of Zagreb\nTwo cases of glanders in horses have been reported by Brazilian authorities to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).\nGlanders is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Burkholderia mallei.\nIt is primarily a disease affecting horses, but it also affects donkeys and mules and can be naturally contracted by goats, dogs, and cats.\nHuman infection has occurred rarely and sporadically among laboratory workers and those in direct and prolonged contact with infected, domestic animals. Although human disease is uncommon, it is life threatening and painful.\nIn a May 22 report to the OIE, a senior agriculture official, Dr Figueiredo Marques Guilherme Henrique, reported the outbreak in Varzelândia, Minas Gerais. The date of the start of the outbreak was listed as April 2.\nHenrique said the outbreak was detected following movement control activities carried out by the Official Veterinary Services.\nOne horse, in Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, returned a positive test.\nThe animal died from a snake bite before an additional test could be performed, he said. The animal was buried on the farm.\nThe Official Veterinary Services conducted investigations on the neighbouring farms and on farms linked to the property of the positive horse.\nClinical inspections were performed and samples were taken from two animals with suggestive respiratory signs.\nOne sample, from a mare in a farm in the municipality of Varzelândia, Minas Gerais, was positive for the disease. The animal was destroyed on the farm under the supervision of the Official Veterinary Services.\nSurveillance and clinical inspections of animals that were in contact with the sick animal, as well as investigations in order to identify the source or origin of the disease, are being conducted.\nTo date, there have been no signs of the disease in other animals.\nGlanders was eradicated from most countries by the mid-1900s.\nOutbreaks are now uncommon and reported from limited geographic areas.\nIt is endemic in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Central and South America.\n \n» Glanders Q&A\n \n \n" - ], - [ - "Rio 2016 equestrian events \"could be moved out of Brazil\"", - "\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brazil's Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply has been warned to speed up the process allowing international horses to be brought into the country, or risk competition at next year's Rio Olympics and Paralympics being moved outside the nation.\n \n Speaking in Sao Paulo, Brazilian Equestrian National Federation President Luiz Roberto Giugni accused the Government of delaying the process, and warned it must be completed within the next few weeks.“If the problem is not resolved by the end of the month, we run the risk of not having the event in Brazil,†he said. “The situation is complicated … [and] communication with the Ministry is bad.â€Delays are thought to relate to medical issues following the outbreak of several cases of the highly infectious Glanders disease in Brazil, including several close to the proposed venue within the Deodoro venues cluster.The failure of the Ministry to confirm its final health protocol in time contributed to no international teams competing at August's test event, a three-day eventing competion in which there were ultimately only domestic participants.A \"regionalised zone\" was installed around the venue for the test event to protect against contamination.A regionalised zone was installed around the Olympic Equestrian Centre in Rio ©ITGOfficials have refuted Giugni’s claims, however, insisting how  “Brazil is on schedule†and “not at risk of missing deadlines\", claiming that its final deadline is 120 days out from the event, which would mean they have until early April to complete their work.There is a precedent for equestrian events being held outside a host city or nation, with action at the 1956 Games held in Stockholm rather than Melbourne because of Australia's rigorous quarantine regulations, while competition took place in Hong Kong during Beijing 2008.However, it still appears likely that the protocol will ultimately be approved in time, and Giugni's words appear partly a technique to encourage Brazilian officials to speed-up their progress, a strategy previously used by other Olympic officials when criticising preparations.It comes at the end of a tough week for Rio in which savings have been announced to many areas of preparations, widely connected to economic problems across Brazil.FEI President Ingmar De Vos has admitted that the delay has had an \"important impact\" ©Getty ImagesIn a statement sent to insidethegames, FEI President Ingmar De Vos admitted how the length of the process has had an \"important impact\" but concluded that they are still looking forward to a \"very successful\" event in Deodoro.He is confident the health protocols will be completed \"soon\".“We have been working for some time with Rio 2016, the Brazilian and Rio Authorities and the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture to get the Veterinary Certificate and Protocol approved that will define the conditions for importation and exportation of the horses that will compete at the Rio Olympic Games,\" he said.\"The process of approval of the equine health certificate by the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture has already taken a lot of time and is still not finalised.\"This has an important impact as it delays the planning and preparation of the horses that will take part in the Games.\"As the President of the Brazilian Equestrian National Federation, Luiz Robert Giugni has supported us very actively during these negotiations and we appreciate that in his efforts to help the equestrian community in the discussions with his compatriots he is applying all possible pressure to achieve this.“We have had further discussions earlier this week and I expect the Ministry of Agriculture to issue this certificate very soon so that we can carry on with preparations for the Olympic Games and that the biosecurity protocols will ensure the safe import and export of the Olympic horses.\"Therefore we are confident that our horses will be allowed to travel back and forth to Rio to participate in the 2016 Olympic Games together with all the other Olympic sports.\"We are looking forward to very successful Olympic equestrian events in Deodoro next year.â€In a statement, the IOC also claimed they \"are confident that this will be resolved and that the competitions will remain in Deodoro\".Related storiesAugust 2015: Praise for Rio 2016 equestrian venue but fears over travel timesAugust 2015: \"Regionalised zone\" installed at Rio 2016 equestrian venue following outbreak of deadly glanders disease\n " - ], - [ - "Ukraine gives guarantees to Russia, Belarus that it won't supply food ...", - "\n \n 2015-08-27T12:24+02:00\n \n 12:24\n 27.08.2015\n \n \n \n Ukraine gives guarantees to Russia, Belarus that it won't supply food from ASF affected areas\n \n \n \n \n \n The State Veterinary and Biosecurity Service of Ukraine has given guarantees to Russia and Belarus that the country will not export products from areas affected by outbreaks of African Swine Fever (ASF), the service reported on Wednesday.\nThe agreements were reached after a video conference with the authorized agencies of Russia and Belarus.\nThe agreement on the preliminary notification regime for supplies of cargo under the control of the Ukrainian veterinary service to Russia was also reached. The issue of mutual application of the regionalization principle was agreed with Belarus.\nDuring the negotiations, the State Veterinary and Biosecurity Service of Ukraine presented a detailed description of the epizootic situation with ASF in Ukraine, and a set of measures which were taken to prevent the spread of the disease. Ukraine asked other participants of the talks to report on the measures taken by them to prevent the spread of the ASF virus.\nAs reported, Deputy Head of the State Veterinary and Biosecurity Service Oleksandr Verzhykhovsky said that Kyiv, Poltava, Chernihiv and Sumy regions are of particular concern regarding ASF, and wild boar in these regions are being culled as a result.\nAn ASF outbreak at the Kalita farm was registered on July 28, 2015. Its pig livestock exceeded 60,000 animals. The farm estimates its losses at about UAH 200 million. This is the first ASF outbreak at an agribusiness in Ukraine.\nSince 2012, there have been over 30 outbreaks of ASF in Zaporizhia, Luhansk, Chernihiv, Sumy, Kyiv, Zhytomyr, Rivne and Poltava regions.\nThe ASF virus is the causative agent of ASF. The virus causes a hemorrhagic fever with high mortality rates in pigs, but persistently infects its natural hosts, warthogs, bushpigs and soft ticks of the Ornithodoros genus, without any visible symptoms. There is currently no vaccine against ASF.\n " - ], - [ - "Germany sees reduced pork exports to Ukraine", - "\n By Vladislav Vorotnikov Vladislav Vorotnikov , 17-Dec-20142014-12-17T00:00:00Z\n By the end of 2014, pork imports from Germany to Ukraine could drop by 19.4% – to 29,000 tonnes (t), according to representatives of German Meat*, the joint export promotion body for the German meat industry.\n \n \"Overall in 2013, Germany supplied about 36,000t of pork to Ukraine. In 2014 Ukraine will import only about 29,000t,\" commented project manager of German Meat Elizabeth Gorelysheva.Experts have recently noted that the devaluation of Ukraine’s national currency, the hryvnia, against the euro has made the supply of meat to Ukraine almost completely unprofitable.\"Ukraine’s meat market has been and remains very interesting for German suppliers, but at the same time a number of factors have significantly complicated any increase in supplies – in particular, the devaluation of the hryvnia,\" she added.German exporters have also complained about the number of administrative barriers imposed on them, which also negatively affect export supplies.\"A number of legal issues also complicate meat imports into Ukraine - in particular the rules concerning veterinary certificates,\" added Gorelysheva.Official statistics indicate that all these factors have affected not only exports of German meat to Ukraine, but also overall meat imports to the country.According to a report from Ukraine’s State Fiscal Service, in January-September 2014, pork imports to Ukraine dropped by 4.2 times – to 26,185t. In value terms, imports amounted to US$68 million, which is four times lower year-on-year.Nicola Larin, project manager of foreign economic activity at Ukraine’s Association of Importers and Exporters, said the total imports of meat and meat products in Ukraine this year have already dropped by 37%. Based on current trends, Larin noted, it was safe to say the volume of meat imports to the Ukrainian market could drop by another 10% by the end of the year.\"Given the fact that the armed conflict is taking place, plus [the fall in the country’s] currency, plus the [influence of] corruption, imports will continue to fall, as there are no prerequisites for any slowdown in the decline,\" Larin added.According to official information from the country’s statistics bureau, in 2013 the largest exporters of pork to Ukraine were Brazil, Germany and the USA. Experts say the fall of pork imports is connected, to some extent, with the restrictive measures imposed by the country’s veterinary watchdog, Gosvetfitosluzhba, during the year.In particular, in March this year, the veterinary body limited the pork imports from Brazil, due to violations of its veterinary legislation, while in July it restricted imports of pigs from Russia due to fears of the spread of African swine fever (ASF).* German Meat unites about 40 German manufacturers at all stages of meat production, from those growing feed crops to livestock trade, slaughter and processing enterprises. \n \n " - ], - [ - "Kenya anthrax update: 300 buffaloes dead at Lake Nakuru National ...", - " \n\t \t \tIn an update on the anthrax update at Lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya from July, Dr Kisa J. Z. Juma Ngeiywa, CVO Director of Veterinary Services with the Ministry of Agriculture in Nairobi reported to the World Organisation for Animal Health that the outbreak is ongoing and the number of animals affected has increased.\nBacillus anthracis/CDC\nNgeiywa notes the number of dead Cape buffaloes due to anthrax in Lake Nakuru National Park has reached 300. The park has a buffalo population of 4,500.\nIn addition, a number of other animals have been affected to include rhinos, Rothschild giraffes, elands, impalas, warthogs and Thomson gazelles.\nOfficials report the source of the outbreak is contact with infected animal(s) at grazing/watering near the lake shore, watering holes and the fence line since mid-July.\nKenya has applied the following measures to help contain the outbreak: Movement control inside the country, disinfection / disinfestation, quarantine, surveillance outside containment and/or protection zone, official disposal of carcasses, by-products and waste and surveillance within containment and/or protection zone.\nAccording to the Merck Veterinary Manual, Anthrax is a zoonotic disease caused by the sporeforming bacterium Bacillus anthracis. Anthrax is most common in wild and domestic herbivores (eg, cattle, sheep, goats, camels, antelopes) but can also be seen in humans exposed to tissue from infected animals, contaminated animal products or directly to B anthracis spores under certain conditions.\nKenya/CIA\nDepending on the route of infection, host factors, and potentially strain-specific factors, anthrax can have several different clinical presentations. In herbivores, anthrax commonly presents as an acute septicemia with a high fatality rate, often accompanied by hemorrhagic lymphadenitis.\nB. anthracis spores can remain infective in soil for many years. During this time, they are a potential source of infection for grazing livestock. Grazing animals may become infected when they ingest sufficient quantities of these spores from the soil.In addition to direct transmission, biting flies may mechanically transmit B. anthracis spores from one animal to another.\nPeople can get anthrax by handling contaminated animal or animal products, consuming undercooked meat of infected animals and more recently, intentional release of spores.\nRobert Herriman is a microbiologist and the Editor-in-Chief of Outbreak News Today\nFollow @bactiman63\nRelated: \n \n \n \n \n\t \t \n\t \t \n\t \t" - ], - [ - "Over 185 Imenti South residents taken ill after eating sick cow meat", - "\nWhat promised to be a hearty meal of beef for a village in Imenti South was not to be.\nAnd who could blame them for their excitement? After all, meat is not an every day item on the menu for most families in this village. So, on the day the aroma of beef- whether fried or roasted- is in the air, it is often a meal to relish.\nBut one such meal has turned out poisonous for a village in Imenti South. 185 people were treated, and 80 admitted Sunday for anthrax after they ate meat from a sick cow that was slaughtered in Kiroone village, Egoji West ward.\nKanyekine District Hospital Clinical Officer Bernard Gituma said 10 people had been admitted, including two children below 10 years.\nMore patients affected by the poisonous meat were still streaming into the hospital, complaining of diarrhoea and vomiting.\nVirginia Karimi said she and her two children ate one kilogramme of the meat they bought from their neighbour, Muthomi Buria, who had slaughtered the cow.\n\"I bought one kilogramme at Sh300 on Thursday evening. But I started experiencing diarrhoea, vomiting and stomach ache on Saturday. My daughter also ate the meat but she is fine and is at home,\" Ms Karimi said.\nCow's owner\nRisper Kathure complained of diarrhoea and stomach ache.\nThe villagers rushed their sick relatives to the hospital on boda bodas, which we found still parked in the hospital compound.\nEgoji West MCA Alphaxard Chabari was among those who helped to take the patients to the hospital.\n\"Treatment is free, so even those who are not experiencing the pain should go for check-up. Those affected are from about 10 families and we thank the county government for taking the affected to hospital with their ambulances,\" Mr Chabari said.\n \n \nPlease enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.\n \n" - ], - [ - "Armed traffic officers rescue their three colleagues arrested by EACC", - "\nAthi River, Kenya: There was drama in Athi River along Mombasa highway when traffic officers rescued their three colleagues who had been arrested by anti-graft officers in a sting operation.\nThe three had been arrested by a group of five Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission officers for taking bribes from vehicles and Sh28,000 recovered from them in the Thursday afternoon drama.\nThe traffic personnel had been on duty flagging down and inspecting vehicles on the road when they were arrested for taking bribes.\nAnd as the EACC officials were processing them, a group of armed traffic personnel arrived in three vehicles and rescued them before driving to unknown destination.\nThey however failed to secure their mobile phones and the cash that was with the EACC officials.\nThe EACC spokesman Yassin Amaro said they complained about the incident at the Athi River police station to seek help there in tracing the traffic personnel and take action on the team that rescued them from their custody.\nThere is tension at the station amid fears of clashes between the two groups but senior officers arrived there and too charge of the situation.\nHead of Athi River CID Joseph Mumira later chaired a meeting that was aimed at solving the matter amid reports the traffic officers had been asked to surrender.\nIt is not the first time the traffic personnel are arrested over corruption claims.\nThe EACC officials have of late been conducting sting operations arresting suspects in various fields. Last week, they arrested two Chinese managers of the China Bridge Company for allegedly trying to bribe officials of Kenya National Highways along the Mombasa Highway. One of the managers is expected in court on Friday.\n \n \nPlease enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.\n \n" - ], - [ - "GRAPHIC CONTENT: The evil parasite that is eating people alive", - "\n \n WARNING: This video contains content that some viewers may find distressing.\n \n The \"jigger\" is responsible for thousands of people losing their limbs around the worldIn some cases, the worrying epidemic has even resulted in death.And as this horrifying flea gorges on human flesh, its better known relative - the sand flea - lies in wait on British shorelines.The \"jigger\", burrows itself into victims and lays eggs in their skin.The eggs are incubated and hatch, causing horrific wounds.\n \n \n \n YOUTUBE \n \n INFECTED: This is what a man's leg looked like after it was infested with 'jiggers' \n \n \n They can spread and start gorging on other parts of the body.Most recently, the infectious bug has infected thousands in the east African country of Kenya, leaving sufferers with terrible injuries.It has been branded the \"hidden killer\" and affects all ages.Stomach-churning footage online shows how its victims suffer.Doctors and aid workers visit villages to treat those infected and have to painfully cut out the larvae as they wriggle in the patient's skin.Some people are hit so bad that thousands of \"jiggers\" infiltrate the skin and eat away at their limbs – leaving them hanging on to the body by a thread.\n \n \n \n YOUTUBE \n \n HELL: A 'jigger' victim \n \n \n One shocking video uploaded to YouTube shows a man called Andrew, from Vihiga County, whose arms and legs have been destroyed by the parasite.The wounds are so deep that doctors are forced to use scalpels to cut out the deadly critters.\"Jigger\" hotspots arise in filth conditions and in households with poor hygiene.Back at home, the sand flea can be found in similar places - on beaches, stables, farms, soil and dust and even hide in cracks on the floor and in furniture.African charity Rise Up Society (RUS) is fighting the \"jigger\" epidemic by treating those suffering.And UK-based charity Sole Hope is working hard to raise awareness of the parasite.\n \n \n \n SOLE HOPE \n \n JIGGERS: Sole Hope, based in the UK, is raising awareness of the 'jigger' \n \n \n \n \n “When you are alone, the 'jiggers' will come over and be your brothers. And of course, they are not a very good brother†\n \n Jim Nduruchi, Kill the Jigger \n \n The charity documents the journeys sufferers go through during their life-saving treatment.Andrew, 42, is one of the worst affected.His legs have been chewed away by the parasite and are covered from just below the knee to the tips of his toes.Jim Nduruchi, of the Kill the Jigger campaign said Andrew's affliction was one of the worst he has ever seen.He said Andrews was gripped in the last stages of a \"jigger\" infestation and was close to death.\n \n \n \n \n YOUTUBE \n \n GRIM: The affects of the 'jigger' \n \n \n He said: \"Andrew has no one to take care of him.\"When you are alone, the 'jiggers' will come over and be your brothers. And of course, they are not a very good brother.\"Adventurer Levison Wood had to cut the end of one of his big toes off with a razor blade after a \"jigger\" laid eggs under his nail.He was walking from the source of the Nile in Rwanda to the Mediterranean and was subject to a Channel 4 documentary earlier this year.\n \n \n \n GETTY \n \n VICTIM: Levison Wood had to cut out 'jiggers' with a blade \n \n \n Public Health England told Daily Star Online there is no data available to suggest there have been any cases of the \"jigger\" infecting people in the UK.But there have been a number of confirmed cases in which the sand flea has infected unsuspecting Brits.They – like the \"jigger\" – can cause serious injuries.The parasite has been known to often bite holidaymakers and dog walkers.The effects of a sand flea bite in the UK is not as severe as the African chigoe flea but it leaves suffers with blistering and discomfort.Dr James Logan, senior in Medical Entomology at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said the 'jigger' stays in the body for two weeks.He said: \"The jigger is a tiny flea found in most tropical countries, measuring only 1mm. It may be small but it can be big trouble.\"Jiggers burrow into exposed skin on the feet where they stay for two weeks laying their eggs causing the feet to swell.\"The condition is called tungiasis and looks like blister with a central black dot - the dot is the back end of the flea sticking out so it can breathe.\"If untreated it can lead to serious infections and loss of toenails. Luckily, these little burrowing beasties can be treated fairly easily by physically removing them.\"\n \n \n Strange Plastic Surgery and piercings \n \n \n \n Related articles \n \n " - ], - [ - "Urban Fringes Are Hot Spots for Emergence of Infectious Disease ...", - "\n \n \n \n \t \n The new East-West Center study finds that peri-urban areas where genetic, environmental and social factors converge were at significantly higher risk for outbreaks of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in Vietnam A new study led by East-West Center researchers and funded by the National Science Foundation has confirmed suspicions that \"peri-urban\" areas at the outer fringes of cities are particular hot spots for the emergence of animal-to-human infectious diseases.The study led by EWC researchers Sumeet Saksena and Jefferson Fox and published in the open-access journal PLOS ONE, focused on outbreaks of the highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI, strain H5N1 in Vietnam between 2003 and 2005, which resulted in 45 million bird deaths and 106 confirmed human cases with 52 deaths. Their research concluded that the outbreaks in large part sprang from converging environmental and social risk factors brought on by development in these rural-urban transition zones (peri-urban areas), confirming what is known as the \"convergence model\" of animal-human disease emergence. \"Our research model for the first time presents data-based evidence for the common-sense notion that the process of urbanization combines risk factors to produce peri-urban landscapes with significantly higher potential for infectious disease emergence,\" said lead researcher Saksena.\nThe study notes that these areas have higher densities of domestic chickens, ducks and geese living alongside dense human populations, creating ideal conditions for HPAI transmission. Previous research suggested that disease outbreaks can be associated with environmental changes as societies evolve, but this is the first study of its kind to examine land-use diversity as a risk factor for H5N1. \"Land-use diversity serves as a proxy measure for mixing of virus host species,\" said project Principal Investigator Fox.Since 2003, the virus has killed millions of poultry birds in countries throughout Asia, Europe and Africa, and 402 humans have died from it in 16 countries, according to World Health Organization data as of January 2015. Just this year in the Midwestern United States, 48.8 million poultry were affected across 21 states with a strain of HPAI - although it is important to note that this strain is not a threat for spread to humans. The biggest known outbreak of bird flu in U.S. history, the epidemic has hit flocks in Iowa and Minnesota the hardest, where producers are scrambling to implement bio-security measures.Researchers said the East-West Center study implies the need to go beyond facility-level bio-security measures. Planners need to develop and implement landscape-level bio-security measures to improve emerging infectious disease prevention and control, they said, by combining geographic monitoring of risk factors along with pathogen surveillance programs.The East-West Center promotes better relations and understanding among the people and nations of the United States, Asia, and the Pacific through cooperative study, research, and dialogue. Established by the U.S. Congress in 1960 and based in Honolulu, Hawai'i, the Center serves as a resource for information and analysis on critical issues of common concern, bringing people together to exchange views, build expertise, and develop policy options.\n " - ], - [ - "Rift Valley Fever kills four in Mauritania - Health minister", - "\n \n \n \n \n \n The Rift Valley Fever (FVR) has claimed four lives in Mauritania since September 14, the Mauritanian Health Minister, Ould Ahmedou Ould Hademine Jelvoune said.According to the minister who was speaking to TV channel Al-Mouritaniye, the first case was diagnosed on September 14, 2015.\nA second case occurred on September 24 followed by several others on October 2, he said.\nJelvoune explained that it is not the same fever that has been widely diagnosed in recent months among Nouakchott residents.\nPeople with FVR are usually treated before reaching the hemorrhagic stage and the death rate among them is between 1 and 3 percent, he added.\nIn most cases, humans are infected with FVR after direct or indirect contact with the blood or organs of infected animals.\nThe virus can be transmitted when handling infected animal tissues or during fetuses or carcasses’ disposal, according to WHO.\n Signature : APA \n Copyright : © APA \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n " - ], - [ - "Brazil Ready to Help Russia Cope With African Swine Fever", - "Business11:20 12.10.2015(updated 11:31 12.10.2015) Get short URL35670MOSCOW (Sputnik), Daria Chernyshova — “If Russia needs our help, exchange of information, cooperation, we will be more than happy to assist. But we did not discuss this particular issue,†Tatiana Palermo said.\nBrazil is seen as a successful example of African swine fever eradication while the outbreak still continues in Russia. The most recent cases of this disease were reported in Russia’s Ryazan and Tombov regions. The disease has also been recorded in the Baltic states and some northern European countries.\nAfrican swine fever affects domestic pigs, warthogs and wild pigs. There is no vaccine or treatment. The virus is very stable and can remain in produce for months." - ], - [ - "Malaysia working to rein in rabies outbreak", - "KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is awaiting the arrival of 50,000 doses of rabies vaccination from France as it works to contain a rabies outbreak in its northern states. The infectious viral disease is primarily spread to humans from dogs; and it is often fatal following the onset of clinical symptoms which can range from a fever and headache to anxiety and delirium. As of Sep 18, 39 dogs from Perlis (19), Kedah (17) and Penang (3) have tested positive for rabies but none of the people bitten by rabid dogs has tested positive for the disease. Malaysia's last rabies outbreak was in 1999 and the country was declared free of the viral disease in 2012 by the World Health Organization. Malaysia's veterinary services department has said it has enough rabies vaccine to last them till the new shipment arrives in about a week.The rabies virus is believed to have spread from a neighbouring country, possibly Thailand, which shares a border with Malaysia. But authorities warn that they only have limited doses of the vaccine, and some states have resorted to culling stray dogs.\n #Rabies: As of today,21 dogs showing clinical signs out of 42 that tested positive;2,257 dogs put down;2,433 vaccinated;82 people bitten— Sumisha Naidu (@sumishanaidu) September 22, 2015\n\"All the northern states is in an immune belt,\" said Kamarudin Mohd Isa, Deputy Director-General, Department of Veterinary Sciences. \"So by right, the dogs that are vaccinated there are able to maintain certain level of immunity. \"But unfortunately the situation on the field is not like that. Rabies is endemic in our neighbouring country (Thailand) and that's why we have outbreaks in Perlis, and subsequently Kedah and Penang.\"Dog owners across the country are now rushing to their vets to get a dose of this rabies vaccine for their pets. Some affected states like Penang have resorted to culling thousands of stray dogs in order to manage the rabies outbreak.\"Once we reduce the stray dog population, we will vaccinate all the dogs with owners,\" said Dr Kamarudin. \"Dogs with owners in the region may be around 20,000.\"The mass cull has been criticised by animal rights groups, some of which have held protests, raising money to vaccinate the strays themselves.\"I don't feel it's ethical for them to just kill animals like that,\" said Shamini, a dog owner in Kuala Lumpur. \"Instead of killing them, they should be engaged in a vaccination programme, like they have for humans.\"But others feel human lives should be put first, especially in a country with so many stray dogs. \"If there's anything to prevent any outbreaks or if it's going to affect humans, I would say you have to do the right thing,\" said a Kuala Lumpur resident. \"So i would love it if humans come first then the dog.\" For now, Malaysia says the situation is more or less under control but vets are counting down the days till the next batch of vaccine arrives." - ], - [ - "Venezuelan controls encourage major meat and livestock ...", - "The Venezuelan government’s economic policies have created a boom in the smuggling of contraband meat and livestock to neighbouring Colombia. The trade is pushing down Colombian prices, putting consumers at risk and threatening the country’s hopes of becoming an export nation.\n Between January and September this year, Colombia’s tax and customs police (Policia Fiscal y Aduanera – POLFA) made over US$1 million-worth of seizures of meat and livestock in the form of 106 tonnes (t) of beef, 4t of pork, 11t of chicken, 1,024 live cows, 243 pigs and 23,100 chickens.However, the authorities and the sector believe this is just a small percentage of what crosses the border and, according to estimates from Colombia’s main meat and milk guild, the Federation of Colombian Ranchers (Fedegan), the cost to the national beef industry alone is US$84m a year.\n \nOfficials unload a ton of seized chickens from a smugglers truck. Credit: James Bargent\n\"Contraband is creating a serious situation for legal competition, which is tremendously harmful to those who pay their taxes and comply with Colombian regulations,\" said Carolina Hernandez, Fedegan’s internal auditing and collections coordinator.The price differentials that have fuelled the trade are a result of the Venezuelan government’s attempts to control the cost of staple goods and currency exchanges.Strict price controls on beef and chicken have been in place since 2009, when the government of then President Hugo Chávez introduced the policy to protect consumers from the effects of runaway inflation. He died in March 2013, but his successor, President Nicolás Maduro, continued the policy.The economic incentive to sell abroad, created by artificially low prices, is compounded by Venezuela’s fixed exchange rates, which further increase profit margins for smugglers.\n \nContraband meat is transported without even basic sanitary controls. Credit: PolicÃa Fiscal y Aduanera, Cucuta\nThere are currently three official rates for Venezuelan bolivares (VEF) set by the government: VEF6.30, VEF10.50 or VEF50 to the dollar. But on the border, 2,000 Colombian pesos (COP) – roughly US$1 – buys 89 Bolivares.The epicentre of the trade is around the city of Cúcuta, where smugglers bring meat, piled into stripped-out cars and the back of pick-up trucks, across the border, using clandestine dirt tracks that skirt official control points.\"It is brought along the trails without any consideration [for sanitation] or refrigeration; the meat is in a really bad state,\" said Lieutenant Colonel Rodolfo Carrero, the head of POLFA’s Cúcuta operations. \"This has very grave health consequences.\"Livestock is also usually brought in by the trails, either in trucks or, in more isolated areas, on foot. In the case of cattle, the animals’ origins are disguised by distorted brandings.The trade in contraband livestock has also converged with another illegal practice that plagues the sector – clandestine slaughterhouses, which are usually little more than farmyards or empty buildings and lack even the most basic sanitary controls.In Cúcuta, the contraband trade has proved so lucrative that it has spurred the growth of a specialised mafia dedicated entirely to smuggling and distributing meat. The police have captured several members of the group, but have had to let them free as they are unable to prosecute unless the value of the goods they are carrying exceeds US$14,000.\n \nPolice in Cucuta have identified a mafia dedicated entirely to smuggling. Credit: PolicÃa Fiscal y Aduanera, Cucuta\nThe criminalised remnants of Colombia’s right-wing paramilitary movement, which are active in and around Cúcuta, also cash in on the trade by charging smugglers their own form of import taxes. Further to the north, in the state of La Guajira, police say the guerrillas of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) not only charge \"taxes\" but have also begun smuggling cattle themselves.The impact of the trade on the sector is not limited to lost business; the cheap contraband meat on offer is also pushing prices down for legal traders.\"People are seeing a significant drop in their income as a result of the pressure from low prices because of all the contraband,\" said Hernandez.The trade also has the potential to stymie Colombia’s plans to become a meat and livestock exporter. The country is currently under evaluation by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) to ensure it meets the required international sanitary standards for export, and while – thanks to extensive vaccination programmes – Colombia is free of diseases such as foot-and-mouth and classical swine fever, Venezuela is not.\"The international sanitary body is tremendously worried about the contraband situation in the country – and at the moment they are doing the evaluation of the country’s admissibility to the external market,\" said Hernandez.For the past year, the sector has been working closely with law enforcement authorities to tackle the trade and, according to Hernandez, significant progress has been made, with a substantial increase in seizures and the targeting of smuggling networks.However, she feels much more must be done to reduce the damage smuggling is doing to the sector.\"Faced with US$84m in losses, it is still insufficient,\" she said. \"The Colombian state needs to put in more resources – human, technical and economical – to the bodies dedicated to controlling this.\" " - ], - [ - "Malaysia hopeful of stabilising rabies outbreak", - "KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian veterinary officials are hopeful that a rabies outbreak in its northern states will stabilise in a few months, as animal rights groups' continue to protest the precautionary mass culling of stray dogs.In an interview with Channel NewsAsia to mark World Rabies Day on Monday (Sep 28), the deputy director-general of the Department of Veterinary Services, Dr Kamarudin Md Isa, said given current statistics and with proper vaccination and education, it is expected there will be no new rabies cases within three to four months.More than 2,600 stray dogs have been put to sleep so far since one tested positive for rabies in late July. That was the first rabies case in Malaysia in almost two decades and authorities believe rabid dogs from neighbouring Thailand may be to blame.Across Perlis, Kedah and Penang, at least 42 dogs have tested positive for the disease that can be fatal to both humans and dogs. Fears of an epidemic and limited amounts of available vaccine have led to affected states culling stray dogs.There has been backlash from animal rights activists but the greatest outcry has come from Penang, where people are volunteering to house dogs to spare them from the government ordered cull.But their resources are limited.Penang non-governmental organisations (NGOs) such as Save Our Strays are appealing for items to help with the care of the stray dogs they are taking in, such as cages, food, dog leashes and medication.In Kuala Lumpur, Tong War Yee has volunteered to collect the supplies and send them to Penang. \"There's many people in KL willing to help them but they don't have the transport to Penang so I decided to find a lorry and store room right here,\" said the 24-year-old volunteer.Malaysian veterinary officials are aware of the backlash against the large-scale cull and have ordered more than 50,000 doses of vaccine to boost supplies. But they say the putting down of dogs cannot be avoided completely.\"Many people see this as not a good idea because they say that it's not the dogs’ problem but once the dogs are infected they become a risk to the main population, so we need to remove the risk,\" said Dr Kamarudin.But it is a risk that may always persist in Malaysia as long as it has a stray dog population.\"We really need cooperation by all parties, not just blaming government, authorities, departments for taking up measures to reduce the risks,†Dr Kamarudin. “They also should be able to come up with their own plan, how to make sure these stray dogs aren't stray anymore, how to take care of the stray dogs so they become a population that can be managed.\"On this, the government and animal groups can agree.  They say Malaysians need to be more responsible in spaying and neutering their pets so no animal is left vulnerable on the streets to rabies or any other disease." - ], - [ - "Penang lifts order to cull rabies-infected dogs in state", - "\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\tLim said the state has not recorded any more new rabies cases in dogs since September 21. — Picture by K.E. OoiGEORGE TOWN, Oct 9 — Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng revoked today an earlier order against rabies infections, immediately calling for an end to the culling exercise of stray dogs in the northern state.\n\tThe Penang lawmaker said the state has not recorded any more new rabies cases in dogs since September 21.\n\t\"The Rabies Vaccination Order (Penang) 2015 which was given on September 15 will remain and all dog owners must vaccinate their dogs against rabies,\" he said in a press conference at his office here.\n\tHe said the prevalence of rabies in the state is low and this was why he decided to revoke the order.\n\t\"I have discussed with the Veterinary Services Department director and she has no problem with lifting this order,\" he said.\n\tLim said the department only informed the state government that there were no reports of new rabies cases in Penang since September 21.\n\tAs of today, Penang only has four rabies cases, all are stray dogs.\n\tFacing tremendous pressure from animal groups since the state gave the order to cull all stray dogs on September 16, Lim hoped the lifting of the order will not earn him more criticism.\n\t\"I've been accused of eating dog meat because of that order and now that I've lifted the order, I hope they won't accuse me of other things now,\" he said.\n\tAs of October 5, Penang has killed 1,711 animals, compared to 1,693 in Kedah, and 299 in Perlis.\n\tKedah and Perlis have higher numbers of rabies infections, 18 cases in Kedah and 20 cases in Perlis but culling have already stopped in both states.\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t" - ], - [ - "What every Malaysian must know about rabies", - "\nInstead of creating unnecessary fear and paranoia over rabies, the authorities should promote proper education on the disease so Malaysians can better protect themselves and their pets. COMMENT\nBy Carol N\nWith the recent announcement of a rabies outbreak in Malaysia, there exists many misconceptions about the disease and how preventable and treatable it is. Allow me to dispel some of these myths with referenced sources.\nMyth 1: Anyone who gets bitten by a rabid dog cannot be saved and will soon die a terribly painful death\nIt is true that rabies will result in a painful death through inflammation of the central nervous system. Rabies in humans is untreatable upon the onset of clinical symptoms such as a tingling sensation, fear and anxiety which progresses to hyperactivity and paralysis.\nThe key point here, as stated in this WHO fact sheet, is that the incubation period between contact with rabies and onset of symptoms is typically 1 to 3 months. Only very rarely do symptoms in humans show up within less than a week. Sometimes symptoms only show in humans after a year. This gives anyone who suspects they have come into contact with a rabid animal, either by touching their saliva, getting scratched or bitten, ample time to get the series of rabies vaccination shots which will be 100 per cent effective in preventing the onset of symptoms, hence no death.\nThe same WHO Fact Sheet also states that “Rabies is a neglected disease of poor and vulnerable populations whose deaths are rarely reported and where human vaccines and immunoglobulin are not readily available or accessible.â€\nIs Penang a poor and rural state? Is it devoid of advanced medical facilities? Why is it so difficult for the local authorities to share these facts and educate the public?\nMalaysians are now panicking and rushing to get rabies vaccinations, which has resulted in a shortage of rabies vaccinations for humans. This means anyone who ACTUALLY does come into contact with a rabid animal and desperately NEEDS the vaccine, runs the risk of not being able to get the vaccine in time because of unnecessarily panicked Malaysians using up available stocks.\nMyth 2: ALL rabid dogs will become unnaturally ferocious, biting monsters\nRabies automatically brings to mind the image of mad dogs foaming at the mouth. However, not all rabid dogs become ferocious, also known as ‘Furious Rabies’. The Baker Institute for Animal Health explains that there are three stages of rabies – prodromal, furious, and paralytic (dumb). Animals at the prodromal stage exhibit non-specific symptoms like apprehension, restlessness, loss of appetite, temperament changes and sometimes vomiting. This is followed by either furious, and paralytic (dumb) form.\nOnly 25-30 per cent of infected animals develop Furious Rabies. The MOST common form is ‘Dumb Rabies’ where the infected animal drools excessively, becomes paralysed, easily frightened or unusually tame and is generally NOT very dangerous at all to anyone.\nMyth 3: We are having an emergency rabies outbreak\nTo date, the current number of reported dog bite cases tested positive for rabies is less than 50. Out of those cases including only TWO dog bite cases in Penang, there has so far been ZERO human deaths in the whole of Malaysia.\nIf this is classified as an ‘emergency outbreak’, then authorities are hypocritical by not similarly declaring dengue and leptospirosis as ‘emergency outbreaks’. As of June 20, 2015, there were 53,823 cases of dengue with 158 dengue-deaths reported in Malaysia for 2015. Last year there were over 7000 cases of leptospirosis or ’rat urine disease’, and 92 deaths from this disease. Both diseases are endemic to Malaysia, meaning they have been in this country all this time. Therefore it is illogical to declare rabies an outbreak when vector-borne diseases have proven to be a significantly higher threat in Malaysia.\nMyth 4: Rabies injections are now necessary for all our pets\nThe local authorities have been advising dog owners to get rabies shots for their pets, resulting in another mad rush by pet owners and a shortage of vaccine supplies for dogs.\nWhat the authorities have not told, is that priority of rabies vaccinations should be given to pets that are kept outdoors, where they have a higher risk of coming in contact with an infected animal. Many Malaysians keep small breed dogs indoors where they have very little risk of contacting a rabid animal. While small breed owners should ensure their small breed dogs receive normal vaccinations to protect against other diseases, over-vaccinating a small breed unnecessarily also poses a risk. Rabies vaccines, like all vaccines are essentially a small dosage of deactivated rabies viruses, meant to stimulate the body to naturally produce the required antibodies to fight rabies. However, dosages of vaccines usually given to small dogs is the same as given to dogs of all sizes, which is sometimes too much for the immune system of small breeds to handle. Therefore over-vaccinating small breeds can result in adverse and sometimes fatal reactions, such as in this story where a pug broke out in horrible rashes after a rabies shot.\nTherefore if you have a small breed dog which is primarily kept indoors and does not come in contact with stray animals, rabies vaccinations are not necessary! Vaccinating a small breed that has close to zero risk of getting rabies is depriving supply of the vaccine for pets that need it more.\nWhat is the real agenda?\nIt is clear, given the facts, that the authorities have created unnecessary fear and paranoia over rabies. This is posing an even greater danger to both humans and pets who actually need the vaccines because of the resulting shortages, when what should have been done was proper education on rabies and how Malaysians should protect themselves and their pets.\nIt is not a big secret that dogs are disdained by certain local communities , however what most people may not know is that Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has publicly stated his desire to make Penang a stray –free state.\nWe all want this country to be developed, but if in the process of that development, 40,000 innocent lives are needlessly taken, it will never be a development any Malaysian with a soul can be proud of.\nCarol N is an FMT reader.\nWith a firm belief in freedom of expression and without prejudice, FMT tries its best to share reliable content from third parties. Such articles are strictly the writer’s personal opinion. FMT does not necessarily endorse the views or opinions given by any third party content provider.\n The views expressed in the contents are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of FMT." - ], - [ - "Dog lady Mak Intan ready to face rabies outbreak", - "\nWoman with 600 dogs in her care started preparations two weeks ago after news about Thailand\nALOR STAR: With 600 stray dogs in her care, animal lover Halijah Idris, 68, better known as Mak Intan, has made early preparations to face the rabies outbreak in the northern peninsula.\nMak Intan who is continuing the struggle of her late husband Muhammad Azmi Isma, in taking care of more than 600 stray dogs on a piece of government reserve land near Taman Sultan Abdul Halim, is convinced that the disease can be avoided by adopting intensive care and prevention practices.\nMak Intan was busy giving antibiotics to the dogs and cleaning the dogs’ food and drink containers yestereday when reporters visited her.\nShe said two weeks before the announcement, several of her late husband’s friends from Thailand had informed her about the epidemic which was expected to spread to the northern states of the peninsula.\nHowever, she said, all the dogs were being closely monitored by her, including by checking the body temperature of each dog and giving early vaccines to prevent various diseases including rabies.\nDogs that had a body temperature of 40 degrees upward would be placed in a special cage, be monitored closely and would only be released after three days, she added.\n“Early vaccination, monitoring of their daily food intake, cleanliness, giving of antibiotics are being undertaken while waiting for the rabies vaccine from the Veterinary Department.\n“These dogs are being placed in the cage. I don’t let them out of their cage at all. I am monitoring them round the clock and don’t let them come into contact with outside dogs. At the moment, the dogs are not showing any symptoms of the disease.â€\nAccording to Mak Intan, she received medical supplies such as antibiotics and vaccines from several veterinarians at the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.\nShe said she would be meeting with officials from the Veterinary Department on Sunday to seek advice and guidance.\nHowever, she said, if a dog was destined to become infected with the disease, she had no choice but to kill the dog to prevent the infection from spreading to the other dogs.\nYesterday, Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek declared Perlis, Kedah and Penang as rabies-infected areas after several cases of rabies in humans were reported in these states.\n— BERNAMA\nRead also\nNGOs protest against culling strays to curb rabies\n \n The views expressed in the contents are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of FMT." - ], - [ - "Free anti-rabies vaccinations in Kedah", - "\nVet Dept to ask for additional vaccine, dog owners advised to keep their pets confined\nALOR SETAR: Kedah is in the midst of providing free rabies vaccinations and has asked federal authorities for additional supplies of vaccines.\nAt the same time, the Veterinary Department has advised dog owners to keep their pets confined for at least two months to prevent them from being infected by stray dogs.\nKedah Veterinary Services Department director Dr Kamaliah Ghazali said the department would apply for additional supplies as the existing stock of vaccines could only cater to 20 per cent of about 20,000 dogs in the state.\nThe department was in the midst of giving free vaccination. At present, dog owners are charged RM5 at the state veterinary services department.\nKubang Pasu, Kota Setar, Pokok Sena, Padang Terap, Pendang, Sik and Baling districts have been gazetted as a rabies immune belt under the Animals Act.\nDr Kamaliah advised dog owners to take precautions to ensure their pets do not get into contact with stray dogs, either through bite or saliva which could cause the spread of the virus.\nA two-month confinement period was important as it was believed the virus could easily spread within that period.\n“So, we ask dog owners to confine their pets within an enclosed space because once the dog escapes, other infected dogs could bite the canines and later, the owners could be bitten by their own dogs,†she said here. There had been six cases of people having been bitten by dogs in Kota Setar and Kubang Pasu, and on Sept 15, a person tested positive for a dog bite in Tanjung Bendahara, Alor Setar.\nSo far this year, 800 vaccinations each had been carried out in Kota Setar and Kubang Pasu districts.\n-BERNAMA\n The views expressed in the contents are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of FMT." - ], - [ - "Rabies in Malaysia: A viral response", - "One dog bite in a quiet border town in Perlis has, in the past two months, caused a nationwide panic, with three of Malaysia's northern states gazetted as rabies areas.\n \n \n \nThe emergence of this plague-like disease not seen in the country for more than 15 years poses new challenges for government authorities.Rabies, a deadly zoonotic virus, is carried primarily by dogs and can be transmitted to humans, cats, and other mammals.The viral nature of the disease prompted the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) to take aggressive steps to stem the outbreak, including culling stray dogs.This is turn sparked outrage among animal groups, primarily in Penang, and panic among the general populace, leading to a surge in animal dumping, cancellation of animal programmes, and panic buying of vaccine outside of the affected states.But is the panic justified?DVS Perlis director Dr Shaharul Akmar Talib says it was no fluke that the DVS was on the case with that first bite, as standard protocol requires Health Ministry hospitals to report any dog bite cases along the rabies immune belt.Established in 1955, the rabies immune belt is an area ranging from 50km to 80km from the Thailand border in which the authorities are on constant alert for rabies cases and which has a control programme that requires pet dogs be vaccinated and stray dogs culled.The belt covers regions in Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan, and north Perak. While part of Penang state, Seberang Prai, is on the mainland, the island is not included in the belt because it is isolated from the peninsula.Despite this, on Sept 13, Mohd Omar Hussairi Mohd Yusri, 11, was bitten by a suspected rabid dog at a fisherman's jetty in Kampung Nelayan, Balik Pulau, on Penang island. The dog is caught and tests positive for rabies.Following this incident, on Sept 17, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng announces that the state will cull stray dogs to stop the disease from spreading - which sparks protests by animal rights groups and panic in the headlines.By the next day 117 dogs are culled in Penang, while 270 and 534 are so far culled in Perlis and Kedah, respectively.According to online DVS reports, by Sept 22, Kedah recorded 1,618 dogs culled; Perlis, 297; and Penang, 342.Though Kedah initially had the highest number of culls, Penang quickly caught up. On Oct 8, Kedah reported 1,760; Perlis, 301; and Penang a whopping 2,059.Of the culled dogs, 18 in Kedah tested positive for rabies, with 20 in Perlis and four in Penang.Contrary to the actual number of rabies cases, the strongest opposition from non-governmental organisations (NGOs) occurred in Penang, with groups forming a coalition called \"Stop Killing, Start Vaccinating\".Sahabat Alam Malaysia assistant secretary Uma Ramaswamy questions why Penang appears to be receiving disproportionately more attention in this situation when Kedah and Perlis have been hit worse by the outbreak. While she disagrees with culling, she understands that it is a \"necessary last measure\" to curb the disease.Yesterday, however, The Star reported that Penang called off the culling as there have been no new rabies cases reported since Sept 21.While the fuss over culling will now no longer be an issue, fears about the disease will not soon die down, no thanks to a lack of awareness of the issues.Uma feels that a lack of information on the issue is panicking the public, leading them to dump their pets instead of vaccinating them - \"Malaysians can have a very tidak apa attitude,\" says Uma, referring to those abandoning their pets.In Ipoh, the closest city to the immune belt, many are dumping their dogs, according to Ipoh Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals president Ricky Soong and Dr Ranjit Kaur Mendhir, founder of the no-kill Noah's Ark Ipoh animal sanctuary.Animal shows by the Malaysian National Animal Welfare Foundation and the Malaysian Cat Club have been put on hold, with pet owners skittish and the DVS ban against pets being moved out of the gazetted states.The panic is also driving dog owners as far as Kuala Lumpur and Johor to get their pets anti-rabies shots, with reports of private vets charging up to RM45 (S$15.19) - RM60 for vaccination. DVS offers immunisation at RM35 a jab.DVS deputy director-general (health) Dr Kamarudin Mohd Isa criticises such panic buying, saying it is pointless for owners outside the affected states to vaccinate, adding that he doesn't want to see private vets trying to make a quick buck off the situation.Even the DVS frontline - some 200 officers sent north to stem the outbreak - have not been given rabies immunisation.\"Our boys are taking the necessary measures. We consulted the MOH and their policy is not to vaccinate until after being bitten,\" he says. DVS staff are given personal protection equipment.\"NGOs pushing for mass vaccination are not helping. Mass vaccination is suitable when dealing with an endemic situation but the situation in Malaysia is still under control,\" says Dr Kamarudin, when we met at his office in Putrajaya last Monday. A vet, who declined to be named, said by not vaccinating animals outside of the gazetted states, any cases beyond their borders would act as an instant indicator to the DVS that the contagion has spread.However, Dr Kamarudin points out that no new cases have been recorded since Sept 21. Though no new cases were discovered, the DVS continues samples of a portion of the dogs culled, going up from 176 on Sept 21 to 269 on Oct 8.Although the latest case in the state was at Felcra Lubuk Sireh again, Dr Shaharul says that the incidence map shows the disease has headed south, from Kubang Tiga, Panggas Besar and Guar Nangka to Pauh on the border with Kedah.\"After explaining the situation, most understand why we cull,\" says Dr Shaharul, adding that awareness programmes in schools and town halls have reduced the number of biting incidents.Despite having the most number of rabies cases, Perlis has recorded 41 bites compared with 75 bites in Kedah, while Penang leads with 143 bite reports as of Oct 8.It's telling that of the three states, Perlis has reached out to the most people through its educational programmes, briefing 16,385 people. Kedah has reached 3,356, while only 278 attended DVS talks in Penang.Global Alliance For Rabies Control executive director Prof Louis Nell agrees that awareness and education is the best first response to combat panic.In a phone interview from South Africa, Prof Nell says the fact Malaysia has been, until that bite in July, rabies-free since 2012 makes it a real example of a developing country dealing effectively with rabies.Nell emphasises that: \"It's important to vaccinate as many dogs as you can get a hold of. They create a buffer to insulate the disease - a vaccinated animal is your soldier.\"Meanwhile in Penang, the outcry by NGOs for an alternative to culling has drawn the attention of British charity Worldwide Veterinary Service (WVS), which has pledged to donate some 40,000 doses of vaccine worth RM2.68million.WVS founder Dr Luke Gamble says he will focus on Penang, as the WVS has been invited to participate by Penang's State Government; other states have yet to approach them.\"We have to be invited in, else it's foreign interference,\" he explains, adding that the DVS appeared receptive to his proposal at their meeting in Putrajaya on Wednesday.During an interview with The Star, Dr Gamble whips out a laptop to run through the slideshow he presented to the DVS, part explanation of WVS's methodology, part resume of the charity's success stories in India and Africa.Asked if Penang's isolated geography makes for an easier mission than border states like Perlis and Kedah, he admits that, as a charity, the WVS has limited resources.\"On the scale of agenda, it looks great for a young charity to successfully work with a government, as it allows us to get grants to work on other projects,\" says Dr Gamble.He says the programme - entitled \"Mission Rabies Malaysia\" - will be led by the DVS, with the charity playing a supporting role, providing between 100 and 150 staff members specialised in dealing with rabies.The programme aims to vaccinate 70 per cent of dogs in Penang in six months, though the WVS will maintain a presence for three years to ensure the outbreak is resolved.Dr Kamarudin confirms that the DVS is considering the charity's proposal to strengthen the rabies immune belt and will evaluate the donated vaccines for importation.He says the vaccine must go through the department's Technical Committee (biologics) to ensure its efficacy, which could take up to three months.In the mean time, the 50,000 doses of vaccine that the DVS requested from the World Organisation for Animal Health was expected to arrive on Oct 8; their arrival could not be confirmed at press time." - ], - [ - "Vaccination better than culling, virologist says amid Penang rabies ...", - "\n\tVaccination better than culling, virologist says amid Penang rabies scare\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\tPulau Tikus assemblyman Yap Soo Huey says the Malaysia Animal Act 1953 provided clear mechanism for use of vaccination, and culling was not mandatory. ― File picGEORGE TOWN, Sept 22 — Vaccination for dogs is a better form of rabies control than culling, said Pulau Tikus assemblyman Yap Soo Huey, a qualified virologist.\n\tShe pointed out that the Malaysia Animal Act 1953 provided clear mechanism for use of vaccination, and culling was not mandatory.\n\t“Based on experience in Thailand, Indonesia, Denmark and other countries, culling cannot control rabies but only mass vaccination has been most effective,†said Yap, who had worked in public health and medical research in Melbourne.\n\t“Mass culling can lead to other side effects such as the dogs running away from their usual territory, making it difficult to find and reach them.’’\n\tYap said people were also known to bring stray dogs home and this could lead to the spread of the virus to healthy and domesticated dogs.\n\t“Rabies vaccination can also be done by oral vaccination because they can be lured by food,†she said.\n\tYap said the British-based World Veterinary Services (WVS) had offered its services to bring in the vaccine and manpower.\n\tShe urged the Veterinary Services Department and Health Department experts, who had recommended the culling, to reconsider their recommendations.\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t" - ], - [ - "After bitten by dog, animal lover now accepts Penang's strays culling", - "\n\tAfter bitten by dog, animal lover now accepts Penang’s strays culling\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\tPenang has started a culling operation of stray dogs since September 16 amid a rabies alert, sparking uproar from animal lovers who insist on vaccination as an alternative. ― File picKUALA LUMPUR, Sept 25 ― An animal lover in Penang is now no longer against the state government’s culling of stray dogs over a rabies outbreak after she was bitten by one, local media reported today.\n\tD. Mangleswari, 28, noted the danger that would be posed by dogs infected with rabies.\n\t“Previously, I thought that it was wrong to cull dogs, but now I realise that many people’s lives are put at risk due to the dogs.\n\t“The authorities were not able to catch the dog that bit me, so we do not know if it was a rabid dog or not.\n\t“However, if a dog that may not have had rabies can attack in such a manner, one can only imagine how a rabid dog would attack,†she was quoted saying by local daily New Straits Times (NST) when met at the Pantai Hospital there.\n\tRecounting the Tuesday night attack, Mangleswari said a dog suddenly came up to her and bit her while she was walking to her car.\n\tThe dog continued to attack her even after she pushed it away, with Mangleswari saying that she would have sustained far more serious injuries if boys at a nearby field had not come to her aid.\n\tInitially thinking that the dog was playful, she said she did not know what provoked it to bite her, with this incident also being the first time she was attacked by a canine.\n\tHer mother M. Santha also backed the Penang government’s culling of stray dogs, saying that her daughter had thankfully only been bitten in the thigh.\n\t“What if the dog had bitten her neck? If there was no one there, my daughter would have been dead,†she was quoted saying by NST.\n\tAccording to the NST, 51 people including Mangleswari have been bitten by dogs since last week, with 10 new cases reported on Wednesday alone.\n\tPenang has started a culling operation of stray dogs since September 16 amid a rabies alert, sparking uproar from animal lovers who insist on vaccination as an alternative.\n\tBut the Penang government has reportedly said it is acting on the recommendations of experts from the Health Ministry and the Veterinary Department in conducting the culling operation, which has seen 342 stray dogs killed as of this Tuesday.\n\tAccording to another NST report today, Penang Veterinary Department director Dr Siti Salmiyah Tahir said the department is expected to get 5,000 doses of rabies vaccine next week, with the 300 doses passed on from other states expected to be used up by this week.\n\tPenang was previously a rabies-free state and so did not keep any vaccines for the sudden outbreak, Dr Siti Salmiyah said in explaining the state’s vaccine shortage.\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t" - ], - [ - "Kedah Health Department confirms woman bitten by pet dog with ...", - "\n\tKedah Health Department confirms woman bitten by pet dog with rabies\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\tALOR SETAR, Sept 19 — The Kedah Health Department has confirmed that on Sept 11 a 53-year-old woman residing in Kota Setar was bitten by her pet dog which tested positive for Rabies. \n\tIts director Datuk Dr Norhizan Ismail said the incident happened at 8.30pm after which the woman sought treatment at a private clinic before informing the Veterinary Services Department the next day.\n\t\"Kota Setar Health Department officers immediately swung into action and referred her to the Emergency Unit of the Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital for vaccination,\" Dr Norhizan said in a statement here today.\n\tThe woman was only treated as an outpatient and has to receive four more shots of the vaccine within a two-week period, Dr Norhizan said, adding that she appeared healthy.\n\t\"However, she was asked to be extra alert about the symptoms and to seek immediate medical attention if needed,\" Dr Norhizan added.\n\tAccording to the department, so far no human cases of Rabies has been reported out of nine cases of people being bitten by dogs received by it (department). — Bernama\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t" - ], - [ - "Boars immune to ASF discovered in Latvia", - "\n By Vladislav VorotnikovVladislav Vorotnikov , 21-Oct-20152015-10-21T00:00:00Z\n Wild boars in Latvia that have managed to survive the African swine fever (ASF) and develop antibodies against it have been found in Latvia, raising hopes for the development of a vaccine against the disease. \n \n “This year, 5% of shot boars had antibodies to ASF, which means that these animals managed to survive the infection and even gain immunity. Apparently, it was a particularly hardy specimen. This is something new for us, but it is clear that this disease is still not fully understood and this is a complex phenomenon,†said general director of Food and Veterinary Service Maris Balodis.At the same time he raises concerns, as the situation with ASF in the country continues to deteriorate rapidly, which poses a serious threat to the domestic pig sector.“ASF gradually covers the whole of territory Latvia, and the next year we will face a big problem when the infection will inevitably appear in the forests of Kurzeme, where the largest number of wild boars - 20 animals per square kilometer. If ASF gets here, it will be very bad. Meanwhile, 75% of farms in Kurzeme do not comply with the necessary measures of biological security,†he added.Balodis believes that one of the most efficient ways to protect farms is to reduce the population of wild boars, and the government should encourage hunters to actively shoot them.Further verification is neededRussian veterinary experts have noted that the finding needs further verification. “Previously some of the animals had survived the acute phase of the disease, while remaining carriers of the virus. We have no information as to exactly what kind of immunity we are talking about, and whether these antibodies could be used for vaccine development,†commented the spokesperson of the Russian veterinary body Rosselhoznadzor. Meanwhile, number of Russian scientists expressed doubts that antibodies can be used for future production of vaccine. “In general, neutralizing of ASF virus with antibodies is impossible because the virus enters the target cells such as monocytes amd macrophages by phagocytosis regardless of specific receptors,†explained Professor Vladimir Makarov from the All-Russian Research Institute of Veterinary Virology and Microphytology.Russian scientists are engaged in active development of a vaccine since 2013. In 2014 it has been reported that the first trials of vaccine has been successfully finished, and the first results were encouraging.It is expected that the vaccine can be wiped out by mid-2016. In early 2015, Russian scientists were also able to identify the gene of ASF, which also believed to be important milestone in terms of fighting the disease. \n \n " - ], - [ - "Russia halts EU sweetheart food deals", - "Russia has stopped procedures to let favoured EU countries resume pig meat exports after a European outcry. Sergei Dankvert, the head of its food safety body, Rosselkhoznadzor, told the Interfax news agency on Thursday (29 January): “We began planning inspections, but are now pausing to consider whether to do that or notâ€. \n \n'All member states agreed we have to show solidarity', EU commissioner Hogan (l) has said. (Photo: European Commission)\n \n\"We were trying to find a way out of the situation and to create the opportunity for a return of European pork to the Russian market. But if our European colleagues find that path to be unacceptable, we will not take the initiativeâ€. \nHe said inspections were to take place in Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, and the Netherlands. \nBut he said Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland are ineligible due to concerns on African swine fever. \nRussia last year banned EU pig meat exports due to a swine fever alert. \nIt later banned almost all food exports in retaliation against EU sanctions over its war on Ukraine, costing European exporters hundreds of millions of euros. \nThe Rosselkhoznadzor inspections in select EU states were designed to let them resume pig meat exports as quickly as possible. \n \n \n \nBut other EU countries - led by Poland - complained that Russia is using food markets to reward EU doves and to punish hawks in an attempt to sow division. The European Commission, which initially approved Russia’s pick-and-choose approach, later disowned the deal.\n“All member states agreed we have to show solidarity on this issueâ€, the EU’s agriculture commissioner, Phil Hogan, told press on Monday.\nSanctions ‘regrettable’\nThe pig meat news came shortly before EU foreign ministers in Brussels agreed to extend Russia sanctions for six months and to blacklist more names. \n\"By acting in such a narrow-minded way, the EU in essence is subjecting to additional tests our partnership - the partnership between Russia and the European Union, which is regrettableâ€, Russia’s ambassador to the EU, Vladimir Chizhov, told the Tass news agency.\nHe said Ukraine, not Russia, is responsible for the “bloodbath†in east Ukraine.\nHe accused the EU of hiding its fear of Ukraine’s “economic collapseâ€, which threatens the future of the “notorious association agreement†- an EU-Ukraine political and free trade treaty. \nSpeaking earlier on Thursday in the European Parliament, Chizhov also accused Nato of false claims that Russian soldiers are fighting in Ukraine.\n“Let me assure you that the Russian army is not an army of the future which can make its soldiers invisibleâ€, he said. \nWorld Cup budget reduced\nLow oil prices, coupled with EU economic sanctions, have caused the rouble to crash in value and bond yields to soar. \nRussia's sports minister, Vitaly Mutko, said on Thursday it will cut its $9.5 billion budget for the 2018 World Cup in Russia by 10 percent as part of anti-crisis measures. \nBut EU foreign ministers also agreed to explore further economic sanctions if Russia attacks the Ukrainian city of Mariupol. \nMeanwhile, an EU options paper from last September, which EU diplomats say is still “relevantâ€, threatened to block the World Cup if need be.\n“Thought could be given to taking co-ordinated action … to recommend suspension of Russian participation in high profile international cultural, economic, or sports events (Formula 1 races, Uefa football competitions, 2018 World Cup etc.)â€, the EU paper, seen by EUobserver, says.\n " - ], - [ - "Be part of development-VEEP", - "\n\t\n\tBe part of development-VEEP\n\t\n\t\n\t \n \n \n \nVice president Inonge Wina has implored the people of Western province not to be left out of the country’s development paradigm.\n \nMrs Wina says the country has witnessed two significant events, the prayer and fasting on October 18 and 51 years of independence yesterday, which will take Zambia to greater heights.\n \nThe Vice president says the two events have given Zambians a roadmap on how they should relate with one another to take the country to a higher level of development.\n \nShe has therefore urged Westerners to be a part of this roadmap, as president Edgar Lungu is determined to develop all parts of the country.\n \nMrs Wina says this can only be achieved if the spirit of reconciliation, fellowship and forgiveness is bourne in the minds of the people.\n \nAnd the Vice president has urged politicians to work together in peace in order for Zambia to be developed.\n \nShe says it makes sad reading that political leaders are the ones who divide people especially when seeking votes.\n \nMeanwhile, Mrs Wina says the occurrence of livestock diseases in Western province must come to an end, and has requested to meet officials from the veterinary department to tackle the problem.\n \nThis was after the vice president was informed by Western province minister Poniso Njeulu of an outbreak of Foot and mouth disease and Black Leg, when she arrived at Mongu airport this morning.\n \nMr Njeulu said 13 animals have died from Foot and mouth disease in Nalolo and Shangombo districts, while another 109 cattle have succumbed to Black Leg disease in Sikongo district.\n \nHe however revealed that people in the province are happy that over 2 thousand metric tonnes of relief maize has arrived and is ready for distribution to hunger-stricken areas.\n \nEarlier, PF provincial chairman Charles Mututwa said Western province is calm, as people are eager to see the completion of major projects like the Mongu/Kalabo road and Sioma bridge.\n \nThe Vice president is expected to officiate at the Independence Cup tournament in Nalolo this afternoon, as well as inspect a few projects.\n \nShe is accompanied by her Senior private Secretary, ambassador Sheila Siwela.\n \nAnd the Vice President says Zambia will never be the same after the National prayers held on October 18,2015.\n \nMs Wina has since urged all Zambians to pray for the leadership as they implement various developmental projects.\n \nShe said President Lungu and his government recognises God as they preside over the affair of the country.\n \nMs Wina urged Christians to support government programmes aimed at benefiting the Zambian people.\n \nShe was speaking in a speech read for her by Higher Education Deputy Minister Sydney Mushanga during the fundraising meeting for ST John’s UCZ Church in Kabwe where she also donated 10 Thousand Kwacha.\n \nAnd UCZ Reverend Austin Siingwa urged government not to be discouraged by the current economic hardships but work hard to improve the lives of people.\n\t\n\t\n\t" - ], - [ - "Wina advises politicians against hate speech", - " \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\tELIZABETH CHATUVELA, Mongu\nVICE-PRESIDENT Inonge Wina has advised politicians to stop hate speech in their bid to win votes in Western Province.\nAnd Mrs Wina has declared the outbreak of blackleg and foot-and-mouth cattle diseases in three districts of Western Province as an emergency.\nIt is reported that 109 cows have died of blackleg in Sikongo while foot-and-mouth has claimed 13 animals in Sioma and Shangombo districts.\nSpeaking on arrival from Lusaka at Mongu Airport yesterday, Mrs Wina said politicians should instead preach love and unity in the country.\nMrs Wina also said there is need for co-existence, especially that the nation has just had a period of prayer and fasting and celebrated the 51st independence anniversary.\nOn October 18, 2015 Zambia observed a day of national repentance, prayer and fasting.\n“As we are coming from a period of prayer and reconciliation, we need to promote peace and unity. We can build our country to greater heights if we work as one.\n“So, I want to plead with politicians as they are the ones who divide our people. Each time we want to promote peaceful co-existence, politicians promote hate to gain a vote. Let’s learn to work together and promote peace, Mrs Wina said.\nOn the outbreak of blackleg and foot-and-mouth diseases, Mrs Wina said this should be treated as an emergency because the people of Western Province depend on cattle for their livelihood.\nBlackleg is an acute, febrile and highly fatal disease of cattle and sheep while foot-and-mouth disease or hoof-and-mouth disease is an infectious and sometimes fatal viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals.\nThe Vice-President said she will meet officials from the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock before leaving for Lusaka\n“It is very disheartening to learn that the province has been hit by an outbreak. So, I will look into it and ensure that the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock respond immediately,†Mrs Wina said.\nThe Vice-President arrived at Mongu Airport around 10:00 hours and she was received by Western Province minister Poniso Njeulu, Mongu mayor Bright Tombi, heads of Government departments, Patriotic Front (PF) Western Province chairperson Charles Mututwa and party members.\nMrs Wina laterwent to Nalolo to officiate at the  Inonge Wina Football Tournament as part of the 51st Independence anniversary celebrations.\nEarlier, Mr Njeulu said blackleg and foot-and-mouth disease has broken out in Sikongo, Shangombo and Sioma districts.\nHe said a team of experts from the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock is on the ground to collect samples.\nMr Njeulu also said Government has released 2,413 metric tonnes of relief maize and distribution to the affected families will start today.\nMeanwhile, Mr Mututwa said the people of Western Province are looking forward to the start of the construction of the King Lewanika University and Mongu stadium.\n“The people of Western Province are happy with the construction of the Mongu-Kalabo road as well as Sioma Bridge and they can’t wait for the commencement of King Lewanika University and Mongu stadium as per promise,†Mr Mututwa said.\n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t" - ], - [ - "Equine Influenza in Malaysia under control, says health official", - "\n \n \n \n \n SERI KEMBANGAN: Malaysia's horse population is free of the Equine Influenza (EI) virus, the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) said today.\nIt's deputy director-general Dr Kamarudin Md Isa said clinical tests on all the horses at the Selangor Turf Club (STC) and the Perak Turf Club (PTC) revealed that the animals were in good condition.\n\"We have also done tests based on samples that we took from the horses on Sept 28, all of them were found to be negative.\n\"Clinical examinations also found the horses to be healthy. So today we can say that the horse population in the country is EI-free,\" he told reporters at STC.\nThe DVS had on Sept 4 confirmed that some 100 horses nationwide were infected with the virus.\nKamarudin had said that all the affected horses at STC and PTC had to be quarantined, and assured that humans are not in danger of being affected.\nHe said following this development, the DVS has no problem with turf clubs conducting home-based racing, but would still limit the transfer of horses from their respective stables for the next three weeks.\n\"After three weeks, once we conclude that the horses are fit, only then can we retract the transfer restrictions that we have put on them,\" he said.\nKamarudin added that the department have also discussed additional regulations to be placed on the import of horses from overseas.\nHe said the import protocol is necessary to ensure that all the horses are vaccinated prior to being imported into the country, adding that the department will forward this protocol to be agreed by the exporting countries.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n " - ], - [ - "AVA suspends horse imports from Malaysia due to equine influenza", - "SINGAPORE: The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) on Tuesday (Sep 8) announced it has suspended the import of horses from Malaysia with effect from Sep 6 due to an outbreak of equine influenza in horses across the Causeway.The AVA said Singapore is free from equine influenza, but it is a \"highly contagious\" disease that can have devastating effects on the horse industry. As such, it advises members of the public who may have come into contact with horses in Malaysia, such as when taking part in horse riding activities or during farm stays, to avoid visiting horse establishments in Singapore.The agency will work closely with Malaysia's Department of Veterinary Services to allow the movement of horses between both countries to resume once the outbreak in Malaysia is resolved, it added. Clinical signs include fever, nasal discharge, swollen mandibular lymph nodes, dry cough, poor appetite and lethargy. The disease is unlikely to cause death and infected horses recover in three weeks to six months, depending on the severity of infection, according to the press release. The equine influenza does not infect or cause disease in humans, AVA said.  " - ], - [ - "Equine Influenza Hits Malaysia", - " \n\t \n\tInternational horse transport has been blamed for the first outbreak of equine influenza in Malaysia in nearly 40 years. The occurrence has resulted in a disruption of events in the racing industry and a complete ban on horse movement in and out of the country, according to official reports. \n \n\tHorse races across the country have been cancelled since the outbreak was detected in late August. However, morning gallops were allowed to resume at affected courses last week. \n \n\tAs many as 400 horses might have been exposed to the disease at the Selangor Turf Club in Kuala Lumpur, said Mohamad Azmie Zakaria, DVM, PhD, director general and chief veterinary officer in the Department of Veterinary Services and Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry in Putrajaya. \n \n\tOf those horses, two were found to be positive for equine influenza in mid-August. Both horses had been imported, Zakaria reported in an official outbreak notification published by the World Animal Health Organization (OIE). According to the Malayan Racing Association (MRA) in Keri Kembangan, as many as 90 horses have fallen ill at Selangor. “Those treated with antibiotics are recovering well,†said Krishna Kumar K, secretary at the MRA. \n \n\tWhile no other official reports have been made to the OIE to date, another Malaysian racecourse has also declared that its horses have been infected with equine influenza. The Perak Turf Club in Ipoh began canceling races in early September due to an “outbreak of respiratory disease†in its home stables, according to the club’s published cancellation notices. About 30 horses at this site have been isolated after showing signs of illness, according to the MRA. \n \n\tAt the Penang Turf Club, a single horse showed signs of the disease. The horse was isolated and treated with antibiotics. It has since recovered, the MRA reported. \n \n\tEquine influenza has been nonexistent in Malaysia since 1977. The origin of the outbreak had been recorded as the “introduction of new live animals,†the OIE notification stated. \n \n\tAffected horses have been treated with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications, and no deaths have been reported. \n \n\tVeterinarians have sought to control the outbreak through disinfection of the affected areas, quarantine of infected horses, and a screening and traceability program of animals that could have been affected. Officials also set up a strict ban on international movement, allowing no horses to leave or enter the country until the disease has been completely eradicated. Eradication is determined by a period of 28 days from the last outbreak. \n \n\tVaccinations were not administered, the OIE said. \n \n\t \n\tAbout the Author \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\tChrista Lesté-Lasserre is a freelance writer based in France. A native of Dallas, Texas, Lesté-Lasserre grew up riding Quarter Horses, Appaloosas, and Shetland Ponies. She holds a master’s degree in English, specializing in creative writing, from the University of Mississippi in Oxford and earned a bachelor's in journalism and creative writing with a minor in sciences from Baylor University in Waco, Texas. She currently keeps her two Trakehners at home near Paris. Follow Lesté-Lasserre on Twitter @christalestelas. \n\t \n\t" - ], - [ - "NZ authorities proved Kiwi horses were not behind Malaysia's ...", - "Malaysian authorities recently suggested racehorses imported from New Zealand were to blame for an outbreak of equine influenza. Veterinary epidemiologist Kylee Walker, with New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries, explains the steps authorities took to assure trading partners that the country’s disease-free status for equine flu remained.\n \nOn September 6 this year, a report was posted on ProMED-mail, a website run by the International Society for Infectious Diseases, regarding the current equine influenza outbreak in Malaysia.\nIn the posting¹, Malaysian Veterinary Services authorities suggested that the source of the infection could have been four horses imported via Singapore from New Zealand. Horsetalk covered this news in their article of September 6 entitled “Kiwi horses blamed for equine flu outbreak in Malaysiaâ€.\nNew Zealand has never had a case of equine influenza, and it was important to the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to clear up any potential confusion in the international community about our disease status.\nTo provide extra assurance of New Zealand’s equine influenza freedom to our trading partners and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), MPI initiated an investigation into these horses and the properties from which they were exported.\nThe Investigation\nProperties of origin:\nThe horses were traced back to four properties in the Waikato. These establishments were visited within three days of the ProMED posting, by MPI Incursion Investigation veterinarians assisted by the regular veterinarians for these properties.\nHorses present on the properties were examined for signs of respiratory illness; horses that had previously been in contact with the exported horse from each property were identified and blood samples were taken from these horses for testing; and the health of the horses on these properties in the preceding few months was discussed. The properties were all free of any current signs of respiratory illness, and none had had any recent illnesses of concern.\nTesting:\nBlood samples from the in-contact horses were tested at MPI’s Animal Health Laboratory. All horses were negative for antibodies to equine influenza virus. Had there been any exposure to equine influenza virus when the exported horses were on the properties, these in-contact horses would have generated antibodies as an immune response to infection. The exported horses had been sampled in pre-export isolation in New Zealand, and tested negative for equine influenza virus on nasopharyngeal swabs as part of their export requirements. The blood samples had been retained and were tested for antibodies to the virus as part of the investigation, and they were all negative.\nA equine flu sign in use during the 2007 outbreak of the disease in Australia.\nDisease and quarantine timelines:\nThe timelines of the travel and quarantine periods of the exported horses were reviewed, in relation to the incubation and infectious periods for equine influenza. The horses had all been subject to a 14-day pre-export isolation period in a dedicated horse export quarantine facility in New Zealand, with disease testing and close monitoring for any signs of ill-health.\nThey travelled to Malaysia via a two-hour transit in Singapore, where they were isolated from other horses.\nSeventeen other horses from New Zealand travelled on the same flight, with a final destination of Singapore. These horses were vaccinated against equine influenza and had undergone similar isolation and testing in New Zealand as the Malaysian-bound horses.\nMPI contacted authorities in Singapore and established that the 17 horses on the same flight from New Zealand had not come down with any respiratory illness after arrival in Singapore, nor had any of the horses they were subsequently in contact with.\nUpon arrival in Malaysia, the horses were subject to another 14-day period of quarantine, during which they did not display any signs of infection. Horses infected with equine influenza typically shed the virus during an infectious period of 7- 10 days, during which time they would be clinically sick. As the horses had a total of 30 days of quarantine and travel before being released into Malaysia, during which they showed no sickness and had testing that confirmed they were not infected before travelling, it is not plausible that they could have carried an infection from New Zealand to Malaysia.\nThe report posted by the Malaysian authorities describes the New Zealand-origin horses as having influenza-like nasal discharges at some unspecified time after release from the post-arrival quarantine.\nThis means that the horses were acutely sick with equine influenza (presuming this is what they had).\nFor the horses to be acutely sick, they would need to have been infected with the virus during an incubation period of the previous 1-5 days. Given this, the only possible timing for the infection to have occurred would have been soon after release from quarantine in Malaysia.\nInvestigation findings:\nPutting the above findings together, the most logical conclusion is that these horses, naïve to an infection not present in New Zealand; not vaccinated against it; stressed after air travel and quarantine; and then mixed with large numbers of horses post-quarantine, were among the first to be stricken with equine influenza at the beginning of the Malaysian outbreak.\nAssurances\nNew Zealand has a robust exotic disease surveillance system, and even ahead of this targeted investigation we could be very confident that equine influenza was not present in New Zealand.\nNo reports of any suspicious respiratory illness in horses had been received by the MPI Surveillance and Incursion Investigation team within the previous three months, and such a contagious and serious illness would not have escaped attention.\nUpon learning of the ProMED posting, MPI’s Manager of Import and Export Animals, Regulation and Assurance Branch, notified our trading partners in New Zealand’s largest horse-importing countries of Singapore, Australia and Hong Kong, that the information in the posting was incorrect and our country remained free of equine influenza. They were advised that we were undertaking an investigation, and that we would inform them of the outcome.\nAdditionally, at the point when the investigation concluded a negligible chance that equine influenza could have been present in the exported horses while they were in New Zealand, MPI’s Director of Animal and Animal Products released a statement to ProMED-mail with New Zealand’s reply to the posting². This included the assurance that New Zealand does not have equine influenza, some details of the investigation, and information on the strict import controls in New Zealand to prevent introduction of this, and other, diseases from countries that do have them.\nConclusion\nNew Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries has confirmed that the suggestion that New Zealand could have been the source of equine influenza virus infection for the outbreak in Malaysia was unfounded. New Zealand remains free from equine influenza.\nArchive Number: 20150905.3626182\nArchive Number: 20150912.3640649\nAuthor\n Dr Kylee Walker, Veterinary Epidemiologist and Incursion Investigator\n Surveillance and Incursion Investigation (Animals and Marine) Team\n Investigation and Diagnostic Centres and Response Directorate\n Compliance and Response Branch\n Ministry for Primary Industries\nTo report any suspected exotic diseases in horses in New Zealand, please call the MPI Exotic Pest and Disease Hotline on 0800 80 99 66.\n" - ], - [ - "US restricts pigmeat from Poland and Baltic States", - "\n The US is extending import controls on EU pigs and pigmeat products to parts of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland due to concerns about African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreaks.\n \n Until now, the US Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) only imposed ASF-related controls on EU exports from Sardinia and Malta.APHIS had previously undertaken its own assessments on such risks in the EU, but the US agency announced it would now follow the EU’s swine fever control decisions.The EU has imposed controls of movements of meat and livestock in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland, so “APHIS is modifying its list of ASF-affected regions†to include these areas, it said in a regulatory filing to the US Federal Register.MaltaThe decision could, however, mean that the US removes controls on exports from Malta, which is not currently listed by the EU as a swine fever-affected region.The APHIS filing said: “We are currently evaluating the ASF status of Malta at the request of the EU.†US animal health regulations “prohibit or restrict the importation of live ruminants and swine, and products from these animals, from regions where these diseases are considered to exist,†said the filing.In the past, APHIS has “evaluated the animal health infrastructure, veterinary oversight and legislation, and disease control programmes of the EU and individual EU Member States for multiple livestock and poultry species and diseases,†to decide where import bans should be made.Its filing added: “Previous APHIS evaluations assessed EU-wide animal health measures and the ability of a [EU] member state to effectively transpose EU animal health regulations into its own veterinary infrastructure and livestock and/or poultry disease control programmes.†But now it has concluded that “the animal health infrastructure, veterinary oversight and legislation, and corresponding disease control programmes are adequate at the EU level,†and so it will follow the EU’s lead in imposing ASF-based controls.'Difficulties'Despite the extension of the US ban to his country, the EU’s health and food safety commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis, a Lithuanian, welcomed the decision, given it meant that when the EU decided a country was ASF-free, so would the US: “This significant move reflects the confidence of the US, one of our major trading partners, in our robust system to control animal diseases. It comes at a time when pig farmers across the EU face particular difficulties. It is of crucial importance that unjustified restrictions on imports of European pork are lifted.â€A European Commission note said the decision was an important adoption by the US of the regionalisation of health controls, where meat and livestock movement and export bans are only imposed in areas of a jurisdiction affected by a disease.The note said these followed World Animal Health Organisation (OIE) and World Trade Organization (WTO) principles and helped to “control diseases and/or maintain safe trade by restricting trade from areas affected by disease, whilst avoiding trade disruptions in goods from unaffected areasâ€. It stressed that when ASF is detected in part of an EU member state, “the EU imposes restrictions on trade in the relevant animals/products from that areaâ€. \n \n " - ], - [ - "U.S to assist Nigeria to develop retail food industry", - " The United States (U.S) government has assured Nigeria of its readiness to support  current efforts on food security to enable consumers enjoy stable supplies and reasonable food prices.\nSpeaking with journalists in Lagos before the commencement of Retail Food Development Conference with Building Capacity to Create and Sustain Superior Performance in the Retail Food Business in Nigeria as its theme, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA’s) Regional Agricultural Counselor for Nigeria, Ghana, Benin, Cameroon and Liberia, Kurt Seifarth said U.S will grant aid to help increase food production and ensure that the food chain works.\nHe said the USDA had explored a number of tangible measures which, if implemented, would have a significant impact on food security and directly benefit consumers.\nAccording to him, supermarkets and other retail outlets have key roles to play in feeding the population as part of the food value chains, adding that it has become necessary to strengthen safety controls to help smallholders engage with large retailers on wider markets for their agricultural products.\nHe said smallholders and large commercial retailers need an enabling environment with adequate training, storage infrastructure, new skills and methods with which to improve the resilience of their production systems.\nHe commended the Federal Government for containing the outbreak of bird flu, adding that it demonstrated the  preparedness of the government to combat poultry health emergencies.\nAccording to him, the bird flu impact on U.S was devastating with the incidence and spread of high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) growing faster than expected.\nHe noted that quick action and good biosecurity measures were the keys to control highly pathogenic avian influenza, adding that the U.S was quite unprepared for the avian influenza outbreak.\nHe said the country was so shocked by the outbreak that it introduced a high surveillance programme with stringent biosecurity measures.\nThe outbreak experienced in America which came to an end in June, was the largest animal disease outbreak the country has ever experienced.\n \n" - ], - [ - "DoD Anthrax Update: Italy Added To List", - "\n \n \t\n\t \tThe Department of Defense has increased the number of government-run and private labs that have received live anthrax to 85, and Italy has been added to the list of countries that have received the virus.\nThe countries that have received live anthrax samples are Canada, Italy, Britain, South Korea and Australia. At home, labs in 20 states and the District of Columbia have received live anthrax from the Dugway Army facility in Utah.\nThe Department is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in its investigation of the shipments, and is conducting an internal investigation into DoD laboratory procedures. That internal investigation has concluded and will be released to the public after it is digested by Pentagon leadership, according to Defense spokesman Capt. Jeff Davis.\n“There is a review. The review is done. They’re in the process of going through and digesting what that says,†Davis told reporters at the Pentagon on Wednesday. “And we do expect, at some point in the near future, perhaps next week, that you’ll see some sort of results of that review.â€\nMay 27: Pentagon: Anthrax Transferred To Nine States\nMay 28: Pentagon: Anthrax Sent To U.S. Base In South Korea, 22 Personnel Treated\nMay 29: Pentgon Announces Laboratory Review After 9 Live Anthrax Shipments\nJune 2: Pentagon Stops All Anthrax Shipments\nJune 3:Pentagon: 51 Laboratories Sent Live Anthrax And Counting…\nJune 4: Rhode Island Added To List Of DoD Anthrax Shipments\nJune 29: DoD Anthrax Update: Live Samples Sent To Mississippi\n \n\t \tTags: Anthrax, Department of Defense, dod, Dugway, Italy anthrax, Jeff Davis, pentagon\t \t \t \t\n \t\n\t" - ], - [ - "New ASF outbreaks raise concerns over future of Ukraine pig industry", - "\n By Vladislav VorotnikovVladislav Vorotnikov , 29-Oct-20152015-10-29T00:00:00Z\n Meat industry executives in Ukraine have warned that African swine fever is posing a serious threat to the country’s pig industry, following the discovery of several new outbreaks of the disease, including in the Sumy, Poltava, Odessa and Mykolaiv Oblasts. \n \n Ukraine’s State Veterinary and Phytosanitary Service (Gosvetfitosluzhba) has criticised the lack of effort from farmers who are unwilling to improve biosecurity on their premises. A recent wave of inspections revealed 4,000 different biosecurity violations on farms and Gosvetfitosluzhba warned that this could result in further outbreaks soon.“This [the result of inspections] suggests many producers are still not aware that on-farm biosecurity measures are intended not only to protect their own livestock, but also to prevent the disease from spreading, so as to avoid a catastrophe on a global scale,†said Oksana Yurchenko, vice-president of Ukraine’s Association of Pig Producers (APP).Recent forecasts from market participants have predicted that ASF could be present in the country for the next 20-30 years and APP confirmed the situation was very serious. “The identification of an ASF outbreak in Sumy Oblast confirms that we have an endemic source of the virus in the Chernihiv Oblast and the regions that border it. Unfortunately, it is still not possible to control the situation. The virus circulates among wild boars and reaches domestic pigs on both smallholdings and industrial farms,†explained head of APP Artur Loza.Meanwhile, experts have also pointed out that, due to a lack of information on ASF in the military zone, Ukrainian veterinarians have not been able to monitor the spread of the virus there. Also, several industrial farms are still operating in the territory controlled by rebel forces. Earlier, Irina Palamar, head of the Association of Livestock Producers in Ukraine, noted that the spread of the disease could threaten the stability of the country’s pork market. “There is the threat of a pork shortage in Ukraine. Also, we face a social threat, as pigs are a source of food for many rural homes,†said Palamar.Ukraine has already banned imports of pork from the Baltics and Poland, due to the presence of ASF in these countries.Industry observers believe that all these factors combined could lead to a jump in prices in the market in the months ahead.“In autumn, due to greater stability in the foreign exchange market, consumers should only see a slight increase in prices for beef, pork and poultry meat, which would be insignificant thanks to relatively stable feed prices. However, despite a good harvest for feed crops, the costs associated with grain storage and logistics this winter will jump and, by the New Year, prices will soar,†Palamar predicted. \n \n " - ], - [ - "EU challenges Russia in the WTO over pork import ban", - " \n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n European Commission\n\t\n Press release\n\t\n Brussels, 8 April 2014\n\t\n EU challenges Russia in the WTO over pork import ban \n\t\n The EU today launched a case in the World Trade Organisation (WTO) against the Russian ban on imports of pigs, fresh pork and certain pig products from the EU. \n\t\n Russia closed its market to the EU – cutting off almost 25% of all EU exports – at the end of January 2014. It based its decision on four isolated cases of African swine fever (ASF) detected in wild boar at the Lithuanian and Polish borders with Belarus. \n\t\n This trade ban has exposed the EU farming sector to significant losses. Bilateral discussions with Moscow have not brought any results thus far. Given that there seems to be no solution forthcoming, the EU has decided to resort to the WTO's dispute settlement procedures by requesting formal consultations with Russia.\n\t\n “Russia's blanket ban on European pork is clearly disproportionate and goes against WTO rules. This was a very minor case of a few infected wild boars at the borders with Belarus which was immediately contained by the relevant European authorities. After weeks of talks with our Russian counterparts to try to resolve this issue, we see absolutely no progress. Europe will defend its pork producers and in this respect has no choice anymore but to pursue this case at the WTO.\" said EU Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht. \n\t\n EU Health Commissioner Tonio Borg said: \"Despite intensive negotiations, our Russian partners continue to reject our regionalisation proposal which would allow all pig exports, except from the affected area. The Commission has put in place a series of control measures to contain the ASF virus – which most probably comes from Russia itself - , which comply with WTO principles. However, Russia continues to apply a blanket ban on EU pork exports. This disproportionate ban is having a major financial impact on our European pig industry and cannot go unchallenged.\" \n\t\n Upon joining the WTO in 2012, Russia committed to make sure that its measures protecting animal life and health are based on science, not more trade restrictive than necessary and applied without discrimination to its different partners and domestic producers. \n\t\n However, Russia accepts for instance imports from Belarus and, until recently, Ukraine, despite notified cases of African swine fever in these countries. Also, despite the numerous outbreaks of the disease that have occurred on its own territory, Russia did not close its entire market to all domestic products. Therefore, by refusing imports from EU regions unaffected by the disease, Russia would seem to be applying double standards, treating EU products differently from other trading partners and from those produced domestically. \n\t\n In requesting consultations, the EU formally initiates a WTO dispute. Consultations give the EU and Russia the opportunity to discuss the matter and to find a satisfactory solution without resorting to litigation. If consultations do not reach a satisfactory solution within 60 days, the EU may request the WTO to set up a panel to rule on the legality of Russia’s measures. \n\t\n Background \n\t\n Trade facts and figures \n\t\n In 2013, the value of EU pork exports to Russia reached €1.4 billion, which was around 25% of the whole EU exports. The ban has a severe impact on the EU pig industry with a decrease of price and oversupply of pork on the EU market. Russia is the EU's third largest trading partner and the EU is Russia's biggest export market. In 2013, the EU exported €123 billion of goods to Russia and imported €232 billion worth. While Russian exports to the EU are mainly raw materials (80%), EU exports to Russia are mostly vehicles, medicines, machinery and transport equipment, but also agricultural products. \n\t\n African swine fever\n\t\n The virus of African swine fever is a lethal, infectious disease of pigs which is harmless to humans or other animals. The virus strain found in those four wild boars matches with the virus strain prevailing in Russia. The Russian import ban covering unaffected areas in the EU is in stark contrast to the Russian domestic situation. Since 2007, Russia notified around 600 cases of African swine fever in wild boar and close to 400 outbreaks in domestic holdings. Against this backdrop, there is little doubt that the disease spread from Russia to Belarus and from Belarus to the EU. The EU calls upon Russia to urgently increase its domestic efforts to eradicate and control ASF and lift its unjustified trade ban against unaffected areas in the EU.\n\t\n More information:\n\t\n WTO dispute settlement:\n\t\n http://ec.europa.eu/trade/policy/accessing-markets/dispute-settlement/\n\t\n Relations with Russia:\n\t\n http://ec.europa.eu/trade/policy/countries-and-regions/countries/russia/\n\t\n EU pork market:\n\t\n http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/pigmeat/index_en.htm\n\t\n EU control measures for African swine fever: \n\t\n http://ec.europa.eu/food/animal/diseases/controlmeasures/asf_en.htm\n\t\n \n \n \n\t" - ], - [ - "Foot and Mouth disease persists in Chikwawa", - "\n14 October 2015 Last updated at: 5:16 AM \nFoot and Mouth disease persists in Chikwawa\nMalawi’s Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development says the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak which was diagnosed in cattle in Mthumba dip tank area some weeks ago in Chikhwawa district in Shire Valley ADD (SVADD) is still putting cattle at risk. \nSo far, the ministry through the Department of Animal Health and Livestock Development is vaccinating cattle in the area as a way of containing the disease and currently 91965 cattle have been vaccinated.\nUnder attack.Malawian Pathologist, Gilson Njunga of Malawi’s Department of Animal Health, Central Veterinary Laboratory told Malawi24 in an interview that there is need for containing the disease by all means before spreading to other areas and countries. \n“Basing on this current situational analysis and in order to avoid immediate re-emergency and further spread of the disease, the Ministry still maintains the originally set local, restriction control measures within and around Mthumba dipping area until when it is scientifically proven that the virus is no longer actively circulating in the affected areaâ€, said Njunga.\n Foot and Mouth Disease is a trade sensitive disease with socio and economic implications and mainly occur in cattle. \nThe disease sporadically occurs in Shire Valley which is a major beef producing area in the country.\n Shire Valley ADD is continuously at high risk of FMD due to the presence of the virus in the local buffalo population within the Lengwe National Park which harbours the FMD virus. The current outbreak was confirmed on 4th September, this year and as part of containing the disease, ministry temporary suspended all livestock markets, temporary ban of all livestock slaughters, impose restriction of livestock and livestock products movement and also ban issuance of livestock permits.\n Related\nRelated Posts\n15 January 2016 \n13 January 2016 \n12 January 2016 \n7 January 2016 \n" - ], - [ - "Chikwawa man arrested for stealing drugs", - "\n30 September 2015 Last updated at: 4:02 AM \nChikwawa man arrested for stealing drugs\nMalawi Police in Chikwawa district are keeping in custody a ground labour at Makande hospital in N’gabu who is being suspected to have stolen medical drugs worth over half a million kwacha, proven to be properties of Malawi government.\nThis comes when most of the government hospitals in the country are lacking drugs and other health related materials.\nAccording to one of the police officers at Chikwawa police station, Constable Sam Chiwanda, the suspect, Solomon Chikatanga was nabbed on Friday night, September 25 after being at large for some time.\nStolen. (Google images)He said there were reports some months ago that thieves at the hospital stole drugs amounting close to K500,000 but the criminals were at large and investigations to find them were on going until he was arrested on this day.\nAccording to the police officer, Chikatanga has been selling the stolen medicine outside the country in Mozambique.\nHe however said the suspect has so far refused to tell them how he has been stealing the drugs.\nSolomon Chikatanga has been found with boxes of Laa, Panado, Amoxline, Buffen, Bactrim and much other kind which are properties of Malawi government.\nMeanwhile, the suspect who hails from Ndakwera village in the area of sub- Traditional Authority Ndakwera, will soon appear before court to answer charges of theft.\n Related\nRelated Posts\n7 January 2016 \n22 November 2015 \n14 October 2015 \n21 September 2015 \n" - ], - [ - "Malawi Govt optimistic on Subsidy programme", - "\n \n \t 10 October 2015 Last updated at: 5:05 AM \n Malawi Govt optimistic on Subsidy programme\n \n \t \n \n \n \n \n\tGovt upbeat for successful FISP program this year.\nGovernment says it is confident that this year’s subsidized input program will reach beneficiaries in time as it has engaged with private companies in the selling of the commodities.\nThis is a better development as compared to the previous years when the inputs used to reach farmers late which led to some farmers experiencing low yields.\nDeputy National Director of farm inputs subsidy program in the ministry of Agriculture Osborn Tsoka said the ministry has already awarded contracts to suppliers and transporters of the inputs which are different from the previous years.\nTsoka further said they are moving in the right direction as the rains are a few months away and the program will be officially launched this month.\n\tRelated\n \n \n \n \n \tRelated Posts\n \n \n \n \n \n \n 15 January 2016 \n \n \n \n 13 January 2016 \n \n \n \n 12 January 2016 \n \n \n \n 4 January 2016 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \t \n \n \n \n\t \n " - ], - [ - "Police arrest four in Blantyre", - "\n9 October 2015 Last updated at: 5:34 PM \nPolice arrest four in Blantyre\nMalawi Police in Blantyre have arrested four men for their involvement in a series of robberies around the city more especially in locations.\nThe four, Jonathan George 20,Frank Kachingwe 19,Junior Singini 18 and Aaron Mofolo 16, are now in police custody.\nAccording to Police,the four suspects have been arrested for their involvement in a series of robberies around Manja,Nkolokosa Naperi and Chitawira in the city.\nIn an interview with Malawi24 Blantyre Police Assistant public relation officer Grace Mwale said they had a lot of reports of robberies around these place.\nMwale further said the police then tightened security around the areas in question, a development which led to the arrest of the four.\nThe suspects are yet to appear in court to answer charges of theft contrary to section 278 of the penal code.\nGeorge hails from Thyolo district while Kachingwe hails from Nsanje district.\nSingini comes from Misesa village, Tradition Authority (TA) kapeni and Mofolo comes from Buleya village, TA kapeni in Blantyre city.\n Related\nRelated Posts\n19 January 2016 \n19 January 2016 \n18 January 2016 \n18 January 2016 \n" - ], - [ - "Insecurity irks Kyungu", - "\n \n \t 3 November 2015 Last updated at: 6:21 AM \n Insecurity irks Kyungu\n \n \t \n \n \n \n \n\t\nMalawi’s influential Paramount chief Kyungu of Karonga district has said rampant brutal killings happening in his territory are negatively affecting his authority and dignity in the area.\nKyungu was responding to a Malawi24 interview on the current state of affairs in the Ngonde district which some quarters have christened Babylon as a result of ruthless killings.\nThe chief has so far condemned the practice citing they scare prospective investors in the district as people now assume the place is full of blood thirsty gangsters who kill for fun.\n“They misrepresent Karonga. Our district is not like the way these people are trying to paint. We are peaceful thus the practice has brought us shame,†said Kyungu.\nKyungu: Angered.\nThis publication understands that there have been an increase in murder cases in the district with the recent one being of village headman Mwandende who was killed by his own subjects.\nMwandende whose real name was Alfred Mwangosi, aged 59, is said to have some leadership problems which his subjects who did not like.\nIn 2010 hell broke loose as people burnt houses in protest of his leadership.He was then removed on the post and Robert Mwandende who many subjects loved replaced him.\nLast month he went to reclaim his authority from Kyungu who restored him. This made people angry and decided to express their displeasure by killing him in cold blood.\nKyungu said that such acts are uncalled for and as a paramount chief he will make sure that peace and order are restored in his reign.\n“Killing a traditional leader? That is totally unacceptable and as the paramount chief I will make sure this must end,†he said.\nMeanwhile it is yet to be known if the paramount will achieve his wish as some reports indicate that a man had also been killed in the area during the afternoon hours of yesterday.\n\tRelated\n \n \n \n \n \tRelated Posts\n \n \n \n \n \n \n 19 January 2016 \n \n \n \n 19 January 2016 \n \n \n \n 18 January 2016 \n \n \n \n 18 January 2016 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \t \n \n \n \n\t \n " - ], - [ - "Namibia could become exporter of animal vaccine, medicine", - " \n\tWindhoek\nThe Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry (MAWF) and two leading vaccine manufacturing companies from China yesterday set the tone for Namibia becoming a net exporter of vaccines for foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and other animal medicines in the near future.\nThe combined announcement by Chinese Ambassador to Namibia Xin Shunkang and the Minister of Agriculture, John Mutorwa, comes in the wake of the first FMD outbreak in northern Namibia in more than 30 years and on the eve of Namibia exporting its first consignment of beef to China.\nAccording to the announcement, the Anhui Foreign Economic Construction Company (AFFECC) and Group of China will undertake the task of constructing an FMD vaccine manufacturing plant in Namibia. The site should be up and running within the next three to five years on a 100 hectare plot at Eenhana in the Ohangwena Region.\nA Chinese delegation of animal health experts are in the country and will undertake a comprehensive tour of the Northern Communal Areas as from today, following which they will present their findings to the MAWF.\n“During the upcoming week, details will emerge on the modalities according to which the vaccine facility will be established,†Mutorwa told New Era yesterday. He stressed the importance and urgency of such a facility, saying Namibia would always be exposed to animal health diseases, as the country is host to 2 million cattle, 4 million goats and 2.6 million sheep.\nXin Shunkang told this newspaper that the Chinese government has pledged to invest heavily in agriculture in Africa and that Namibia is one of the African countries where China will set up 100 agricultural centres to assist with technical support and knowledge transfer to ensure better food security.\nNamibia is currently suffering acute food insecurity, with some 550 000 Namibians in need of food aid, following three dry years.\nMutorwa stressed the importance of a healthy livestock sector, saying the sector shows significant growth both in terms of quality, quantity and value. He expressed his gratitude toward China for accepting Namibian beef exports which are expected to start soon, adding that Namibian beef is a sought-after commodity worldwide, already on sale in the European Free Trade Areas, which include the lucrative Norwegian market, while other exciting markets such as China are opening up.\n“It is of utmost importance that the MAWF attracts investment into the livestock vaccine and pharmaceutical industries to ensure long-term sustainability and security for the Namibian livestock sector and to position our country to one day be a net exporter of livestock vaccines and pharmaceuticals,†he noted.\nBotswana is the only SADC country presently manufacturing FMD vaccine and Namibia had to rely solely on that source during the recent FMD outbreak. The proposed manufacturing plant at Eenhana would put an end to such dependency and Namibia would be in a position to export much-needed FMD vaccine, as well as other animal medicines.\n \n\t" - ], - [ - "Farmers urged to plan for drought", - " \n\tWindhoek\nDroughts are always a given and producers will have to make provision for this. Following 2013 most parts of Namibia have been experiencing drought. This has been accompanied by large numbers of cattle at auctions and abattoirs as part of emergency marketing.\nIn his annual report as Chairperson of the Livestock Producers Organisation (LPO), Mecki Schneider, expressed great concern over the outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) in the Northern Communal Areas (NCAs) and the appearance of buffaloes, which remain a big threat to the animal health status of Namibia and the fact that no progress has been made with regard to the Small Stock Marketing Scheme, as well as the implementation of the new import regulations for livestock by the South African Veterinary Department.\nSchneider says this year brought great challenges, especially with regard to the animal health status of Namibia. As far as the marketing of small and large stock is concerned, he notes that the marketing of cattle has drastically increased due to various factors (drought, possible import restrictions by South Africa and the threat of the FMD outbreak). “With regard to the marketing of cattle, there was an oversupply of cattle at auctions while abattoirs slaughtered at full capacity. More than 100% cattle were marketed. Exports to South Africa have drastically increased, while exports to Angola have drastically decreased due to the recession in the crude oil price and consequently no US$ income. Unfortunately marketing to the NCAs where large numbers of cattle were sold, decreased drastically with the movement restrictions that came into force with the outbreak of FMD. The Witvlei Meat abattoir was closed in October 2014,†Schneider notes.\nHe says auction and slaughtering prices in general were lower in comparison with those of the previous year. There was a minimal decrease in the tendency of the total small stock marketing. If the different marketing channels are compared, the slaughtering of sheep at abattoirs decreased with about 20%, while exports increased with close to 24% (with an export quota built on the 1:1 marketing scheme and animals which were not suitable to be slaughtered under the drought scheme). Prices at the small stock abattoirs were competitive up to February, but when the marketing scheme started with an oversupply (due to the drought) of lambs, the price differences between Namibia and the Northern Cape abattoirs increased drastically. The difference was as much as N$10 per kg. The LPO continued its efforts to get a solution for the dilemma in the small stock sector, Schneider observes.\n“The only alternative for this industry would be to get approval for bone-in exports to the European Union (EU), which might realise better prices for small stock producers. Unfortunately no progress has been made due to the bureaucracy of both the Namibian government and the EU. This again resulted in the LPO’s decision to negotiate the Small Stock Marketing Scheme with the government, as after 14 years no significant results have been seen regarding the governments’ intention of value addition and employment creation. Up to date the government has kept to the 1:1 scheme. The negative tendency of the marketing of goats continues and each year even smaller numbers of goats are marketed.\nThe threat of the implementation of strict import requirements by South Africa as reported in the Annual Report last year is still ongoing. After the South African Minister of Agriculture last year provisionally lifted the implementation of the requirements until proper consultation has been done, cattle from Namibia could be imported to South Africa relatively freely. In the meantime the Meat Board also implemented a system which gives guarantees to the South African industry that livestock imported from Namibia reach their destinations such as feed pens or abattoirs. A new consultation process announced by the Department of Veterinary Services in South\nAfrica in April 2015 for a one-month-long consultation period was published in the Government Gazette. The Namibian meat industry submitted a joint proposal which ensures no risks are attached to livestock exports to South Africa. The government also sent requests to the South African government in this regard but no feedback has yet been received, although unofficially it was stated that these strict import requirements are not published under the Sanitary and Phytosanitary committee of the World Trade Organisation (WTO)’s website. In other words, South Africa keeps to her viewpoint that these export requirements must be implemented, which impedes our livestock exports substantially. The implementation of these strict measures in reality has little to do with Namibia’s animal health, but is rather a trade restriction with the aim to get a better producers’ price by stimulating increased demand.\nThe meat industry is currently looking at a strategy to solve this problem. Furthermore, it also emphasises that Namibia’s slaughtering industry must be supported, Schneider concludes.\n \n\t" - ], - [ - "International Waters: 'Sleepy' Koi Reach Austria", - "\n\tInternational Waters: ‘Sleepy’ Koi Reach Austria\tBy John Dawes \n \n \n\tAnyone could be forgiven for thinking that any common carp or koi (Cyprinus carpio) affected by lthargy, enophthalmia (sunken eyes), skin erosion and gill damage, and accompanied by up to 80 percent mortality is suffering from koi herpesvirus disease (KHV), but they could be wrong. \n \nThe fact is that these symptoms also are associated with koi sleepy disease (KSD), a serious ailment first discovered in Japan in the 1970s. Originally described as a viral oedema that affected juvenile carp, this pox virus caused the juvenile carp to gasp for air at the water surface or near water inflows into ponds. More recently, the same pox virus, called carp edema virus (CEV), was found in older fish, which, in contrast to the juveniles, tended to lie on the pond bottom, where they eventually died from lack of oxygen. \n \n \n \nSince its discovery in Japan, the disease has been detected in several countries, including France, Germany, the Netherlands and the U.K. However, we now have news of a first outbreak of koi sleepy disease in both carp and koi in Austria. Although this first outbreak was reported in February 2015, analysis of archived genetic material has revealed that KSD/CEV has been present in Austria since at least 2010. \n \nThis ties in with observations of high koi and carp mortalities every spring for several years now. KSD/CEV is not the only koi viral disease that causes high mortality. KHV and spring viraemia of carp (SVC) do likewise, but the fact that its presence now has officially been confirmed opens the door to this emergent disease coming under the spotlight. \n \nIt’s possible the virus mutated from the original form and is now better suited to European conditions than it originally was. This line of thinking is gathering momentum because of temperature differences between European ponds and their Japanese counterparts, at least as far as common carp are concerned. \n \nIn Europe, carp live in waters ranging between 7 degrees Celsius and 15 degrees Celsius, but in Japan, typical koi pond temperatures tend to range between 15 degrees Celsius and 25 degrees Celsius. As European carp apparently succumb to KSD/CEV at lower temperatures than their cultivated Japanese cousins, this is being taken as an indication that there’s been a mutation somewhere along the way that has allowed the virus to adapt to European conditions. \n \nThe emergence of KSD/CEV is considered so serious that a whole workshop was dedicated to it at the European Association of Fish Pathologists (EAFP), which held its annual conference in September. The outcome has not yet been made public. \n \nAs things stand now, KSD/CEV is not a notifiable disease, meaning there isn’t yet a legal requirement to notify the relevant authorities of any outbreaks. Indeed, there are relatively few fish diseases that fall into this category. The World Organization for Animal Health only lists nine, among which we find SVC and KHV, while the U.K. authorities (which impose strict health standards) also list just nine, only three of which, SVC, KHV and epizootic ulcerative syndrome, affect ornamental fish. \n \nThis could change, with KSD/CEV being proposed for consideration as a notifiable disease in the near future. If this happens, then proposals to set the relevant wheels in motion are likely to be tabled at gatherings, such as the EAFP workshop.  \n \n \nThis article originally appeared in the October 2015 issue of Pet Product News. \n\t\n \t" - ], - [ - "Sheep and Goat Pox Outbreak in Israel", - "News Sheep and Goat Pox Outbreak in Israel09 July 2015 \nISRAEL - There has been one new outbreak of Sheep and Goat Pox, also known as Peste des Petits Ruminants, in Israel.There were 10 cases in a farm flock of 335, causing two deaths. \nThe flock was not vaccinated and contained 200 ewes, 130 lambs and 5 goats. The affected animals showed classical skin changes, swelling of the joints, pneumonia and fever. \nIn response to the outbreak, 328 sheep have been vaccinated in the Hadarom region. \n \nTheSheepSite News Desk \n" - ], - [ - "BSE case confirmed in Alberta, Canada", - "\n The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed that bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) has been discovered in a beef cow, in Alberta.\n \n It is the first confirmed case in the country since 2011, and was picked up via Canada’s national BSE surveillance program, which analyses 30,000 samples annually.Investigations into how the animal became infected will focus on the feed supplied during the first year of its life.The Agency said it would also trace all animals of equivalent risk. These animals will then be destroyed and tested for BSE.The CFIA confirmed that no part of the animal’s carcase had entered the human food chain or animal feed systems.Following the discovery of BSE, South Korea has suspended the import of Canadian beef, pending further information on the case. \n \n " - ], - [ - "Europe turns to WTO over Russia's ban on pork products", - "\nPrinted from: http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/29f7612a-bb49-11e3-8d4a-00144feabdc0.html\nPrint a single copy of this article for personal use. Contact us if you wish to print more to\ndistribute to others.\n© The Financial Times Ltd 2016 FT\nand ‘Financial Times’ are trademarks of The Financial Times Ltd.\nPrivacy policy |\nTerms |\nCopyright\n" - ], - [ - "How Vietnam Mastered Infectious Disease Control", - "\n\t\n\tIt’s the winter of 2003, and Long Thanh Ngo, head of a government biological testing lab in Dong Nai province, watches helplessly as a highly infectious avian influenza virus begins ripping through Vietnam. In a nation heavily dependent on poultry for protein, tens of millions of chickens and ducks are either killed by the disease or culled to prevent it from spreading.\nThe virus even makes the jump to humans. Ninety-three people in Vietnam who plucked or cleaned infected birds or somehow came in contact with their droppings get sick. Mostly, the illnesses begin as normal flu—fevers, aches, pains. Forty-two people develop severe respiratory symptoms and die. Other Asian countries have cases as well, but Vietnam is the hardest hit.\nFarmers sell their ducks and chickens at the Ha Vy market outside Hanoi.\nThe infection spreads like wildfire among poultry, effectively halting the large poultry economy in Vietnam. But veterinarian Long can’t do much. Detecting the virus with his rudimentary tools requires injecting biological samples from birds into poultry eggs, where any viruses would multiply, and then testing the contents of the egg. Results take a week. “By the time we knew it was the influenza virus that can infect humans, there were many flocks infected already,†he says. When talking about that time today, Long looks away. “It was very hard.â€\nThe human deaths, the poultry losses, and the effect on poultry trade galvanized all levels of the Vietnamese government, from local to national. In 2004, the government set up a committee of 27 officials from the health, agriculture, and environment ministries to develop policies aimed at early diagnosis and rapid response to an outbreak. As Long puts it, “If we want to protect people, we have to look at and take care of animals and the environment.â€\nLong is referring to a concept known as “One Health.†It’s a holistic approach to global health that, over the past decade, has become the dominant force in emerging infectious diseases and global health security. After that first big avian flu scare of 2003, Vietnam became an early adaptor of “One Health†and is now a global leader.\n“Globalization has made diseases easier to spread.â€\nAbout 70% of new human diseases are like bird flu—they spill over from animals. “Dozens of new infections have emerged from animal populations in the last few decades,†says Michael O’Leary, an infectious diseases advisor with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in Vietnam. “The intention of One Health is really to help us predict, prevent, detect, and respond at early stages before they become human problems.â€\nThe new strain of highly infectious avian influenza that crippled Vietnam more than a decade ago kills about 60% of the people it infects—a much higher rate than the virus that caused the global flu pandemic of 1918–1919, which had a 2–3% death rate. The H5N1 avian influenza virus that remains in circulation in more than 30 countries, including the U.S., doesn’t spread easily from person to person—yet. “One Health†scientists fear that the virus will mutate or pick up genes from other flu viruses that will allow it to spread easily from person to person.\nIn some ways, predicting and preventing diseases by going after their origins sounds obvious, but it often doesn’t happen. One Health proponents note that had there been programs to limit human-animal interactions in West Africa or to monitor animal-to-animal transmission of the Ebola virus, the Ebola epidemic that started last year might not have happened—or at least it might have been stopped much sooner.\nViral Hotspot\nSoutheast Asia is recognized as a hotspot for new viruses—it’s where virus hunters go to figure out what to put in next year’s flu vaccines. O’Leary says that Vietnam’s large population of domestic ducks, chickens, and pigs makes the country particularly vulnerable. “There’s a lot of potential contact with human populations,†he says. And then there’s the continued impact of human activity on forests. “The forests have been extensively logged, and so the opportunities for wildlife, for instance, to come into contact with domestic animals and into contact with humans are great,†he says.\nA nurse administers a flu vaccine to a young patient.\nPublic health leaders in Vietnam are well aware that the country is a breeding ground for new diseases. And they’re sold on One Health, both for Vietnam itself and for global health security. “Diseases used to be enclosed in certain regions or countries,†says Dr. Tran Dac Phu, head of the Ministry of Health’s Preventive Health Department. “Now globalization has made them easier to spread.†In 2003, Vietnam was the second country to report a case of SARS, a disease that whipped up waves of panic as it threatened to spread around the world. It was also the first country to contain the outbreak.\nThe list of One Health supporters is an alphabet soup of global health agencies. USAID has now spent over half a billion dollars on One Health projects, including $60 million in Vietnam. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has spent $3.1 million on 31 “One Health†projects through its Grand Challenges program. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is helping countries learn how to test for infectious organisms. The Wildlife Conservation Society has programs around the world. The United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization, the World Organization for Animal Health, the World Health Organization, the World Bank, EcoHealth Alliance—all have or have had One Health projects. And the list goes on.\nClose Contact\nLoan Le Minh lives in the bustling village of Long Thanh in the Dong Nai province, an hour and a half drive from Ho Chi Minh City. The 39-year-old repairs the ubiquitous motor scooters that choke the streets in Vietnam’s cities and villages, but his dream is to be a wildlife farmer. A few years ago, he began buying and raising wildlife animals including porcupines, bamboo rats, snakes, and a cat-like animal known as a palm civet, and he’s planning to start selling the meat soon. The meat of all these animals is both popular and pricey in Vietnam.\nJust off the path to Loan’s front door, a dozen wooden boxes stacked five feet high line an aisle under a tin roof. The boxes have three shelves each. Loan reaches into one and pulls out a large greyish-brown snake with white zigzag markings. Behind him and around the corner are five cages with about a dozen Asian porcupines, black-and-white spines protruding from their mid- and hind-bodies. His family lives in the same compound, and he’s just a block off the main street of his village—children from the neighborhood like to play amongst the cages.\nChickens awaiting pickup at the Ha Vy poultry market outside Hanoi.\nLoan’s dream is to get his pocket farm thriving. But this kind of farming can bring forest microbes into contact with people. Elsewhere, human-animal contact has allowed a number of viruses to spill over. Chimpanzees brought us HIV, the West African Ebola outbreak most likely came from contact with fruit bats, and SARS came to us through palm civets. The close proximity can also provide a place for viruses to mix and trade genes—and become more infectious.\nBut through One Health programs, the local forestry department and health offices have reached out to Loan and others. They’ve taught him how to handle his animals to prevent infections—keeping them caged in order to prevent bites and scratches, for example, and he knows to alert the authorities if he notices any infections in the animals or the people who handle them.\nTran Van Quang is head of the Dong Nai Animal Health Agency. He followed the Ebola outbreak in West Africa carefully, as well as the deadly outbreak of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus in Korea this past summer. “Animal-related diseases are getting more and more dangerous for humans,†he says.\nIn Vietnam, at least, the One Health approach is making a difference. Last year poultry in three towns in Dong Nai were hit by avian influenza outbreaks. Animal, forestry, and health officials made sure poultry were vaccinated, 27,000 birds were slaughtered, and the public was warned to look out for sick birds. It took a little over a month to stop, Tran says, but that included 21 days after the last bird got sick. The outbreak was stopped before any humans were infected.\nHigh Stakes\nIn the global health world, One Health may not have enemies, but it does have challenges, including keeping funders interested in prevention and getting the public on board. It’s the public that has to accept One Health changes, such as switching from backyard poultry to more hygienic store-bought meat.\nThe first and perhaps biggest challenge to One Health is keeping the funding coming. “I think people around the world, whether it’s Vietnam or any other country, are programmed in a way to deal with emergency response more easily than thinking through preventative measures that would keep the disease from ever occurring,†says Scott Newman, a senior technical coordinator for the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization in Vietnam.\n“Animal-related diseases are getting more and more dangerous for humans.â€\nMonitoring the environment, educating people about animal-based infections, and getting them to change farming and husbandry practices and food preferences requires effort. “The problem is that if you take all these measures, the disease never crosses over to people, and you can’t measure how much money you actually saved as compared to doing an outbreak response,†Newman says.\nWithin Vietnam, preventative measures haven’t lost their allure yet—the avian influenza outbreak that happened over a decade ago is still fresh on the minds of health officials. “Animal-related diseases are getting more and more dangerous for humans,†says the Department of Health’s Tran Van Quang. One Health is so integral to the country’s budget that its projects are not even broken out in any differentiable way. Plus, foreign aid, such as the $8 million a year from USAID, is a big help.\n“Vietnam has made really great progress in promoting One Health,†Newman says. Partnerships on effective detection, education, and prevention programs among departments of health, agriculture, and forestry from the federal to the local level have resulted in only a few sporadic outbreaks in the last few years. All of them were quickly controlled.\nMicrobes like the avian influenza virus cross borders easily, which is why, for example, Vietnam has been closely monitoring Chinese avian influenza outbreaks. On a global level, the Obama administration has come up with a plan called the Global Health Security Agenda that focuses on using One Health projects to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. In July, the White House announced it is setting aside $1 billion dollars for activities in 17 countries, including Vietnam. It’s a classic One Health strategy—help each country develop the capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to future disease outbreaks by studying animals and the environment as well as humans.\nOther countries are in on it as well. In September, Vietnam took part in a meeting in South Korea in which ministers from several dozen countries discussed how to prevent future outbreaks of animal-based diseases. South Korea announced plans to put $100 million into global health security projects in 13 countries.\nChanging the System\nIn northern Vietnam, one of the One Health goals is to redesign the country’s approach to poultry farming. Traditionally, people raise birds—and sometimes pigs as well—at home for their own use or to sell to wholesalers. To epidemiologists, that’s is not a good combination. Avian and pig viruses can jump to humans. And flu viruses—happy in all three species—can exchange genetic material and become more infectious.\nThe Ha Vy poultry market about an hour’s drive from Hanoi is dedicated to changing the equation. Here 25,000 chickens and ducks a day are sold to wholesalers. From outside the large metal gates, you can hear the clucks and quacks. Inside the gates, the birds mill about in rows upon rows of low-fenced enclosures. The birds have plenty of room, food, and water. For the moment, at least until buyers come and take them off to be slaughtered, the birds seem content.\nThe four-year-old Ha Vy market demonstrates a One Health principle in action—animal health and human health are intertwined. Here the goal is to create an environment that minimizes the chance that viruses will spread between flocks or to humans. To get into the market, vehicles and people go through shallow pools of disinfectant. Concrete floors make Ha Vy market easy to clean. Cages are elevated from the ground so birds do not sit in their waste, and cages are not stacked one on top of the other. The market is scrubbed daily and closed once a month for a thorough disinfection.\nFarmer Quach Thi Hoan selling ducks at the Ha Vy market outside Hanoi.\nGovernment officials check large poultry farms to make sure the birds are vaccinated before they get to Ha Vy. At the market, any animals that look sick are tested. If they test positive, they’ll be killed. “No infected bird has been found at Ha Vy in its four years,†says its manager, Le Xuan Viet.\nDo Le Binh, a 56-year-old merchant, appreciates that. Today, he’s sold more than a thousand birds, both his own and for neighboring farmers. He’s all smiles, about to hop on his red scooter to head to his home nearby. “I’m not worried about avian influenza,†he says. “The birds at the market are vaccinated three times.â€\nHa Vy is not your hygienic, closed-to-the-world U.S. chicken house, but it is a step up from villagers selling chickens and ducks they’ve raised around the house. In 2006, according to an FAO report, 60% of poultry consumed in Vietnam came from backyard farms. But government One Health policies are slowly changing the entire system by supporting centralized markets with a veterinarian on duty like Ha Vy. The ultimate goal is to minimize the spread of microbes at every stage in the birds’ life cycle. Getting there is a step-by-step process.\nCultural sensitivity is an important part of that, says Newman, the FAO technical coordinator. “The cultural practice of going to these markets and picking out the bird that you want to eat that night is a very strong thing. It has been a way of life for hundreds if not thousands of years, and people strongly prefer to choose the food that they want to consume.â€\nModernized Detection\nAt the lab in Ho Chi Minh City, where a decade ago it took a week or more to identify the avian influenza virus, a USAID program called PREDICT has outfitted Long Thanh Ngo’s lab with five high-tech genetic sequencing machines. The machines can identify highly pathogenic avian influenza in a couple of hours, and Long can do 500 tests in a day. The rudimentary tools he used back in 2003 sit in a corner, repurposed for less time-dependent analyses. Long is ecstatic. It’s One Health at work —focusing on the animal hosts.\n“Our system has enough equipment to do the test quickly,†Long says with a broad smile. “We have a lot of experience on how to control the outbreaks and how to communicate to the people and contain the spread of the virus.†Without the equipment? He pauses. “The story of 2003 would happen again,†he says.\nIn Ho Chi Minh City, veterinarian Long Thanh Ngo can now do rapid tests for bird flu.\nLong’s lab is also involved with a Wildlife Conservation Society project that is collecting and testing 4,000 biological samples from the forests—from rats to bats, as he says. They’ve found some new viruses, but so far none that infect humans.\nAt Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Resource Development, Nguyen Van Long says the approach has worked well so far. Vietnam has held back avian influenza and prevented a new Chinese avian influenza from coming in.\nDavid Heymann, a One Health proponent and head of the U.K.’s Health Protection Agency, says One Health can’t yet pinpoint where or when the next new infectious disease will emerge. “But it can facilitate its detection and response,†he says. He points to a new fatal virus that showed up in Bangladesh in 2001. Quick research showed bats carrying the Nipah virus were contaminating open buckets collecting sweet date palm syrup. People are now being taught to boil the sap or cover the buckets, effectively preventing infection from a deadly new virus.\nSo will One Health prevent the next big one in Vietnam or anywhere else? “This is definitely the intent,†says USAID’s Michael O’Leary. Otherwise every country is doomed to dealing with disasters after they happen. “One thing about microbes,†he says. “They don’t respect national borders. It’s been said that a threat anywhere is a threat everywhere.â€\nAt the FAO, chief veterinarian Juan Lubroth says, “We need to have sufficient antennae to tell us when a storm is coming.\nThis article is part of the “Next Outbreak†series, a collaboration between NOVA Next and The GroundTruth Project in association with WGBH Boston.\n\t" - ], - [ - "More Bluetongue Infections Found in France", - "News More Bluetongue Infections Found in France10 November 2015 FRANCE - Nearly 3000 cattle and several hundred sheep and goats are susceptible to bluetongue outbreaks according to the latest report from France.Fifteen cases have been discovered in cattle during surveillance, identifying outbreaks on fifteen different farms. \nFurther surveillance, along with movement controls and vaccination, is being implemented to control the disease. \n \n \nFurther Reading \nFind out more about how the outbreaks are being controlled by clicking here. \n \nTheCattleSite News Desk \n" - ], - [ - "Equine WNV Cases Reported in Southern France", - " \n\t \n\t \n\tMany of the affected horses reside in France’s swampy, mosquito-infested Camargue region. \n\tPhoto: iStock \n\t \n\t \n\tTwo horses have been euthanized and dozens more placed in quarantine in a rare outbreak of West Nile virus (WNV) in southern France. \n \n\tA 3-year-old Anglo-Arab mare was euthanized after developing neurologic signs and fever, according to the French surveillance center for equine pathologies (RESPE) in Caen. The mare was the first horse to test positive in the outbreak. Of the 18 other horses at the farm in the Gard (in southeast France), two were found to be carriers of the virus, indicating recent infection. However, neither horse exhibited any clinical signs, RESPE reported. \n \n\tAdditionally, a 3-year-old Lusitano stallion in a farm in the nearby Bouches du Rhône also fell ill with the disease, showing signs of fever and ataxia (incoordination). His clinical signs and health progressively worsened and, after seven days, he was also euthanized, RESPE reported. On this farm, only one of the other 60 horses tested positive for WNV. That horse’s clinical signs—muscle twitching, lip trembling, refusal to move, general weakness, and hyperesthesia (hypersensitivity to touch and sound)—began nearly two weeks after the young stallion was euthanized. \n \n\tA total of 20 horses at 16 different sites, all centralized in three departments along the French Riviera, have been found positive for WNV. Two of the horses tested positive for infection but showed no signs of disease. \n \n\t“We expect to find many more horses that are positive for the virus without any symptoms,†said RESPE Director Christel Marcillaud-Pitel, DVM. “For the moment we’re focusing on monitoring affected farms, so the percentage of horses with symptoms is higher. But the French government will carry out a more widespread testing program to investigate the infection rate, and in the past the results from that kind of testing has shown a much higher percentage of asymptomatic horses that are carrying the virus.†\n \n\tHealth Alert: West Nile Virus \n \n\tOther symptomatic, WNV-positive horses in the current outbreak have shown mostly signs of general weakness and depression, as well as ataxia, RESPE reported. One horse’s only sign was colic, and fever has been less common than other signs of disease. \n \n\tFree of WNV for the past nine years, the French equestrian industry is battling the mosquito-borne disease through awareness campaigns, surveillance, and the isolation of affected horses. Farms where WNV has been detected are quarantined until 15 days after the last case has been resolved (through a negative test or euthanasia). Aside from affected farms, horse movement has not been restricted. \n \n\tMany of the horses reside in France’s swampy, mosquito-infested Camargue region, known for its hardy native Camargue breed of horse. To date, no studies have shown whether this native breed is more resistant to the disease, Marcillaud-Pitel said. \n \n\t“France has been fortunate to be much less affected by WNV in horses than other Mediterranean countries like Portugal, Spain, and Greece,†she said. “We don’t have any explanation for that at this time, however. One hypothesis is that, aside from the Camargue horses, most of the horses in this area are brought indoors during the times of day that mosquitos are most active. If that differs from management in other nearby countries, then that might play a role.†\n \n\tWild birds were the most recent carriers of WNV in France, during an outbreak in the species in 2009 and 2010. The last equine outbreak occurred in 2006 in southwest France, hundreds of miles from the site of the current outbreak. The last case near the 2015 outbreak site was reported in 2004. \n \n\t \n\tAbout the Author \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\tChrista Lesté-Lasserre is a freelance writer based in France. A native of Dallas, Texas, Lesté-Lasserre grew up riding Quarter Horses, Appaloosas, and Shetland Ponies. She holds a master’s degree in English, specializing in creative writing, from the University of Mississippi in Oxford and earned a bachelor's in journalism and creative writing with a minor in sciences from Baylor University in Waco, Texas. She currently keeps her two Trakehners at home near Paris. Follow Lesté-Lasserre on Twitter @christalestelas. \n\t \n\t" - ], - [ - "Terror attacks in Tunisia, Kuwait and France; more than 50 killed", - " \n \t \n \n \n \n \n Terror attacks in Tunisia, Kuwait and France; more than 50 killed \n Posted on: 10:35 PM IST Jun 26, 2015 \n \t \n \t \n \n \t \t \n \n \n \n \t \n \n \n \n\t \n \n New Delhi: Three major terror attacks in three countries within a span of a few hours shook the world on Friday. More than 50 people were killed in the attacks which took place in Tunisia, Kuwait and France.Maximum casualties were reported from Tunisia where a terrorist disguised as a tourist opened fire at a hotel and killed 28 people. \n \t \n \t \n Maximum casualties were reported from Tunisia where a terrorist disguised as a tourist opened fire at a hotel and killed 28 people. \n \n \n Terrified tourists ran for cover after the terrorist opened fire. An explosion also rocked the Imperial Marhaba in Sousse resort town, 140 km south of the capital Tunis, before police shot the terrorist dead, witnesses and security officials said.It was the second major attack in Tunisia in 2015 following the Islamist terror assault on Tunis Bardo museum when gunmen killed 21 foreign visitors.No one immediately claimed the attack. But Islamist jihadists have attacked North African tourist sites before, seeing them as legitimate targets because of their open Western lifestyles and tolerance of alcohol.A suicide bomber killed 25 people when he blew himself up inside a packed Shi'ite Muslim mosque in Kuwait city during Friday prayers, the interior ministry said, the first attack of its kind in the major oil-exporting country.The Islamic State terrorist group claimed responsibility for the attack, which also wounded 202 people according to the interior ministry, in the district of Sawaber in the eastern part of the Kuwaiti capital.Islamic State named the bomber as Abu Suleiman al-Muwahed and said in a statement posted on social media that he had targeted a \"temple of the rejectionists\" - a term it generally uses to refer to Shi'ites, whom it regards as heretics.In France, a decapitated body covered in Arabic writing was found at a US gas company in the southeast after an assailant rammed a car into the premises, triggering an explosion. The attacker survived the blast and was arrested.Referring to the other terror attacks in Kuwait and Tunisia, French President Francois Hollande called for nations to work together to combat security threats.\"There is no other link other than to say that terrorism is our common enemy,\" he said. \n \t \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n \n \n \n \t \n \n \n \t \n\t \n\t \n \n \t \n \n\t \n\t \t \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n \n " - ], - [ - "How to get rid of Osteoarthritis in France", - " \n\tHow to get rid of Osteoarthritis in France \nAs more and more people are being diagnosed with Osteoarthritis, including a great number of athletes and elderly, Provence Surgery in France explain what this very real disease is and how to get rid of it. \n \n\tWhat is Osteoarthritis? \nOsteoarthritis is a degeneration of the joint cartilage covering the bone extremities. \nOsteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide. Osteoarthritis can damage any joint in a body, most frequently knee and hip joints. \nIn Osteoarthritis the affected surface of the cartilage becomes rough, which creates friction and thereby causes discomfort or pain. \n \n\tCartilage functions \nThe cartilage is an essential component of the joint. It covers the bone extremities and acts as a sort of “protective film†to the joint. Its surface is smooth and polished to facilitate articular movements. \nThere are two main functions of cartilage: a mechanical reaction: the articular cartilage may gradually crack until it disappears completely, thereby leaving the bones “nakedâ€. The surface of the cartilage, which is normally regular, cracks and crumbles, which may lead to complete segments of cartilage disappearing. And a biological reaction: the cartilage cells (chondrocytes) become hyperactive, thereby increasing cartilage metabolism and producing both collagen and other proteins to try and repair the tissue, but also destruction enzymes. These cells end up depleted and die.  \n \n\tFactors that may increase the risk of Osteoarthritis \n \n\t \n\tObesity: extra body weight contributes to Osteoarthritis; \n\t \n\tGenetics; \n\t \n\tOlder age: the risk to have Osteoarthritis increases with age; \n\t \n\tCertain jobs: for example, occupations that includes tasks that place repetitive stress on a particular joint; \n\t \n\tJoint injuries: occurred while doing sport or from an accident. \n \nIt’s important to mention that women are more likely to have Osteoarthritis. \n \n\tSurgical Treatment in France​ \nNowadays we face more and more cases of Osteoarthritis. We should keep in mind that Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that attacks articulation and worsens over time. When medical treatment doesn’t work anymore, surgery is proposed. \nFrance has made great progress in orthopedic surgery. Your treatment takes place in one of the largest public hospitals in France, at the “Institut du Mouvementâ€Â (The Movement Institute) which is headed by Professor Argenson and his world-renowned team of surgeons. \nThe entire team at Provence Surgery and Marseilles Public Hospitals would be delighted to plan a medical stay for you which is best suited to your needs and expectations. Here, in Provence, it is our objective to offer you the best France has to offer. \nDo you wish to receive more information on the service of Provence Surgery? Leave us your contact details and the reason for your message. \n" - ], - [ - "Uruguay Reports Brucellosis Outbreak in Pigs", - "News Uruguay Reports Brucellosis Outbreak in Pigs 05 November 2015 URUGUAY - A new outbreak of brucellosis has been reported on a pig farm in Uruguay.The outbreak was detected following six abortions that started in August. There was no previous history of abortions in the farm and only artificial insemination is used. \nOf the 663 pigs susceptible on the farm in Canelones, El Colorado, 4ª sección de Canelones, 41 cases were reported. \nAn epidemiological investigation is on-going in order to establish the origin of the infection. Stamping out is being coordinated by the health authorities. \n \nThePigSite News Desk Top image via Shutterstock \n" - ], - [ - "New ASF outbreaks in Ukraine may pose a threat to Balkans", - "\n By Vladislav VorotnikovVladislav Vorotnikov , 11-Nov-20152015-11-11T00:00:00ZLast updated on 11-Nov-2015 at 15:05 GMT2015-11-11T15:05:03Z\n A new outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) has been discovered in a farm in the Cherkasy Oblast in central Ukraine, following a large-scale inspection by the country’s veterinary body Gosvetphitosluzba. This is the latest in a series of outbreaks in new areas of the country over the past two months. \n \n On 9 November Belarus officially banned imports of pork from the Cherkasy Oblast, and Russia’s veterinary authorities once again criticised the level of veterinary controls in Ukraine and Eastern countries of the European Union.According to official data, in the period from 30 July 2012 to 5 November 2015, 41 outbreaks of ASF, including 31 among domestic pigs, have been identified in Ukraine, with most of them taking place recently. Previously most of the outbreaks were detected in northern areas of the country, but in October-November 2015 the disease spread to southern regions.“The fact that these outbreaks have occurred in the domestic pig population is evidence of a lack of sufficient control over the movement of potentially dangerous products from areas where ASF has been detected. This poses a threat that the infection will spread across Ukraine to the west, and then to the Balkans, where the population of wild boar is quite plentiful,†stated Russian veterinary body Rosselkhoznadzor.“The laws governing pig farming in these countries and the large number of small farms make the situation there quite dangerous in terms of the spread of the virus. [Ukraine’s veterinary authorities] need to create an extensive (100-150 km) buffer zone around the affected areas and conduct other qualitative preventative measures,†it added. Pig smuggling Local veterinary services in Ukraine admitted there was a problem in the region. According to officials in the village of Vradievka, located in the Mykolaiv Oblast in southern Ukraine, where ASF was discovered at the end of October, many local farmers have been smuggling their pigs to other regions of the country, in order to avoid them being destroyed by veterinary authorities, in accordance with their instructions.The disease has already caused price fluctuations in Ukraine’s domestic pork market. According to a report from the Ukraine Agribusiness Club (UCAB), at the end of October pork prices jumped by 5-7%. “Some market operators plan to continue to raise prices, but how long this trend will continue for is difficult to predict, as ASF has expanded its geography and was recorded in the Odessa and Mykolaiv Oblasts,†said a spokesperson from UCAB.Culling of wild boars will be among the measures Ukraine authorities will implement to fight ASF. Ivan Sheremeta, a spokesperson for the State Forest Resources Agency of Ukraine, said the hunters planned to conduct the cull in 12 border regions of the country. However, industry observers have said this measure has come too late, and will not prevent ASF from spreading in Ukraine, but will be aimed at keeping it out of neighbouring countries. \n \n " - ], - [ - "More Bird Flu Reported in Northern and Southern Nigeria", - "Poultry News More Bird Flu Reported in Northern and Southern Nigeria 18 November 2015 NIGERIA - There have been four more outbreaks of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza in Nigeria.Three of the outbreaks reported this week were in the south (see above), in Anambra, Rivers and Bayelsa. The other outbreaks was in the north of the country, in Kano (below). \nOver 3000 birds died as a result of the outbreaks, and over 25,000 birds had to be destroyed. \nThe outbreaks mostly affected layers on commercial farms. \n \n \n \nThePoultrySite News DeskTop image via Shutterstock " - ], - [ - "Morocco, Turkey Report Foot and Mouth Outbreaks", - "News Morocco, Turkey Report Foot and Mouth Outbreaks18 November 2015 GLOBAL - In the past week, four outbreaks of Foot and Mouth Disease have been reported in Moroccan cattle and sheep, and one outbreak in Turkish cattle.The outbreaks in Morocco (above) occurred in the Centre region, in Sidi Bennour, Settat and El Jadida. \nThe O serotype virus led to 35 cattle being destroyed after six cases were confirmed. Sixty susceptible sheep were also destroyed, making a total of 95 animals across the four farms involved. \nIn response to the outbreaks, 10,000 cattle have been vaccinated in the Centre region. Increased surveillance, disinfection, quarantines and official waste disposal are also being used to control the disease. \nThe outbreak in Turkey was reported to result from illegal movement of animals and contact with infected animals at grazing and watering. \nForty cattle out of a susceptible population of 2346 were infected with an unnamed strain of serotype A Foot and Mouth virus. After analysis at the Pirbright Institute in the UK, the strain was termed \"Genotype VII\". \nMovement controls, quarantines and disinfection will be used in Turkey to control the disease, but the report did not indicate whether the infected animals would be destroyed. \n \n \n" - ], - [ - "China resumes pork deliveries to Russia after 10-yr hiatus", - "\n Russia will import pork from China for the first time in a decade to replace imports from the US and Europe banned as part of the standoff with the West over the Ukraine crisis.\n \n Pork imports by Russia from China have resumed for the first time\n since 2004, according to the website of Russia’s consumer watchdog\n Rosselkhoznadzor. Eight hundred tons of pork is on its way to\n Russia in 32 shipping containers.\n China is the world’s largest pork producer and in 2013 delivered\n 68 million tons, or about 50 percent of the world’s pork.\n Worried about foot and mouth disease, Russia banned Chinese meat\n imports in 2004. In 2009 swine flu struck Chinese pigs and in\n 2003 the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak had\n also raised concerns.\n In August, Russia agreed to resume pork imports from China, and\n gave two Chinese companies permission to sell on the Russian\n market. Nine more applications have been processed and are\n awaiting approval.\n In early October Russia took note of food safety concerns, and\n said Chinese supplies will be locally overseen by Rosselkhoznadzor itself.\n China, Brazil, as well as Mongolia, have regained their export\n privileges after Moscow announced the one year ban on food imports\n from Western countries that have adopted sanctions against\n Russia's economy over the Ukraine crisis.\nRussia will also import\n more meat products from neighboring Belarus and Kazakhstan, which\n are both part of the Customs Union, and will soon closer\n integrate inthe Eurasian Economic Union.\n Pork imports were down in Russia before it unveiled its counter\n sanctions, as Moscow banned live pigs and pork products coming\n from the European Union in January after four isolated cases of\n African swine fever were discovered in Poland and Lithuania. In\n 2013, Russia imported €1.4 billion worth of European pork.\n The EU has filed a suit with the World Trade Organization over\n the swine flu ban, since it affected all 28 EU members and not\n just the few where the disease was found.\n" - ], - [ - "Broken Beak Toucan In Costa Rica To Get 3D Printed Prosthesis", - "\n\t\n\t\n\t \n \n\t \n\tShare\n\tTweet\n\tShare\n\tShare\n\tEmail\n\t\n\t\n\tGrecia, a Costa Rican toucan who was severely mutilated by thugs is going to get a second chance at living a normal bird’s life after four companies volunteered to create a prosthetic beak using a 3D printer.\nThe goal is to help the bird once again eat on its own accord, as it currently eats very little on its own and must subsequently dine with some assistance from Carmen Soto, the veterinarian at the Zoo Ave rescue center tasked with taking care of the injured toucan.\nThe four companies who have volunteered to help 3D-print the new bird prosthesis are:\nElementos 3d\nEwa!corps\nPublicidad Web\nGrupo Sommerus\nSoto has advised those behind the design and creation of the beak to take into account that the prosthesis must be both lightweight as well as durable.\nThe bird was injured in the area from which it gets its name, Grecia. After the injured bird was discovered back in January, it was taken to an animal rescue center. Once the media saw it, reports began to circulate and the public’s outrage quickly became evident with the more than $3,000 raised in donations for the bird’s recovery via a social media campaign serving as proof of just how much some people care for this mutilated toucan’s well-being.\nLaws which govern animal cruelty are largely non-existent in South America where the bird was beaten. Such a lack of laws makes prosecuting cases such as this one difficult.\nThe director of the Humane Society in Latin America, Cynthia Dent, said that in the past, the Society “would only hear about it when there was a case reported in the press†but now they have “outraged people†taking advantage of social media to highlight these cases of animal cruelty.\nIn other animal news reported on Inquisitr, the wolf known as “Echo†who became famous for traveling hundreds of miles to the Grand Canyon has died. DNA tests confirmed the wolf killed by a coyote hunter was indeed that of the famed Grand Canyon wolf.\n\t\n\t \t\n \t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n \n \t\n \n \t \n \t\n\t \t\n \n\t" - ], - [ - "Will exports to Turkey relieve some pressure from the EU beef market?", - "\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\tThe large opportunities that exist for the EU beef sector following the re-opening of the Turkish market have been confirmed by an increase in live exports this year, according to the European Commission.\nIn its latest outlook, it said the first half of 2015 showed an increase of 39% in live exports year-on-year.\nLebanon remains the main destination of live bovine animals, but the level of exports to Turkey is gradually increasing and reached the same quantity as Lebanon in the second quarter of 2015, according to the Commission.\nIt says the exact potential of live exports to Turkey remains difficult to predict, but the high beef prices in Turkey and the opening of a tariff rate quota (TRQ) for beef meat, give a positive market signal on the short term at least.\nTherefore, the Commission forecasts that live exports are expected to further expand in 2015 to a level equivalent to 174,000t of beef and there is room for further increases also in 2016 as in the past (e.g. 2011-2012) monthly exports were above current levels.\nHowever, it does warn that the recent outbreak of bluetongue in the French beef may have a negative impact on these projections.\nIrish live exports fall\nFigures from the Department of Agriculture and presented by Bord Bia show that total live cattle exports are back by 25.6% to date in 2015 which is a drop of 49,166 to September 12.\nIrish weanling exports have fallen by 45.9% in 2015 which is a drop of almost 10,000 head of cattle on the same period in 2014, according to the latest figures.\nThe number of store cattle exports have also dropped by 18,180 (59.2%) while the total number of finished cattle and calves shipped are down by 16,091 (15.9%) and 5,291 (13.4%) respectively.\n\t\n\t\n\t" - ], - [ - "Bird Flu: France, Vietnam Confirm H5N1 Cases", - "\n\t Bird Flu: France, Vietnam Confirm H5N1 Cases\n\tFrance has reported its first outbreak of the H5N1 bird flu virus while Vietnam has killed 100 birds believed to be infected with the virus.\t By Chandra Lye | Nov 26, 2015 01:54 AM EST\n\t \n \n \n\tThe USDA is concerned that the avian flu will return in the fall, affecting chicken farms in the south. (Photo : Twitter Photo Section) \n \n \n \nFrance has reported its first outbreak of the H5N1 bird flu virus, a highly pathogenic virus. The virus has reportedly killed 22 chickens out of 32 that were kept in a family backyard at Biras in the Perigord region, according to Reuters. \nAn unnamed official said they have set up a 6.2 miles radius around the site, which includes several poultry farms. \nAgriculture Minster Stephane Le Foll has insisted there is no risk to the general public. \"This virus has no effect as far as consuming poultry meat or anything that comes from poultry products is concerned - I am thinking particularly about foie gras since we are approaching times of high consumption,\" Le Foll told reporters. \nOfficials in Vietnam have also detected the virus in poultry in that country. They said that 100 birds had died in Ha Tinh province in the north-central part of the country, according to World Organization for Animal Health report. \nThe H5N1 virus was first detected in humans in 1997 during an outbreak in Hong Kong. It then re-emerged in 2003 and 2004 and has infected million of poultry, several hundred humans and even caused some human deaths. \nThe US Government said that human infections usually occur in those who have had contact with sick or dead poultry that have the virus. They also report that 60 percent of people who contract the virus die from it. \nConfirmed cases of H5N1 in humans have nearly tripled since last year when there were 52 reported cases. In 2015 so far there have been 143 cases reported to the World Health Organization. \nThis is the first reported case of H5N1 in the European Union since March, following outbreaks in Bulgaria and Romania. \nFrance is the European Union's biggest agriculture producer, according to Reuters. \tTags: H5N1, agriculture, chickens, foie gras, Poultry, WHO, world health organization, world organization for animal health, Bird Flu in Hong Kong, Bird flu deaths, avian flu deaths, H5N1 deaths, Bulgaria, romania, france, agriculture production, eu, E.U., European Union, sick chickens, dead poultry, USDA, Vietnam, Agriculture Minster Stephane Le Foll\n\t" - ], - [ - "Deadly strain of bird flu detected in France", - "\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\tThis is the first case of the highly pathogenous H5N1 strain in France since 2007, according to French media reports\n\t\n The French authorities have detected a case of severe avian flu on a poultry farm in the Dordogne region of the country.\n \n\t\n Tests carried out after a high number of deaths among the farm’s birds found that “this is the highly pathogenous H5N1 strainâ€, the French ministry of agriculture said in a statement on Wednesday.DNA analysis is underway and the ministry has indicated that this strain seems to have evolved from a more benign one previously detected in Europe.Two levels of restrictions and monitoring measures are in place within a 3km and 10km radius around the farm. Although the French authorities say the virus is not transmitted to humans through poultry products, they are investigating whether the strain found in France can be transmitted from live animals to humans.According to French media reports, this is the first such case in the country since 2007. H5N1 bird flu first infected humans in 1997 during a poultry outbreak in Hong Kong.Meanwhile, five new outbreaks of the notifiable disease bluetongue were reported in France last week. The first outbreak in the country was discovered on a farm in the Allier region in central France in mid-September.This was the first case of the virus in the EU since 2011. There has been 78 outbreaks in the country so far this year.The latest five outbreaks have only affected cattle, according to the World Organisation for Animal Health, whereas the first outbreak affected both cattle and sheep. Following the discovery of the first outbreak in September, France vaccinated 1.3m animals against the disease. Agriculture Minister Stéphane Le Foll said that 1.3m doses of vaccine were available to cover all planned live exports of cattle, sheep and goats until the end of this year. “Anybody who wants to export must vaccinate, there will be no discussion,†Le Foll added. Last week, outbreaks of bluetongue were also reported in Slovenia, Austria and Turkey. Additional reporting by Thomas Hubert\t\n" - ], - [ - "Latest Foot and Mouth Outbreaks: Turkey, Morocco", - "News Latest Foot and Mouth Outbreaks: Turkey, Morocco24 November 2015 \n \nGLOBAL - More outbreaks of Foot and Mouth disease have been reported in Turkey and Morocco this week.The two Turkish outbreaks (see map above) were found in Bitlis and Amasya regions. There were 432 serotype A cases in cattle, with 34 deaths, leaving over 2500 animals susceptible. \nThe Turkish authorities suspect the infections could be down to illegal movement of animals, contact with infected animals at grazing or watering, or fomites spread by humans, feed or vehicles for example. \nIn response to the outbreaks, 1249 cattle have been vaccinated in the two districts. \nIn Morocco (see map below), 30 cattle and 41 sheep have been destroyed after a Foot and Mouth outbreak in the Centre region. Eleven cases were detected on the farm. \nMovement controls, quarantines and stamping out operations are being conducted in tandem with vaccination efforts in Morocco. Nearly 40,000 cattle have been vaccinated in response to the Foot and Mouth outbreaks in the country. \n \n \nFurther Reading \nYou can visit the Foot and Mouth page by clicking here. \n \nTheCattleSite News Desk \n" - ], - [ - "Azerbaijan bans imports of livestock and animal products from Turkey", - "\n  \n \nIn connection with foot and mouth disease outbreak, imports of livestock and animal products from the Turkish regions of Van, Iqdir, Sinop, Kars and Corum, as well as from Kastamonu, Cankiri, Kirikkale, Amasiya, Samsun, Ardahan, Agri, Erzurum, located near the risky zone, to Azerbaijan were banned upon the order of Azer Suleymanov, the acting head of the State Veterinary Control Service. \n \n \n \nAll relevant local bodies were instructed to take necessary measures for the prevention of foot and mouth disease in Azerbaijan. All relevant state agencies were informed about it. \n \n \n \nAccording to the State Veterinary Control Service, the epizootic situation in Azerbaijan in connection with foot and mouth disease and other infectious diseases is stable. \n \n \n \nThe World Organization for Animal Health says that more outbreaks of foot and mouth disease have been reported in the Turkish regions of Van, Iqdir, Sinop, Kars and Corum. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n " - ], - [ - "Azerbaijan imposes a temporary ban on import of farm products from ...", - " \n \nAzerbaijan imposes a temporary ban on import of farm products from Turkey\n Baku, Fineko/abc.az. The State Veterinary Service under the Ministry of Agriculture of Azerbaijan has imposed a ban on imports of Turkish agricultural products. \nThe ban was imposed by order of the Service’s chief from 27 November 2015 in connection with the identification of FMD in some areas of Turkey. \n\"In connection with the identification of the foot-and-mouth disease in the regions of Van, Igdır, Sinop, Corum and Kars, Azerbaijan has banned temporarily the import of agricultural products from these and other the vilayets of Turkey within the area of risk. The order also says about permission of other products subjected to veterinary inspection, only if the certificate of epizootic condition of the goods is available,\" the Service informed. \nThe order tasks the state authorities to take appropriate measures for the prevention of FMD on the territory of Azerbaijan. \n\"At present the epizootic situation with FMD in the territory of Azerbaijan is stable,\" the SVS said in a statement. \n \n \n \n" - ], - [ - "Lembergs family still wealthiest in Latvia", - "The Lembergs family – Aivars, Anrijs and Liga Lembergs – is again the wealthiest family in Latvia this year, the total value of their properties is estimated at EUR 120 million – EUR 51 million down from 2014, reports LETA, according to a study carried out by journalists Lato Lapsa and Kristine Jancevska, corporate finance company Laika Stars, and Lursoft. \n \t \n\tLato Lapsa at the presentation. \n\tThe study notes that, although the \nlargest part of properties that belong to the family of controversial Ventspils \nMayor Aivars Lembergs, one of Latvia's so-called oligarchs, is unknown to the \npublic, and the actual value of the Lembergs' properties can only be guessed \nfrom materials released by the prosecutor's office, the data the Lembergs have \nofficially declared make it possible to calculate changes in the family's \nwealth. \n \n \n \nKirovs and Anna Lipmans, \nmajor shareholders in the pharmaceutical company Grindeks, are in second place, their wealth is EUR 58 million, or \nEUR 12 million less than last year. \n \n \n \nThe Skele family is in third place. \nThe wealth of another one of Latvia's so-called oligarchs and former Prime \nMinister Andris Skele, Kristiana \nLibane-Skele, Madara Skele-Dupate and Anete \nSkele-Petersone is estimated at EUR 55 million – EUR 2 million less than \nlast year. The family was involved in several major business transactions last \nyear, and the effect of these transactions on the family's wealth is unclear \nstill. \n \n \n \nAs reported, Lembergs, currently on \ntrial for serious fraud and money laundering in Latvia, was named, as was \nSkele, two of the country's three so-called oligarchs by former Latvian \nPresident Valdis Zatlers. \n \n" - ], - [ - "France Reports Two More HPAI Outbreaks", - "Poultry News France Reports Two More HPAI Outbreaks02 December 2015 FRANCE - France's agriculture department has said that two further outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) have been detected as part of the emergency response to an outbreak identified last week.The French authorities immediately set up protection zones and surveillance around the backyard holding affected by the first outbreak, and as part of these measures, extra samples were taken from birds inside the cordons. \nThe results from analysis of these samples revealed the presence of HPAI strains in poultry at two more farms in the Dordogne region, despite the birds exhibiting no mortalities or clinical signs. \nDetailed sequencing of the strains is still taking place. \nTo protect and limit the spread of disease to other flocks of sensitive species, the Ministry of Agriculture said it is conducting the slaughter of all animals of the affected farms and have decided on further biosecurity measures. \nThe type of poultry affected in the most recent outbreaks has not been announced. \n \nFurther Reading \nYou can visit the avian flu page by clicking here. \n \n \nThePoultrySite News DeskTop image via Shutterstock " - ], - [ - "Russia reports new African swine fever outbreaks", - "The department for veterinary and food supervision at the Agriculture and Food Ministry of the Republic of Belarus has announced that several new cases of African swine fever have been reported from Oryol Oblast, Bryansk Oblast, Kaluga Oblast and Moscow Oblast of Russia. The Agriculture and Food Ministry informs on the need to take additional measures to prevent the import of live animals, sperm, pork and processed pork products, hides, hoof raw materials, hog hair, and hunter’s trophies acquired from susceptible animals from Russia’s Oryol Oblast, Bryansk Oblast, Kaluga Oblast and Moscow Oblast. There is a need to make special efforts to ensure the biological protection of large pig-breeding complexes and farms of all forms of ownership. The Agriculture and Food Ministry also said that a new case of classical swine fever was reported in Karsava Municipality of Latvia. The same measures should be applied to the products from this region. ASF is a contagious viral disease that affects domestic and wild swine. The disease is transmitted via direct contact, via products made of pork, by ticks and mechanically (by transportation means, during the transportation of people and animals). No vaccine is available. The animals suspected to have the disease are slaughtered. The disease does not affect humans. Classical swine fever is a viral disease affecting pigs and wild boars. This highly contagious infection causes fever, damage of blood vessels and blood-forming organs, inflammation of mucous membrane of large bowels. The disease can occur in all countries. Classical swine fever causes immense economic losses. The death rate ranges from 80% to 100%. " - ], - [ - "Video: RAVEN Performs In Slovenia For First Time", - "\nVideo: RAVEN Performs In Slovenia For First Time\nOctober 13, 2015\nSlovenian metal webzine Paranoid has uploaded video footage of RAVEN's first-ever performance in Slovenia, which took place on October 11 at Orto Bar in Ljubljana. Check out the clips below.\nRAVEN's new album, \"ExtermiNation\", was released in April via SPV/Steamhammer. The effort was made available as a digipak version (including one bonus track), 2LP gatefold green vinyl version and as a digital download.\nRAVEN raised more than $27,000 in a Kickstarter crowd-funding campaign to finance the recording of its new studio album. The band recorded a full-length covers CD titled \"Party Killers\" that was given away as an exclusive Kickstarter reward for backers. The group also offered exclusive t-shirts, patches, and a seven-inch vinyl single via the campaign.\nIn a recent interview with Zombietrol Productions RAVEN bassist/vocalist John Gallagher stated about the band's musical evolution: \"We've never stood still. You can instantly tell it's the band, but we don't sound… From album to album, it always sounds a little different; it really does. We do try to push the envelope and bring different elements into what we're doing. But it's a balancing act. You don't wanna completely — which, I mean, we've done it before in the past — you don't wanna completely alienate your audience or your mission statement, as it were. You know, the band's sound is built on melody, structure and chaos… When you put [the chaos] in, then that's when the magic happens. You've gotta have that little bit of uncontrolled lunacy going on there, and that's a big part of what we do. And it's a big thing that's missing in a lot of music today. I mean, we're listening to DEEP PURPLE right now. I mean, c'mon, man! That's the bible. You listen to 'Made In Japan', that's five guys interacting with ESP [extrasensory perception], not knowing what's gonna happen next. When I hear something that's just pat, the guy obviously worked his guitar solo out for six months before he went into the studio and it's all arpeggios and tapping. And that's all great, but is there any soul or fire or passion? That's what I wanna hear, you know.\"\nTags:\nraven\nPosted in:\nNews\nCOMMENTS\nTo comment on a BLABBERMOUTH.NET story or review, you must be logged in to an active personal account on Facebook. Once you're logged in, you will be able to comment. User comments or postings do not reflect the viewpoint of BLABBERMOUTH.NET and BLABBERMOUTH.NET does not endorse, or guarantee the accuracy of, any user comment. BLABBERMOUTH.NET reserves the right to \"hide\" comments that may be considered offensive, illegal or inappropriate and to \"ban\" users that violate the site's Terms Of Service. Hidden comments will still appear to the user and to the user's Facebook friends. If a new comment is published from a \"banned\" user or contains a blacklisted word, this comment will automatically have limited visibility (the \"banned\" user's comments will only be visible to the user and the user's Facebook friends). To report any abusive, obscene, defamatory, racist, homophobic or threatening comments, or anything that may violate any applicable laws, please send an e-mail to blabbermouthinbox(@)gmail.com with pertinent details.\n" - ], - [ - "Kuwait bans live bird imports from Tunisia, France – Ban lifted on ...", - " \n\t \n\t \n\tKUWAIT CITY, Dec 6, (KUNA): The Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR) has banned live bird imports from Tunisia and France for the outbreak of West Nile fever in the two countries. Acting PAAAFR Director General Nabila AlKhalil Faisal Al-Hasawi issued the decision on Sunday, providing that all incoming consignments will be subjected to the PAAAFR’s requirements and restrictions, in line with the relevant procedures of the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and the veterinary quarantine systems in Kuwait and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). In case infectious or epidemic diseases are spotted, a shipment will be rejected and the importer will be committed to return it to the source country, Al-Hasawi stressed.\nThe decision was taken against the backdrop of OIE recent reports on outbreak of WNF in Tunisia and France. Meanwhile, Kuwait Municipality’s Food Safety Commission has recommended lifting the ban on white meat imports from Italy, India, Turkey, Romania, and Bulgaria.\nThe decision was taken upon a resolution from the Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources that was also based a report from the World Organization for Animal Health which declared these countries H1N1 free areas, said the Commission Head Fahad Al-Msabbehi said.\nAl-Msebbehi, however, noted that the commission has ordered a ban on white meat imports from two African countries, namely Ghana and Ivory Coast, for having H1N1 cases. The commission also postponed a decision on lifting the ban on the importation of livestock meat from the EU countries due to the spread of the mad cow disease. It assigned the Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources to conduct a thorough report about the lifting the ban on white meat importation from America.\n\t \n\t" - ], - [ - "Botswana Country Profile 2015: Gems still at the heart of things", - "Buoyed by Botswana's continuing economic growth, President Ian Khama won a second five-year term in the October 2014 election as the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) managed to hang onto power.Despite not winning a majority of votes, the BDP took a majority of parliamentary seats. This came in the face of an unprecedented challenge from a three-party opposition alliance, the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), which succeeded in securing 30.1% of the vote and 17 seats in parliament to become the official opposition.The opposition Botswana Congress Party took 20.4% of the votes. The UDC alliance, under the leadership of Duma Boko, increased its appeal by calling for the creation of more jobs, but it was dealt a serious blow when its secretary general, Gomolemo Motswaledi, died in a car accident three months before the polls.Motswaledi had been president of the UDC's largest constituent, the Botswana Movement for Democracy, which broke away from the BDP in 2010.Although observers were satisfied that the election process was free, oppositionists reported suspicious burglaries of their houses and vehicles in the run-up to the polls, while one newspaper editor was detained.Khama makes enemiesThe BDP's tally of elected seats in parliament was reduced by eight to 37 out of 57, but Khama is unlikely to modify his top-down leadership style. He has alienated BDP elders, including two former presidents, as well as parliamentary speaker Margaret Nasha.Both former presidents have been frustrated at Khama's refusal to accept their advice. His immediate predecessor, Festus Mogae, declared that the government disrespects the rule of law. Ketumile Masire, speaking at Motswaledi's funeral, implicitly endorsed the opposition as a government in waiting. A key pointer to the survival of multi-party democracy will be Khama's choice of vice-president to succeed Ponatshego Kedikilwe, who is due to retire. Contenders include finance minister Kenneth Matambo and foreign affairs minister Phandu Skelemani.An appointment of one of Khama's inner clique could spark renewed dissidence within the BDP. The International Monetary Fund projects that economic growth will remain strong. It notes that Botswana's lack of export diversification has kept the economy vulnerable to fluctuations in demand for diamonds.No real diversification is happening, and the development of coal exports looks to be a long-term prospect. The second major export, beef, has been hit by a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, which has made exports to Europe impossible for the past two years. Diamond exports were $4.2bn in 2013, accounting for 76% of total exports. A budget surplus is anticipated in 2014/2015, with minerals accounting for 30% of revenue and South African Customs Union receipts 32%.De Beers brings a boostDiamond-cutting activities have expanded, with Indian firms now involved, stimulating a construction boom in Gaborone's central business district. This was boosted by De Beers' move of its global 'sightholder' sales to Botswana during 2013.Most of the De Beers' diamond valuers have relocated to Gaborone from London, despite the continued absence of direct international flights. The government/De Beers 50:50 joint venture Debswana Diamond Corporation was forecast to produce some 24m carats in 2014.The company's mine at Jwaneng – which produces the greatest proportion of gem-quality stones – is expected to last until 2028. Two smaller mines have started production and diamond exploration has soared. London-listed Gem Diamonds commissioned the underground Ghaghoo mine, controversially located in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, in September 2014.The government hopes to incentivise investors to exploit estimated reserves of 212bn tonnes of bituminous coal for export and domestic and regional thermal power plants. The 300MW Sese integrated coal and power project of Australia's African Energy Resources is the first to have been approved, and Botswana and Namibia have jointly committed to build a 1,500km trans-Kalahari railway. This ambitious goal depends on attracting private-sector stakeholders to fund the $9bn estimated cost. " - ], - [ - "Israel Reports New FMD Outbreak on Pig Farm", - "News Israel Reports New FMD Outbreak on Pig Farm25 November 2015 ISRAEL - Israel has reported a new outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) on a pig farm in Hazafon.Of the 2300 pigs susceptible, 172 cases were reported in sows and piglets leading to 120 deaths. \nThe sows showed classical clinical signs, such as high temperature, blisters on the tongue, muzzle, feet and udder. \nA high mortality of piglets has been observed with classical tiger heart lesions. \n \n \nThePigSite News Desk \n" - ], - [ - "Six steps for ex-pats in choosing a dentist abroad in Slovakia - Smile ...", - " \n\tSix steps for ex-pats in choosing a dentist abroad in Slovakia \nAs an ex-pat choosing a dentist may not be one of the questions you think about when moving or traveling abroad but it can quickly become an issue, so to avoid confusion when picking from a long list of dentists, Smile Clinic-Dental Holiday, in Slovakia, offers ex-pats advice in choosing a dentist abroad. \nYour teeth are very healthy and dental treatment isn’t one of the first things that comes to mind when you move or travel to an another country. However, it is also one of those issues that can come up quickly and then you suddenly need to have treatment and just don’t know where to go. Here are six steps to help you make the right choice in your dental treatment abroad: \n \n\t1. Make sure you can find the clinic online \nA good website with detailed information about treatments, the services and facilities, and most important, the dentists and specialists at the clinic is critical. A strong website with detailed treatment and contact information shows the dental clinic is valid. \n \n\t2. Patient reviews are also a key factor \nIf a clinic doesn’t post patient testimonial re-views on their website, then you can be sure there is an issue. Testimonials are a way to ensure the clinic has treated people “just like me†and should show a variety of treatments and comments. Make sure the clinic has active social media pages too. See what patients are saying about the clinic. Does the clinic respond to people on their social pages? What is the clinic saying to their members/patients? \n \n\t3. Are they accredited? \nMake sure the clinic has been approved by dental associations and third party organizations that have websites you can check out as well. An accredited clinic is always the best choice. Do they have awards? And, from what organizations or institutions? \n \n\t4. Does the clinic offer a guarantee for their dental treatment? \nThis is a sure way to know whether or not the clinic is “legitâ€. If they don’t guarantee their work, then they probably aren’t reputable. They should also offer a free consultation and x-rays and check to see if they offer any discount for ex-pats or first time visits. \n \n\t5. Do they speak English? \nEnglish is a global language and even if it isn’t your native language or the staff at the clinic, you should be able to communicate with the dentist and staff to make sure they understand what type of treatment you need. If you are in pain you want to be able to describe it and be understood. Hand signals are fine when you are ordering a meal, but this is your dental health we’re talking about. Make sure you can understand the dentist and his/her staff and they can understand you. Many dental clinics staff can speak English, German and possibly your home language as well, but certainly a clinic that caters to ex-pats should be able to speak English. \n \n\t6. Do you understand all the costs? \nFinally, you want to make sure you understand all the costs associated with your treatment before the clinic starts any dental work. How much will the treatment cost? How long it will take? Do you understand all the procedures involved in the treatment? Ask questions! If the dental clinic doesn’t want to answer your questions clearly and specifically, then say thank you and leave. Don’t be pushed into a situation when you don’t feel comfortable.  Most of these tips are self explanatory and you might already have thought of them yourself, but it is always good to have a refresher and to know you’re on the right path. You have enough to think about when you travel or live abroad. You don’t need to worry about your dental health.  Contact Smile Clinic Slovakia today for a free consultation. \n \n" - ], - [ - "France: HPAI H5N1 detected in the southwest", - " \n\t \t \tThe French Ministry of Agriculture announced today the confirmation of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in chickens in the Dordogne department in southwestern France, according to a news release (computer translated). This is the first such outbreak in France since 2007.\nPublic domain image/Ben Rudiak-Gould\n“An abnormal mortality had led to the taking of samples for analysis by the Departmental Directorate of Population Protection,â€ministry officials noted.\nThe sequencing of the strain is underway but it seems to be of a strain already detected in Europe, which until then had an low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) profile.\nFrench Minister of Agriculture Stephane Le Foll immediately instructed his services to enable the national health emergency response plan in accordance with European and international rules. Protection zones and surveillance of 3 km and 10 km respectively for livestock are implemented.\nIn addition, monitoring of both livestock and wildlife will be stepped up.\nThe Animal Health Advisory Committee will have an emergency meeting on Nov. 26 to discuss the application of protection measures against the avian influenza.\nAccording to the World Health Organization, H5N1 is a type of influenza virus that causes a highly infectious, severe respiratory disease in birds called avian influenza (or “bird fluâ€). Human cases of H5N1 avian influenza occur occasionally, but it is difficult to transmit the infection from person to person. When people do become infected, the mortality rate is about 60%.\nThe UN agency and Ministry of Agriculture also note that it is safe to eat properly prepared and cooked poultry and game birds. The virus is sensitive to heat. Normal temperatures used for cooking (so that food reaches 70°C in all parts) will kill the virus. As a standard precaution, WHO recommends that poultry, poultry products and wild game birds should always be prepared following good hygienic practices, and that poultry meat should be properly cooked.\nRobert Herriman is a microbiologist and the Editor-in-Chief of Outbreak News Today and the Executive Editor of The Global Dispatch\nFollow @bactiman63\nRelated: \n \n \n \n \n\t \t \n\t \t \n\t \t" - ], - [ - "Avian influenza detected in France", - "\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC) recently released a rapid risk assessment because of avian influenza subtype H5, which has been detected in a flock of domestic birds in France.\nHighly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) subtypes A(H5N1) and A(H5N2) has been discovered in some commercial and backyard farms in the Dordogne region. There is always a possibility of the virus spreading to humans when people have exposure to contaminated birds. In this case, the ECDC’s assessment risk states that there is a very low risk of transmission from the poultry to humans.\nThere is also a chance that the virus can spread to other nations in Europe. This is because goods are imported and exported across borders, which could cause the virus to spread. The risk assessment reports that the risk of the virus spreading is low.\nThe \nDordogne farm is currently in holding. Health officials have reported that this case shows an abnormal rate of mortality, which is what led to the detection of the virus. There may also be two additional cases of HPAI A(H5N2) on a commercial duck farm and a goose farm in Dordogne. These cases have not yet been confirmed by health officials.\n \n " - ], - [ - "H5N1 avian influenza case confirmed in France", - " \n \nPARIS, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- A case of avian influenza was confirmed Tuesday night in Dordogne, southwestern France, the French Ministry of Agriculture announced on Wednesday. \n\"An abnormal mortality had led to the taking of samples for analysis by the Departmental Directorate of Population Protection,\" the ministry said in a press release. \nThe case of avian influenza, along with its virus strain H5N1, was confirmed on Tuesday by the National Agency of Risks Assessment (ANSES), while \"the sequencing of the strain is underway\". \nBut the ministry said \"it seems to be of a strain already detected in Europe, which had a low-pathogenic avian influenza profile\". \nExperts from ANSES are evaluating the potential dangerousness of the strain for man. \nFrench Minister of Agriculture Stephane Le Foll also immediately activated the national urgent sanitary intervention plan. \nAccording to the ministry, the Animal Health Advisory Committee will have an emergency meeting on Nov. 26 to discuss the application of protection measures against the avian influenza. \n" - ], - [ - "Fear in France as bird flu spreads", - "\n By Oscar RousseauOscar Rousseau , 10-Dec-20152015-12-10T00:00:00ZLast updated on 10-Dec-2015 at 14:01 GMT2015-12-10T14:01:45Z\n France has been hit with four new cases of a bird flu outbreak in the south west of the country, bringing the total number of reported cases to 10.\n \n On Monday 7 December, the French Ministry of Agriculture announced six new cases of bird flu had been detected. Two days later it confirmed another four cases of the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain had been discovered.This is the first bird flu outbreak in France\n for more than eight years, after the epidemic in 2006-07.A highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) H5N1 strain was first discovered in a family-run barnyard in south-western France this November.Destroyed Since the discovery in Dordogne – which has a highly-concentrated population of chicken and foie gras producers – the outbreak has been detected in two other regions: Haute-Vienne and Landes.When the virus was first detected, the government acted quickly to stop an isolated incident from developing. This clearly hasn’t worked; nine separate cases of AI have been reported in a fortnight.Around 24,376 birds have been destroyed by authorities to limit the pathogen’s deadly path of destruction. Of the culled birds, only 3% are believed to have been affected by the H5N1 strain, according to data provided by the World Health Organisation on Animal Health.Stop 'outbreak'France is taking no chances with this outbreak, though. According to The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Europe’s largest agricultural producer has imposed a range of damage-limitation measures. These include imposing quarantines on AI-hit farms, placing controls on the domestic movement of poultry and increasing surveillance and screening of poultry farms so far unaffected by the outbreak.In a statement made on Wednesday 9 November, the French government said: “The Ministry of Agriculture is working in cooperation with the all the departments concerned to pursue the deployment of protective measures to prevent the risk of disease spread and prevent further outbreaks of avian influenza.â€The government also confirmed it will chair an emergency meeting with representatives of the poultry industry to discuss strategies to limit the spread of the outbreak. They will work together to help the poultry sector develop a robust strategy to safeguard poultry exports, which have been damaged after a string of non-EU countries banned imports of poultry products as well as live chickens.Algeria, China, Egypt, Japan, Morocco, South Korea, Thailand and Tunisia have all banned poultry from France so far.Reuters also reported that France has detected H5N2 and H5N9 strains among the recent cases. The French Ministry of Agriculture was unable to comment. \n \n " - ], - [ - "No, Russia Will Not Intervene in Ukraine", - "MoreA Glimpse Into the Everyday of a Ukrainian BattalionU.S. Expands Sanctions Over Russian Activity in UkraineUkrainian and NATO Sign Defense Agreement\nVladimir Putin has been here before. A decade ago, when he was starting his second term as Russia’s President, a popular uprising broke out in Ukraine. It took no more than a few weeks to break the bond of centuries between the two biggest countries in Eastern Europe. The current revolution in Ukraine looks very different. Unlike the peaceful Orange Revolution, this one has been violent and has dragged on for months. But the questions it has forced Russia to ask are much the same: To what extent should we intervene? When do we cut our losses and accept Ukraine’s drift toward the West? What would we gain, and what would we risk, from using our military to regain control?\nThen, as now, these questions have been hotly debated in Moscow. Then, as now, Moscow watched its ally, Viktor Yanukovych, get ousted by mass protests. Then, as now, the question of Crimea, an enclave of Russian nationalism in the south of Ukraine, looms large. But after the Orange Revolution, Russia did not send troops to defend Crimea. It did not even cordon off the city of Sevastopol, the home of Russia’s Black Sea naval fleet, on the southern tip of the Crimean Peninsula. Instead Russia decided to bide its time and wait for Ukraine to come back around, as it is now most likely to do again.\n“If you take the short-term view, the situation is of course very unstable,†says Andrei Klimov, a Russian diplomat and lawmaker in Moscow. “But Russia and Ukraine have been a union — religious, political, economic, you name it — for a thousand years. And if you look at it from the perspective not of days but of decades, that tradition will live on. There’s no getting away from it.â€\nFor the new revolutionary government, the first order of business has been to get as far away from that tradition as possible. Among the first bills it passed after seizing control of parliament last week revoked the rights of Ukraine’s regions to make Russian an official language alongside Ukrainian. More than 30 monuments to Vladimir Lenin, the founding father of the Soviet Union, have been toppled in the past week across Ukraine. The leader of Ukraine’s Communist Party, another relic of the Soviet past, had his house burned down on Monday night. But none of that will help Ukraine keep the forces of politics and economics from working in Russia’s favor.\nUkraine’s new government, which has now effectively taken control of the entire country except for Crimea, has many bad days ahead. The euphoria and camaraderie of the protest movement is already fading. Its leaders are taking off their body armor and putting on suits as they morph into bureaucrats and politicians. Tuesday marked the start of the presidential race in Ukraine, and it will force the brothers in arms against the old regime to compete for the formation of the new one.\nThis fight will not be pretty. With only three months to go before the May elections, there is no clear leader among the revolutionaries, and in the last round of polling conducted in December, the popularity of the likely presidential contenders was more or less evenly split. Their political views run the range from nationalists to liberals, and just about the only thing that united them over the past three months was their common hatred for the old regime. But now they will have to debate the issues, and as the history of fistfights in parliament shows, Ukrainian politics is a contact sport.\nWhoever wins will then face the greatest challenge of all, Ukraine’s economy, an utter shambles that needs to be fixed soon to avoid a nasty chain reaction — a default on the national debt, a collapse in the currency value, galloping inflation, spiking prices of basic goods and, ultimately, a very angry populace. “So it’s quite possible that in a few months’ time we’ll see protests gathering outside the house of the current leaders [of the revolution],†Vladimir Oleynik, an outspoken member of the Yanukovych regime, told me recently. And he is right. After two successful uprisings in the past 10 years, Ukrainians have developed a taste for protest. They are great at it, and they will use their people power no matter who is in charge. (On Tuesday, the new leadership already had to postpone the process of forming a new government after protesters said the procedure was not sufficiently transparent.)\nSo what does all that mean for Russia? It means that to undermine Ukraine’s new leadership, the last thing Russia should do is send in troops. Nothing unites rival political forces like a common enemy, especially a foreign aggressor. Besides, any attack on Ukraine right now would raise the chances of a militantly anti-Russian candidate becoming the next President of Ukraine. So the gentle and accommodating tone of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Tuesday should not come as a surprise. During a visit to Luxembourg, Lavrov said Russia had “confirmed our principled position of nonintervention in Ukraine’s internal affairs.†He even suggested that Russia respected the European choice of the Ukrainian people: “We are interested in Ukraine being part of the European family, in all senses of the word,†Lavrov said.\nNone of this means that Russia will simply stand back and do nothing. Though its application of soft power is often ham-handed, it is no stranger to the craft, and it is already using various measures to pile more pressure on Ukraine’s economy. “The new authorities in Ukraine have canceled the status of the Russian language in the regions and then complain that they have no money in their coffers,†the Russian diplomat and lawmaker Alexei Pushkov tweeted on Sunday. “Let them turn to their Western patrons.â€\nGoing forward, that will likely be the only place Ukraine can turn for financial help. The West has promised to help compensate for the $15 billion loan that Russia gave Ukraine in December and then revoked in January. But Ukraine’s interim government said this week it needs $35 billion to avoid defaulting on its debt, a figure likely to strain the charity of its Western partners. And Russia seems intent on making that strain as intense as possible.\nMost recently, on Tuesday, Russia’s state food-safety watchdog announced that it would not be able to certify pork imports from Ukraine, citing the risk of African swine fever among Ukrainian pigs. That added pig farming to the growing list of industries — from chocolate to heavy machinery — that are calling on their leaders to make Russia open the borders to trade. Particularly in the East of Ukraine, the country’s economic engine, that trade underwrites thousands of businesses and millions of jobs.\nThese Russian-speaking regions are some of the country’s most populous. “They are a major political force that cannot be written off,†says Vladimir Litvin, the former speaker of Ukraine’s parliament who now heads a minority faction sympathetic to the revolution, though not directly involved. “If their economic woes continue, the ones taking the blame will now be the new leaders, and it won’t be easy for them to deal with that growing unrest.â€\nIn the pro-Russian outpost of Crimea, many of the locals are already calling for a Russian intervention, but officials in Moscow have so far been careful not to stoke any expectations. Even the notion of handing out Russian passports to Crimean citizens was “a question too subtle†to address without “special preparations†from the Kremlin, said Leonid Slutsky, who heads a parliamentary committee in charge of relations with former Soviet states. “We should not approach such processes, which may cause extremely strong reactions, including in Kiev, in a poorly thought-out manner,†he added. “Ukraine is like a gunpowder barrel, and any provocations could lead to bloodshed,†Slutsky reportedly said.\nIn December, when Ukraine’s uprising had not yet turned into a violent insurrection, Putin was asked whether it was even hypothetically possible for Russia to send in troops to defend the Crimea. His answer was unequivocal. “None of this means that we are going to go in there and wave our saber around and send in our troops,†he said at his annual year-end press conference. “That’s total rubbish. That is not happening and cannot happen.â€\nNor does it need to happen in order for Russia’s fortunes in Ukraine to improve. Putin knows that from experience. After the Orange Revolution first turned Ukraine away from Russia in 2004, it took less than a year for the leaders of that revolt to turn on one another. Their bickering led to five years of political gridlock and economic stagnation, and by 2010, the people of Ukraine grew so fed up that they voted into power the very man the Orange Revolution had overthrown — Yanukovych.\nNow history is repeating itself. Yanukovych has again been overthrown, and Ukraine is again veering sharply toward the West. But there is little reason to think Putin will act any differently this time. His current term as Russia’s President only runs out in 2018, and after that, he will legally be able to stay in office at least until 2024. Within that time frame, Ukraine’s revolution may wind up looking like a temporary setback, albeit a dramatic one, in Russia’s dream of gluing its old Soviet alliances back together. As history shows, Putin is a patient man, and he has plenty of time to wait and watch.\n\t" - ], - [ - "Newcastle Disease Outbreak Discovered in Romania", - "Poultry News Newcastle Disease Outbreak Discovered in Romania04 December 2015 \n \nROMANIA - Romania has reported an outbreak of Newcastle disease for the first time since 2007.Over 500 birds died in a flock of laying hens in Bucov, Prahova. Another 1070 birds were destroyed to prevent the outbreak from spreading. \nRomania's report to the World Organisation for Animal health described the affected farm as 'non-commercial, and said the birds were aged seven and a half months. They were vaccinated at 1 and 3 weeks old with a live attenuated vaccine, administered orally. \nAs well as the stamping out operation, the country is enacting screening measures, tracing of the outbreak and movement controls. \n \n \nThePoultrySite News Desk " - ], - [ - "China's Poultry Import Market Affected by Avian Flu", - "Poultry News China's Poultry Import Market Affected by Avian Flu28 August 2015 \nCHINA - China's poultry imports are expected to decrease from 2015's figure, according to estimates from the US Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS).The report forecasts 2016 broiler meat imports at 200 thousand tons, 7 per cent down from USDA’s 2015 official figure. \nThis reduction is largely attributed to the ban on US imports over avian flu detections. Imports from South American countries will continue to benefit from the ban on US poultry and poultry products. \nFlu suspensions lifted on heat-treated products \nThe US exported approximately $300 million in poultry meat and poultry products to China in 2014. \nHowever on January 9, 2015, China banned imports of US poultry and poultry related products because of highly pathogenic avian influenza detections in the United States. \nIn response, the USDA sought exemptions for heat treated poultry products, such as chicken paws and rendered meals. Discussions with the Chinese government resulted in the lifting of the ban on US poultry meal and feather meal for use as feed ingredients in China’s livestock production. \nIn accordance with accepted science and international standards, heat treatment of certain duration and temperature is sufficient to ensure destruction of any virus. \nPrior to the detection of HPAI in the United States, China maintained suspensions of US poultry meat and poultry product imports from five states, due to low-pathogenic avian influenza. \nThis policy is inconsistent with the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) guidelines, which do not recommend trade suspensions due to low pathogenicity avian influenza detections. \n \nExports expected to remain level \nThe report forecasts China’s 2016 broiler meat exports at 430,000 tons, no change from USDA's 2015 official estimates. \nExports to Japan, China’s main export destination, are expected to continue to decline as lingering food safety concerns have caused Japanese buyers to seek other sources for poultry, such as Thailand. \nJapan and Hong Kong are the main export destinations for China’s poultry products. China mainly exports cooked or preserved broiler meat products. \nAlthough exports are expected to remain flat in the near term, China’s skilled workers and some state-of-the art facilities give it a competitive advantage in regional markets such as Japan and Hong Kong. \n \nThePoultrySite News Desk Top image via Shutterstock " - ], - [ - "China's Poultry Consumption to Remain Flat in 2016", - "Poultry News China's Poultry Consumption to Remain Flat in 201626 August 2015 \nCHINA - China's poultry consumption is expected to remain similar in 2016 to 2015, according to a report from the US Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service.The report forecasts China’s 2016 broiler meat consumption at 12.8 million tons, largely unchanged from the 2015 official estimate. \nChina banned imports of all poultry and poultry products from the US in January 2015 due to the highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks, but imports from Brazil and other South American countries have benefited from the absence of US suppliers. \nThe report forecasts 2016 broiler meat imports at 200 thousand tons, a decrease of 7 per cent compared to the 2015 figure. \nHigh pork prices benefit poultry \nMeat from white-feathered western type birds and yellow-feathered local breeds dominate China’s broiler meat production. \nChina’s 2016 broiler meat production is expected to be 13.1 million tons, mirroring USDA’s 2015 official figure. \nA slight shift in consumption from pork to poultry meat underpins the production forecast. Poultry meat and pork are substitute meat options for Chinese consumers and pork prices are predicted to remain high in 2016 because of decreased sow stocks. \nIn January 2015, China banned US poultry imports because of avian flu detections. The ban impacts China’s white broiler meat production since it relies on the United States for grandparent breeding stock for its domestic production. \nChina has long favoured breeding stock from the United States as it tries to improve its own production efficiency, so a continued ban could result in lower 2017 production levels. \nWhile some decline in white-feathered broiler meat is anticipated in 2016, an uptick in yellow broiler meat production will offset declines in white broiler production to maintain overall production levels. \nImporters have looked to other sources for breeding stock, particularly to Europe. However, the potential resumption of US imports after avian flu is a challenge to increasing breeding stock production in those countries. \nConsumer preferences changing with urbanisation \nBroiler consumption in China is expected to remain flat in 2016. \nThe overall economic picture for China, slower economic growth, and constraints on banquet spending per government policy remain in place. Additionally domestic bird flu cases, food safety scandals, and media reports of smuggled meat sold to consumers conspire to restrain consumption. \nRecord high pork prices are encouraging consumers to move away from pork, but both yellow and white broiler meat producers still need to overcome other challenges to satisfy consumers. \nTraditional yellow-feathered chicken producers must contend with the government’s desire to end live bird slaughtering in wet markets as part of its efforts to prevent avian flu from spreading to humans. \nAdditionally, they must contend with a combination of China’s urbanisation drive and the younger generation’s preference for processed chicken sold at fast food outlets and fresh/frozen broiler meat products sold in supermarkets. \nWhite broiler meat consumption is hampered by association with past fast food scandals and health concerns. Single store sales at fast food restaurants are going down and sales increases are driven by new store openings. \nFurthermore, the changing structure of the Chinese economy has closed many factories where white broiler meat was widely consumed in the workers canteens. \nIn the long term, the report expects white broiler meat will enjoy a larger market share over the domestic yellow-feathered variety because of its cost advantage, the lower feed to meat ratio, customised cuts, more advanced technology investments by the white broiler meat industry, and new marketing efforts to try to reach families directly. \nThePoultrySite News Desk " - ], - [ - "Unboiled milk and homemade soft cheese link in Bulgarian ...", - "\n Brucellosis remains a serious challenge for countries around Bulgaria and more cases could occur if prevention measures are not followed, according to a report on an ongoing outbreak.\n \n Breeding family-owned goats and/or improper use of their milk appear to be the main risk factors for an infection which has sickened 31 people as of 15 August, according to Eurosurveillance.A second brucellosis outbreak in Bulgaria since 2006, affects the western part of the country.Possible sourceThe outbreak is most probably a consequence of unauthorised import of infected animals from an endemic country or countries, said the report.Brucellosis caused by B. melitensis is a zoonosis that can affect every organ and system of the human body. Transmission can occur via direct contact with infected animals and/or consumption of contaminated unpasteurised milk and dairy products.Human infections have been serologically confirmed at the National Reference Laboratory for High Medical Risk Infections (NRL HMRI).The Bulgarian Ministry of Health\n updated the situation on 12 August. Further information can be found on the regional health Inspectorate of Kyustendil website\n (both in Bulgarian).\n \n Brucellosis cases according to date of diagnosis\n Three people have professions exposing them to herd animals (two shepherds and one veterinarian), 22 are animal owners/breeders and had unpasteurised dairy products from their farms, and six consumed unpasteurised local dairy products.Patients are between 25 and 77 years-old. The most affected age group is that between 60 and 69 years-old and five are male and 26 female.A total of 29 people are Rila town residents. Two are from outside the area but visited it or nearby less than one month prior to illness onset.In 2006, seven cases were microbiologically confirmed, all without any epidemiological data pointing to importation.Investigations revealed the cause was illegal importation of infected animals from a neighbouring country. By the end of 2008, 71 people had been infected and more than 600 animals were destroyed.Raw milk stored at ambient temperatureIn this outbreak, as of 15 August, 97 of 2,245 tested animals were found positive for brucellosis.Investigation in Kyustendil revealed that raw milk stored at ambient temperature, which in July was above 30 °C, was frequently drank by local residents.“Based on preliminary descriptive epidemiological findings, breeding of family goats and/or consumption of unboiled milk and homemade soft cheese appear as potential risk factors for transmission of the infection,\" said the report.“RHI has spread information (through media and leaflets) about the dangerous nature of the disease, mechanisms of transmission, clinical manifestations and the necessary preventive measures, including the recommendation to boil milk for at least 10 min before consumption. “Until further notice, a ban on the use of domestic milk or milk products, such as soft cheese and butter, as well as uncontrolled slaughtering of animals is imposed.“The underestimation of the importance of applying preventive measures in local family-owned farms appears to be the main risk factor for brucellosis among Bulgarian residents.â€Source: Eurosurveillance, Volume 20, Issue 39, 1 October 2015\n“A new outbreak of brucellosis in Bulgaria detected in July 2015 – preliminary reportâ€Authors: R Nenova \n, I Tomova \n, R Saparevska, T Kantardjiev \n \n " - ], - [ - "15 animals tested positive for brucellosis in Bulgaria's Rila", - "\n\t\n\t15 animals tested positive for brucellosis in Bulgaria’s Rila \n\t28 October 2015 | 19:55 | FOCUS News Agency\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\tPicture: Focus Information Agency\t\n\tRila. 15 animals have been tested positive for brucellosis in the region of Rila town, the press centre of the District Administration – Kyustendil, announced. \nOn September 13 began the second serological examinations of all small ruminants, cattle and equine which were tested negative in the first serological examinations in the infected villages. \nOn October 20 were retested a total of 2,790 goats, sheep, buffalo, cattle and equine. 11 goats of them and three sheep from farms in the town of Rila, as well as one goat in Smochevo village were tested positive for brucellosis disease. \n\t© 2016 All rights reserved. Citing Focus Information Agency is mandatory!\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\tTweet\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t" - ], - [ - "Brucella outbreak reported in Blagoevgrad district, Bulgaria", - "\n The Bulgarian Food Safety Agency is reporting another outbreak of brucellosis in the southwest of the country, according to a Focus Information Agency report Friday. Officials say the outbreak located in the village of Kochan in Blagoevgrad district has affected 22 small farm animals.\nBulgaria/CIA\nAuthorities have imposed a ban on the movement of the animals within or outside the settlement. All animals that tested positive will be killed.\nOver the summer, officials reported a brucellosis outbreak that affected humans and animals in the town of Rila, Kyustendil Province, in southwestern Bulgaria.\nBrucellosis is a contagious disease of animals that also affects humans. The disease is also known as Bang’s Disease. In humans, it’s known as Undulant Fever.\nBrucellosis is one of the most serious diseases of livestock, considering the damage done by the infection in animals. Decreased milk production, weight loss, loss of young, infertility, and lameness are some of the affects on animals.\nThe Brucella species are named for their primary hosts: Brucella melitensis is found mostly is goats,sheep and camels, B. abortus is a pathogen of cattle, B. suis is found primarily in swine and B. canis is found in dogs.\nThere are two common ways people get infected with brucellosis. First, individuals that work with infected animals that have not been vaccinated against brucellosis. This would include farmers, slaughterhouse workers and veterinarians.\nThey get infected through direct contact or aerosols produced by the infected animal tissue. B. abortus and B. suis are most common.\nThe second way is through ingesting unpasteurized dairy products. This is seen in people who travel to areas of the Middle East or Latin America (B. melitensis) where brucellosis is endemic in ovine ad bovine animals. “When in Rome†is an attitude many foreign travelers take to experience aspects of a foreign culture.\nBrucellosis is also an occupational hazard to laboratory workers who inappropriately handle specimens or have an accident or spill. Brucella is highly infectious in the aerosolized form.\nIf someone gets infected with Brucella, the incubation period is about 2-3 weeks, though it could be months. Fever, night sweats, severe headache and body aches and other non-specific symptoms may occur.\nAcute and chronic brucellosis can lead to complications in multiple organ systems. The skeletal, central nervous system, respiratory tract, the liver, heart, gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts can all be affected. Untreated brucellosis has a fatality rate of 5%.\nRelated: \n \n \n \nAbout the Author\nRobert Herriman - Writer, Co-Founder and Executive Editor of The Global Dispatch. Robert has been covering news in the areas of health, world news and politics for a variety of online news sources.\nHe is also the Editor-in-Chief of the website, Outbreak News Today and hosts the Outbreak News This Week Radio Show on http://1380thebiz.com/\nFollow @bactiman63\n" - ], - [ - "Weather in Bulgaria: Cloudy Wednesday", - "\n\t\n\tWeather in Bulgaria: Cloudiness to start breaking Saturday\n\t28 November 2015 | 08:11 | FOCUS News Agency\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\tPicture: Focus Information Agency\t\n\tSofia. Precipitation is expected to start ceasing from west to east on Saturday. The cloudiness will start breaking, the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology with the Bulgarian Academy of Science announced for FOCUS News Agency. \nThe maximum temperatures will between 3°C and 4°C in North Bulgaria, and up to 12-13°C in the eastern regions. \nIt will be cloudy and rainy along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. There will be moderate wind from north-northeast. The maximum temperatures will be between 12°C and 15°C, while the maximum temperature of the seawater – between 13°C and 14°C. \nIt will be cloudy and foggy in the mountains. It will rain and snow. There will be moderate to strong wind. The maximum temperature at 1,200 m will be around 5°C, while at 2,000 m – around -2°C. \nThe atmospheric pressure will be slowly increasing but will remain lower than the average for the month. \n\t© 2016 All rights reserved. Citing Focus Information Agency is mandatory!\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\tTweet\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t" - ], - [ - "Bird Flu Continues to Spread in France", - "Poultry News Bird Flu Continues to Spread in France14 December 2015 \n \nFRANCE - Three more outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza have been reported in France, bringing the total number of outbreaks to thirteen.In Landes, an outbreak of the H5N9 strain in Horsarieux was detected in a breeding flock of over three and a half million chickens, ducks and guinea fowl. \nAnother H5N9 outbreak was found further south, in Arroses in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques region. It affected 1500 breeding ducks. \nFinally, a H5N2 outbreak in Manciet in the Gers region (see map below) was detected in a flock of 8300 breeding ducks. 250 of the birds died and the rest were destroyed. \nThousands of birds have already died and been destroyed in these outbreaks. \nA third outbreak of low pathogenic avian influenza has also been reported. The H5N2 outbreak occurred in Castelnau de Mandailles in Aveyron region, and affected a flock of 6120 ducks, which were all destroyed. \n \n \nFurther Reading \nYou can visit the avian flu page by clicking here. \n \nThePoultrySite News Desk " - ], - [ - "Newcastle Disease Spreads in Hazafon, Israel", - "Poultry News Newcastle Disease Spreads in Hazafon, Israel17 November 2015 \n \nISRAEL - There have been 16 outbreaks of Newcastle disease in Hazafon district, and one in Hamerkaz, according to the latest OIE report from Israel.Thirteen of the outbreaks occurred in layers, which exhibited symptoms as a drop in lay only. The remaining three outbreaks occurred in broilers. \nIn total, there were about 7500 cases with 3000 deaths. Over 30,000 birds were destroyed to prevent the outbreaks spreading further. \n \nThePoultrySite News Desk " - ], - [ - "Latvia, Belarus to expand cooperation in transport, logistics, transit", - "Latvia and Belarus will expand cooperation in transport, logistics and transit, the representatives of both countries decided at the meeting of the Latvia-Belarus Intergovernmental Commission on Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation in Daugavpils, south-eastern Latvia, informs LETA. \n \t \n\t \n\tThe commission's Co-Chairman from \nBelarus, Anatoly Sivak, said that a \nwide range of subjects had been discussed at the meeting. “One of the key \nsubjects was bilateral cooperation in transport, logistics and transit, and it \nwas decided to expand this cooperation,†he said. \n \n \n \nIt was also agreed to hold a \nbusiness forum in Riga in the first half of 2016 to discuss more active cooperation \nin transport and logistics, IT, stock exchange and lending. \n \n \n \nIn conclusion of the meeting, the \nprotocol of the Intergovernmental Commission meeting, the protocol of the \nLatvia-Belarus Business Cooperation Council and an agreement between Latvian \nand Belarus telecommunications companies – Latvijas \nValsts Radio un Televizijas Centrs (Latvian State Radio and Television \nCenter) and Beltelekom\" – about \nprovision of international electronic services were signed. \n \n \n \nThe head of the Latvian delegation, \nAgriculture Minister Janis Duklavs \n(Greens/Farmers), said that the Intergovernmental Commission had been working \nhard during the two-day meeting to ensure bilateral cooperation and in most \ncases had agreed on mutually fruitful arrangements. \n \n \n \nLatvia's foreign trade with Belarus \nin the first half of 2015 totaled EUR 276.6 million, up 0.1 percent from the \nsame period in 2014. Latvia exported EUR 92.6 million worth of goods and \nservices to Belarus in the first six months of this year at a 10 percent drop \nyear-on-year but imports from Belarus grew 6.1 percent to EUR 184 million. \n \n" - ], - [ - "Russia Could Soon Lift Import Ban on European Union Pork", - "\n \nBRUSSELS—Russia could soon lift an import ban on some pork products from the European Union, an EU official said Tuesday, potentially easing a dispute that escalated after Europe’s decision last year to impose sanctions on Moscow over its activities in Ukraine. The dispute began a year ago when Russia closed its market to live pigs, pork and other related products from the EU, citing four cases of African swine fever in wild boars at...\n " - ], - [ - "Turkey: 217 cases of foot-and-mouth disease detected", - "ECONOMICS >Turkey: 217 cases of foot-and-mouth disease detected ANKARAThere have been 217 cases in a new foot-and-mouth disease outbreak since Sept. 29, Faruk Çelik, minister for food, agriculture and livestock said on Dec. 16.Speaking at a press conference, Çelik said 117 of these outbreaks are under control while 100 others are still active.“We don’t need to panic, as we have been taking all necessary actions to keep the disease under control,†Çelik said, as quoted by Anadolu Agency. These actions included producing vaccines for the virus, he added.Çelik said the virus had first been detected in the eastern Van province.Since then, 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) around the affected area have been quarantined, with livestock barred from both leaving and entering the area.Livestock ‘vaccinated’Livestock in the area have been vaccinated and livestock markets have been closed. “We have produced 4.6 million doses of vaccine so far and sent them to all the provinces,†Çelik said.“As foot-and-mouth disease has spread over several countries other than Turkey, the European Commission for the Control of Foot-and-Mouth disease [EuFMD] of the Food and Agriculture Organization [FAO] of the U.N. has taken action. The commission has requested five million doses of the vaccine to be made by Turkey so far. We will do our best to battle this disease in these affected countries,†the minister said.Meanwhile, the livestock market of the Central Anatolian province of EskiÅŸehir was closed down on Dec. 15 due to a number of cases detected, as reported by DoÄŸan News Agency. The Province Animal Health Control Commission said the market will be closed until a second notification in a written statement. “A new virus, which has been unseen in Turkey, was detected in Van in September and this virus, which has spread at a rapid pace, was first seen in our province on Nov. 23,†said the statement, adding that new cases were then detected in other districts. “As we have seen the virus spread in a very rapid manner both in EskiÅŸehir and in our neighboring provinces, and some cases have been seen in the Tepebaşı district where our cattle market is located, a commission was established under the leadership of Vice Governor Bekir Åžahin Tütüncü to discuss the issue. The commission has decided to close down the market to prevent further infections,†added the statement. A number of provinces and districts have also been imposing quarantines to thwart the spread of the infection since September.December/16/2015PHOTO GALLERY" - ], - [ - "Azerbaijan limits import of meat from Turkey", - " \n Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 2By Anvar Mammadov – Trend:Following last week's IEB report on Foot-and-Mouth Disease in Turkey, Azerbaijan issued restriction on import of several products from that country.Restriction on import of livestock and animal products from several districts of Turkey to Azerbaijan will be completely removed only one year after the expiry of the quarantine, the head of the press service of the State Veterinary Service under the Azerbaijani Ministry of Agriculture Yolchu Khanveli told Trend Dec.2.He said that it is a normal procedure in case of Foot-and-Mouth Disease epidemic.“The country announces quarantine, which usually lasts 21 days,†said Khanveli. “After that, the International Epizootic Bureau (IEB) announces the completion of the quarantine, but the export of animals, their meat or products processed from that meat from the area where the epidemic was discovered, is limited within a year.â€Therefore, Azerbaijan temporarily limited the import of cattle and animal products from a number of Turkish provinces such as Van, Igdir, Sinop, Kars, Corum, Kastamonu, Cankiri, Kirikkale, Amasya, Samsun, Ardahan, Agri and Erzurum.Import of other products from Turkey can be considered only if there is a certificate about the epizootic conditions in the province and a phytosanitary certificate.The trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Turkey in Jan.-Oct. 2015 neared $1.18 billion of which $918.5 million accounted for import from Turkey, according to Azerbaijan’s State Customs Committee.\nEdited by SI\n---\nFollow the author on Twitter: @Anvar_MammadovFollow us on Twitter @TRENDNewsAgency " - ], - [ - "Turkey does not see military role for Saudi-led body - 12/16/2015 7 ...", - " \n ANKARAA Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman has said that a new international coalition initiated by Saudi Arabia and including many other Muslim countries to fight terrorism is not a \"military structure\".Speaking during a press conference at the ministry in Ankara, Tanju Bilgic said: \"I can say that this coalition will not be a military structure. It is not on the agenda.\"The military and intelligence cooperation in the fight against Daesh is essential but there is an ideological dimension of the fight against terrorism. These struggles should be coordinated so that Islam will not be identified with terrorism,\" he added.He said that the unity of Muslim countries would be a response to those who are trying to identify the religion of Islam with terrorism. Relations with RussiaBilgic said that meeting a Russian government request for an apology and damages over the shooting down of a Russian warplane would be \"impossible\".Turkish jets shot down a Russian SU-24 warplane near the Syrian border on Nov. 24 for violating Turkey’s airspace, despite repeated warnings.Bilgic said: \"It is impossible to cover the expenses [apology, punishment of the responsible people and claim for damages] that Russia demands.\"If the Russian Federation guarantees that they will not violate Turkish airspace once again, they will not encounter this kind of situation,\" he added, saying that Turkey did not harbor hostility towards military targets in Russia. Re-organizing Turkish troops in in northern Iraq\"Our troops in Bashiqa do not pose a threat to the territorial integrity of Iraq\", Bilgic said, adding that the forces there will be re-organized when the \"dynamic situation and threats change\".\"One would wish that Iraq could completely eliminate the PKK and Daesh on their territory and Turkey would not take any military risk,\" Bilgic added. Relations with IsraelAbout relations with Israel, Bilgic said that ties would improve if they cover requests such as an apology and compensation over the 2011 Mavi Marmara incident plus the removal of the blockade against Gaza.Bilgic also commented on the honorary citizenship bestowed upon imprisoned PKK head Abdullah Ocalan by the Italian city of Palermo on Dec. 14. The Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman described it as \"nonsense and unacceptable\". \n \n \n \n " - ], - [ - "UPDATE - Turkey to get 3 billion euros for refugees within year", - " \n \n \n \n \n \nTurkish EU minister says ‘privileged partnership’ short of full EU membership no longer on agenda\nUPDATES WITH DETAIL, EDITS THROUGHOUT\nANKARA – Turkey will receive 3 billion euros ($3.27 billion) from the EU within the next year to spend on Syrian refugees, Turkey’s EU minister said Wednesday.\nVolkan Bozkir said Turkey is negotiating with the EU on how to spend the money. “We want to decide on our own where to spend it. Talks are underway about that,†he said at a meeting of Anadolu Agency Editor’s Desk in Ankara.\nTurkey is the largest refugee-hosting country in the world and shelters 2.3 million Syrians.\nSince the beginning of the Syrian war in 2011, Turkey has spent around 8 billion euros ($8.73 billion) on providing for the refugee population, Bozkir said. Around 60,000 Syrian children have been born in Turkey and 450,000 are being schooled.\nBozkir, who also acts as Turkey’s chief negotiator with the EU, warned that Syrian refugees who had travelled to Europe would be the responsibility of EU member states.\nUnder a deal agreed last month, Turkey agreed to clamp down on the trafficking of refugees from its territory to Greece and take back refugees who have crossed its borders in exchange for financing.\nThe agreement also saw Turkey offered visa-free travel for its nationals within Europe. Bozkir said Turkey is expected to introduce 72 “adjustments†before this could be implemented.\nThe minister said the deal, as well as Turkey’s key role in the EU economy and the fight against terrorism had regenerated relations with the EU and Turkey’s bid to join the 28-nation bloc.\n“There is no change in Turkey’s stance,†he said. “For us EU membership has always been a strategic objective.â€\nOn Monday, the EU opened a new chapter in the accession process. Chapter 17, which aims to bring Turkey in line with EU economic and monetary policy, is the first to be opened in two years.\nTo join the EU, Turkey, which applied for membership in 1987, must comply with 35 chapters of policy reform. The latest development is the 15th to be opened for discussion.\nBozkir has previously said he hopes for five or six chapters to be opened by the end of 2016.\nIn a further development, the minister said the suggestion of “privileged partnership†status for Turkey was no longer an option.\nGermany had previously suggested Turkey could adopt this model instead of full EU membership.\nTurkey and the EU aim to double their trade to $300 billion in the next two years, Bozkir added.\n\tRelated\n \n \n " - ], - [ - "Russia threatens to implement Ukraine food embargo", - "\n By Vladislav VorotnikovVladislav Vorotnikov , 18-Nov-20152015-11-18T00:00:00Z\n The impact of Russia's threatened ban on Ukrainian products, including meat, is being evaluated by Ukrainian and Russian politicians and analysts.\n \n Moscow authorities have threatened to impose the embargo from January 2016, after the Ukraine signed a free trade zone agreement with the EU. The measure now seems inevitable, as trilateral negotiations on the issue have failed to resolve the situation. Russian prime minister Dmitry Medvedev said: “The ban on imports of agricultural products [from Ukraine] will only come into force if the Ukrainian government implements the economic part of the Association Agreement with the EU, which Kiev signed in June last year. If this happens, a normal trade regime will be established for Ukraine [today the import regime allows zero import duties on all goods] as well as a food embargo.â€Â However, Ukraine has remained bullish on the issue. The country’s Minister of Economy and Trade Aivaras AbromaviÄius claimed: “Ukraine will not suffer from a possible food embargo by the Russian authorities.†According to him, trade turnover with Russia has dropped significantly in recent years to around 12.5% of total trade.Reduce exportsBut other industry observers take a different view. Ukraine trade representative Natalia Mykolskiy has said a ban on imports of Ukrainian products would reduce the country’s exports by $140 million-$200 million per year. And, according to Victor Nadein-Rajewski, a senior researcher at the Institute of World Economy and International Relations, Russian Academy of Sciences, the embargo will hit Ukraine's economy hard. “The amount [of losses] for Ukraine will be significant, given the overall situation for the country’s economy,†he stated. “Of course, they can try to compensate [supplies] via Belarus, as the border is virtually open, but it will be quite difficult, as it will require negotiations and the need to find appropriate partners. Another question is whether the embargo will cause damage to our own [Russian] market, but at the moment it seems that the food products we receive from Ukraine can be replaced,†he stated. Meanwhile, Ivan Starikov, head of the Russian Center for Economic Strategies at the Institute of Economics, said: “This decision is premature: food inflation is already over 25% at the end of this year, and the closure of the Ukrainian market will contribute to an acceleration in the rise in food prices.â€Â Ukraine increases meat exports According to official information from Ukraine’s Institute of Agrarian Economics at the National Scientific Center, in the first nine months of the year the country’s meat exports reached a total value of $278m, up 3.2% on the same period last year. Russia’s share of the total was 32.2%, reaching $89.6m, which is two times more than in the same period of 2014. Iraq was the second-largest importer of Ukrainian meat, with a share of 17% or $47.3m. “Ukraine is also actively developing trade with Jordan, accounting for 3.2% of meat exports and worth $8.8m in the January-September 2015 period, or three times more than the same time last year,†said Nikolai Pugachev, director of the Institute. According to Pugachev, several other Asian markets strengthened their meat imports from Ukraine, including Egypt (at a 2.5% share), the United Arab Emirates (2%) and Hong Kong (1%). \n \n " - ], - [ - "Number of avian flu outbreaks in France doubles, to 30", - "France is now reporting 30 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks, but the exact strain involved in the 15 latest events is not yet known, its agriculture ministry reported today, and the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) noted a new strain in the country, albeit a low-pathogenic one.In related news, Vietnam and Nigeria reported new H5N1 avian flu outbreaks, and Minnesota lifted the last of its HPAI-related quarantines that were enacted after outbreaks earlier this year.Still only SW France affectedThe latest HPAI outbreaks in France include 3 in Dordogne region, 9 in Landes, and 3 in Gers, all in the southwestern part of the country, according to an agriculture ministry post today translated and posted by Avian Flu Diary, an infectious disease blog. Five of the outbreaks happened on Dec 14, 2 in Dordogne and 3 in Landes, while the rest were reported yesterday.All outbreaks were attributed to H5 strains, but the exact strain was not specified for any of them. So far H5N1, H5N2, and H5N9 HPAI strains have been confirmed in the previous 15 outbreaks.The new strain identified in an OIE report yesterday is low-pathogenic H5N3, which was detected on three farms that are not included in France's other 30 outbreaks. Two of the farms are in Landes, and the other is in the Pyrenees-Atlantiques region, both in far southwestern France.The farms house from 570 to 1,430 poultry, and the outbreaks began on Dec 6 and Dec 8. Tests conducted as part of countrywide surveillance came back positive for H5N3 on Dec 10 and Dec 13. As is typical with low-path avian flu, no birds were culled to contain the spread of the virus.H5N1 in Vietnam, NigeriaIn Vietnam, meanwhile, HPAI H5N1 avian flu has struck a backyard flock of 42,000 poultry, killing 1,900 birds, according to a separate OIE report today. The surviving birds were culled to prevent disease spread.The outbreak began on Dec 3 in Viung Tua province in the south, and authorities have implemented their usual response measures, such as disinfecting the premises.In Nigeria, two separate OIE reports yesterday detailed three H5N1 outbreaks in poultry. The first report detailed two outbreaks in the southern states of Edo and Lagos. The first outbreak, which began Dec 11, affected a farm of 3,150 chickens and turkeys in Edo and resulted in the loss of 580 birds, with the remainder of the flock culled.The Lagos outbreak involved 1,800 egg-laying chickens, of which 300 were felled by the virus. All surviving chickens were euthanized. That outbreak began Dec 12.The third Nigerian outbreak also began Dec 12, in Kaduna state in the north, according to a second OIE report filed by Nigerian officials. The affected farm housed 7,500 laying hens, and H5N1 killed 1,500 of them. The remaining 6,000 birds were culled to prevent disease spread.Both Vietnam and Nigeria have been hit by multiple H5N1 outbreaks this year.Minnesota lifts quarantinesThe Minnesota Board of Animal Health (MBAH) said it has lifted the last quarantines on poultry farms that were infected with HPAI earlier this year, the Associated Press (AP) reported yesterday.MBAH said 90% of the 108 infected farms were cleared to restock birds on Oct 6, and now the remaining 10% are cleared. H5N2 outbreaks hit more than 9 million Minnesota birds this spring.Officials said restocked poultry have all tested negative for avian flu. The last outbreak in the state was confirmed on Jun 9.See also:Dec 16 Avian Flu Diary blog postDec 15 OIE report on H5N3 in FranceDec 16 OIE report on H5N1 in VietnamDec 15 OIE report on 2 H5N1 outbreaks in NigeriaDec 15 OIE report on 1 H5N1 outbreak in NigeriaDec 15 AP story" - ], - [ - "France faces 'unprecedented' bird flu crisis", - "\n By Oscar RousseauOscar Rousseau , 18-Dec-20152015-12-18T00:00:00ZLast updated on 18-Dec-2015 at 13:37 GMT2015-12-18T13:37:51Z\n Bird flu in France has reached “crisis†stage, according to the French government, after the total number of bird flu cases hit 30 this week. \n \n Outbreaks of various highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) strains have tripled in a week as France confirmed its poultry sector was now in “crisis†during the worst possible time – the busy and financially positive run-up to Christmas and New Year.France’s bird flu outbreaks have developed progressively as three cases of the low pathogenic H5N3 strain were detected in three separate farms in the south west of the country. What this means is that bird flu is now a multi-strain crisis in France with cases of the H5N1, H5N2 and H5N9 strain all having been reported in a fortnight.Strains of H5N3 were discovered on two farms in the Landes area of south-western France with the others being found in the Pyrenées-Atlantiques. The detections were made after French health officials ran a nationwide surveillance campaign of poultry farms as fears that the virus could spread took hold.\nThe emergence of four different pathogenic strains in such a short time was described as “unprecedented†by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) on Wednesday 16 December. One possible hypothesis for the rapid spread is that the low pathogenic strains have evolved into highly pathogenic ones, according to the OIE.No 'risk' Despite the developments in the bird flu outbreak, the French government has been quick to remind consumers that they are safe. “There is no risk to human health,†a farm minster for France said on Wednesday 16 December. The government official also added that the discovery of the low-pathogenic strain would have “no impact on our [the French Government’s] management of the crisisâ€.Since France’s first bird flu outbreak in eight years\n was reported by GlobalMeatNews just over a fortnight ago, a string of countries have banned imports of poultry. Japan and China remain the most worrying ones for France, as the two Asian states are big importers of foie gras.Other countries to have imposed a ban on poultry products\n and live chickens include Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, South Korea, Thailand and Tunisia. \n \n " - ], - [ - "Bird flu cases in France double in less than a week", - "\n Bird flu cases in France double in less than a week\n \n Wednesday 23 December 2015 10:06 \n \n © Burger/Phanie/Rex/ShutterstockCases of bird flu in France have doubled since Friday, with the Ministry of Agriculture announcing a total of 61 early yesterday afternoon (22 December) compared with 30 at the end of last week.\nIn a web statement, the ministry said the 61 cases now covered six regions in south-west France, with the Haute-Pyrenees department the latest to have recorded cases close to the Spanish border.\nAlthough the French agriculture minister Stephane Le Foll said the outbreak was under control, farmers in the Landes region, which has 27 cases, have now lost tens of thousands of chickens, geese and ducks.\nSee also: French bird flu cases double to 30\nHowever, the sequencing of the H5N1 strain detected in the first outbreak in the Dordogne at the end of November has confirmed the absence of key markers, meaning there is no danger to humans, the ministry confirmed.\nMeanwhile, the risk of bird flu spreading from France to the UK remains “low but heightenedâ€, according to the latest analysis published by the Animal Plant Health Agency (APHA).\nProfessor Ian Brown, APHA head of virology, and Dr Helen Roberts, of APHA’s international disease monitoring team, said the risk to the UK as a result of the French outbreaks was primarily around pathways which involve “lapses in biosecurity or trade routes, rather than through wild birdsâ€.\nThe pair said the French outbreaks were wholly of European origin.\n“The situation in France simply reinforces what we already know that low-pathogenic avian influenza viruses [LPAI] circulate in wild birds and cause occasional spillover outbreaks in poultry.\n“These may be difficult to detect in domestic waterfowl species and they may then mutate into [highly pathogenic avian influenza (HAPI)] viruses.\n“The cases in a France may be related but whether the index case for LPAI and HPAI mutation has been found is unclear.â€\nIn the run-up to Christmas, the agency reminded poultry keepers to maintain high standards of biosecurity, remain vigilant and report any signs of animals showing sickness.\n " - ], - [ - "More avian influenza in France", - " \n\t \n\t24 December, 2015 \n\tIn total, to date, 63 of highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks in poultry were detected in 6 southwestern departments of France. 5 different types of avian influenza are involved in the different outbreaks in France: HPAI H5N1, H5N2 and H5N9 and LPAI H5N2 and H5N3.In the Dordogne, 12 HPAI outbreaks in poultry have been detected; In the Landes, 27 outbreaks; High-Vienna, 1 outbreak (H5N1); in Gers, 10 outbreaks; in The Atlantic Pyrenees, 10 outbreaks; in The Hautes-Pyrenees, 3 outbreaks.China and Japan, the world’s largest importers of foie gras, have restricted the supplies of poultry products, birds, animals and eggs from the whole of France after the information on the outbreak was revealed. \n" - ], - [ - "Latest Bluetongue Reports: More Outbreaks in France, Hungary", - "News Latest Bluetongue Reports: More Outbreaks in France, Hungary22 December 2015 EUROPE - Outbreaks of Bluetongue continue to be reported in Europe, with 22 new outbreaks reported in France and two in Hungary last week.The fifteen French outbreaks reported to the World Organisation for Animal Health on 14 December (see top image) were of serotype eight, and caused 17 cases in cattle. \nOn 18 December, a further seven outbreaks were reported, affecting seven cattle (see map below). The cases were detected through the use of analytical surveillance. \nThese cases left over three thousand cattle and over one thousand sheep on the affected farms susceptible to the disease. \nThe outbreaks occurred in the central region of France. \nAs of December 18, the French agriculture ministry says there have been in total 135 cases of bluetongue that have been detected in the centre of France since mid-September. \nThis includes 37 in Allier, 50 in Puy-de-Dôme, 9 in Creuse, 4 in Cher, 4 in Saône-et-Loire, 6 in Nièvre, 10 in the Loire, 1 in Indre, 6 in Cantal, 2 in Aveyron, 3 in the Haute Loire, 1 in Loiret, 1 in Lozère and 1 in Correze. \nFrance is also contending with widespread outbreaks of avian influenza at present. \n \nThere is as yet no word on the serotype of the Bluetongue virus involved in Hungary's latest outbreaks, reported on the 16 December. \nThe outbreaks affected two cattle farms in Borsod-Abauj-Zemplen and Bacs-Kiskun. Two cases were detected in the two herds, which contained a total of 296 cattle. \n \n \n \n \n" - ], - [ - "ASF situation in Russia continues to worsen", - "\n By Vladislav VorotnikovVladislav Vorotnikov , 28-Feb-20142014-02-28T00:00:00Z\n While the first outbreaks of African swine fever (ASF) have now been registered in the eastern part of the European Union, in Russia, where the disease has raged for six years, veterinary specialists predict a further deterioration of the situation in 2014.\n \n The cold winter season in Russia is now coming to an end, which is likely to result in increasing outbreaks of the disease, they say. They also predict that, in 2014, ASF will cover new regions and will pose a threat to other neighbouring countries.\"The threat of new outbreaks of ASF, including in administrative territories formerly free from the disease, is high this year,\" said Svetlana Dresvyannikova, director of the Veterinary Department of Russia’s Ministry of Agriculture. \"For instance, in January, four further outbreaks of ASF were discovered in the Volgograd, Kaluga, Tula and Bryansk Oblasts. In the Bryansk Region, this is the first time the disease has been registered.\"Also, according to Dresvyannikova, the area of Russia covered by the ASF virus is growing each year.\"In 2011, the disease was detected in eight regions of the South Federal District and the North Caucasus Federal District, as well as in two regions of the Volga Federal District, in three regions of the Northwest District, and three regions of the Central Federal District. Then, in 2012-2013, ASF outbreaks were also reported in new regions – in particular three regions of the North-West Federal District and eight regions of the Central Federal District,\" she added.As of 2012, Russian veterinary watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor estimated the direct losses from ASF had already hit US$1bn, and it is estimated that, in 2014, this figure could exceed US$1.5bn. At the same time, \"indirect\" losses could amount to tens of billions of dollars. This figure takes into account all the possible consequences of banning the turnover of pork products within the country, actions by veterinary services to curb the spread of the disease, as well as a possible loss of investment attractiveness in the industry.\"The ASF problem is not only a challenge for Russia. In 2014, it is projected that the area of distribution of the disease will expand into Ukraine, which will bring a direct threat to Hungary, Romania and Moldova,\" noted agricultural analyst Eugene Gerden. \"The spread of the disease in the south of Russia threatens Kazakhstan, although the likelihood that it will penetrate that country in 2014 is low, due to the small concentration of pig farms in the border areas, and the small number of wild boars in the region.\"In addition, Rosselkhoznadzor has calculated that, in Russia, the ASF virus spreads at an average speed of almost one kilometre a day, steadily covering new territories. As such, it can be calculated that, by the end of the year, it could spread to five or six new regions in the country. \n \n " - ], - [ - "Further H5N1 Bird Flu Outbreak in Ghana", - "Poultry News Further H5N1 Bird Flu Outbreak in Ghana09 December 2015 GHANA - More backyard poultry has been infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza in Greater Accra, Ghana.The outbreak, of the H5N1 serotype, claimed the lives of 17 birds. Another 583 birds had to be destroyed to contain the outbreak. \nThe birds affected were pullets at the point of laying, old brown layers and cockerels in deep litter. \nStamping out, quarantines, movement controls and disinfection measures are in use to control the spread of the virus. \n \n \nFurther Reading \nYou can visit the avian flu page by clicking here. \n \n \nThePoultrySite News Desk " - ], - [ - "President Duda visits Ukraine", - "\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\tDuda and Poroshenko Image :prezydent.plPresident Andrzej Duda arrived in Ukraine on Monday evening to meet his Ukrainian counterpart Petro Poroshenko on Tuesday and express his hope to see Ukraine present at the next year’s NATO summit that will be held in Warsaw.\n“Ukraine is Poland’s great strategic partner. … I would like Ukraine to join the NATO summit in Warsaw next year,†said Duda. He added that Poland supports Ukraine in its policy of getting closer to the EU and visa-free travel regime.\nThe Polish president also claimed that Europe and the whole world should keep to sanctions imposed on Russia.\nIn addition, Poroshenko and Duda agreed that Poland will launch a PLN 4 billion credit line for Ukraine.\n\t\n\t\n\t\n" - ], - [ - "Avian influenza found in wild ducks in Netherlands", - "\n Two samples from wild ducks around the area of Kamerik, Woerden, in the Netherlands, have tested positive for a highly pathogenic H5 strain of avian influenza, Rijksoverheid.nl confirmed in a statement last night (1 December).\n \n The samples were taken as part of the investigation into the possible role of wild birds in the spread of the disease in the country.It follows the discovery of a fourth case of avian influenza in the Netherlands last weekend, which was confirmed as the H5N8 strain – the same as the cases discovered earlier this month.The latest outbreak in Zoeterwoude saw all susceptible birds – around 50,000 – culled on 30 November.In a letter to parliament, minister for agriculture Sharon Dijksma said that analysis by the Central Veterinary Institute (CVI) of the bird flu outbreaks in Hekendorp, Ter Aar and Kamperveen occurred independently. \n \n " - ], - [ - "South Korea confirms foot-and-mouth case at hog farm", - "\nSEOUL South Korea has confirmed a fresh case of foot-and-mouth disease at a hog farm, the agriculture ministry said in a statement on Thursday, five months after an outbreak elsewhere that added to fears about food safety.A ministry official said the farm was in Jincheon county, some 85 km (50 miles) southeast of the capital, Seoul, adding that the disease was unlikely to spread as it was one of three types that animals are inoculated against in South Korea.He said there were 15,884 hogs at the affected farm and those that showed symptoms of the disease would be slaughtered.\n \n The late July outbreak was the first in more than three years but it came as the authorities struggled to contain a continuing problem with bird flu, which has pushed up the price of pork as consumers bought alternative meat.\n \n The livestock disease problems are a big factor behind a jump in pork imports, mainly from the United States and Germany. These rose 17.6 percent to 295,485 tonnes in the first 10 months of this year from the same period last year, South Korean customs data showed.\n \n (Reporting by Meeyoung Cho; Editing by Alan Raybould)" - ], - [ - "Bird Flu Updates From Japan, Germany & South Korea", - " \n\t \t \tMike Coston is the Owner/Editor of Avian Flu Diary\nWe’ve updates this morning on two (now confirmed) suspected bird flu outbreaks I wrote about yesterday in Germany and Japan (see here, and here) , along with an update on the ongoing H5N8 outbreaks in South Korea. H5N8 first appeared in South Korea 11 months ago, and since then has forced the culling of nearly 14 million birds across wide swaths of that country.\nWhile some media reports are stating the bird flu outbreaks in Germany and Japan are confirmed as H5N8, others simply state HPAI H5 – and that further characterization is awaited.\nJapanImage/CIA\nFirst, an update on Japan’s outbreak. This first statement from the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries(MAFF), which does not fully identify the subtype, followed by a recent media report (vianews24.jp) on the immediate response.\nFor confirmation of suspected affected animals of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Miyazaki Prefecture\nFor cases where highly pathogenic avian influenza in Miyazaki Prefecture is suspected, the results of genetic testing, is a H5 subtype, today, has been confirmed to be a pseudo-affected animals.\nIn addition, combined, I will inform you as Attachment, because there was a prime indication.\n1. Overview\nFor cases where highly pathogenic avian influenza in Miyazaki Prefecture is suspected, the results of genetic testing, is a H5 subtype, today, has been confirmed to be a pseudo-affected animals.\nCurrently, it is a test in National Agriculture and Food Research Organization National Institute of Animal Health for NA subtypes.\nPrefecture measures meeting with bird flu occurrence of Miyazaki Prefecture\n(Kumamoto Prefecture)\nIn response to that bird flu has occurred in the poultry farm in Miyazaki Prefecture Nobeoka, Kumamoto Prefecture was installed the 16th measures meeting. The avian influenza virus, which is seen as highly pathogenic is confirmed, Miyazaki Prefecture Nobeoka of poultry farms. Miya 﨑県 went from dawn the 16th, chickens have been bred in this poultry farm, approximately 4000 birds slaughtered. In addition, this poultry movement and restriction of birds within a radius of three kilometers from, and radius 10 km within the carry-out limit also performed. Kumamoto Prefecture In response to this open the installation and the first round of meeting the livestock epidemic measures meeting that top the the 16th of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Department. The conference was carried out interviews over the phone for all poultry farmers prefecture has been reported that there was no abnormality. In addition measures conference in Kumamoto City opened, it has become a high alert in preparation for the occurrence of the prefecture.\nWhile the latest reports from Germany indicate a HP H5 virus – and while H5N8 is high on the suspect list – a final determination of the subtype has not been made. At least according to most media reports.\nMedical Journal online, 16.12.2014\nLower Saxony\nOn a poultry farm in Lower Saxony Cloppenburg the bird flu virus has been detected. Whether it is the Asian dating, dangerous pathogens H5N8, should further tests show during the day.\nCLOPPENBURG / HANNOVER. After the detection of avian influenza virus in Lower Saxony further study results are expected this Tuesday.\nSpecialists of the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut Riems to determine which virus subtypes are involved and how dangerous it is.\nThe disease had occurred on Monday on a turkey farm in Cloppenburg. Almost 20,000 animals on the farm now have to be killed.\nWhether it’s the dangerous H5N8 bird flu as recently is in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern , now have to show the test results.\nAlone in Cloppenburg nearly 13.5 million turkeys and chickens are kept. Lower Saxony is around 100 million poultry poultry producer in Germany is the most important.\n(Continue . . . )\nMeanwhile, in South Korea, while we aren’t seeing much media coverage (and what is available doesn’t translate particularly well), they are obviously continuing to see scattered outbreaks of H5N8 on poultry farms,presumably carried by migratory birds.\nYesterday it was announced that the zoo at Ulsan Grand Park would be closed over AI fears.\nUlsan Grand Park ‘AI precaution, zoo temporarily closed\n(Ulsan ACN 1) gimgyusin reporter | 16/12/2014 10:27:07 send an investigative\nDue to the highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) occurred in the production of Ulsan Grand Park Zoo is temporarily closed.\nAccording to Ulsan City Facilities Management Corporation 16 days from the day to prevent the entry of bird flu bird flu has decided to temporarily calm closed to the point. This complex is that avian influenza region’re about 17km away from the Ulsan Grand Park beyond the scope of avian influenza court explained that. But at least 43.2% of the total passengers Ulsan Grand Park Zoo Considering that Busan, Gyeongnam residents in preventive dimension has been highlighted as a temporary closed. closed for a minimum period of 30 days or more, given the incubation period of 15 days of virus is expected to be. Ulsan Grand Park zoo official said, “Citizens exhibited to the public for the animal to obtain the understanding of the points that inevitably closed for safety reasons,†said “closed period is unclear ago â‚© 0 Visit website or contact us by phone (052- 271-8816 1-8) and asked to check whether the zoo and different operations, “through the Ulsan Grand Park Zoo has exhibited birds such as parrots to Kum Hong, including 22 kinds of more than 900 horses in the nation’s first successful breeding.\nAnd this syntax challenged machine translation of an outbreak in South Gyeongsang, that appears to be the cause of the zoo shutdown.\n‘Largest poultry farm miljipji’ production caused highly pathogenic avian influenza AI\nArticles input 2014-12-16 11:09\nNearby Busan and Ulsan also emergency alert rush\n[ Herald = Yoon Jeong-hee (London) reporter – the largest poultry farm areas in South Gyeongsang production from highly pathogenic (H5N8) avian influenza (AI) let that occur in Yangsan Pusan ​​perimeter and nearby and Ulsan has embarked on an emergency alert.\nGyeongnam Yangsan myeonggokdong one of the farms in the Highly Pathogenic Avian dokgamga occurred, according to the ruling confirmed a rating of 13 days on laying hen farms in densely populated areas in Hebei and nearby (only 40 140 farm animals), the Figure defenses will chobisang stuck in. Last month, 20 days racing farm bird flu at a farm where the conduct occurred after disinfection of their defenses, such as increasing the number of bird flu since last 12 days off were pouring struggled on.\n(Continue . . . )\nWe’ve already seen the H5N8 virus show up this fall in Korea, China, Japan, Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK – both in domesticated poultry, and in wild or migratory birds.\nCompared to other avian flu viruses we’ve followed over the past decade, this one seems to be spreading geographically at a very rapid rate.\nThe good news, is that so far there have been no documented human infections with H5N8, and so this virus remains primarily a threat to wild birds and poultry operations.\nFor more on the spread of H5N8, you may wish to revisit:\nFAO Warns On H5N8’s Spread\nBird Flu Spread: The Flyway Or The Highway?\nEID Journal: Subclinical HPAI In Vaccinated Poultry – China\n \n \n \n \n \n\t \t \n\t \t \n\t \t" - ], - [ - "Japan farms on high alert for bird flu outbreak", - "The nation's poultry farms and relevant ministries are on high alert over bird flu, with farmers busy inspecting and disinfecting chicken coops.\n \n \n \nThe tension is due to a series of cases in which highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses have been detected in migratory birds.No such viruses were detected in the three previous seasons, but four cases have already been reported since November this year. A season is defined as October to May of the following year.In some Asian nations that serve as stopovers for migratory birds, the viruses have been spreading throughout poultry plants and other facilities.The H5 and H7 strains are among the highly toxic varieties of bird flu. Although it does not usually infect people, some rare cases of human infection have been reported in China and other countries.Poultry farms nervous\"There's nothing we can do to stop migratory birds from coming,\" said a 35-year-old female employee of a poultry farm in Saitama Prefecture. \"I'm concerned that birds carrying the virus could enter the poultry housing.\"The farm's chicken facilities, which are home to about 7,000 birds, are covered with netting to prevent the intrusion of wild birds. These nets are checked often and mended immediately if any tears are discovered. Access to the housing is restricted to staff only, and workers' boots are sanitized regularly to prevent the transmission of viruses.A farming centre of the Tokyo Development Foundation for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, in Ome, Tokyo, raises an original breed of silky fowl known as Tokyo Ukokkei and sells chicks to poultry farmers.The centre has been keeping anyone who is not a staff member away from the chicken coop, and employees must put on special work clothes before entering the facility.\"If an outbreak were to occur at the centre, the Tokyo Ukokkei would be extinguished,\" said one worker.2011 pandemic revisitedThis season's first highly pathogenic flu virus in a migrating bird was found in Yasugi, Shimane Prefecture, on Nov. 13. It was followed by additional cases in the town of Nagara in Chiba Prefecture and Tottori. In the first case, the H5N8 subtype was detected in the droppings of migratory Bewick's swans. On Nov. 29, the virus was found in a debilitated white-naped crane in Izumi, Kagoshima Prefecture, the nation's largest wintering spot for cranes.The previous time that a highly pathogenic virus was detected in migratory birds in the nation was in May 2011. During that season, the number of confirmed infections reached 60. As the infections spread to poultry farms, about 1.85 million birds had to be slaughtered in nine prefectures, including Miyazaki, Aichi and Chiba.In April this year, bird flu was confirmed at a poultry house in Kumamoto Prefecture, though the case's relation to migratory birds is not clear. About 110,000 specimens were culled.\"Avian flu viruses have been confirmed one after another since late autumn, and the situation looks similar to the pandemic four years ago,\" said an Environment Ministry official.Outbreak in AsiaThere is also growing concern about bird flu due to the spread of infections in Asian nations that serve as stopover spots or breeding sites for migratory birds that fly to and from Japan.South Korea has experienced continuous epidemics over the past year since last season, according to the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry. The number of domestic chickens infected with flu viruses reached a record high of 245 after January, and at least 14 million birds were slaughtered. In China, about 50 cases of highly pathogenic flu viruses have been detected since September.In response, the Environment Ministry has tightened monitoring by raising the nationwide bird flu alert level from 2 to 3, the highest level, and increasing the frequency of virus tests. The agriculture ministry issued a statement to prefectures across the nation requesting thorough measures to prevent infection, stating that any poultry farm can fall victim to an outbreak of bird flu, and emphasizing the heightened alert." - ], - [ - "South Korea halts US poultry imports due to bird flu in US", - "\nSEOUL South Korea has suspended imports of U.S. poultry and poultry products because of an outbreak of bird flu in the United States, the Agriculture Ministry said in a statement on Sunday.The suspension, from Saturday, comes as South Korea is struggling to contain its own outbreak of bird flu in birds.\"This import suspension is a quarantine measure to prevent the HPAI virus from entering the country,\" the ministry statement said, referring to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus.The ministry said 18 countries including South Korea had been hit by the HPAI virus this year. South Korea has had no human cases.\n \n Avian flu is an infectious viral disease of birds. Most bird flu viruses do not infect humans, but some have caused serious infections in humans.Two strains of avian influenza - H5N2 and H5N8 - have been confirmed in wild birds in Washington state, near the U.S. border with Canada, but there was no immediate cause for public health concerns, U.S. agriculture officials said on Wednesday.\n \n Neither virus has been found in U.S. commercial poultry.South Korea's imports from the United States in the first 11 months of the year included 63,245 tonnes of poultry meat and 264,000 chicks, according to ministry data.\n \n The ministry said the import suspension would not cause a shortage as domestic poultry meat supply is projected to rise by 17.5 percent to 67,000 tonnes this month from a year earlier on top of 9,000 tonnes in inventory. (Reporting by Meeyoung Cho; Editing by Robert Birsel)" - ], - [ - "Japan, South Korea commissaries adjust to overseas embargo on ...", - " \n FORT LEE, Va. (AFNS) -- \n Commissary patrons in South Korea and Japan will see shortages of some U.S. poultry products because of local embargoes related to avian flu discoveries in several U.S. states.The embargoes affect U.S. shipments to Korea and Japan of chicken, turkey, eggs and products that contain these ingredients, such as pot pies, lunch meat, hotdogs, meal entrees and egg rolls. As a result, the Defense Commissary Agency is using alternative options to supply these products to its 11 commissaries in Korea and 14 stores on mainland Japan and Okinawa.\"We are using various alternatives to provide some poultry products on our shelves in South Korea and Japan,\" said Joseph H. Jeu, the DeCA Director and CEO. \"However, because these are limited, interim solutions that may not stock our shelves fully, our patrons may experience shortages of certain poultry items.\"With no idea how long the embargoes will last, DeCA has identified some interim local source suppliers for fresh chicken and eggs in Korea and Japan. While there is an abundance of locally sourced fresh chicken, the prices are higher than U.S.-sourced chicken. Local egg prices are comparable to U.S. egg prices.In Korea, approval has been granted to allow some cooked poultry items to enter the country with additional documentation from U.S. manufacturers, said Eric Swayzee, the DeCA's director of logistics.\"The documentation is a new requirement and will take time to implement at the various manufacturing plants across the U.S.,\" Swayzee said. \"These new documentation requirements are not retroactive; therefore, the 'cooked' U.S. poultry products already in South Korea, or in route remain on hold and cannot be sold.\"The commissary agency has also increased deliveries of products containing beef and pork for both Korea and Japan to replace similar chicken and turkey-related items unavailable because of the import restrictions.\"Our top priority is always to ensure our military members and their families stationed overseas have the products they need when they use their commissary benefit,\" Jeu said.The situation with poultry began in late December 2014, when South Korea issued an embargo preventing the import of all U.S. uncooked poultry and poultry products on or after Dec. 20, 2014. The restriction resulted from the discovery of avian flu, formally known as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), traced to a poultry farm in Oregon.On Jan. 24, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service announced the presence of avian flu in California, prompting Japan to subsequently embargo any imports of U.S. poultry that originate or are shipped from California, Oregon and Washington State. To date, poultry shipments originating from other U.S. states are not affected by Japan's embargo.The USDA stresses that the proper handling and cooking of poultry and eggs at an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit will eliminate viruses and bacteria.\"This is not a public health concern,\" said Army Col. Michael A. Buley, the DeCA's director of public health and safety. \"This virus has been around a while and there is no indication of transmission to humans.\"All of these importation restrictions are an attempt to protect the host nation's poultry industries,\" Buley added. \n " - ], - [ - "Third Cattle Sweep Sees Prices Rising, Industry Developing", - " \n \nIn August of 2012, we told you about the first ever Cattle Sweep in Belize. It was the start of an 11 million dollar project partially funded by the European Union to bring Belize's cattle industry up to international export standards. That meant extensive testing for two diseases: brucellosis and bovine tuberculosis. And now, two years later, only one case of tuberculosis has been detected after tens of thousands of cattle were tested in two sweeps. \n \nThe sweep and the disease free status has paid a real dividend for cattle farmers and we found out more when we went to the launch of the third sweep today:.. \n \nJules Vasquez reporting \nThese cattle on Doni Urbina's farm outside Orange Walk Town were the first to have samples taken in the third cattle sweep. \n \nThat means squeezing a as much as a thousand pounds of bull, heifer or calf into a stall and taking a blood sample from the tail vein then fixing an electronic tag on the ear - a sort of passport for this cow - and all hundred thousand or so in Belize. \n \nDr. Homero Novelo - Veterinary Coordinator, National Sweep \n\"Now in the country of Belize we've done 97,000 plus animals on the first sweep. The second sweep is finishing this Saturday and today we are launching the third sweep. We started Monday testing here in the north.\" \n \nToday at the launching of the third cattle sweep - officials spoke - but so did farmers who know that the project has directly added value to their cattle stocks: \n \nRaymond Carney, Cattle Farmer \n\"It's a more sustainable investment for me and other small farmers. Previously when the price was depress it was harder to find a market for you bovine. Now with the cattle sweep, it means that we got access to more markets and get a more realistic price.\" \n \nThat has added value to these heads and turned what used to be a catch and kill enterprise into a nascent industry: \n \nJules Vasquez \n\"Since the sweep movement started 2 years ago, how has this change?\" \n \nAlistair Macpherson, CEO - Livestock Producers Assoc. \n\"Hugely.\" \n \nAnd big part of that huge-ness is in the price per pound which has gone up almost 200%. \n \nHon. Gaspar Vega, Minister of Agriculture \n\"The price of the cattle on hoof before the first sweep was 90-95 cents per pound versus today you would get up to 2 dollars and fifty cents per pound. So the farmers are realizing that the cattle sweep is what made that change in the pricing.\" \n \nH.E. Paola Amadei, Head of EU Delegation to Belize \n\"The results are extraordinary and I think it's not just us being happy but the farmers being happy which is even more important. This is a windfall for all the farmers and I think they are aware of it.\" \n \nAlistair Macpherson, CEO - Livestock Producers Assoc. \n\"It's not just because of the cattle sweep, it's because of us being able to enter these markets legally because of the cattle sweep. That's what really bringing the price up here, so without the cattle sweep we would still be struggling and having to take whatever was offered to us. We wouldn't be in this strong position we are now.\" \n \nStrong position, but in most case, Belizean cattle is be exported illegally - basically smuggled into Guatemala - and that's because of..: \n \nAlistair Macpherson, CEO - Livestock Producers Assoc. \n\"Cash, cash in your pocket. Cash is king and Belizean farmers are quite lucky in that the way the market has been. A guy turns up and he pays you cash for your animals in your pocket, takes your animals away.\" \n \nBut that cozy arrangement can't last much longer \n \nDr. Homero Novelo - Veterinary Coordinator, National Sweep \n\"It's an informal trade that we have there, but then they are getting away with this. What happens Mexico has a tax on animals entering the correct way to their country. By going to the back they are eluding the stocks, so it's lucrative for them. However, eventually this will has to stop and animals will have to go through the right way through the northern border corral.\" \n \nAnd for the industry to continue developing the cattle sweep - which was once a novelty will have to become a fixture: \n \nHon. Gaspar Vega, Minister of Agriculture \n\"We know that it has to continue. We are hoping that the farmers will become even more cooperative so that it will be easier for the industry to be able to stay certified.\" \n \nH.E. Paola Amadei, Head of EU Delegation to Belize \n\"What is important now is that the results are sustained, the sweep has been successful.\" \n \nThis third sweep should be completed in 10 months. \n \nFarmers pay ten dollars per head of cattle for the sweep - which is a highly subsidized price. The European Union has provided 50% of the 11 million dollars needed to take the project through to the year 2015. \n" - ], - [ - "Avian Influenza Confirmed in Italy", - "Poultry News Avian Influenza Confirmed in Italy 16 December 2014 \n \nITALY - There has been one new outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza, H5N8, reported in the Veneto region of north-eastern Italy. The outbreak, which started on 15 December, was in a flock of 31,985 fattening turkeys, causing 1,219 cases of the disease as the result of a spike in mortality during the last two days. \nAll of the infected turkeys have died. Culling is due to start today, 16 December. \nControl measures will be applied in the restriction zones established. The source of the outbreak is still unknown. \nThe last outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Italy was in September 2013. \n \n \nFurther Reading \nYou can visit the Avian Flu page by clicking here. \n \nThePoultrySite News Desk " - ], - [ - "Pork from EU disguised as mushrooms, bubble gum busted by Russia", - "\n Contraband pork has been smuggled into Russia from the EU under the guise of chewing gum, frozen juice and mushrooms, Russia’s food safety regulator has reported. Pork imports from Europe have been banned since an outbreak of swine fever in January.\n \n Rosselkhoznadzor reported 360 tons of illegal pork has arrived\n from Brazil, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands and Belgium, with\n the Netherlands being the second largest source of contraband.\n“They are party to the EU Customs Union, and so the European\n Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is directly responsible for the\n contents of the containers. As we can see, the EFSA has no\n control, and even facilitates, smuggling,†the head of\n Rosselkhoznadzor, Sergey Dankvert, told the TASS news agency.\n\"The Netherlands, for example, declared the goods as frozen\n mushrooms, jams, and marmalade,\" Dankvert is quoted as\n saying.\n This is the second instance of pork smuggling that\n Rosselkhoznadzor has discovered in the last month. On October 13,\n the agency found that more than 60 tons of German and Dutch pork\n entered Russia labeled as mushrooms from China.\n Rosselkhoznadzor began investigating the questionable cargo\n arriving at the Belarus border along with the Federal Customs\n Service (FTS) last month.\n In January Moscow banned live pigs and pork products coming from\n the European Union after four isolated cases of African swine\n fever were discovered in Poland and Lithuania.\n In 2013, Russia imported €1.4 billion worth of pork from Europe.\n European pig farmers are poised to lose billions of euro from\n Russia’s embargo against pork, which preceded the August food\n ban against all produce from the US, EU,\n Australia, Japan, and Canada.\n The losses vary across the union. Danish pig farmers; for\n example, expect to lose $680 million this year from Russia’s food\n embargo, whereas Germany only expects to lose €40 million on pork\n exports to Russia.\n Ukraine’s decision to sign the European Trade Association\n Agreement puts the Russian economy at risk, because a wide-open\n trade corridor and a flood of European goods can devalue local\n markets.\n On Tuesday, the same agency banned fruit and vegetable products\n originating from Ukraine.\n" - ], - [ - "Germany sees reduced pork exports to Ukraine", - "\n By Vladislav Vorotnikov Vladislav Vorotnikov , 17-Dec-20142014-12-17T00:00:00Z\n By the end of 2014, pork imports from Germany to Ukraine could drop by 19.4% – to 29,000 tonnes (t), according to representatives of German Meat*, the joint export promotion body for the German meat industry.\n \n \"Overall in 2013, Germany supplied about 36,000t of pork to Ukraine. In 2014 Ukraine will import only about 29,000t,\" commented project manager of German Meat Elizabeth Gorelysheva.Experts have recently noted that the devaluation of Ukraine’s national currency, the hryvnia, against the euro has made the supply of meat to Ukraine almost completely unprofitable.\"Ukraine’s meat market has been and remains very interesting for German suppliers, but at the same time a number of factors have significantly complicated any increase in supplies – in particular, the devaluation of the hryvnia,\" she added.German exporters have also complained about the number of administrative barriers imposed on them, which also negatively affect export supplies.\"A number of legal issues also complicate meat imports into Ukraine - in particular the rules concerning veterinary certificates,\" added Gorelysheva.Official statistics indicate that all these factors have affected not only exports of German meat to Ukraine, but also overall meat imports to the country.According to a report from Ukraine’s State Fiscal Service, in January-September 2014, pork imports to Ukraine dropped by 4.2 times – to 26,185t. In value terms, imports amounted to US$68 million, which is four times lower year-on-year.Nicola Larin, project manager of foreign economic activity at Ukraine’s Association of Importers and Exporters, said the total imports of meat and meat products in Ukraine this year have already dropped by 37%. Based on current trends, Larin noted, it was safe to say the volume of meat imports to the Ukrainian market could drop by another 10% by the end of the year.\"Given the fact that the armed conflict is taking place, plus [the fall in the country’s] currency, plus the [influence of] corruption, imports will continue to fall, as there are no prerequisites for any slowdown in the decline,\" Larin added.According to official information from the country’s statistics bureau, in 2013 the largest exporters of pork to Ukraine were Brazil, Germany and the USA. Experts say the fall of pork imports is connected, to some extent, with the restrictive measures imposed by the country’s veterinary watchdog, Gosvetfitosluzhba, during the year.In particular, in March this year, the veterinary body limited the pork imports from Brazil, due to violations of its veterinary legislation, while in July it restricted imports of pigs from Russia due to fears of the spread of African swine fever (ASF).* German Meat unites about 40 German manufacturers at all stages of meat production, from those growing feed crops to livestock trade, slaughter and processing enterprises. \n \n " - ], - [ - "South Korea increases efforts to contain foot-and-mouth outbreak", - "\nSEOUL South Korea is intensifying efforts to contain an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease by inoculating all hogs in affected areas, the agriculture ministry said in a statement on Thursday.South Korea earlier this month confirmed a fresh case of foot-and-mouth disease at a hog farm, five months after an outbreak elsewhere added to fears about food safety.So far nine cases have been confirmed at Chungcheong province, about 100 kms (61 miles) southeast of the capital, Seoul, the ministry statement said.All outbreaks were the type that animals are inoculated against in South Korea, said the ministry.\n \n Over 13,600 hogs have been slaughtered at the affected farms and Seoul has heightened its foot-and-mouth watch level to alert from caution, it added. \n \n The late July outbreak was the first in more than three years but it came as authorities struggled to contain a continuing problem with bird flu, which has pushed up the price of pork as consumers bought alternative meat. Livestock disease problems are a big factor behind a jump in pork imports, mainly from the United States and Germany. These rose 21 percent to 328,241 tonnes in the first 11 months of this year from the same period last year, South Korean customs data showed.\n \n (Reporting by Meeyoung Cho; Editing by Michael Perry)" - ], - [ - "Portugal sees first BSE outbreak since 2012", - "\n Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) has been discovered in Portugal, marking the first case of the disease since June 2012.\n \n A report was submitted to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) on 28 November, following the discovery of BSE in one cow – in Dume, Braga – which has since been destroyed. Another 31 were flagged up as being susceptible.According to the OIE, a work male animal of a national autochthonous breed (born in 1998) was tested under the surveillance plan on the issue of emergency slaughter.It added that epidemiological investigation is ongoing. \n \n " - ], - [ - "ASF hinders exports of Ukraine pork to the EU", - "\n By Vladislav VorotnikovVladislav Vorotnikov , 30-Oct-20142014-10-30T00:00:00Z\n Sporadic outbreaks of African swine fever (ASF) in Ukraine are blocking the possibility of launching pork exports to the European Union (EU), said Vitaly Bashinsky, deputy head of Ukraine’s state veterinary and phytosanitary service.\n \n \"Three cases of ASF on pig farms have put a stain on Ukraine’s reputation. While we have such problems, we can forget about establishing export supplies to the EU,\" he said.However, he added that a few Ukrainian pig farms will be inspected by EU experts soon.Industry observers believe Ukrainian pork has good prospects in EU markets, due to its competitive price.According to Ukraine’s deputy minister of agrarian policy and food Andriy Dykun, Ukraine is ready to start pig product exports to the EU. The ministry said that pork and confectionery were the Ukrainian goods that showed the best promise for sale in Europe.\"We have already started poultry product exports to the EU, and I think we can also export pork and confectionery products in the near future,\" said Dykun. Ukrainian experts predict the country could dramatically boost its pork exports to the EU market, with annual volumes potentially reaching 10,000–20,000 tonnes (t).By comparison, in 2013 Ukraine exported only 4,600t to the EU with a total value of US$20.9 million, according to official statistics. About 94% of all exports were destined for Russia. In 2012 Ukraine exported 20,200t of pork, also mostly to Russia.\"After Russia’s accession to the World Trade Organization in 2013, the process of supplying pork to this market was simplified, as quotas were abolished. Yet, along with the growth of pork supply, the market experienced a fall in imports. So for many Ukrainian companies it became unprofitable to continue pork exports to Russia,\" explained Arthur Loza, head of Ukraine’s Association of Pig Producers.However, in 2014, following the ban on pork imports from the EU, prices in the Russian domestic market rose again and are now higher than in Europe. But many Ukrainian producers say they will no longer bet on the Russian market, claiming that it is \"unreliable\". According to Bashinsky, if the fight against ASF in the country is successful, four or five Ukraine producers could gain permission as early as next year to export pork to the EU, which would allow the country to restore the overall volume of export supplies.\"When we remove the quarantine restrictions, send the relevant report to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and go through the procedures to verify our data, we will be able to apply to the European Commission with a request to put us on a list of countries that are allowed to export pork to the EU. After that, it will be selected businesses that meet EU requirements. From this list, four or five enterprises will be selected to be inspected by foreign experts,\" added Bashinsky. \n \n " - ], - [ - "Reuters: Russia slaps Ukraine with fruit and vegetable import ban", - "\n Reuters: Russia slaps Ukraine with fruit and vegetable import ban\n \n \n \n \n \n Oct. 21, 2014, 4:06 p.m. |\n \n \n Business — by\n \n Reuters\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Angry farmers dump cauliflowers in front of the prefecture building of Saint-Brieuc, northwestern France, as riot policemen onwatch, on Sept. 24, 2014, as part of a protest against falling prices and revenues, as the vegetable sector is being hit by a drop in prices, and by a Russian embargo on Western products due to the crisis in Ukraine. \n \n © AFP\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n " - ], - [ - "Georgia premier complains fugitive former Georgian politicians get ...", - "\n Georgia premier complains fugitive former Georgian politicians get jobs in Ukraine government\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili (C) speaks as Georgia's President Giorgi Margvelashvili (R) and head of Georgia's Orthodox Church, Patriarch Ilia II (L) listen during celebrations for the signing of an association agreement with the EU\n \n © AFP\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Georgia's prime minister has complained that former Georgian politicians who are allegedly on Interpol's wanted list have been getting \"cushy\" jobs in the Ukrainian government.\n \n \n \n \n Announcement To Readers\n \n Since 1995, the Kyiv Post has been the world's window on Ukraine.\n Please support the newspaper’s quality, independent journalism with\n a digital subscription. Subscribers receive unlimited access to all\n stories, archives and PDFs from the Kyiv Post's staff writers and news services.\n More info.\n \n \n \n \n 12 months\n \n 1 month\n \n \n \n \n $50.00Pay\n \n $20.00Pay\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ukraine\n \n \n \n Cabinet of Ministers\n \n \n \n Georgia\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nThe Kyiv Post is hosting comments to foster lively public debate through the Disqus system. Criticism is fine, but stick to the issues. Comments that include profanity or personal attacks will be removed from the site. The Kyiv Post will ban flagrant violators. If you think that a comment or commentator should be banned, please flag the offending material.\nPlease enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.\ncomments powered by \n \n \n \n \n " - ], - [ - "Al Jazeera: West isolates Putin over Ukraine at G20", - "\n Al Jazeera: West isolates Putin over Ukraine at G20\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Australia's Prime Minister Tony Abbott (L) and Russia's President Vladimir Putin as they meet Koalas before the start of the first G20 meeting in Brisbane on Nov. 15, 2014.\n \n © AFP\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n " - ], - [ - "Reuters: Artillery explosions shake Donetsk airport in east Ukraine", - "\n Reuters: Artillery explosions shake Donetsk airport in east Ukraine\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n An elderly woman pulls а cart with firewood near the Donetsk airport, in eastern Ukraine on Nov. 3, 2014.\n \n © AFP\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Loud explosions and artillery fire rocked Donetsk airport in eastern Ukraine on Nov. 17, despite attempts to negotiate an end to a battle that is undermining a ceasefire in regions held by separatists. \n \n \n \n Read the story here. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Artillery\n \n \n \n Ukraine\n \n \n \n airport\n \n \n \n east\n \n \n \n Donetsk\n \n \n \n shake\n \n \n \n explosions\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nThe Kyiv Post is hosting comments to foster lively public debate through the Disqus system. Criticism is fine, but stick to the issues. Comments that include profanity or personal attacks will be removed from the site. The Kyiv Post will ban flagrant violators. If you think that a comment or commentator should be banned, please flag the offending material.\nPlease enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.\ncomments powered by \n \n \n \n \n " - ], - [ - "Bird flu spreads in Italy and Germany", - "\n Bird flu spreads in Italy and Germany\n \n Wednesday 17 December 2014 14:33 \n \n ©RexHighly pathogenic avian influenza has continued its spread, with Italy the latest country to have a case of the H5N8 strain in a flock of turkeys, and Germany reporting its second case.\nThis brings to four the number of EU countries affected – with the Netherlands and the UK also hit – and are the seventh and eighth confirmed cases in the EU since early November.\nSee also: Bird flu protection zone lifted\nThe latest outbreak in Italy occurred on a turkey fattening unit in Porto Viro, near Venice. According to a report from the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), mortality reached 3.81% on the farm, in a flock of 31,985 birds.\nCulling began on 16 December as part of a “stamping out†policy, and restriction zones were established.\nThe second German case has appeared on a turkey farm in Lower Saxony, the Federal Research Institute for Animal Health has confirmed. It is the same H5N8 strain previously found on a turkey farm in north-east Germany.\nFederal agriculture minister, Christian Schmidt, has appealed to all poultry farmers to step up their biosecurity to prevent further spread.\nGlobal spread\nOutside of Europe, recent AI outbreaks have occurred in the USA (H5N2 in wild ducks and H5N8 in a captive falcon), Canada (H5N2 in five flocks of broiler breeders and turkeys in British Columbia), Japan (H5N8 in a wild crane), and India (H5N1 in a flock of 5,974 ducks in the far south of the country).\nBut, according to the European Food Safety Authority, the route of infection in Europe remains uncertain.\n“It is plausible that the virus has entered poultry farms indirectly, through material contaminated by infected wild birds – such as human activities, movement of vehicles or equipment,†it says.\n“As all affected farms use indoor housing facilities, experts conclude that a direct transmission from wild birds to farmed poultry is unlikely.â€\nThere are no known direct migration routes from East Asia to Europe, it adds. “One hypothesis is that infected migratory birds from East Asia transmit the virus to other species at breeding and stopover places in Eurasia, but this hypothesis needs further investigation.â€\nAnimal welfare group Compassion in World Farming recently urged people not make wild birds a scapegoat when looking for the source of H5N8.\n“The risk of simply blaming wild birds is twofold,†it said. “First, it could divert attention and resources away from other issues, such as the fact that intensive indoor farms are ideal incubators for avian influenza.\n“Second, there is a danger that some may call for a cull of wild birds, which would have serious consequences not only for those birds, but also for the ecosystems they are part of.â€\n " - ], - [ - "Yamaguchi bird flu outbreak third case confirmed in Japan this winter", - " \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\tYAMAGUCHI – An outbreak of highly pathogenic bird influenza has been confirmed in Yamaguchi Prefecture, officials said Tuesday.\nPrefectural officials started work to slaughter some 37,000 chickens at a farm in Nagato, about 275 km north of the city of Miyazaki, where another outbreak has occurred.\nThe Yamaguchi Prefectural Government banned chickens and other domestic poultry, whether dead or alive, within a 3-km radius of the Nagato farm from being moved out of the area and dead poultry within 10 km from being shipped outside.\nThe outbreak followed two recently confirmed cases of highly pathogenic bird flu in Miyazaki Prefecture.\nAccording to the Yamaguchi government, 21 chickens died at the Nagato farm on Sunday and Monday.\nThe dead chickens tested positive for influenza in basic tests conducted Monday. The prefectural government announced early Tuesday that a genetic test confirmed the virus was present.\nIn Miyazaki, the prefectural government announced the detection of the virus on a farm in the city of Miyazaki late Sunday night and culled all 42,000 birds there, officials said Monday.\nThe first case was confirmed Dec. 16 in the city of Nobeoka, also in Miyazaki Prefecture, which is known as the country’s top producer of broiler chickens.\nAll three cases involve the H5 variety of the virus, according to officials.\nChief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said Tuesday the central government will ramp up measures against bird flu.\n“We will continue to take all necessary measures if any further outbreaks are confirmed,†he said at a gathering of ministers in charge of affairs related to the government’s response to bird flu outbreaks.\nThe ministers confirmed close cooperation and agreed to enhance information collection and disease control measures.\nAt a news conference afterward, agriculture minister Koya Nishikawa said, “I am very concerned that the outbreaks occurred earlier than usual.â€\nHe noted that bird flu cases usually peak between January and mid-February in Japan.\nThe outbreaks are unlikely to affect widespread distribution of chicken or eggs in the country anytime soon, but all possible measures should be taken, he said, requesting poultry farmers to be on their guard.\nIn the case in the city of Miyazaki, the farm reported to the prefecture at about 11:30 a.m. Sunday that increasing numbers of chickens were dying. Chickens later tested positive in a genetic test for bird flu.\nThe Miyazaki government has asked five other chicken farms located within 3 km of the affected farm to refrain from shipping any of their approximately 145,000 chickens.\nIt also asked farms within 10 km not to take any dead chickens out of the 10-km radius zone. A total of 55 chicken farms are located within the 10-km radius, excluding the five in the 3-km zone.\nThe prefectural government called on poultry farmers during an emergency meeting Monday morning to take thorough disease control measures, but one of the participants said the situation is distressing because the poultry farm in question “got infected even though it was taking proper protective measures.â€\nYamaguchi Prefecture is following similar procedures, culling around 37,000 birds and placing bans on the movement and shipment of chickens in the area.\nIn January 2004, the prefecture reported chickens at a farm in what is now the city of Yamaguchi were infected with a highly pathogenic strain of bird flu, the first avian flu case in Japan in nearly 80 years. In that outbreak, about 34,000 birds were culled.\n\t\n\t" - ], - [ - "Russia Could Limit Food Transit From Ukraine and Belarus to ...", - " \n Vasily Fedosenko / ReutersAn employee works at a dairy plant in Minsk, Belarus. \n \nMoscow may limit food shipments from Belarus and Ukraine to Kazakhstan across Russian territory because of attempts to sell banned imports in Russia, the head of Russia's Veterinary and Phytosanitary Service was quoted as saying on Thursday. \n \nIn early August, Russia banned about $9 billion worth of imports of fruit, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish and dairy from the European Union and some other countries in retaliation for Western sanctions over the crisis in Ukraine. \n \n\"We will be talking about stopping the transit to Kazakhstan through the borders of Belarus and Ukraine and allowing it only via our checkpoints,\" news agency RIA Novosti quoted Sergei Dankvert as saying. \n \nRussia, Belarus and Kazakhstan have a free-trade zone as part of their customs union, and Minsk has promised to prevent banned foods from being shipped onward to Russia. \n \nKazakhstan is ready to cooperate with Russia if it plans to discuss the toughening of checkpoint controls on the Russia-EU border, Kazakh deputy national economy minister Madina Abylkasymova told reporters in Astana. \n \n\"But an introduction of some kind of restriction on the transit of products that Kazakhstan imports from the European Union is out of the question,\" she added. \n \nRussia's phytosanitary watchdog recently reported that 8,000 tons of meat, falsely labeled as coming from Brazil and destined for Kazakhstan, had been delivered to Russia via Belarus, Dankvert said. \n \nThe service managed to find about 300 tons of the meat, while 7,500 tons \"got lost in Russia,\" he added. \n \nThe service may also ban pork imports from Belarus due to suspected outbreaks of African swine fever, the service said. It planned to discuss the issue at a meeting with the Belarussian agriculture ministry on Thursday. \n \nBelarus has suspended shipments of pork to Russia until Nov. 11, when officials plan to discuss the issue again, the service was quoted as saying by the Interfax news agency later on Thursday. \n " - ], - [ - "Killing 40 civilians in one go is “reasonable,†says Israel army ethicist", - "\nPalestinians mourn for eight members of the Bayoumi family, killed in an Israeli air strike on their building, during their funeral in Nusseirat refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, 1 August 2014.\nAshraf Amra\nAPA imagesSince the Israeli army killed more than 2,200 Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip last summer, including more than 500 children, a dedicated army of official and unofficial whitewashers has been mobilized on a mission to rescue Israel’s bloodstained public image. \nSuch was the case on 4 December, when dozens of people, including this writer, filed into the Jewish Community Center (JCC) in Manhattan’s Upper West Side for a panel discussion titled, “Defense with a conscience: Exploring military ethics in Israel.â€\nConvened by the liberal Zionist New Israel Fund and moderated by Jane Eisner, editor-in-chief of the liberal The Jewish Daily Forward, the event was advertised as a discussion about “‘moral armies’ and the challenges of defensive wars in today’s new Middle East.â€\nAmong the panelists were Israeli military “ethicists†Asa Kasher and Moshe Halbertal, as well as retired US Air Force Major-General Robert Latiff. \nKasher and Halbertal co-authored the Israeli military code of ethics, which has guided the army’s conduct during Israel’s increasingly ferocious military assaults against the Palestinians it occupies as well as its neighbors over the last two decades.\nThe atmosphere was cozy and intimate, with randomly assigned dinner table seating. Each table was decorated with wine bottles and elegant food platters that aimed to foster “a new kind of conversation about Israel,†according to the program.\nAs the generally Israel-friendly crowd of mostly older New Yorkers sipped on Merlot and munched on pita chips from the comfort and safety of the JCC, they listened to the ethicists doing what they do best: twisting international law to sanctify Israel’s “right†to inflict limitless suffering on the 1.8 million Palestinians, the vast majority refugees, confined to the Gaza Strip solely because they are not Jews. \nThe ethicists\nAppealing to right-wing Zionist sensibilities, Kasher dominated the discussion, arguing that Palestinian civilians—or as he calls them, “the neighbors of the terroristsâ€â€” had to die to protect the lives of Israeli combatants. \nIn an exclusive interview following the panel, Kasher’s extremism reached new heights. He told me that Givati Brigade commander Ofer Winter was right to carpet bomb the southern Gaza City of Rafah to prevent the capture of an Israeli soldier, an order that killed the soldier and 190 Palestinians in a matter of hours, though Kasher insisted that “only forty†were killed.\n“Killing forty civilians†is “reasonable,†he told me. \nMoshe Halbertal, a law professor at Hebrew University and visiting professor of law at New York University, was less extreme in his rhetoric and allowed for some criticism of Israel’s behavior in Gaza. But he chalked up Israeli atrocities, like the wiping out of dozens of families in Gaza, to “sporadic†mistakes. “War is messy,†he said.\nDespite the pretense of ideological disagreement, Kasher and Halbertal were advancing the same agenda. For two hours, they explained why and how the massacre of defenseless Palestinians who have nowhere to flee is ethical, and in Kasher’s case, a moral imperative.\nThe most moral army in the world\nCiting the Israeli prime minister’s repeated invocation of the Israeli army’s moral superiority, Forward editor Jane Eisner, who had declared her intention to ask probing questions, opened with: “Was Benjamin Netanyahu right? Is the IDF [Israeli army] the most moral army in the world?â€\nHalbertal rejected the “most moral army†talking point, not because he doesn’t agree with it, but because it is ineffective propaganda. \n“It might be right, but … I find it empty as a moral political gesture,†he said, adding, “It sends a bad message†and “shuts down the listener.â€\nKasher replied that the Israeli army embodies a higher level of values than the American, Canadian, French and British armed forces due to the inclusion of such concepts as the “sanctity of human life†and “purity of arms†in its code of conduct. \n“These values are implemented in our doctrines, in our rules of engagement, in our commands,†said Kasher, pointing to Israel’s recent summertime slaughter as evidence.\n“Operation Protective Edge,†as Israel calls its 51-day-long assault, killed 2,257 Palestinians. Some seventy percent of them were identified as civilians by the United Nations, including at least 519 children. In stark contrast, actions by or engagements with Palestinian resistance fighters killed 66 Israeli soldiers and seven civilians. \nBoth Kasher and Halbertal defended the lopsided death toll by stressing that the law of proportionately is not measured by body count. \nKasher explicitly rejected the civilian death count put out by the United Nations, maintaining that the majority of the dead were â€terrorists.†As far as he was concerned, Israel went above and beyond to avoid killing “the neighbors of the terrorists.â€\nMoreover, he asserted, Hamas was to blame for any and all Palestinian civilians killed by Israeli bombs.  \nHalbertal took a different approach. He embraced the UN death toll as proof that “a serious effort was done to minimize collateral harm and to target only combatants†on the grounds that Israel’s attack on Gaza was less indiscriminate than “the way the allies bombed Dresden†during the Second World War.\nModern estimates put the death toll from the systematic fire-bombing of the German city in 1945 at around 25,000 people, though historically much higher figures have commonly been cited.\nRetired US Air Force Major-General Robert Latiff rarely spoke during the discussion except to concede that the Israeli army is indeed morally superior because it incorporates “the sanctity of life†in its values, whereas the US military code is an “implementation document … of classic concepts of Just War Theory.† Later in the program, Latiff confessed, “I don’t know Israeli officers or the IDF very well.â€Â \nA “deeply Jewish†response\nAs a highly influential professor of philosophy at Tel Aviv University, Kasher has spent his career assiduously bending international law and basic logic to absolve Israel of wrongdoing and to justify its most abhorrent practices. \nIn the Israel Yearbook on Human Rights 1985, Kasher argued that Israel’s openly discriminatory Law of Return—which grants those Israel defines as Jews from anywhere in the world the right to immigrate to and receive citizenship in present-day Israel, while actively blocking indigenous Palestinians from returning to the lands from which they were expelled — is a justified form of affirmative action for Jews. \nFrom 1998 to 2006, Kasher sat on a committee that authorized anthrax experiments on Israeli soldiers. In response to a 2008 lawsuit filed by eighteen former soldiers forced to undergo experimentation, Kasher testified as an ethics expert that such experiments were permissible as long as the purpose is “building the military force.† \nAfter “Operation Cast Lead†— Israel’s three-week-long assault on Gaza in the winter of 2008-2009 that killed 1,400 Palestinians, including some 400 children — Kasher rushed to explain how and why killing children on such a scale is permissible. \nKilling a Palestinian child in Gaza, he argued, is permitted if it means taking out a hundred “terrorists†who might kill a child in Israel. “No one wants to harm a child, but refraining from attacking one hundred terrorists because of the child they hold means allowing them to continue attacking Israeli civilians—including children,†wrote Kasher. Moreover, he decreed, “Soldiers are not required to endanger their own lives in order to reduce the risk of harming a terrorist’s neighbors.â€\nThis logic is more than dubious even if the neat premises it assumes are present, that one hundred “terroristsâ€Â are holding a single child. But these conditions bear no relation to the reality in Gaza where Israel indiscriminately bombed densely populated residential neighborhoods killing children in their homes, on beaches and en route to hospitals as well as in UN-run shelters. Rather, Kasher’s goal seems to be to provide unrealistic hypothetical situations which can be used to justify real-life carnage that bears no resemblance to them in neat utilitarian terms.\nKasher doubled down on this view in even more explicit terms following “Operation Protective Edge,†the name Israel gives to last summer’s even more bloody attack on Gaza.\nWriting in the Fall 2014 issue of the Jewish Review of Books, Kasher called Israel’s conduct in Gaza a “deeply Jewish†response, recklessly and wrongly implicating Judaism in Israel’s atrocities — which he deemed to be in accordance with Jewish values of sanctifying life.\nIt “would be morally unacceptable†for Israel to put its soldiers in “greater jeopardy to save the lives of enemy non-combatants who have been repeatedly warned to leave the scene of battle,†maintained Kasher, adding that “Human shields may be attacked together with the terrorists.â€\nIn Kasher’s conception of Palestinian spaces, people are never civilians and always somehow to blame for their own deaths. They are always “human shields,†never just ordinary people in their homes and communities, and of course Palestinians never have any sort of right to self defense or resistance.\nCompassion can be shown, he allowed, but only if it does not increase the risk to Israeli soldiers or their mission.\nKasher’s extremism made Halbertal seem enlightened by comparison. But in reality he too justified wholesale slaughter, only he packaged it in the language of liberalism and human rights.\n“Sporadic†slaughter \n“There were cases in the war where targets were harmed and the killing was disproportionate,†Halbertal conceded as the panel wore on. \nCommenting on the killing of some thirty Palestinians from the same family in a single Israeli airstrike, Halbertal said, “You know there couldn’t be a target that important to justify that sort of collateral harm in one attack.â€Â \nIsrael exterminated 89 families in Gaza last summer. The UN documented a total of 140 families in Gaza partially or completely obliterated in Israeli attacks.  \nThe Al Mezan Center for Human Rights recorded at least 990 people killed inside their homes in Israeli attacks, including 324 children, nearly half of all the people killed in the Israeli assault.\nStill, despite his professed anguish, Halbertal chalked up the systematic annihilation of dozens of Palestinian families to “sporadic†and “episodic†accidents typical of the fog of war.\n“War is a messy thing,†he shrugged. “Mistakes are made at war.â€\nBut these massacres were hardly “sporadic.†Nor were they mistakes. According to an Amnesty International investigation, Israel knowingly bombed homes and buildings full of civilians without warning.\nThere was only one atrocity Halbertal did not excuse, and that was the execution of the Hannibal Directive in Rafah, marking one of the few points of disagreement between him and Kasher.\n“Ofer Winter was rightâ€\n“Ofer Winter was right by declaring Hannibal and using a lot of artillery,†Kasher told me in an interview after the panel.  \nThe Hannibal Directive is a classified Israeli military protocol that calls for massive firepower to prevent a captured Israeli soldier from being taken alive, even if it means killing the soldier and hundreds of civilians in the process. \nThe idea is to deny Palestinian or other Arab resistance groups a bargaining chip down the line while relieving Israeli leaders of the political fallout from having to make concessions — such as prisoner swaps — to secure the prisoner’s release.\nDuring Israel’s last assault on Gaza, Hannibal was reportedly implemented on at least three occasions, causing mass civilian deaths. \nGivati Brigade commander Ofer Winter, an ultranationalist religious Zionist who exhorted his troops to holy war in Gaza, was behind the most gruesome implementation of the procedure. \nWinter admitted to ordering the Hannibal Directive in Rafah on 1 August to prevent Palestinian resistance fighters from capturing alive a soldier who had gone missing, unleashing massive firepower that then killed 190 Palestinians, including 55 children.  \nWinter went on to boast to Israel’s largest newspaper that the carnage was a necessary punishment. “They simply messed with the wrong brigade,†he said at the time.  \nKasher, who helped draft an amended version of the Hannibal Directive in the 1990s, denied that the procedure allows for the execution of a captured soldier. All of Israeli society, including top military commanders, simply misinterpreted the protocol as a call for executing one of their own, he insisted. \nNevertheless, Kasher maintained that Winter was right to carpet bomb Rafah because he felt the soldier’s capture was a catastrophe.\n“The mistake was not in the proportionality considerations. The mistake was in [Winter’s] perception, which is common to almost everyone, that it was of strategic significance to have a soldier abducted. What he did was right on a wrong assumption,†said Kasher.\n“Reasonable†slaughter\nI reminded him that 190 Palestinian civilians were killed in Rafah on Winter’s order. \nShaking his head in disagreement, he said, “Forty. The UN is meaningless. Palestinian reports are meaningless. It was forty.â€\n“Where did you get that number?†I asked.\n“The IDF,†he replied. “Killing forty civilians, where your arguments are that you avoided strategic catastrophe, is reasonable,†he added. \nAsked if he was worried he might one day be charged with war crimes for writing the code of conduct that guides the Israeli army’s behavior in Gaza, Kasher scoffed, “I don’t worry at all. Public opinion is meaningless.â€Â \nHe continued: “What counts is the president of the United States, the prime minister of England and the president of France, the head of Russia and the head of China. They count because they are the five members of the [UN] Security Council. The only thing internationally of importance is the Security Council. Those five have veto power, so they count. Most importantly, the president of the United States, he counts.â€\nWhen asked if he was alarmed by the calls for genocide emanating from Israeli lawmakers including Ayelet Shaked and Moshe Feiglin, Kasher said that Shaked was not in the Israeli government (her party, Jewish Home, is part of the ruling coalition) and dismissed Feiglin, who is deputy speaker in the Israeli parliament, as a “marginalâ€Â figure.  \nKasher went on to excuse Ofer Winter’s declaration of Jewish holy war against Palestinians in Gaza on the eve of the Israel’s ground invasion. \n“Colonel Winter was mistaken in expressing himself as if all the troops are as religious as he is. Many of them are not,†said Kasher. “He mistakenly spoke in terms of ‘we’ instead of ‘I.’ But that’s it. Otherwise I don’t see a problem in his speech.â€\nExploiting the Holocaust\nNear the end of the program, Kasher predicted that some day soon Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system would prevent one hundred percent of rockets fired from Gaza from landing in Israel. But even then, he said, Israel will be permitted to “cause a lot of collateral damage in order to improve the well-being of Israelis who feel under threat†for a long period of time. \nKasher closed out the program with a monologue heavy in Holocaust exploitation. \n“My family immigrated to Palestine in the 1930s. So my family did not suffer from the Holocaust,†said Kasher. “But there is one lesson from the Holocaust that is in my heart and my thoughts, namely that it’s very good to have friends. It’s excellent to have the United States of America, the only superpower, as your strategic supporter and friend … . However, what we learned in World War II is that we ought to be prepared for a situation where nobody is going to come to our help. Nobody.â€\n“When we needed world support we did not get it. So now we ought to be able to defend ourselves when nobody will come to help us. And therefore we ought to be as strong as possible,†concluded Kasher.\nMany in the audience applauded, nodding in righteous approval. \n Tags\n" - ], - [ - "FMD prompts DA to ban livestock imports from Korea, China and ...", - "\n \n \n \n \n IM READY\n \n \n PUBLIC SERVICE\n \n \n " - ], - [ - "Grazing conditions worsen in dry season", - " \n\tBy Deon Schlechter\nWINDHOEK – Grazing conditions in various parts of the regions is said to have worsen during the course of the dry season and was reported to range between fair to poor.\nNevertheless, the situation was much better than the drought condition last year. According to farmers, this season was better than last season which saw many farmers losing many of their livestock. In general, there were few cases of livestock deaths related to poor grazing condition. Last year, many farmers lost lots of their livestock due to poor grazing condition. Although, the regions noted a delay in the onset of the 2014/2015 rainfall in which productive rainfall was received as from mid November instead of October, it was then reported that most parts of the country have since received good showers. As such grazing was  expected to recover as more good rainfall was reportedly falling in various areas countrywide.\nIn the Zambezi region, grazing conditions were reported to be fair to poor in the eastern part of the region (i.e. Kabbe North and Kabbe South, Katima Rural constituencies as well as areas along the river in the Linyanti and Lyaboloma constituencies), due to higher concentration of animals and range between fair to good elsewhere in the region. For the Kavango East and Kavango West regions, grazing was reported to be fair in areas along the river and good in most places in the inland. However, the region noted with a great concern the incidence of veld fires in the inland and this has resulted in very poor grazing conditions in the affected areas. The north central regions reported poor grazing conditions with all the four north central regions equally affected. According to farmers, grazing was affected by a prolonged dry spells in January and most February.\nHowever, the situation was said to be better compared to the same period last year. Nevertheless, better to good grazing conditions were reported in the cattle post areas of Omusati and Oshana regions. Many farmers were reported to have moved some of their livestock to some of these areas for better grazing conditions.Water availability for livestock was noted to be satisfactory in all the regions visited. Most livestock were said to get water from various sources such as wells, boreholes, dams, river and pipelines.\nLivestock Condition\nMost regions reported that livestock body condition ranging between poor to good. According to farmers, livestock body conditions are much better than last year. In the Zambezi, Kavango East and Kavango West regions, conditions of the livestock were said to be fair in the Eastern part of Zambezi region and areas along the river in Kavango East and Kavango West regions, while elsewhere in these regions, livestock conditions were said to range between fair to good. Livestock conditions in the four northern regions were reported to range between poor (in areas around the township) and fair to good in the cattle post areas.\nSuspected outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, in Linyanti Constituency of Zambezi Region has been reported after an investigation conducted on  December 1, 2014. The Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) in the region reported that further investigations were still underway. Meanwhile, the following measures had been imposed with immediate effect. A temporal and complete ban of all susceptible livestock movements within and into Zambezi region has been imposed with immediate effect. DVS further directed that movement of cloven-hoofed animals, like cattle, sheep, goats and pigs or their products, other potentially infectious commodities including hides, skins, game trophies, grass, plant material, etc., would remain restricted until further notice.\nMoreover, movement of livestock out of Zambezi Region was not allowed. A containment area has been established with a radius of 40 km around Linyanti. In the mean-time a moratorium on the movements of meat from Katima Mulilo abattoir has been imposed until further notice. Furthermore, drought related conditions were also reported and this included; Dystocia, Retained placenta and virginal prolapsed.\n \n\t" - ], - [ - "Subway in China food safety scandal", - "\nPrinted from: http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/27ebb6e6-8f3e-11e4-9ea4-00144feabdc0.html\nPrint a single copy of this article for personal use. Contact us if you wish to print more to\ndistribute to others.\n© The Financial Times Ltd 2016 FT\nand ‘Financial Times’ are trademarks of The Financial Times Ltd.\nPrivacy policy |\nTerms |\nCopyright\n" - ], - [ - "Avian Flu-positive Poultry Culled at Hong Kong Market", - "Poultry News Avian Flu-positive Poultry Culled at Hong Kong Market 04 January 2015 HONG KONG - Almost 19,000 poultry - including chickens, partridges and pigeons - have been culled after testing positive for the H7N9 low-pathogenic avian flu virus.The veterinary authority sent an Immediate notification dated 2 January to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) regarding the confirmation of the H7N9 variant of the low-pathogenic avian influenza virus in poultry at a market. \nA consignment of 18,962 imported birds at a market at 4 Hing Wah Street in Cheung Sha Wan tested positive for the virus during routine surveillance on 30 December 2014. \nThe report adds that intensive surveillance system is in place for all imported poultry, wild birds, local poultry farms, poultry markets and pet bird shops. An imported consignment containing 1,200 chickens was tested positive for low pathogenic avian influenza virus (H7N9) during the routine surveillance programme. A total of 18,962 poultry, including 11,800 chickens, 3,140 silky chickens, 1,025 chukars and 2,997 pigeons were culled on 31 December 2014. \nImportation of live poultry has been banned for 21 days. \n \nFurther Reading \nYou can visit the Avian Flu page by clicking here.Read our previous news item on this story by clicking here. \n \n \nThePoultrySite News DeskTop image via Shutterstock " - ], - [ - "Bird flu outbreak: affected farm run by company with premises in China", - " John Vernam, managing director, UK Operations, Cherry Valley, said: \"I can confirm that a farm operated by Cherry Valley has today tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza. Culling and disinfection will be carried out under the authority of Defra and the APHA at the farm near Driffield, East Yorkshire. \"Defra has placed two exclusion zones around the farm, at 3km (protection zone) and at 10km (surveillance zone), following the requirements of the Avian Influenza order 2006. Avian influenza is a disease of birds and the risk to the general public is judged by health experts to be negligible. \"We are working closely with Defra and other agencies and are confident that the controls in place are proportionate to the risks involved. We will be continuing our vigilance over the coming days and, like all poultry producers in the area, will be working with the authorities in the ongoing surveillance programme.\" Cherry Valley, which is based in Caistor, near Market Rasen, Lincs., has \"operational centres\" in Britain, China and Germany. According to the firm's website, China is \"home to 2.8 billion Cherry Valley ducks\". The firm rears seven million Pekin ducks in the UK every year, which are mostly sold to the Chinese catering market in the UK and Europe. It has emerged that Christmas turkey suppliers could be at risk from the bird flu outbreak. The risk to humans from the outbreak is virtually non-existent, experts have said, but if the disease spreads to turkey farms, it could lead to a shortage for Christmas. There are a number of turkey farms near to the outbreak. David Evans, Professor of Virology at the University of Warwick said; “Whilst the case in Yorkshire affects ducks the strains of bird ‘flu are transmissible to other domestic and wild poultry, including chickens and turkeys.†Chief veterinary officer Nigel Gibbens said more cases could follow and farmers have been alerted to the danger. \"We cannot rule out that there might be further cases; this is why we put premises under restriction to look for further spread,†he told the BBC. \"Because there's a wild bird risk we also need farmers and their vets all over the country to be alert to possible disease in their farm that they can't explain, draw those to our attention so we can investigate quickly, and, if there is any more disease, seek to nip that in the bud as well.\" The farm at the centre of the alert, which has not been identified, has good bio-security in place so the risk of spread is \"probably quite low\". Gary Lavis, chair of the Driffield Parish Council, said a problem was first noticed around a week ago when egg production began dropping and the number of birds dying increased. He said the manager of the farm did not know how the virus had infected the birds. \"They noticed symptoms themselves about one week ago: a drop-off in egg production and slightly higher mortality rates. That alerted them to do some testing,\" he said. \"They're doing their normal routine with suits and masks and the disinfectant they are using is Defra-approved for all strains of bird flu.\" The bird flu outbreak in the UK – in 60 seconds Mr Lavis said he was particularly concerned about the potential effect on the local wild bird population, with a mere in Nafferton and an RSPB reserve nearby. He said there were also two battery farms in the area and a number of hobby farmers who keep chickens. \"We're also concerned about the environmental impact. We have a large wildfowl population on the mere, which is a focal point of the village.\" A cull of all 6,000 birds at the Yorkshire farm is taking place and a 10km exclusion zone has been thrown up in the area to prevent poultry and waste being transferred. Bird flu, or avian flu, is an infectious viral illness that spreads among birds. In rare cases it can affect humans. Two types have caused serious concern in recent years. These are the H5N1 and H7N9 viruses. Other bird flu viruses (particularly H7N7 and H9N2) have also infected people, but these have rarely caused severe illness. Although these viruses don't infect people easily and are usually not transmitted from human to human, several people have been infected around the world, leading to a number of deaths. Prof Wendy Barclay, Chair in Influenza Virology, Imperial College London, said: \"Only a small subset of avian influenza viruses infect humans, and these viruses can be of low or high pathogenicity in the birds. \"Even low pathogenicity bird viruses can cause severe disease in humans like the H7N9 recently identified in China. In previous outbreaks of H5 viruses in the UK, no humans have been infected. Without undergoing further mutations these infections do not pass from person to person. \"Because influenza viruses can mutate readily, it will be important over the coming weeks to maintain vigilant surveillance and monitor any new viruses found for changes. \"Overall this new twist underscores the extant threat that avian influenza viruses pose to our agriculture and to humans.\" However Professor Andrew Easton, Professor of Virology at the University of Warwick said the risk to humans was ‘very small or non-existent.’ “We do not yet know what strain of avian flu has been detected though H5N1 that carries risks to humans seems to have been ruled out. “Aquatic birds such as ducks can harbour over 100 (in fact 144 ) different types of influenza. In these birds the viruses do not usually cause disease but when certain types spread to domestic poultry, such as chickens, serious disease can be seen. “It is the types that cause serious disease that are of particular concern. “Human infections with flu strains that infect birds are not common and have been restricted to only a very small number so the risk to humans from this incident is likely to be very small or non-existent. “However, the risk to the poultry industry is high and the current measures require that infected birds are killed as quickly as possible to stop spread to other flocks.â€Professor Easton warned that the flu may impact wild bird populations. “There is always concern that some strains of flu may be spread by wild birds and surveillance measures are also likely to be introduced in surrounding areas to check for the possibility of spread,†he added. " - ], - [ - "Five Subtypes of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Reported in China", - "Poultry News Five Subtypes of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Reported in China 27 October 2014 \n \nCHINA - A total of 51 positive findings of five subtypes of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) have been reported and confirmed across China. The Chinese veterinary authority reported all the outbreaks to the World Organisation of Animal Health (OIE) on 24 October. All outbreaks were reported as starting on 12 September and subsequently resolved, presumably because of a national campaign for surveillance testing on that day. \nEach report describes the finding of a different viral subtype. \nOne Immediate Notification outlines 16 outbreaks of 'clicncal disease' casued by HPAI strain H5N1 detected in ducks, geese and chickens located in markets across China in the provinces of Guangxi, Qinghai, Guizhou, Yunnan, Tibet, Hunan and Jiangsu. There was a total of 18 virus-positive tests. \n \n \nCases of H5N1 across China \n \nA second Immediate Notification describes a subclinical case HPAI strain H5N3 in a duck sample in Hunan province. \n \nCase of H5N3 in Changsha \n \nThe third Immediate Notification was for HPAI strain H5N8 in Panjin in Liaoning province. One positive sample was from a duck in a slaughterhouse and a second one in nearby wetlands. \n \nH5N8 reported in Panjin \n \nA total of 24 outbreaks of clinical disease caused by HPAI strain H5N6 have been reported and confirmed in a Follow Up Report No. 2. The positive samples were obtained at markets and on one farm affecting ducks, geese and chickens in the provinces of Zheijiang, Hunan, Hebei, Guangdong, Heilongjiang, Anhui, Chingking, Guanxi, Yunnan, Guizhou, Tibet and Hubei. One outbreak at Heilongjiang involved two positive tests in a flock of 1,421 birds, all of which were destroyed. \nThe only previous outbreak of this virus type was on 23 August in Heilongjiang. \n \nH5N6 reported across China \n \nThe fifth report from China dated 24 October is a Follow Up Report No.3, which outlines eight outbreaks of clinical disease caused by HPAI strain H5N2 detected in chickens and ducks. Six of these were from markets in Hubei, Guangxi, Liaoning,and Tibet, while two were presumably on farms. A total of 2,333 birds were destroyed after two of them were found to be positive for the virus in Heilongjiang province and in Ningxia, 3,920 birds were destroyed after four of them tested positive. \n \nHPA1 strain H5N2 detected across China \n \n \nFurther Reading \nYou can visit the Avian Flu page by clicking here. \n \nThePoultrySite News Desk " - ], - [ - "OIE notified of multiple bird flu outbreaks in China", - "\n Several new highly pathogenic bird flu outbreaks have been reported in China this month, including the reoccurrence of H5N1.\n \n Reports have been submitted to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), from China’s Animal Disease Control Centre in Beijing.In total, 16 new outbreaks of H5N1 have been reported across eight different regions, the cases have been predominantly discovered at live bird trade markets.Two new strains of highly pathogenic avian influenza – H5N8 and H5N3 – have also been reported to the 0IE. There has been one case of H5N3 at Yangjiashan livebird market in Changsha, while two cases of H5N8 have been discovered at the Liuhe slaughterhouse in Dawa. \n \n " - ], - [ - "Germany reports first case of bird flu strain in Europe", - "\nPARIS Germany has detected a highly pathogenic bird flu strain which hit Asia severely but has never been reported in Europe, the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) said on Thursday.Turkeys were found infected with the H5N8 serotype of the disease on Nov. 4 on a farm in the northeastern state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, OIE reported on its website, citing data submitted by the German ministry of agriculture.\"It is the first time that the highly pathogenic H5N8 strain has been notified by a member of the OIE in Europe,\" a spokeswoman for the Paris-based organization told Reuters.Some 5,000 birds were infected by the disease, of which 1,880 died, according to the report. It quoted German authorities as saying that the dead birds had been safely disposed of and the farm was being disinfected.\n \n The H5N8 strain has never been detected in humans but has led to massive culling of animals in countries affected. South Korea had to slaughter millions of farm birds to try to contain an outbreak there.\n \n China and Japan also reported cases of the H5N8 virus earlier this year.Germany had not been hit by a highly pathogenic form of avian influenza since 2009. In that year it reported cases of H5N1, a different strain that can be transmitted from birds to humans and had caused the death of nearly 400 people in the world as of July 2014, according to World Health Organization (WHO) data.\n \n (Reporting by Sybille de La Hamaide; Editing by Mark Trevelyan)" - ], - [ - "High path H5N8 bird flu in Germany for first time", - "\n High path H5N8 bird flu in Germany for first time\n \n Thursday 6 November 2014 16:29 \n \n A highly pathogenic H5N8 strain of avian influenza has been isolated on a turkey farm in the north east of Germany – the first confirmed case on the European continent.\nAccording to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), the outbreak occurred in Heinrichswalde, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, north-east Germany. The WOAH has confirmed 31,000 turkeys for fattening have been culled.\nSee also: 40,000 birds culled in Dutch bird flu outbreak\nIt is understood the outbreak was confined to a single shed on a holding in the region, and the birds were 16 weeks old.\nIn accordance with EU policy, a 3km “protection zone†and a 10km “surveillance zone†have been set up around the site. Sources have suggested culling is under way on all poultry in the protection zone.\nThe two zones will remain in force until at least 22 December.\nLocal media reported that all poultry within a 50km radius are to be kept penned in and animals in a 3km radius are undergoing extensive testing.\nSymptoms of the H5N8 virus were first identified over the weekend, and tests confirming the strain led to the culling of the flock on 6 November.\nThe cause of the infection has not yet been established.\nThe WOAH notification said movement controls have been placed on poultry in the country. Further details are expected to emerge in the coming days.\n " - ], - [ - "Bite Latvia's revenue grows, while in Lithuania goes down in 2014", - "The telecommunications company Bite reported revenue and other income of EUR 170 million for the year ended that on 31 December 2014, compared to EUR 176 million in 2013, reports LETA/ELTA. \n \t \n\t \n\tThe company's EBITDA amounted to EUR \n46 million for the year that ended on 31 December, 2014 – the same as in 2013, Bite said. Bite Latvia's EBITDA increased to EUR 13 million in 2014, compared \nto EUR 10 million in 2013. Bite \nLatvia's revenue and other income increased to EUR 61 million last year, \ncompared to EUR 60 million in 2013. \n \n \n \nRevenue and other income for Bite Lithuania in 2014 decreased to EUR \n118 million compared to EUR 124 million in 2013. Bite Lithuania's EBITDA of EUR 33 million on, 2014 compared to EUR \n37million in 2013. \n \n \n \nBite Group is one of the biggest international \ntelecommunications groups in the Baltic States. \n \n \n \nThe group, which was set up in 2005, \nconsists of Bite Lietuva operating in Lithuania since 1995 and Bite Latvija (Latvia) \nestablished in 2005. \n \n" - ], - [ - "Foot-and-mouth disease found in east China", - " \n \nBEIJING, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- Live pigs in east China's Anhui Province have been found to be infected with foot-and-mouth disease, the Ministry of Agriculture announced Tuesday. \nThe virus was detected in 556 live pigs in several farms in Maanshan City, 314 of which were dead on Jan. 2, and test results confirmed on Tuesday that the pigs were carrying the A-type virus, said the ministry. \nAll infected pigs and another 56 raised with them have been destroyed, and the epidemic contained, the ministry said. \n \n" - ], - [ - "China bans U.S. poultry imports on avian flu concerns", - " \n The Chinese government has banned all imports of U.S. poultry and eggs on reports of backyard and wild birds in the Pacific Northwest infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza, the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council said Tuesday. \nRelated: New Bird Flu Strain Prompts Call for Prevention Efforts \nThe Chinese Ministry of Agriculture and the General Administration for Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine imposed the ban on imports of processed and unprocessed U.S. poultry and eggs, live chicks and hatching eggs. It was effective Jan. 8. \nA highly pathogenic strain of H5N8 influenza was detected in December in wild birds and in a backyard flock of guinea hens and chickens in Oregon, along with separate H5N2 HPAI detections in wild birds in California and Washington State.Ag groups say China's U.S. poultry ban on bird flu concerns creates trade issue and hurts American poultry producers \nAccording to USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the influenza virus has not been found in any commercial poultry flock in the U.S. \nChina is a key export market for U.S. chicken, turkey and duck products. From January through November last year, U.S. exports to China reached more than $272 million. \n\"There's absolutely no justification for China to take such a drastic action,\" said Jim Sumner, president of the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council. \"In fact, these isolated and remote incidents are hundreds if not thousands of miles away from major poultry and egg production areas. \n\"Most all of our other trading partners have taken some sort of regionalized approach, and have limited their restrictions to the state or, in some cases, to the county,\" he said. \"We would have expected China to do the same.\" \nChina's nationwide restrictions could also have a negative impact on its domestic poultry industry, Sumner said. \"Since the ban also includes U.S. breeding stock, China is cutting off its industry's main source of hatching eggs and chicks, which will curtail the industry's ability to replenish and maintain its production.\" \nAmerican Farm Bureau President Bob Stallman said AFBF was in the process of reaching out to the U.S. Trade Representative and the USDA and \"will support their actions to correct this situation as quickly as possible.\" \nRelated: Avian Flu Will Have Notable Impact on Poultry Trade: Report \nUSDA already said it opposes some countries' efforts to limit U.S. poultry imports, noting that limitations violate World Animal Health Organization (OIE) standards. Stallman explained the issue further: \n\"Under guidelines from the World Organization for Animal Health, countries are allowed to place trade restrictions only on those geographic regions of concern, not an entire nation,\" Stallman said. \"Avian influenza has been found in non-commercial locations among wild birds in some areas of Oregon and Washington State. China's restriction against all U.S. poultry and eggs is simply unwarranted.\" \nUSDA reminds consumers that no human cases with these viruses have been detected in the United States, Canada or internationally, and there is no immediate public health concern as a result of these detections. \n \n \n\t" - ], - [ - "First new variant of H5N2 bird flu found in Taiwan", - "\tThis form of the H5N2 virus has not appeared before in Taiwan or elsewhere, the Council of Agriculture's (COA) Bureau of Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine (BAPHIQ, 防檢局) reported yesterday.\tHealth authorities also reported Taiwan's first documented case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N8, found in a flock of geese in Chiayi County.\tThe viruses have not yet been detected in the local human population and can be wiped out entirely by cooking eggs and waterfowl to 70 degrees Celsius or above.Lab Results\tThe results are the first to arrive from lab tests conducted by the Council of Agriculture's (COA) Animal Health Research Institute (畜衛所).\tSince Jan. 8, operators at one duck farm and 23 goose farms across Chiayi, Pingtung, Yunlin and Tainan have sent in samples for testing.\tIn a report released yesterday, the COA said the H5N8 bird flu virus in Chiayi closely matches a strain detected in South Korea last year.\tThe H5N2 found in Yunlin and Pingtung counties is unlike all previous variants of H5N2, according to the COA.\tIts H5 genome sequence is similar to the South Korean case, while the N2 most resembles a virus reported in China's Jilin province in 2011.\tThe two viruses were most likely transmitted by migratory birds, according to COA Minister Chen Bao-ji (陳ä¿åŸº).\tThe COA yesterday ordered a two-day national halt on commercial slaughter of domestic waterfowl, effective until Jan. 14 at noon.\tDuring this time, no waterfowl may be transported between slaughterhouses and all transport vehicles, cages, feedlots are to be disinfected.Culling Begins\tLater yesterday, local health authorities began culling waterfowl at confirmed outbreak sites in Yunlin, Pingtung and Chiayi.\tYunlin has 407 goose farms, 11 of which have sent in samples for laboratory checks, said Liao Pei-chih (廖培志), head of Yunlin County's Animal and Plant Disease Control Center (å‹•æ¤ç‰©é˜²ç–«æ‰€).\tOfficials will destroy over 6,000 geese at the four affected farms, which will then be disinfected and quarantined in adherence to the standard operating procedure, Liao said.\tIn Wandan Township (è¬ä¸¹), Pingtung, county authorities culled 7,000 ducks at a farm owned by an operator surnamed Lee.\tLee told local media that the outbreak is the first on his farm in 60 years.\tDamages from the virus are estimated at NT$2 million to NT$3 million, but the government has no compensation program in place, he said.\tThe Pingtung County government responded yesterday that it will establish a review board to consider compensation, which will likely be 60 to 70 percent of the average market price." - ], - [ - "China's Poultry Import Market Affected by Avian Flu", - "Poultry News China's Poultry Import Market Affected by Avian Flu28 August 2015 \nCHINA - China's poultry imports are expected to decrease from 2015's figure, according to estimates from the US Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS).The report forecasts 2016 broiler meat imports at 200 thousand tons, 7 per cent down from USDA’s 2015 official figure. \nThis reduction is largely attributed to the ban on US imports over avian flu detections. Imports from South American countries will continue to benefit from the ban on US poultry and poultry products. \nFlu suspensions lifted on heat-treated products \nThe US exported approximately $300 million in poultry meat and poultry products to China in 2014. \nHowever on January 9, 2015, China banned imports of US poultry and poultry related products because of highly pathogenic avian influenza detections in the United States. \nIn response, the USDA sought exemptions for heat treated poultry products, such as chicken paws and rendered meals. Discussions with the Chinese government resulted in the lifting of the ban on US poultry meal and feather meal for use as feed ingredients in China’s livestock production. \nIn accordance with accepted science and international standards, heat treatment of certain duration and temperature is sufficient to ensure destruction of any virus. \nPrior to the detection of HPAI in the United States, China maintained suspensions of US poultry meat and poultry product imports from five states, due to low-pathogenic avian influenza. \nThis policy is inconsistent with the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) guidelines, which do not recommend trade suspensions due to low pathogenicity avian influenza detections. \n \nExports expected to remain level \nThe report forecasts China’s 2016 broiler meat exports at 430,000 tons, no change from USDA's 2015 official estimates. \nExports to Japan, China’s main export destination, are expected to continue to decline as lingering food safety concerns have caused Japanese buyers to seek other sources for poultry, such as Thailand. \nJapan and Hong Kong are the main export destinations for China’s poultry products. China mainly exports cooked or preserved broiler meat products. \nAlthough exports are expected to remain flat in the near term, China’s skilled workers and some state-of-the art facilities give it a competitive advantage in regional markets such as Japan and Hong Kong. \n \nThePoultrySite News Desk Top image via Shutterstock " - ], - [ - "Euro changeover in Lithuania reaching final stage", - " \n\tEuro changeover in Lithuania reaching final stage \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\tLithuania adopted the euro on 1 January 2015, thus becoming the 19th member of the euro area. With the dual circulation period ending on 15 January, 2015, a crucial part of the changeover will be completed this week, the European Commission said in a report, cites LETA/ELTA. \n\t \n \t \n\t \n\tThe retail sector continues to cope \nwell with the changeover process and parallel handling of two currencies and \nLithuanians' transition to euro cash is smooth. According to a recent \nCommission survey, by 10 January more than two out of three cash payments in \nshops were being made in euro only. Over one in two citizens (56%) polled said \nthey were carrying only euro cash in their wallets. The cash changeover has \nbeen facilitated by the fact that residents make increased use of electronic \nmeans of payment. \n \n \n \nEuro coins were made available to \nLithuanians already in December by way of euro coin starter kits. Practically \nall of the 900,000 starter kits were sold by 1 January. The Lithuanian central \nbank, Bank of Lithuania, reported that euro cash in circulation exceeded \nLithuanian litas cash on 9 January (EUR 1.25 billion (50.4%) vs. EUR 1.23 \nbillion (49.6%) in litas). \n \n \n \nOnce the dual circulation period \nhas ended, litas may still be exchanged free of charge at the official \nconversion rate (3.45280 litas to one euro) at the Lithuanian Post and some \ncredit unions until 1 March 2015 and at commercial banks until 30 June 2015 (at \nsome 90 bank branches all year long). Bank of Lithuania will exchange litas \ninto euro for an unlimited period of time and free of charge. \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t" - ], - [ - "Norway ISA Outbreak Reported in Troms", - "News Norway ISA Outbreak Reported in Troms28 November 2014 NORWAY - An outbreak of Infectious Salmon Anaemia (ISA) has been reported in Troms, Norway.The ISA virus was detected at Finnstein-11353, Troms, and was verified as a deleted, virulent variant based on sequence analysis of ISAV HPR (segment 6). \nFrom an epidemiological point of view, the Norwegian Food Safety Authority considers the ISA outbreak at Finnstein-11353 likely to be a first occurrence. \nInfectious salmon anaemia (ISA) was present at another location in Troms region in March 2014 as well. \nThe previous outbreak occurred at a distance of about 250 km, and these ISA cases seem to be two separate outbreaks without any epidemiological correlation although both of them belong to the same administrative region. \nThe Norwegian Veterinary Institute use genotyping to determine whether ISA outbreaks are an occurrence or a reoccurrence. \nGenotyping based on the complete ISAV segment 6 and further epidemiological studies are required to determine if this is an isolated outbreak. This work is ongoing at the Norwegian Veterinary Institute. \nOf the 1,158,549 salmon susceptible at the farm, the outbreak led to 2,830 cases resulting in 2,530 deaths and 142,817 salmon being destroyed. \nTheFishSite News Desk \n" - ], - [ - "Norway finds first case of mad cow disease, says food safe", - "\nOSLO Norway reported its first ever case of mad cow disease on Thursday, saying the instance was an isolated one and telling consumers it was still safe to eat beef and drink milk.Tests at a British laboratory confirmed the disease, also known as bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), in a 15-year-old cow, which had been slaughtered, the Norwegian Food Safety Authority said.The case was atypical, meaning there had been no transmission through the feed supply and it was not related to any wider outbreak, the authority said.Since BSE was first identified in Britain in 1986, strict controls have tempered the spread of the disease. \n \n But after its emergence, scientists became concerned about possible links, via the consumption of contaminated tissue, between BSE and a human illness called Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. A new variant of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, nvCJD, killed dozens of people in Europe beginning in the mid-1990s.Norwegian authorities said several other cows that had been in contact with the dead animal would also be slaughtered. \n \n \"The discovery of BSE has no impact on food safety and it is just as safe to eat meat and drink milk as before,\" it said.However, the discovery would affect some food export certificates. \n \n Awaiting the test results, Norway last week suspended issuing export permits saying that there had been no known cases of mad cow diseases in the country. Export certificates would have to be rephrased, and perhaps renegotiated. (Reporting By Alister Doyle; editing by Kate Kelland and John Stonestreet)" - ], - [ - "Norway detects \"probable\" case of mad cow disease", - " \t\n \n \n \n \n \n Cows are seen in a barn in southern Norway, on January 12, 2006\n Norway said Wednesday it had detected a \"probable\" case of mad cow disease but urged consumers not to panic as it may not be the same variant as the British 1990s epidemic.\n \n\t \n\t A second positive test for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) on a 15-year-old cow reinforced suspicions that it had mad cow disease, the Norwegian Veterinary Institute said. \n\"We have a likely and strong suspicion of a possible variant of BSE,\" Bjoern Roethe Knudtsen of the Food and Safety Authority told public broadcaster NRK. \nThe authorities however said there was a distinction between the type of BSE caused by cows eating meat-based feed—banned in Europe since 2001 after the British epidemic—and an atypical version which has sporadically appeared in older cows in several European countries in recent years. \nA definitive diagnosis can only be made by a European reference laboratory in Britain. \n\"We take this seriously and we are handling it as if our suspicion were confirmed,\" Food and Safety Authority official Solfrid Aamdal said in a statement. \nThe authority stressed that \"more and more\" BSE cases in Europe are of the atypical kind and that beef and milk consumption remains safe. \nThe cow's carcass, from a farm in west-central Norway, was destroyed and safety measures put in place for the rest of the herd.\n \n \n Explore further: \n US animal feed, beef safe from mad cow: FDA\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\t © 2015 AFP\n\t\n \n\t\n\t\n \n\t \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n " - ], - [ - "Rivers govt. eliminates chickens infected by flu", - " \n \n\tThe Rivers State Government said on Tuesday that it had killed hundreds of fowls infected by the Avian Flu in a privately owned farm in Port Harcourt.\nThe Commissioner for Agriculture, Emma Chinda, said that the farm had been quarantined and decontaminated.\nHe also said no human infection had been recorded.\n“On January 14, we got a report from a farm that was worrisome. The report we got suggested that the farm may have been infected by the highly pathogenic avian influenza.\nAccording to the commissioner, samples of the flu were taken to the Veterinary Research Institute in Vom, Plateau State.\n“The result came out on January 17 and it read positive of highly pathogenic avian influenza.\n“On the basis of that, we had to take necessary steps. Apart from quarantining the farm, we had to depopulate the birds in the farm to stop further spreadâ€.\n“Thereafter, we decontaminated the farm. We are containing the situation because officials of government and experts are on ground monitoring the situationâ€, he added.\nMr. Chinda said there was no need to panic because government was well equipped to handle the situation.\nHe said before the outbreak, they received information from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture on avian influenza in Kano and a bird market in Lagos.\n“We were very much on alert and when it happened here, we handled the situation’’, he said. \n(NAN)\n\t " - ], - [ - "Ogun confirms presence of Bird Flu in state", - " \n \n\tThe Ogun State Government on Monday confirmed that some markets tested positive to the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus, known as Bird Flu. \nThe Commissioner for Agriculture, Ronke Sokefun, said this while addressing journalists at her office in Abeokuta, but quickly added that government has put in place measures to contain the spread of the disease.\nShe also gave assurances to poultry farmers that their birds would be protected against the virus, adding that the ministry had re-activated the Emergency Preparedness Plan for the control and containment of the virus and procured necessary disinfectants.\nMr. Sokefun said surveillance and live bird market decontamination was initiated along border towns of the State.\nShe explained that Bird Flu is primarily a disease of poultry that causes a great economic loss to poultry, noting that it has the ability to affect human beings if not properly contained.\n“I wish to inform you that our officers have been able to contain the disease at the markets and we are on the lookout for more of such outbreaks through the surveillance systems of the Veterinary Department of the Ministry. We are also working closely with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, National Veterinary Research Institute, Poultry Association of Nigeria and others,†Mr. Sokefun said.\nThe commissioner ascertained that consumption of poultry products is safe if properly cooked, urging poultry farmers to heighten bio-security measures to their farm and report high rate of mortality among their birds.\nSpeaking earlier, the Director of Veterinary Services, Dotun Sorunke, encouraged poultry farmers to register with the department and patronize registered Veterinary Doctors.\nMr. Sorunke advised members of the public, especially those with backyard poultry farms, to be observant and report any disease and conditions of their poultry.\nHe asked anyone who needs or wants more information to contact the Ministry through the following numbers: 08033892861, 08025195464, 08027370579, 07034500063.\n\t " - ], - [ - "South Korea halts US poultry imports due to bird flu in US", - "\nSEOUL South Korea has suspended imports of U.S. poultry and poultry products because of an outbreak of bird flu in the United States, the Agriculture Ministry said in a statement on Sunday.The suspension, from Saturday, comes as South Korea is struggling to contain its own outbreak of bird flu in birds.\"This import suspension is a quarantine measure to prevent the HPAI virus from entering the country,\" the ministry statement said, referring to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus.The ministry said 18 countries including South Korea had been hit by the HPAI virus this year. South Korea has had no human cases.\n \n Avian flu is an infectious viral disease of birds. Most bird flu viruses do not infect humans, but some have caused serious infections in humans.Two strains of avian influenza - H5N2 and H5N8 - have been confirmed in wild birds in Washington state, near the U.S. border with Canada, but there was no immediate cause for public health concerns, U.S. agriculture officials said on Wednesday.\n \n Neither virus has been found in U.S. commercial poultry.South Korea's imports from the United States in the first 11 months of the year included 63,245 tonnes of poultry meat and 264,000 chicks, according to ministry data.\n \n The ministry said the import suspension would not cause a shortage as domestic poultry meat supply is projected to rise by 17.5 percent to 67,000 tonnes this month from a year earlier on top of 9,000 tonnes in inventory. (Reporting by Meeyoung Cho; Editing by Robert Birsel)" - ], - [ - "How Big of a Deal is China's Ban on Imports of US Poultry and Egg ...", - "Poultry News How Big of a Deal is China’s Ban on Imports of US Poultry and Egg Products? 19 January 2015 \nCHINA & US - The initial reaction to about any problem with exports in \ngeneral and exports to China in particular is “The sky is falling!  The sky is \nfalling!â€, writes Steve Meyer & Len Steiner.There’s a good reason for that:  China has 1.3 billion people and thus is usually a big player in any market in which it participates based on the fact that 1.3 billion times any number is a very large number!  \nBut how critical are they in this one?   \nFirst, let’s review. China banned imports of US chicken, turkey and eggs, effective January 8, due to the presence of a strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in  the Pacific Northwest.   \nHPAI is a bad disease but these cases are occurring in wild birds and small domestic flocks hundreds of miles from any primary US commercial production.  \nIn addition, China’s ban on all US products is unusual (and industry experts say unnecessary) because OIE, the world animal health organization allows and encourages a regional approach which has been used on a number of occasions when HPAI has reared its ugly head in the US Korea imposed a similar all?country ban on US products in December.   \nHong Kong imposed a ban on products from Oregon but, as far as we can determine, is still taking product from the remainder of the US That is important given the ties between Hong Kong and China. So where do US chicken exports go?  \nThe chart at right indicates that Mexico is by far the most important single destination and that exports to “Other†countries (ie. those not listed here) is by far the largest destination for US chicken export shipments.  Note that among these eight destinations, China and Hong Kong are the smallest except for Russia which is currently not taking US products due to its retaliatory embargo over our Ukraine?related sanctions.    \nWe have separated China and Hong Kong in the chart since they have, at least for now, taken different approaches to this situation.  How much of a back door will Hong Kong be for US chicken since it has not banned product from anywhere other than Oregon?  \nIf product moves through Hong Kong, this may not be a big deal at all.  If not, then what? In 2013, China accounted for 3.9 per cent or US chicken exports and Hong Kong accounted for 2.2 per cent.  Through November, those figures for 2014 were 3.6 per cent and 3.2 per cent.   \nThe US chicken industry exported roughly 19 per cent of total production in 2013 so those 2013 export shares to China and Hong Kong represented 0.7 per cent and 0.4 per cent of total US production. Through November, 2014 US broiler exports were virtually unchanged form one year ago.  \nIt appears that 19 per cent will be very close to the export share for 2014 so the shares of US production for China and Hong Kong will be about 0.7 per cent and 0.6 per cent, respectively.   \nThose are not insignificant numbers but do they constitute a large weight on the market? There is a product, though, that this impacts dramatically — chicken paws or feet. China and Hong Kong took 251.3 million pounds of chicken paws in 2013. Those were valued at $314.5 million. China accounted for about 60 per cent of both totals.  \nThrough November 2014, the two destinations accounted for 271.8 million pounds of paws valued at $387.6 million. Interestingly, Hong Kong has accounted for roughly 75 per cent of the 2014 volume and value. Perhaps more important is that China and Hong Kong are the market for chicken paws.  Those volume and value figures accounted for 84 per cent of 2013 paws exports and an astounding 97 per cent of our paws shipments in 2014.  \nA reduction in paws exports will negatively impact the financial performance of chicken companies and thus force the muscle products to carry more of the economic load. That’s the bad news.  \nThe good news is that most of the paws for these markets have been flowing through Hong Kong already and there doesn’t seem to be a reason for that to change given Hong Kong’s announced regional approach to the HPAI situation.   \nBottom Line: The actual numbers do not suggest a dramatic impact. Is China’ whole?country ban wrong? Absolutely. Does it have negative impacts? Yes again. Will they be large?  In our opinion, they should not unless it adds significant weight to what seems to be a growing general neg? ative sentiment for commodities and meat/poultry proteins.   \n \n \nThePoultrySite News Desk " - ], - [ - "Russia Could Soon Lift Import Ban on European Union Pork", - "\n \nBRUSSELS—Russia could soon lift an import ban on some pork products from the European Union, an EU official said Tuesday, potentially easing a dispute that escalated after Europe’s decision last year to impose sanctions on Moscow over its activities in Ukraine. The dispute began a year ago when Russia closed its market to live pigs, pork and other related products from the EU, citing four cases of African swine fever in wild boars at...\n " - ], - [ - "South Korea to disinfect farms as foot-and-mouth, bird flu spread", - "\nSEOUL South Korea will disinfect farms around the country over the new year and limit the transport of animals, stepping up its effort to contain an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease that has spread close to the capital as well as bird flu.The foot-and-mouth among hogs had been limited to the center of the country until this week but a case has now been confirmed at a farm just 50 km (30 miles) from Seoul in the north of the country.The outbreak began five months ago, raising fears about food safety. Nearly 23,000 hogs have been destroyed to contain the outbreak, according to a statement from the agriculture ministry on Tuesday.All the cases have involved a type of the disease that animals are inoculated against in South Korea. The ministry said additional vaccine would be given to farms in affected areas and all farms in the country would be disinfected on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1.\n \n The late July outbreak was the first in more than three years but it came as authorities struggled to contain a problem with bird flu, which has pushed up the price of pork as consumers bought alternative meat.\n \n In its statement, the ministry said more than 40 poultry farms, mostly in southeastern provinces, plus a market near the capital had been affected since late September and 526,000 birds had been slaughtered. No humans have been infected.The livestock disease problems are a big factor behind a jump in pork imports, mainly from the United States and Germany. These rose 21 percent to 328,241 tonnes in the first 11 months of the year from the same period in 2013, South Korean customs data showed.\n \n (Reporting by Meeyoung Cho; Editing by Alan Raybould)" - ], - [ - "Foot-and-mouth scare spreads in S Korea", - "\n\t Tuesday, Jan 06, 2015 The Korea Herald/Asia News NetworkBy Lee Hyun-jeongConcerns over foot-and-mouth disease spreading have escalated across the nation as another suspected case was found in the area surrounding Seoul on Monday, with dozens of cases detected in other regions since last month.Three pigs at a farm in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, were reported to have shown common symptoms of foot-and-mouth disease, with bleeding and blisters formed on their bodies, the city government said.This is a second case found in the region following one confirmed in Icheon, Gyeonggi Province, late last month.The pigs tested positive in a preliminary test, quarantine officials said. The final test results will be available Tuesday.Since the first case broke out in Jincheon, North Chungcheong Province, on Dec. 3, foot-and-mouth disease has spread across the country. As of Monday, more than 26,000 animals at 32 farms have been culled, with most in North Chungcheong Province.The source of the disease outbreak is currently under investigation, but it is suspected to be unvaccinated pigs, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said.The quarantine authorities claim that the spread of the disease will not be as rapid as before, citing vaccination measures.“Once antibodies are created in vaccinated animals, the viral disease will no longer spread,†Agriculture Minister Lee Dong-phil said. “The occurrence rate of this outbreak accounts only for 4 per cent of that in 2010-11.â€More than 800 cases were reported in late 2010.Concerns remain, however, as the infected pigs in Yongin were found to have only been vaccinated after the disease broke out last month.As part of the efforts to contain the foot-and-mouth infection, the government vowed to step up the quarantine measures.All livestock-related trucks will be put under control for disinfection measures on Wednesday, the Agriculture Ministry said. This is the second nationwide sterilization measure following the first one taken last week.Farm owners skipping vaccination will also face toughened penalties such as a fine of up to 5 million won (S$6,012) or cancellation of their livestock permit, the ministry said. The compensation for animal culling will also be reduced for animals that are not vaccinated, it added.South Korea has been hit five times by foot-and-mouth disease since 2000, with three occurrences in 2010.More than 3.4 million animals were slaughtered in the largest outbreak in late 2010, resulting in losses of more than 2.7 trillion won.\n\t" - ], - [ - "Foot-and-mouth disease, avian flu strain authorities", - " \n\t \n\t Foot-and-mouth disease, avian flu strain authorities \n\t Officials struggle to control viruses ahead of the Lunar New Year \n\t Feb 11,2015 \n\t \n\t \n Quarantine authorities are scrambling to prevent the further spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and avian influenza (AI) a week before the Lunar New Year, one of the country’s biggest holidays that prompts mass travel.Those efforts, however, have appeared to have little effect, with both viruses continuing to advance.Hongseong County, South Chungcheong, the country’s largest pig-breeding region, has confirmed two outbreaks of FMD since Friday, the first in four years. After animals at one farm tested positive on Friday, FMD was confirmed at another site on Monday just 20 meters (65 feet) away. There are currently 305 pig farms breeding a total of 494,000 pigs in Hongseong County. The last time the county saw an outbreak of the disease was in February 2011, when more than 50,000 pigs from 127 farms were culled, with damage adding up to 10.76 billion won ($9.82 million).“We put all our efforts into keeping the area disease-free, but there was another infection,†said Lee Byeong-ok, 60, who heads the village where the disease broke out. “We’re worried there could be another outbreak like the one four years ago.â€Quarantine authorities are also trying to prevent FMD from spreading to farms raising hongseong hanu, or native Korean cattle. About 2,600 such farms in the county breed 54,000 cows. So far, there have been no confirmed reports, nor were any cattle farms infected in 2011. Foot-and-mouth disease was also confirmed in Gangwon, the first confirmation of FMD since Dec. 3, in Jincheon County, North Chungcheong. The province’s quarantine authorities suspect the virus spread from an infected farm in Sejong City that continued to sell piglets during lock down.The Gangwon Provincial Office said on Monday that it had culled 610 pigs after confirming FMD at a farm in Cheolwon County. It added that the owner of the site had bought 260 animals from Sejong City on Saturday. At that time, the farm in Sejong City was prohibited from selling or moving its pigs due to an earlier FMD outbreak at a nearby farm. The owner of the farm in Sejong allegedly sold the pigs to four farms, including the one in Cheolwon County. FMD was confirmed at the farm in Sejong City later Saturday.Authorities are currently investigating the farm owner in Sejong City and suspect that he knowingly sold the pigs. The animals are believed to have been showing FMD symptoms on Friday. Gangwon Provincial Office is also considering filing for compensation against the farm’s owner in Sejong.Amid the increase in the number of FMD-infected farms, and the spread of avian flu to the capital city - the first time since AI was confirmed in Korea - local authorities are gearing up to keep the diseases from spreading.The South Gyeongsang Provincial Office recently announced that it would keep its quarantine headquarters open 24 hours a day during the holiday and would heighten its monitoring of local farms and migratory bird habitats. The Seoul Metropolitan Government is also inspecting ducks and geese bred in the city. It lifted a lock down on chickens on Tuesday after none were found to be infected by AI. BY KIM BONG-MOON [bongmoon@joongang.co.kr] \n\t " - ], - [ - "S. Korea orders lockdown to fight animal disease", - "\n \n \n \n \n South Korea has announced a 36-hour lockdown over the weekend on poultry and livestock farms across the country to curb the spread of two highly contagious animal diseases—foot and mouth and bird flu\n South Korea on Thursday announced a 36-hour lockdown over the weekend on poultry and livestock farms across the country to curb the spread of two highly contagious animal diseases—foot and mouth and bird flu.\n \n\t \n\t The agriculture ministry said the movement of animals, people and vehicles at thousands of farms would be banned from 6:00 am (2100 GMT) on Saturday for disinfection. \nA series of outbreaks of foot-and-mouth in recent months have resulted in the slaughter of around 25,000 pigs, and concern has grown as cases have spread to farms close to the capital Seoul. \nThe first cases were detected in July, only two months after South Korea was declared free of the disease at a meeting of the World Organisation for Animal Health in Paris. \nLast week, the agriculture ministry confirmed a case of foot-and-mouth in a cow, the first involving cattle in nearly four years. \nIn 2011 a devastating foot-and-mouth outbreak hit the entire Korean peninsula and resulted in the culling of nearly 3.5 million cattle, pigs and other animals in South Korea alone. \nThe Seoul government estimated the cost of that outbreak at $2.6 billion. \nFoot-and-mouth disease affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, pigs, deer, goats and sheep. \nThe battle to contain foot-and-mouth has coincided with outbreaks of avian flu in poultry farms which have resulted in the culling of more than 500,000 birds in the past four months.\n \n \n Explore further: \n Taiwan culls 1,000 pigs in foot-and-mouth outbreak\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\t © 2015 AFP\n\t\n \n\t" - ], - [ - "Foot-and-mouth disease spreads across S Korea", - "The recent outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease has spread nationwide despite efforts by South Korea's quarantine authorities to contain it, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.\n \n \n \nAs of Thursday, 50 cases of the disease occurred in 13 cities and districts, mostly in the central region of the peninsula. North Chungcheong Province ― the epicenter of the outbreak ― was the hardest hit with 25 regions being affected.Authorities have even confirmed a case of the disease at the nation's administrative capital Sejong, where the quarantine centre itself is located. Over 44,000 livestock ― mostly pigs ― have been slaughtered since the outbreak was discovered on December 3.The infectious and sometimes viral disease has been known to affect cloven-hoofed animals such as pig, cow, sheep and deer." - ], - [ - "Further FMD cases in South Korea", - "\n Two new outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease in pigs have been reported in South Korea by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).\n \n The first was discovered in North Chungcheong Province, in the centre of the country, on 12 December, and the second in South Chungcheong Province, on 16 December. In total 457 cases were found, with all infected animals being \"destroyed\".Reuters reported that the government is intensifying efforts to contain the disease by vaccinating all pigs in affected areas. OIE said other measures employed in South Korea are control of wildlife reservoirs, quarantine, movement control, screening and zoning. Seoul has stepped up its foot-and-mouth warning level from ‘caution’ to ‘alert’.The Korea Herald said 13 cases have now been confirmed since the first December outbreak at the beginning of the month, with a total of 14,491 animals slaughtered.An outbreak was also discovered back in July, for the first time in over three years. The country had already been dealing with bird flu problems, which pushed up pork prices as alternative meats to poultry were sought.Reuters reported: \"Livestock disease problems are a big factor behind a jump in pork imports, mainly from the United States and Germany. These rose 21% to 328,241 tonnes in the first 11 months of this year from the same period last year.\" \n \n " - ], - [ - "Bird Flu spreads to Israel: 40000 turkeys to be culled", - "\n Symptoms of the highly pathogenic Avian Influenza, commonly referred to as Bird Flu or H5N1, has been found at a turkey farm Saturday in the Sharon Region in Israel. \n \nIn response to the discover, the Agriculture Ministry began culling 40,000 at the farm. The farm was closed off after an initial positive result came back from laboratory tests and concerns arose that neighboring farms might have been affected by the highly contagious disease. \n \nThe discovery of H5N1 at the farm near the town of Kibbutz Magal came less than a week after it was found at another turkey farm in northern Israel on Monday, the first case in nearly three years. \n \nThe World World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) reported that the virus found at a turkey fattening farm in the village of Avi'el which is south of the city of Haifa led to the culling of 15,000 birds including another 61,000 turkeys at a nearby farm. \n \nThe Agriculture Ministry said that \"the culling of all the flocks is ongoing. Backyard birds in the village will also be culled.\" \n \nIn Egypt meanwhile, an woman and her child became the fourth and fifth deaths reported in the country this year. \n \nMinistry spokesman Hossam Abdel Ghaffar said that the deaths occured in the Assiut province, a rural area where another H5N1 death was reported the week before. \n \nThe total number of cases in Egypt has risen to 20 this year so far, with Ghaffar announcing that two new cases are currently being treated. There have been 6 recoveries so far this year with another 10 still being treated. \n \nThe World Health Organization said that there has been a rise in H5N1 infections in Egypt, with 18 new laboratory-confirmed cases. \n \nIn 2014 at least 10 people died in Egypt from the disease.\n " - ], - [ - "Canada reopens market to EU beef after long ban", - "\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Image copyright\n Getty Images\n \n \n \n \n Image caption\n \n Europe took sweeping measures to eradicate BSE from beef\n \n \n \n Canada is reopening its market to beef exports from 19 EU member states, lifting a ban that was imposed in 1996 because of BSE \"mad cow disease\".The UK and Ireland are among the countries that can now sell beef to Canada. France and Germany - the EU's biggest producers - are also included.The EU Commission said it was a welcome move, as EU farmers \"are going through a particularly difficult period\".A Russian import ban and weaker Chinese demand have hit Europe's farm exports.Last month the EU announced a €500m (£365m; $567m) aid package, following many street protests by farmers. The dairy sector has been hit especially hard, with many producers saying current prices are barely enough to cover their costs.The Commission - the EU's top regulator - said Canada's move was \"part of a growing trend to recognise the robust, comprehensive and successful measures put in place by the EU to eradicate BSE\".The spread of Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in the 1990s - linked to a fatal neurodegenerative disease in humans - led to the mass slaughter of cattle and big losses for beef farmers. The US has also resumed importing beef from the EU, under strict monitoring, a process that began with Ireland in January.Canada has signed a far-reaching free trade agreement with the EU, which is now going through the ratification process.\n " - ], - [ - "Avian flu in South Korea, Taiwan prompts massive culling", - "South Korea and Taiwan have destroyed more than 2.7 million poultry in recent weeks and months in efforts to halt highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks of the H5N8 and H5N2 varieties, according to reports posted yesterday by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE).In addition, South Vietnam has reported another H5N1 avian flu outbreak, and low-pathogenicity avian flu (LPAI) H7N7 recently struck a turkey farm in Germany, according to media and OIE reports.The latest outbreaks prolong a string of avian flu episodes that have surfaced this winter in Asia, Europe, North America, and Africa. Last week the World Health Organization said the diversity and geographic extent of recent avian flu outbreaks are greater than at any time since the debut of modern surveillance methods.South Korea cites 65 H5N8 outbreaksA South Korean report posted by the OIE yesterday describes 65 H5N8 outbreaks dating all the way from late last September to late January and involving about 2.6 million poultry. The report profiles 22 stand-alone outbreaks and \"outbreak clusters\" including from 2 to 13 individual incidents.The affected sites had a total of 2,589,062 birds, including ducks, chickens, geese, and doves. Only 177 cases, all fatal, were reported, but all the rest of the birds were destroyed to stop the virus. Most of the outbreaks were in the southwest and northwest of the country, with a few in the southeast, according to a map in the report.South Korea had widespread H5N8 outbreaks in January and February of 2014, followed by isolated outbreaks in June and July.Taiwan reports H5N2, H5N8 outbreaksMeanwhile, Taiwan reported that seven recent H5N2 outbreaks and two H5N8 eruptions have forced the destruction of about 180,000 poultry, according to two reports posted by the OIE yesterday. The country has had many H5N2, H5N8, and H5N3 outbreaks this winter.The report said the seven H5N2 outbreaks involved six farms and one abbatoir and killed 29,960 of 177,328 susceptible chickens and geese, prompting the culling of all the rest. They occurred in the city of Tainan and in Yunlin, Pingtung, and Changhua counties. Authorities said all farms within 3 kilometers of the affected ones would be under surveillance for 90 days, among other precautions.Taiwan authorities said H5N8 struck a turkey farm in Tainan and a goose farm in Yunlin County, both in the southwest. The virus killed 782 of 1,250 turkeys and 613 of 2,500 geese, prompting the culling of all the rest.Findings in Vietnam and GermanyIn Vietnam, the H5N1 virus hit a poultry farm in the southern province of Soc Trang, according to a Xinhua report today. Provincial veterinary officials said more than 1,100 birds were culled, among other response measures to arrest the virus. The story didn't specify what type of poultry was affected.And in Germany, an LPAI H7N7 virus sickened 2,320 of 23,500 turkeys, killing 100 of them, on a farm in the northwestern state of Lower Saxony, according to an OIE report posted yesterday. All the rest of the turkeys were destroyed.See also:Mar 4 OIE report on H5N8 in South KoreaMar 4 OIE report on H5N2 in TaiwanMar 4 OIE report on H5N8 in TaiwanMar 5 Xinhua report on H5N1 in VietnamMar 4 OIE report on H7N7 in GermanyFeb 26 CIDRAP News story on WHO statement about avian flu" - ], - [ - "China bans USA poultry imports, will India be the next to do so?", - "\nChina bans USA poultry imports, will India be the next to do so? Concerns are growing in India over proposed poultry imports from USA. US poultry industry says that HPAI virus has not infected commercial poultry so far, but reports contradict the claim \nSai Nikesh D | The Dollar Business\nUSA’s poultry exports have grown to around $4 billion per year, but are expected to dip in 2014-15\n \nIn a move that is expected to hit the US poultry industry hard, the Chinese government has banned all imports of US poultry and egg products, effective January 8, 2015, after the detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in some parts of USA last month.\nChina’s Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) and the General Administration for Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) have said that the ban will also cover breeding stock, which includes live chicks and hatching eggs. The ban has been imposed despite assurances by the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) that the influenza virus has not been detected in any commercial poultry flock in USA so far.\n“There’s absolutely no justification for China to take such a drastic action. In fact, these isolated and remote incidents are hundreds if not thousands of miles away from major poultry and egg production areas,†said Jim Sumner, President, USA Poultry & Egg Export Council (USAPEEC).\nThe move effectively stalls USA poultry exports to China which stood at around $272 million in January – November 2014. The China ban comes after import restrictions by Russia on poultry imports from EU and USA last year. It is also expected to embolden India which is planning to appeal against the recent World Trade Organisation (WTO) ruling that allowed USA poultry imports after a dispute going back to March 2012. The deadline for India to appeal against the WTO ruling is January 26, 2015.\nAvian Flu or Bird flu is expected to hog the limelight in global poultry trade this year. According to a recent report by Rabobank regions affected by avian flu outbreaks, like the EU and Canada, will suffer from lost export markets and this will affect local prices. “Brazil is expected to capture the USA and EU poultry markets in 2015,†says the report.\nExperts also say that the flu can spread to commercial poultry through wild birds. “A key concern for the coming months is the spread of avian flu, which has become a global issue in recent months. Several avian flu strains are already endemic in several parts of Asia and Mexico, and the disease is increasingly spreading globally via wild birds,†said Rabobank´s Nan-Dirk Mulder.\n \n \nThis article was published on January 13, 2015.\n \n " - ], - [ - "Russia halts EU sweetheart food deals", - "Russia has stopped procedures to let favoured EU countries resume pig meat exports after a European outcry. Sergei Dankvert, the head of its food safety body, Rosselkhoznadzor, told the Interfax news agency on Thursday (29 January): “We began planning inspections, but are now pausing to consider whether to do that or notâ€. \n \n'All member states agreed we have to show solidarity', EU commissioner Hogan (l) has said. (Photo: European Commission)\n \n\"We were trying to find a way out of the situation and to create the opportunity for a return of European pork to the Russian market. But if our European colleagues find that path to be unacceptable, we will not take the initiativeâ€. \nHe said inspections were to take place in Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, and the Netherlands. \nBut he said Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland are ineligible due to concerns on African swine fever. \nRussia last year banned EU pig meat exports due to a swine fever alert. \nIt later banned almost all food exports in retaliation against EU sanctions over its war on Ukraine, costing European exporters hundreds of millions of euros. \nThe Rosselkhoznadzor inspections in select EU states were designed to let them resume pig meat exports as quickly as possible. \n \n \n \nBut other EU countries - led by Poland - complained that Russia is using food markets to reward EU doves and to punish hawks in an attempt to sow division. The European Commission, which initially approved Russia’s pick-and-choose approach, later disowned the deal.\n“All member states agreed we have to show solidarity on this issueâ€, the EU’s agriculture commissioner, Phil Hogan, told press on Monday.\nSanctions ‘regrettable’\nThe pig meat news came shortly before EU foreign ministers in Brussels agreed to extend Russia sanctions for six months and to blacklist more names. \n\"By acting in such a narrow-minded way, the EU in essence is subjecting to additional tests our partnership - the partnership between Russia and the European Union, which is regrettableâ€, Russia’s ambassador to the EU, Vladimir Chizhov, told the Tass news agency.\nHe said Ukraine, not Russia, is responsible for the “bloodbath†in east Ukraine.\nHe accused the EU of hiding its fear of Ukraine’s “economic collapseâ€, which threatens the future of the “notorious association agreement†- an EU-Ukraine political and free trade treaty. \nSpeaking earlier on Thursday in the European Parliament, Chizhov also accused Nato of false claims that Russian soldiers are fighting in Ukraine.\n“Let me assure you that the Russian army is not an army of the future which can make its soldiers invisibleâ€, he said. \nWorld Cup budget reduced\nLow oil prices, coupled with EU economic sanctions, have caused the rouble to crash in value and bond yields to soar. \nRussia's sports minister, Vitaly Mutko, said on Thursday it will cut its $9.5 billion budget for the 2018 World Cup in Russia by 10 percent as part of anti-crisis measures. \nBut EU foreign ministers also agreed to explore further economic sanctions if Russia attacks the Ukrainian city of Mariupol. \nMeanwhile, an EU options paper from last September, which EU diplomats say is still “relevantâ€, threatened to block the World Cup if need be.\n“Thought could be given to taking co-ordinated action … to recommend suspension of Russian participation in high profile international cultural, economic, or sports events (Formula 1 races, Uefa football competitions, 2018 World Cup etc.)â€, the EU paper, seen by EUobserver, says.\n " - ], - [ - "Poland criticizes bilateral trade deals with Moscow after French accord", - "\nBRUSSELS/PARIS Poland led EU criticism of bilateral farm deals with Moscow on Monday following a French accord with Russia to lift its ban on live pig and pork imports, saying they broke the \"principle of European solidarity\".Pressure is mounting on the European Union to consider tougher sanctions on Russia following an upsurge in fighting in Ukraine. European Union foreign ministers will meet in emergency session on Thursday.France, meanwhile, has said a ban on live pigs, offal and fat that was imposed by Moscow a year ago would be lifted for France in the coming weeks.The EU-wide embargo followed an outbreak of African swine fever in the east of the EU and was separate from an embargo imposed by Moscow in August last year on food imports from Western countries, in response to U.S. and EU sanctions on Russia over its role in the Ukraine crisis.Poland's Agriculture Minister Marek Sawicki in a letter, seen by Reuters, to his counterpart from Latvia, current holder of the rotating EU presidency, said he was \"deeply disappointed\" at the news of bilateral agreements with Russia.\n \n A diplomat who asked not to be named said the Lithuanian prime minister would also write a letter objecting to bilateral deals.\"The pick and choose principle is dangerous. It allows Russia to divide and rule,\" the diplomat said.A meeting of EU farm ministers in Brussels on Monday debated the issue after Poland led push for it to be on the agenda.\n \n Diplomats and EU officials said the European Commission told the meeting trade policy had to be agreed by the bloc as a whole.The Commission, the EU executive, is challenging Russia's ban on pig products in relation to African swine fever at the World Trade Organization.But Commission officials said that still did not justify bilateral agreements with Russia, which had to be \"based strictly on EU frameworks\".\n \n A spokesman for the French farm minister stressed that talks on the lifting of the embargo were purely technical and were done by veterinary services, not at a political level. The ministry has said Russia represented a market of 100 million euros ($112 million) for French pig farmers. ($1 = 0.8894 euros) (Editing by David Evans)" - ], - [ - "Philippines imposes ban on poultry from Vietnam, 2 European states", - " \t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\tInterAksyon.com means BUSINESS\n\t\n\tMANILA – The Philippines has barred the entry of poultry from Vietnam and two European countries.\nIn separate orders, Secretary Proceso Alcala directed Department of Agriculture (DA) personnel to halt the processing of applications to import poultry from Italy, the Netherlands and Vietnam.\nThe ban covers domestic and wild birds, including poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs and semen.\nThe import ban comes on the heels of reports from the Office Internationale Des Epizooties (OIE) of outbreaks of highly pathogenic Avian Influenza virus serotype H5 in Vinh Long and Trah Vinh in Vietnam; and highly pathogenic Avian Influenza virus serotype H5N8 in Veneto, Italy; and Ter Aar, Zuid-Holland, Kamperveen and Utrecht City in the Netherlands.\n\"We want to protect our local bird population and ensure the safety of consumers,\" Alcala said, adding that the Philippines is the only Southeast Asian country free from bird flu.\nHe ordered all quarantine personnel to seize shipments of poultry products from the four countries.\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t" - ], - [ - "UK lab confirms Norway's first case of BSE", - "\n UK lab confirms Norway’s first case of BSE\n \n Tuesday 3 February 2015 13:34 \n \n © RexNorwegian authorities have confirmed the country’s first case of mad cow disease, but insisted there is no threat to public health.\nTests at the Animal Health and Plant Agency (APHA) laboratory in Weybridge, Surrey, confirmed that a 15-year-old Norwegian cow had “atypical†BSE (bovine spongiform encephalopathy).\nThe classic form of BSE, which was first detected in the UK in 1986, possibly originated from feeding cattle with meat and bonemeal – a practice that is now banned.\nSee also: Slaughterhouse fined over BSE control breaches\nBut because the Norwegian case was “atypical†(spontaneous) – a very rare form of the disease not generally associated with an animal consuming infected feed – it does not pose a risk to public health, the authorities said.\n“The detection of BSE has no bearing on food safety and it is safe to eat meat and drink milk as before,†said the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (FSA) in a statement.\n“The cow in question has been killed and destroyed.â€\nThe herd that the infected cow was a part of is located in Nord-Trøndelag.\nNorway is considered by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and the EU to have a “negligible risk†of BSE, meaning the risk is so minuscule that it can virtually be disregarded.\nHowever, now that atypical BSE has been confirmed in Norway, the Norwegian FSA said it could have “consequences for the export of certain product categories as well as live animals from Norwayâ€.\n " - ], - [ - "'Atypical' case of mad cow disease confirmed in Norway", - " \n\t \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n'Atypical' case of mad cow disease confirmed in Norway\n \n \n \n By Karen Graham  \n  \n Feb 1, 2015 in Food\n \nAuthorities in Norway have confirmed the country's first ever case of mad cow disease on Thursday, but allayed the public's fears by saying the case was an isolated and atypical form of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).\n \n \n \n According to Reuters, a British laboratory confirmed the presence of BSE in the 15-year old cow from a farm in Central Norway. The Norwegian Food Safety Authority said they are considering the case atypical because there wasn't transmission through the food supply and the case was not related to a bigger outbreak.\nNorwegian authorities say the cow had been slaughtered for food, but no portion of the cow reached the consumer food supply. As a precaution, the cow's carcass was destroyed along with four other animals in the same herd. It was pointed out that similar isolated cases of BSE have popped up in other countries, like Switzerland and Brazil in the past few years.\nThe United Kingdom reported its first case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in 1986. Since that time, over 170 people have become ill and died from the human form of BSE, a variant called Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD). This variant of the disease is thought have been the cause of the vCJD cases in the UK and Canada, and it is believed the patients had consumed products from animals infected with the bovine form of BSE.\nStudy in 2013 finds one out of 2,000 Britons are carriers of vCJD\nIn 2013, an interesting study published in the British Medical Journal reported that twice as many Britons could be carrying the human form of BSE as was previously thought. While 177 people have died of the vCJD, researchers say that very few people who catch the disease are showing any symptoms. They claim these people can be carriers of the disease, not showing any symptoms for years, if at all.\nAt the time of the 2013 study, there was no dependable blood test that could detect vCJD in human blood samples. But UK scientists were able to develop a reliable blood test for the disease, reporting their achievement on Jan. 14, 2014. Professor John Collinge, Director of the Medical Research Council's Prion Unit and a member of the team who developed the test, spoke on Channel 4 news that day saying, \"In principle, it may allow us to find how many people in the population are infected so we can target risk management strategies and ensure the safety of our blood supply.\"\n \n \n \n \n \n" - ], - [ - "Canada Quarantines Eight Farms After Bird Flu Outbreak", - "\n \nCanadian officials placed eight farms in southern Ontario under quarantine Tuesday, after an avian influenza outbreak caused the sudden deaths of thousands of birds over several days. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency said its investigation would look at whether the H5 avian influenza originated from the U.S., where 10 states have suffered an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza. Testing on the strain that struck a turkey...\n " - ], - [ - "Headed to Canada? Leave chicken, eggs at home", - "DULUTH, Minn. -- An outbreak of avian influenza among commercial poultry flocks in Minnesota and other states has spurred the government of Canada to ban travelers from bringing uncooked chicken, turkey and even raw eggs into Canada.\n \nThe Canadian Food Inspection Agency this month moved to \"to protect Canada's poultry resources from an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza reported in poultry in the states of Minnesota, California, Idaho, Oregon and Washington.\"\nAny raw poultry and all poultry products that originate from those five states, including raw eggs and even pet food with poultry, are now illegal to bring into Canada.\nLive pet birds may be brought into Canada with official certification from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.\nThe Canadian agency said there is no food safety risk associated with the poultry products. \"These measures are being taken to prevent the introduction of avian influenza into other parts of Canada,\" the agency said in a notice.\nThe regulations went into effect March 6 and will remain in effect until further notice. In recent years governments on both sides of the border have instituted various food import bans, including raw meat, apples and other fruits and vegetables.\nAnglers and other travelers heading into Canada can purchase the banned products on the north side of the border.\nThe U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service recently confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic H5N2 avian influenza in a commercial turkey flock in Pope County, Minn. This is the first finding in the Mississippi flyway. It is the same strain of avian influenza that has been confirmed in backyard and wild birds in Washington, Oregon and Idaho as part of an ongoing outbreak in the Pacific flyway." - ], - [ - "Avian flu rampages in Taiwan, hits China, India", - "Taiwan yesterday reported more than 100 avian flu outbreaks of three different subtypes, affecting hundreds of thousands of poultry, while China and India reported fresh outbreaks as well.In addition, Bulgaria reported finding the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus H5N1 in a wild bird, while Nigerian officials said H5N1 outbreaks have struck lately in 11 states around the country.Scores of Taiwan outbreaksIn a report to the World Organization for animal Health (OIE), Taiwan officials said 108 waterfowl farms were struck by HPAI H5N8 outbreaks. The farms are in Changhua, Yunlin, Chiayi, and Pingtung counties and the cities of Tainan, Kaohsiung, and Taichung. Officials said 52 of the farms also were affected by HPAI H5N2 viruses.There were 56,178 H5N8 cases, with 56,075 deaths, among 365,591 susceptible birds. Plans call for destroying all the surviving birds to stop the outbreak; more than 92,000 had been culled at the time of the report.Movement restrictions have been imposed at the affected farms, which will be cleaned and disinfected after culling is completed, the report said. Farms within 3 kilometers of the outbreak sites will be under surveillance for 3 months.In a separate OIE report yesterday, Taiwan officials told of H5N2 outbreaks on 86 poultry farms in six of the same areas hit by H5N8: Changhua, Yunlin, Chiayi, and Pingtung counties and the cities of Taichung and Tainan.The virus infected and killed 102,260 of 639,304 susceptible birds, officials said. About 102,000 of the surviving birds have already been culled, and the rest will be destroyed as well. Other planned response measures will be the same as for the farms hit by H5N8.And in a third OIE report yesterday, Taiwan officials said HPAI H5N3 surfaced at three goose farms in Pingtung county. Two of these were also affected by H5N2 outbreaks.The report said the virus killed 4,311 of 11,200 susceptible geese, and plans call for culling the rest and implementing other response measures like those in the H5N8 outbreaks.Events in China and IndiaElsewhere, China today reported HAPI H5N6 and H5N2 outbreaks at separate locations in its eastern province of Jiangsu.H5N6 struck a goose farm in the city of Suzhou, causing 1,185 cases and 582 deaths among 19,284 birds, Chinese officials told the OIE. The rest of the birds were culled. Officials also planned to restrict poultry movements and disinfect the farm. China and Vietnam have reported several H5N6 outbreaks in the past year.The H5N2 eruption involved a farm in the city of Taizhou, causing 1,616 fatal cases among 40,896 birds of unnamed kinds, Chinese officials said in another OIE report. The rest of the birds have already been destroyed, and officials vowed to take other additional control steps as in the H5N6 outbreak.In India, meanwhile, H5N1 struck a turkey farm at Kollam in Kerala state, near the country's southern tip, according to a report filed with the OIE yesterday by Indian officials. They cited 1,628 fatal cases among 10,513 turkeys and said most of the surviving birds have been culled.Several H5N1 outbreaks were reported in duck flocks in Kerala state in late November and early December of 2014.H5N1 in Bulgaria, NigeriaIn Bulgaria, meanwhile, officials told the OIE yesterday that a Dalmatian pelican which was found dead on Jan 22 in the southeastern city of Burgas was infected with HPAI H5N1. A dead black-headed gull that was found with the pelican tested negative for the virus.The birds were collected and tested under an ongoing surveillance program. The report said the detection marked the first H5N1 discovery in the country since June 2010.And in Nigeria, a senior official said today that H5N1 outbreaks have spread to four more states since Jan 21, bringing the recent total to 11, according to a Reuters story today.Nigeria has reported 15 separate outbreaks to the OIE in the past few days. It wasn't immediately clear if today's comments by Akinwumi Adesina, agriculture and rural development minister, represented any outbreaks not yet reported to the OIE.The affected states are Kano, Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, Delta, Edo, Plateau, Gombe, Imo, Oyo, and Jigawa, the story said. Adesina said the government planned to compensate farmers with the equivalent of about US $7.63 per lost bird within the next 3 days.See also: Jan 28 Taiwan OIE report on H5N8 outbreaksJan 28 Taiwan report on H5N2 outbreaksJan 28 report on H5N3 outbreaksJan 29 Chinese report on H5N6 outbreaksJan 29 Chinese report on H5N2 outbreaksJan 28 Indian report on H5N1 outbreakJan 28 Bulgarian report on H5N1Jan 29 Reuters story on H5N1 in Nigeria " - ], - [ - "Low-pathogenic Avian Flu Virus Detected in Belize Poultry", - "Poultry News Low-pathogenic Avian Flu Virus Detected in Belize Poultry26 January 2015 \n \nBELIZE - During routine testing, the low-pathogenic avian influenza virus of the H5N2 has been detected in broiler breeders in the west of the country in December 2014.The veterinary authority sent an Immediate Notification dated 23 January 2015 to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). \nThe affected birds were broiler breeders in what is described as a \"village flock\" of 17,400 at Spanish Lookout in the Cayo district. \nThe birds were aged 22, 38 and 39 weeks, and 11,572 tested positive for the virus on 3 December, according to the report. The affected flocks have not shown any clinical signs. \nAll breeder flocks are routinely sampled for avian influenza under the Belize Poultry Improvement Plan Avian Influenza Programme. Hence affected flocks were detected under routine monitoring as there are no clinical signs associated with the event. Spanish Lookout is a major poultry production area in Belize and has 14 breeder flocks with a total of 63,800 birds and an unknown number of layer flocks and broilers. \nThe presence of the H5N2 subtype of the virus has been confirmed. \nThe following control measures have been put in place: control of wildlife reservoirs; quarantine; movement control inside the country; screening; vaccination is prohibited and there is no treatment of affected animals. \nZoning, disinfection of infected premises/establishment(s) and modified stamping out are to be applied. \nThePoultrySite News Desk Top image via Shutterstock " - ], - [ - "Japan, South Korea commissaries adjust to overseas embargo on ...", - " \n FORT LEE, Va. (AFNS) -- \n Commissary patrons in South Korea and Japan will see shortages of some U.S. poultry products because of local embargoes related to avian flu discoveries in several U.S. states.The embargoes affect U.S. shipments to Korea and Japan of chicken, turkey, eggs and products that contain these ingredients, such as pot pies, lunch meat, hotdogs, meal entrees and egg rolls. As a result, the Defense Commissary Agency is using alternative options to supply these products to its 11 commissaries in Korea and 14 stores on mainland Japan and Okinawa.\"We are using various alternatives to provide some poultry products on our shelves in South Korea and Japan,\" said Joseph H. Jeu, the DeCA Director and CEO. \"However, because these are limited, interim solutions that may not stock our shelves fully, our patrons may experience shortages of certain poultry items.\"With no idea how long the embargoes will last, DeCA has identified some interim local source suppliers for fresh chicken and eggs in Korea and Japan. While there is an abundance of locally sourced fresh chicken, the prices are higher than U.S.-sourced chicken. Local egg prices are comparable to U.S. egg prices.In Korea, approval has been granted to allow some cooked poultry items to enter the country with additional documentation from U.S. manufacturers, said Eric Swayzee, the DeCA's director of logistics.\"The documentation is a new requirement and will take time to implement at the various manufacturing plants across the U.S.,\" Swayzee said. \"These new documentation requirements are not retroactive; therefore, the 'cooked' U.S. poultry products already in South Korea, or in route remain on hold and cannot be sold.\"The commissary agency has also increased deliveries of products containing beef and pork for both Korea and Japan to replace similar chicken and turkey-related items unavailable because of the import restrictions.\"Our top priority is always to ensure our military members and their families stationed overseas have the products they need when they use their commissary benefit,\" Jeu said.The situation with poultry began in late December 2014, when South Korea issued an embargo preventing the import of all U.S. uncooked poultry and poultry products on or after Dec. 20, 2014. The restriction resulted from the discovery of avian flu, formally known as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), traced to a poultry farm in Oregon.On Jan. 24, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service announced the presence of avian flu in California, prompting Japan to subsequently embargo any imports of U.S. poultry that originate or are shipped from California, Oregon and Washington State. To date, poultry shipments originating from other U.S. states are not affected by Japan's embargo.The USDA stresses that the proper handling and cooking of poultry and eggs at an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit will eliminate viruses and bacteria.\"This is not a public health concern,\" said Army Col. Michael A. Buley, the DeCA's director of public health and safety. \"This virus has been around a while and there is no indication of transmission to humans.\"All of these importation restrictions are an attempt to protect the host nation's poultry industries,\" Buley added. \n " - ], - [ - "Pag-aangkat ng hayop mula sa Chinese Taipei, ipinagbawal", - "PANSAMANTALANG ipinagbawal ni Secretary Proceso Alcala ang pag-angkat ng domesticated at wild birds at karne, sisiw, itlog at punlay mula sa Chiayi county sa Chinese Taipei. \nLayunin ng pagbabawal na maipagsanggalang ang local livestock at mapanatiling ligtas ang pagkain sa bansa mula sa Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza o HAPI. Ibinalita ng Agricultural Technology Research Institute ng Taipei sa Office of International des Epizooties na mayroong HAPI outbreak serotype H5N8 virus na nakaapekto sa mga sakahan sa kanilang mga gansa sa Da-Lin township. \nSa ilalim ng kautusan, mayroong ipatutupad na emergency measures tulad ng pansamantalang suspension ng pagpoproseso, pagsusuri ng mga application at paglalabas ng Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance at pagsamsam ng lahat ng kargamento mula sa apektadong pook. Pipigilin at sasamsamin ang lahat ng kargamento maliban sa heat-treated products. \nAng importasyon ay masasaklaw ng mga itinatadhanan sa mga probisyon ng OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code of 2014. \n" - ], - [ - "Mad cow disease confirmed in Alberta cow: CFIA", - "\n \n\t\n\t\n CTVNews.ca Staff\n \t\n\t\n \n \n \n Published Friday, February 13, 2015 7:15AM EST\n \n \n \n\t\n \n Last Updated Friday, February 13, 2015 3:22PM EST\n \n \n \n\tThe Canadian Food Inspection Agency says it has confirmed mad cow disease, or bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), in a beef cow from Alberta.\n\tThe agency says no part of the animal's meat entered the human food system or animal feed systems.\n\tThe CFIA has now launched an investigation into how the cow might have become infected. That investigation will focus on the cow's history as well as the feed supplied to the animal during its first year of its life. Other cows that may have been exposed to similar risks as the infected cow will need to be destroyed, the agency said.\n\tCanada's last confirmed case of BSE was reported in February, 2011.\n\tThe country's first known case was discovered in 1993 in a cow from a farm near Red Deer, Alta. that had been imported from Britain.\n\tThe first case of BSE in a Canadian-born beef cow was in May 2003. It's suspected that animal became infected through contaminated animal feed that contained a protein supplement made with ground meat and bone meal.\n\tBSE is a fatal and untreatable brain and nervous-system wasting-disease caused by rogue proteins called prions. The disease is related to chronic wasting disease in elk and deer in North America and scrapie in sheep.\n\tHumans who eat BSE-infected beef can develop a fatal disease called variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD). Fewer than 250 human cases have been reported worldwide, with the majority in the United Kingdom and France.\n\tWhen the first home-grown case of BSE was discovered in Canada in 2003, the Canadian Cattlemen's Association says the impact to the Canadian beef industry was \"enormous.\" About 40 markets immediately closed their borders to Canadian cattle and beef, many of which have since reopened.\n\tIn May 2007, the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) categorized Canada as a \"controlled risk\" status country for BSE, due to Canada’s effective surveillance and mitigation measures. After the mad cow crisis, testing in the country was strengthened and risk materials, such as brains and spinal columns, were banned from being used in feed and other products.\n\t\"Accordingly, this case should not affect current exports of Canadian cattle or beef,\" the CFIA said in its statement Friday. It added that Canada will maintain its controlled-risk status by the World Organization for Animal Health.\n\tThe agency says this latest case will be reported to the OIE, in line with Canada's international obligations.\n\tThe President of the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association, Doug Gillespie, said that the discovery of a new case of mad cow disease in Canada isn't surprising.\n\t\"They expect to find one of these from time to time … It really shows our system is working, that beef is safe. It really never reached the food chain or anything.\" he told The Canadian Press from his farm near Swift Current, Sask.\n\t\"Of course there's always concern, but we'll see where it goes from here,\" he added.\n\tJohn Masswohl of The Canadian Cattlemen's Association doesn’t foresee the discovery of this new BSE case as having a substantial effect on the beef industry.\n\t\"Very minimal, if any. We don't expect much impact from this on the international side,\" Masswohl told The Canadian Press from Ottawa. \"The CFIA have already been busy talking to other countries, explaining what is going on.\"\n\tLast year, Canada exported 317,000 tonnes of beef products worth $1.9 billion, according to Agriculture Canada.\n\tAgriculture Minister Gerry Ritz says he is not worried about the discovery of the BSE-positive cow. He says there is a strong safety system in place now that ensures Canadian cattle have high traceability through tagging and registration.\n\t\"We're working under international protocols that are well known and well established,\" he told reporters in Calgary.\n\t\"We have 'controlled risk' status which means we can have up to 12 outbreaks in any calendar year. We've stayed well below that.\"\n\tWith Files from The Canadian Press\n " - ], - [ - "Canada Says BSE-Infected Cow Was Born Two Years After Feed Ban", - "\n \nCALGARY, Alberta—Canada said Wednesday a beef cow confirmed to have bovine spongiform encephalopathy was born in March 2009, two years after the country enacted a ban on cattle feed containing animal proteins in a bid to prevent the spread of the disease. The diseased cow, which was detected before it entered animal or human food chains, was the first reported case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy, also known as BSE or mad-cow...\n " - ], - [ - "BSE case confirmed in Alberta, Canada", - "\n The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed that bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) has been discovered in a beef cow, in Alberta.\n \n It is the first confirmed case in the country since 2011, and was picked up via Canada’s national BSE surveillance program, which analyses 30,000 samples annually.Investigations into how the animal became infected will focus on the feed supplied during the first year of its life.The Agency said it would also trace all animals of equivalent risk. These animals will then be destroyed and tested for BSE.The CFIA confirmed that no part of the animal’s carcase had entered the human food chain or animal feed systems.Following the discovery of BSE, South Korea has suspended the import of Canadian beef, pending further information on the case. \n \n " - ], - [ - "Pork import ban to remain for Baltic States and Poland", - "\n By Vladislav Vorotnikov Vladislav Vorotnikov , 12-Feb-20152015-02-12T00:00:00Z\n Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia will not be able to resume supplies of pork to the Russian market for at least three years, according to Russian veterinary body Rosselkhoznadzor.\n \n Sergey Dankvert, head of Rosselkhoznadzor, criticised the European Union’s current stance (EU) on the issue and stated that all European countries would not be able to resume supplies simultaneously, as the status on African swine fever (ASF) varies from country to country.Rosselkhoznadzor had begun inspection of pork producers in several European countries, including Denmark, Hungary and the Netherlands, but suspended this, claiming that the EU’s current position seemed unclear. According to Dankvert, when Rosselkhoznadzor announced the inspections, officials in Poland and the Baltic states disagreed with the approach, claiming the inspections should take place in all pork exporting countries of Europe at the same time.\"But how can we conduct these [inspections] at the same time if the different European countries have a different status on animal health? ASF has been discovered in Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, so these countries will not be able to supply pork products to the Russian market earlier than three years’ time. We cannot apply the same measures [to those markets] that we would like to apply to Denmark and other countries, for example, where the disease has not been detected,\" stated Dankvert.\"We have tried to find a way out and create an opportunity for European companies producing pork to return pork to the Russian market, but if this is unacceptable to our European colleagues, we will not implement the initiative,\" he added.ASF situation remains tenseMeanwhile, the situation with the ASF virus in the Baltic States and Poland remained complicated. For example, in Latvia the emergency on ASF has ended, but the threat of new disease outbreaks still remains, said Food and Veterinary Service representative EdvÄ«ns Olshevskis.According to Olshevskis, the emergency situation cannot last for more than six months, but all the previous measures aimed at fighting ASF remain in force. He recalled that the last outbreak among domestic pigs was reported on 17 September, while the disease continues to circulate among wild boars, and, since the beginning of 2015, 29 outbreaks of the disease have been discovered in the wild.Neighbouring Estonia also continues to struggle with ASF, with state-owned company Vireen recently purchasing a mobile incinerator to burn dead pigs and wild boars at a total cost of €239,000. The money was allocated from the government’s reserve fund. A Hurikan 1000E mobile incinerator has been ordered from Waste Spectrum Environmental (UK). It is expected that, in future, the mobile unit can be transported to areas of Estonia where new outbreaks of ASF are reported.At the same time, Polish agriculture minister Marek Sawicki recently proposed culling the entire population of the wild boars in the country, to decrease the risk of any further spread of ASF. Local ecological associations protested against this initiative, and it is believed the measure will not be approved. \n \n " - ], - [ - "Lithuania to resume pork exports to Ukraine", - "\n By Vladislav Vorotnikov Vladislav Vorotnikov , 20-Feb-20152015-02-20T00:00:00Z\n Lithuania plans to resume supplies of pork to Ukraine in the months ahead, according to a statement from the country’s officials. Supplies have been banned since last year, following a series of outbreaks of African swine fever (ASF) in the Baltic States.\n \n Experts noted that Ukraine was previously an important sales market for a number of Lithuanian companies, but now, given the devaluation of the hryvnia and falling imports of pork into the country, whether it makes sense to renew supplies is questionable.Jonas Milius, director of the State Food and Veterinary Service of Lithuania, recently conducted talks with interim head of the State Veterinary and Phytosanitary Service of Ukraine Vitaly Bashynsky, during which new veterinary certificates for meat and dairy product exports from Lithuania to Ukraine were approved.\"The Ukrainian market has always been attractive for our producers, but because of ASF, which came to the country last year, exports of certain products have been temporarily suspended. We had to revise and re-approve veterinary certificates, which will allow the resumption of Lithuanian dairy and meat product exports. We also had to give guarantees that products exported from Lithuania were safe and that we had effective ways to control our production cycle,\" Milius stated.The recent agreements are expected to give Lithuanian producers the right to resume supplies to the Ukraine market within two to three months. However, forecasts say that Ukraine will import only 80,000 tonnes (t) of pork this year, compared to 230,000t in 2013, so the volume of supplies will be small. At the same time, recent reports have stated that Baltic pork producers urgently need to find new sales outlets for their products.Pig farmers will have to cut productionAccording to Olle Khorma, chairman of Atria Eesti, pork producers will have to cut production, in particular in Estonia, as the industry continues to suffer pressure caused by the Russian ban. All in all, he forecast that, in terms of volume, the embargo would cost European Union countries 700,000t in pork production.\"Production in Estonia meets domestic demand by 106%, while pork production in the European Union meets the demand by 111%. Due to the ban on export supplies to Russia, there is an overproduction crisis in Europe. In order to balance things out, the EU will have to reduce production of pork by 3%, or 700,000t – which means closing around 700 companies of a comparable size to Atria,\" he stated, adding that most pork producer bankruptcies would take place in 2016-2017.He added that, among all the Baltic States, Estonian pig farmers would probably suffer most from the Russian ban. He said: \"In January and February the price of pork declined. Although the purchasing price of live pigs is falling, production costs remain the same. Breeders in Estonia found themselves in the most difficult situation and had to take pigs to Latvia and Lithuania, as they had no alternative markets, where they could offer their products. Currently they are only selling to meat processing plants that do not have their own pigs and use only imported meat,\" he added. \n \n " - ], - [ - "In Botswana, farmers battle roaming wild animals for their livelihood", - "RAKOPS — Wild animals roam freely over much of Botswana, a country known for strict conservation policies and wildlife tourism. But as roaming animals destroy crops and damage property, frustrated locals wonder: Does the government value the animal kingdom more than its citizens?For 21-year-old Botswanan farmer Letsile Pataabotwe, the majestic elephants that tens of thousands of tourists come to admire every year are nothing but trouble.\"A few weeks ago, I saw a group of them trampling our fields,\" says Mr Pataabotwe, who works on his mother’s land in Rakops, outside the north-eastern border of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve in the center of the country.\"I reported the incident to the wildlife authorities, but I had already lost 300 sacks’ worth of maize,\" the young farmer says in front of his concrete house, peering over the road to the fields.Mr Pataabotwe’s problem reflects a decades-long conflict between man and beast in Botswana — one that affects hundreds of thousands of people living near conservation areas in the southern African country.\"The compensation I will get from the government after months will not be anywhere near what the harvest would have been worth,\" he says. \"Elephants should all be killed, or sold to other countries!\"Nearly 40% of Botswana falls under two categories of protected land: game reserves, where the only human activities are conservation efforts and tourism; or wildlife management areas, where the rules on human activity are less strict.The country’s conservation policies in turn support its tourism industry, which is based almost entirely on wildlife and makes up nearly 9% of gross domestic product.These policies also affect another aspect of Botswana’s economy: cattle.Today, the country’s nearly 3-million heads of cattle are mostly owned by the beef industry, which analysts describe as having links to politicians.But the roaming cattle of smaller-scale farmers are threatened by the wild animals wandering the land — animals that include elephants, lions, leopards and others, according to John Weldon McNutt, who heads the Botswana Predator Conservation Trust in Maun.The wealth of a Botswanan has traditionally been measured by the number of cattle he or she has, and a farmer’s loss of cattle to a predator represents a blow to his livelihood.According to experts at the University of Botswana, thousands of kilometres of double wire fences were erected around wildlife areas between the 1950s and 1990s. The move was prompted in part by the European Union, a major importer of Botswanan beef, which wanted to prevent buffaloes from infecting cattle with foot-and-mouth disease.The fences prevented animal herds from using migratory routes in search of water in the dry season, leading to the deaths of hundreds of thousands of wildebeest between 1979 and 1985, said fencing expert Richard Fynn from the university.Animals have now adapted to the fences, which in some cases have saved zebras and wildebeest from starvation by segregating their feeding ground from that of cattle, wildlife expert Chris Brooks said.But the fences have not been as effective in keeping wild animals away from areas of human settlement.According to locals, elephants knock fences down, destroy crops, tear up water pipes and invade waterholes used by the community — clearing the way for other animals to come through in their wake.\"Jackals attacked my sheep, and my neighbour’s donkeys were maimed by hyenas,\" Mr Pataabotwe says.Hunting is banned in Botswana, but farmers often grab a gun or resort to poison when a wild dog or a leopard attacks their livestock.\"The killing of a cow by a wild animal is viewed very seriously by police,\" Mr McNutt said, explaining that the authorities often overlook the shooting of a predator by a farmer whose cattle was attacked.Official farmers’ representatives declined to be interviewed, saying they were discussing problems related to property damage with the government.President Ian Khama’s government has been lauded internationally for its conservation policies. But many Botswanans feel the authorities \"regard wildlife as being more important than people,\" said Gaseitsiwe Masunga, a research scholar on landscape ecology at the University of Botswana.\"We support tourism, but who wants to lose his cow to a lion?\" asked one farmer, who spoke on condition of anonymity.The government is trying to win acceptance of wildlife with educational measures and by encouraging tourism companies to share some of their profits with local communities.But as farmers continue to lose livestock to predators, solving the conflict between humans and wildlife may require a more effective compensation system, Mr McNutt said.Innovative ideas, he added, could also help.Instead of trying to separate humans from wildlife with fences, Mr McNutt’s Botswana Predator Conservation Trust proposes using animal feces, urine or similar chemical substances to mark territorial boundaries that animals would naturally respect.\"The technique could be used with lions, leopards, hyenas, wild dogs and possibly even elephants,\" said Mr McNutt, whose organisation is developing chemical substances for the technique in its laboratory.Sapa\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \tPicture: THINKSTOCK\n \nRAKOPS — Wild animals roam freely over much of Botswana, a country known for strict conservation policies and wildlife tourism. But as roaming animals destroy crops and damage property, frustrated locals wonder: Does the government value the animal kingdom more than its citizens?For 21-year-old Botswanan farmer Letsile Pataabotwe, the majestic elephants that tens of thousands of tourists come to admire every year are nothing but trouble.\"A few weeks ago, I saw a group of them trampling our fields,\" says Mr Pataabotwe, who works on his mother’s land in Rakops, outside the north-eastern border of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve in the center of the country.\"I reported the incident to the wildlife authorities, but I had already lost 300 sacks’ worth of maize,\" the young farmer says in front of his concrete house, peering over the road to the fields.Mr Pataabotwe’s problem reflects a decades-long conflict between man and beast in Botswana — one that affects hundreds of thousands of people living near conservation areas in the southern African country.\"The compensation I will get from the government after months will not be anywhere near what the harvest would have been worth,\" he says. \"Elephants should all be killed, or sold to other countries!\"Nearly 40% of Botswana falls under two categories of protected land: game reserves, where the only human activities are conservation efforts and tourism; or wildlife management areas, where the rules on human activity are less strict.The country’s conservation policies in turn support its tourism industry, which is based almost entirely on wildlife and makes up nearly 9% of gross domestic product.These policies also affect another aspect of Botswana’s economy: cattle.Today, the country’s nearly 3-million heads of cattle are mostly owned by the beef industry, which analysts describe as having links to politicians.But the roaming cattle of smaller-scale farmers are threatened by the wild animals wandering the land — animals that include elephants, lions, leopards and others, according to John Weldon McNutt, who heads the Botswana Predator Conservation Trust in Maun.The wealth of a Botswanan has traditionally been measured by the number of cattle he or she has, and a farmer’s loss of cattle to a predator represents a blow to his livelihood.According to experts at the University of Botswana, thousands of kilometres of double wire fences were erected around wildlife areas between the 1950s and 1990s. The move was prompted in part by the European Union, a major importer of Botswanan beef, which wanted to prevent buffaloes from infecting cattle with foot-and-mouth disease.The fences prevented animal herds from using migratory routes in search of water in the dry season, leading to the deaths of hundreds of thousands of wildebeest between 1979 and 1985, said fencing expert Richard Fynn from the university.Animals have now adapted to the fences, which in some cases have saved zebras and wildebeest from starvation by segregating their feeding ground from that of cattle, wildlife expert Chris Brooks said.But the fences have not been as effective in keeping wild animals away from areas of human settlement.According to locals, elephants knock fences down, destroy crops, tear up water pipes and invade waterholes used by the community — clearing the way for other animals to come through in their wake.\"Jackals attacked my sheep, and my neighbour’s donkeys were maimed by hyenas,\" Mr Pataabotwe says.Hunting is banned in Botswana, but farmers often grab a gun or resort to poison when a wild dog or a leopard attacks their livestock.\"The killing of a cow by a wild animal is viewed very seriously by police,\" Mr McNutt said, explaining that the authorities often overlook the shooting of a predator by a farmer whose cattle was attacked.Official farmers’ representatives declined to be interviewed, saying they were discussing problems related to property damage with the government.President Ian Khama’s government has been lauded internationally for its conservation policies. But many Botswanans feel the authorities \"regard wildlife as being more important than people,\" said Gaseitsiwe Masunga, a research scholar on landscape ecology at the University of Botswana.\"We support tourism, but who wants to lose his cow to a lion?\" asked one farmer, who spoke on condition of anonymity.The government is trying to win acceptance of wildlife with educational measures and by encouraging tourism companies to share some of their profits with local communities.But as farmers continue to lose livestock to predators, solving the conflict between humans and wildlife may require a more effective compensation system, Mr McNutt said.Innovative ideas, he added, could also help.Instead of trying to separate humans from wildlife with fences, Mr McNutt’s Botswana Predator Conservation Trust proposes using animal feces, urine or similar chemical substances to mark territorial boundaries that animals would naturally respect.\"The technique could be used with lions, leopards, hyenas, wild dogs and possibly even elephants,\" said Mr McNutt, whose organisation is developing chemical substances for the technique in its laboratory.Sapa\n\t\n\t" - ], - [ - "Zambia, Mozambique express interest in Botswana beef - official", - "\n \n \n \n \n Copyright : APA \n \n \n The plant manager of the Botswana Meat Commission (BMC) at the Maun Abattoir, Mothobi Mothobi said on Tuesday that after trials conducted in Zambia and Mozambique, those countries have shown interest to buy canned beef from the abattoir.\nThe abattoir slaughters and sells cattle for the local and regional market while the main one at Lobatse, 70 kilometers from the capital Gaborone slaughters for the European market. \nMothobi said they had also started selling to the Zimbabwe market, adding that the trade had been progressing well as payments were done on time. The Zimbabwean market was suspended after payments were delayed. \nMothobi also said that they were exporting 250 cattle per week, adding that this year they targeted to export 12,000. He said they managed to sell 23, 000 tonnes of beef directly to two of the countries. \n“Currently, we are waiting for some officials from Mozambique to come here and discuss the logistics and see if we could have permanent trade. Zambia has also made it clear that they do not want meat from the areas affected by the Foot-and-Mouth Disease,� he added.\n Signature : APA \n Copyright : © APA \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n " - ], - [ - "South Korea continues to battle livestock disease", - "\n South Korea is continuing to fight outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), which despite a cull of millions and a vaccination programme have not yet been eradicated.\n \n Since the first reported outbreak of FMD on 3 December, a total of 151 cases in pig and cattle farms have been confirmed. To date 139,000 head on 160 farms have been culled.According to a USDA report, FMD cases have recently spread to new areas and the number of cases is increasing rather than falling.The Korean government attributes this to an increased number of reports being filed and more tests being carried out of as a result of enhanced quarantine measures.It is introducing compensation for those who support suspected cases, and provincial governments are taking action against farmers who intentionally avoid or delay reporting suspected cases.In addition, 800,000 doses of a new type of vaccine will be distributed to farms in FMD-infected areas and the government is planning to import another 2.4 million doses. Outbreaks of HPAI have led to a cull of 3.88 million birds from 163 farms. The government is tackling the outbreak, which so far has 133 confirmed cases, by appointing \"surveillance people\" who will check traditional markets where live chickens and ducks are sold. \n \n " - ], - [ - "Belarus bans livestock imports from Norway due to mad cow disease", - "OSLO: Belarus has banned livestock imports from Norway due to a mad cow disease, the Veterinary and Food Control Department of the Agriculture and Food Ministry told BelTA.The World Organization for Animal Health reported on the case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (mad cow disease – BelTA) in Norway,†the department said.In this regard Belarus has introduced temporary restrictions on the import of Norwegian pedigree, commercial and slaughter cattle, sheep and goats, wild, zoo and circus susceptible animals, and also meat and meat products made from these animals, hides, hoofs, fodder and feed supplements containing ruminant DNA.Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), commonly known as mad cow disease, is a fatal disease in cattle that causes a spongy degeneration in the brain and spinal cord. BSE has a long incubation period, from 30 months to 8 years. The disease is easily transmitted to human beings by eating food contaminated with the brain, spinal cord or digestive tract of infected carcasses. In humans, it is known as Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease." - ], - [ - "Russia allows import of buffalo meat from India", - " \n\tAfter months of discussion and inspections of plants, Russia has decided to import buffalo meat from India. As Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus have common customs standards, the buffalo meat would soon be shipped to these three CIS countries.\nSources told FE that a formal announcement would be made during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India next week.\nAs per formal protocol to be signed, customs union of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan will import buffalo meat from four designated plants located in Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra.\nSources said buffalo meat would be exported from meat processing units at Aligarh, Barabanki, Rampur (Uttar Pradesh) and Aurangabad (Maharashtra) where inspectors from Russia will be stationed to monitor quality. These meat processing units belong to country’s largest buffalo meat exporter Allanasons and Amroon.\nRussia is among the few countries that had put a ban on import of meat and poultry products from India due to occurrence of foot and mouth disease years ago.\nThe decision to set up an office in the country for monitoring buffalo meat exports to Russia was taken recently in a meeting in Delhi by Dmitry Rogzin, deputy prime minister of Russia, with external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj.\nRussia’s move to source buffalo meat from India follows the ban imposed on fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, milk and dairy imports from the United States, the European Union, Australia and Canada in response to the sanctions imposed on it.\nThe Russian president had asked for limiting food imports from those countries that had imposed sanctions on Moscow for its support of rebels in eastern Ukraine and the annexation of Crimea. The ban is valid for one year starting August 7.\nIndia has made it clear that it will not support sanctions sought to be imposed on Russia by a select group of countries led by the US.\nOfficials at the Agricultural and Processed Food Exports Development Authority (APEDA) said concerted efforts to eliminate diseases such as rinderpest and foot and mouth disease have produced fruit with a sharp increase in exports of meat products, including buffalo meat from India.\nRinderpest was eliminated in 1995 and World Organisation for Animal Health had officially declared India free of the disease. The incidents of foot and mouth disease have been sporadic.\nThe buffalo meat exports grew from R13,745 crore in 2011-12 to R26,457 crore in the last fiscal. Countries such as Vietnam, Malaysia, Egypt, Thailand and Saudi Arabia are the key export destinations for the buffalo meat products.\n\tPlease Wait while comments are loading..." - ], - [ - "Russia lifts ban on meat import from number of Kazakh regions", - " \n Astana, Kazakhstan, Dec.29\nBy Daniyar Mukhtarov – Trend:\nRussia lifted the ban on import of meat from a number of regions of Kazakhstan, which was introduced earlier in connection with FMD (foot-and-mouth disease), said the press service of the ministry of agriculture of Kazakhstan.“Committee of veterinary control and supervision of the ministry of agriculture of Kazakhstan received the conclusion of Rosselkhoznadzor (the Russian Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance) for the welfare of the territory of Kazakhstan for FMD,†said the report.The report said that currently, issues of meat export and transportation of farm animals to Russia from a number of regions of Kazakhstan, the import of which was previously banned, except for the four rural districts of Zhambyl and five rural districts of Almaty region, bordering China and Kyrgyzstan, have been agreed upon with Rosselkhoznadzor.As of December 19, 2014, Kazakhstan exported 11.908.33 metric tons of meat and meat products.A few years ago, a buffer zone in Almaty, Zhambyl, Kyzylorda, South Kazakhstan and East Kazakhstan regions was created in Kazakhstan in order to provide safety during the transportation of the livestock products within the Customs Union. Thus, the export of meat and transportation of animals from these regions to other areas of the republic and Russia have been banned up to the present day.In August 2014, as a result of targeted measures from the Kazakh side and cooperation with Rosselkhoznadzor, restrictions on the export of meat from the East Kazakhstan region were lifted and the importation of animal products to Russia was allowed.In addition, the ministry of agriculture of Kazakhstan has submitted two applications to the Office International des Epizooties (OIE) (World Organization for Animal Health) in order to obtain the status of a zone free from foot and mouth disease. It is expected that after the consideration of the Kazakh dossier, the republic will receive the status of FMD-free country at the next Assembly of the OIE in May 2015. This will allow Kazakhstan to export animal products to the EU and the WTO countries, and will open access to the world markets for agriculture producers of the country.Follow us on Twitter @TRENDNewsAgency " - ], - [ - "South Africa negotiating EU market access for meat", - "\n \n \n South Africa negotiating EU market access for meat \n \n For exporting meat to the 28-member economic block. \n \n Tshepiso Mokhema, Bloomberg &nbsp|&nbsp13 January 2015&nbsp12:30 \t\n \n South Africa is in talks with the European Union about exporting meat to the 28-member economic block, Agriculture Minister Senzeni Zokwana said.\n“South Africa is still negotiating market access,†he told reporters today in the capital, Pretoria. “These were lucrative markets prior to South Africa losing its foot and mouth disease-free status in 2011,†he said.\nThe embargo on exports of both beef and game meat to certain countries in 2011 because of the FMD outbreak cost the nation an estimated R4 billion, he said. The World Organization for Animal Health declared South Africa free of the disease in February.\n“We sent them a dossier last year after February to say that we would like to resume trade,†Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Acting Deputy Director-General Mooketsa Ramasodi said. “What needs to happen now is they will have to look into sending a technical team to assess on possibilities of resuming trade with us. They will determine if our meat is fit for them to import into their region.â€\nThe department is looking into vaccinating 500 000 cattle in provinces such as KwaZulu-Natal, he said.\nThe country is seeking new export markets for both beef and game meats such as kudu and impala, and is targeting parts of Asia, Zokwana said. A delegation of Chinese officials will be coming to assess the possibilities of this happening, he said.\nSouth Africa’s animal farming industry, including livestock, dairy and meat products, is worth about R50 billion annually, Department of Agriculture Director-General Edith Vries said.\n©2015 Bloomberg News\n \n " - ], - [ - "South Africa Antelope Meat Exports Could Surge If EU Access Won", - " South Africa could boost the value of its exports of game meat more than fivefold from the levels it had before a ban due to a foot and mouth disease outbreak if it wins the right to resume sales to the European Union, an industry group said.\nSouth Africa is negotiating with the EU to resume shipments of game meat after a ban was put in place in 2011 because of an outbreak of foot and mouth disease, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Senzeni Zokwana told reporters in the capital, Pretoria, this week. Prior to the ban, South Africa exported 200 million rand ($17.3 million) to 400 million rand of game meat a year, said Peter Oberem, president of the Wildlife Ranching South Africa association.\n“We can easily export 2 billion rand of game meat in a year,†Oberem said by mobile phone on Jan. 13.\nSouth African game meat products range from antelope species such as kudu, oryx and impala to zebra and giraffe, according to the Game Abattoirs and Meat Exporters of South Africa association.\nThe ban on exports of meat including game to the EU cost South Africa about 4 billion rand, Zokwana said. The World Organization for Animal Health, known as OIE, declared South Africa free of the disease in February last year.\nThe nation’s livestock industry, including dairy and meat products, is worth 50 billion rand annually, according to the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Director-General Edith Vries. Exports of products such as beef and mutton are limited by local consumption and South Africa isn’t currently trying to win the right to export beef to the EU.\n“The area where the biggest advantage will be is in the game meat industry because that meat can now go out again,†Ernst Janovsky, head of agribusiness at Barclays Plc-owned Absa Group Ltd. said by phone from Johannesburg. “We used to export quite a lot of game meat.â€\n " - ], - [ - "South Africa Seeks to Sell Antelope, Impala Meat to EU", - " South Africa is in talks with the European Union about exporting game meat to the 28-member economic bloc, Agriculture Minister Senzeni Zokwana said.\n“South Africa is still negotiating market access,†he told reporters today in the capital, Pretoria. “These were lucrative markets prior to South Africa losing its foot and mouth disease-free status in 2011,†he said.\nThe embargo on exports of beef and game meat to certain countries in 2011 because of the FMD outbreak cost the nation an estimated 4 billion rand ($348 million), he said. The World Organization for Animal Health declared South Africa free of the disease in February.\n“We sent them a dossier last year after February to say that we would like to resume trade,†Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Acting Deputy Director-General Mooketsa Ramasodi said. “What needs to happen now is they will have to look into sending a technical team to assess on possibilities of resuming trade with us. They will determine if our meat is fit for them to import into their region.â€\nThe department is looking into vaccinating 500,000 cattle in provinces such as KwaZulu-Natal. Imports of beef into the EU has other requirements, which South Africa can’t meet at this moment, he said.\nSouth Africa’s biggest game reserve, the Kruger National Park, and the Ndumo and Tembe reserves in KwaZulu-Natal remain infected with the disease, Zokwana said.\nThe country is seeking new export markets for beef and game meats such as kudu and impala antelopes, and is targeting parts of Asia. A delegation of Chinese officials will be coming to assess the possibilities of this happening, he said.\nSouth Africa’s animal-farming industry, including livestock, dairy and meat products, is worth about 50 billion rand annually, Department of Agriculture Director-General Edith Vries said. The country also produces pork, ostrich and lamb.\n " - ], - [ - "South Africa hopes to pass tests to resume meat exports after 3-year ...", - "\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\t\n\tJanuary 16, 2015\t\n\t\n\tSouth Africa is looking at reviving its game and red meat export industry after a three-year global ban following an outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease has been lifted. The country’s Agricultural Department is now taking steps to resume trade. CCTV’s Sumitra Nydoo reported this story from Johannesburg.To recover from the red meant ban, which has cost the country $1.5 billion in the last three years, South Africa will need to ensure strict controls for livestock and wild animals bred for consumption. European and Chinese inspectors are expected in South Africa next month to carry out assessments.\nHand, foot and mouth disease is highly contagious and has devastating effects on animals. It is usually carried by buffalo at game reserves. South Africa has taken steps to create a buffer zone between freely-roaming wild animals and disease-free livestock. Animals such as cattle in the buffer zone are vaccinated to prevent the disease from spreading to free zones, but the process has to be well managed.“If you take a look at Botswana and our neighbors Namibia, which are exporting meat currently to Europe, they also got the foot and mouth in their countries, but it’s well managed through red lines, the boundaries and barriers where cattle don’t cross,†agricultural economist at Absa Bank Ernest Janovsky said.While South Africa is a net importer of red meat, experts believed the industry can grow into an exporting one.In the meantime, some industry players have raised their concerns about what a thriving export market could do to the local consumer market. South African consumers are already struggling with high meat prices that have risen by almost double the inflation rate in the last year. Game meat is even more expensive, and could get higher once exports resume.Experts have welcomed government’s decision to renegotiate trade terms to export meat, but said that South Africa should also negotiate better trade conditions. Current economic blocs such as the European Union look at geographical location, and not individual products, which means if there’s an outbreak in an isolated area, the whole country receives a blanket ban.A more fair method would be using a commodity-based trade agreement, where each product is evaluated individually to determine if it is a heath threat, Peter Oberem, president of Wildlife Ranching SA said.\nRelated\n\t\n\t\n\t\n" - ], - [ - "Global Animal Biotechnology Report 2014-Forecasts to 2023", - "\n\t\n\tTransgenic technologies are used for improving milk production and the meat in farm animals as well as for creating models of human diseases. (image credit: wikimedia)\nDUBLIN, IRELAND, Jul. 14 (Korea Bizwire) – Research and Markets (http://bit.ly/1kr6yzC) has announced the addition of Jain PharmaBiotech’s new report “Global Animal Biotechnology Report 2014-2023 – Technologies, Markets and Companies†to their offering.\nThis report describes and evaluates animal biotechnology and its application in veterinary medicine and pharmaceuticals as well as improvement in food production. Knowledge of animal genetics is important in the application of biotechnology to manage genetic disorders and improve animal breeding. Genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics are also being applied to animal biotechnology.\nTransgenic technologies are used for improving milk production and the meat in farm animals as well as for creating models of human diseases. Transgenic animals are used for the production of proteins for human medical use. Biotechnology is applied to facilitate xenotransplantation from animals to humans. Genetic engineering is done in farm animals and nuclear transfer technology has become an important and preferred method for cloning animals.There is discussion of in vitro meat production by culture\nBiotechnology has potential applications in the management of several animal diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease, classical swine fever, avian flu and bovine spongiform encephalopathy. The most important biotechnology-based products consist of vaccines, particularly genetically engineered or DNA vaccines. Gene therapy for diseases of pet animals is a fast developing area because many of the technologies used in clinical trials humans were developed in animals and many of the diseases of cats and dogs are similar to those in humans.RNA interference technology is now being applied for research in veterinary medicine\nMolecular diagnosis is assuming an important place in veterinary practice. Polymerase chain reaction and its modifications are considered to be important. Fluorescent in situ hybridization and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays are also widely used. Newer biochip-based technologies and biosensors are also finding their way in veterinary diagnostics.\nBiotechnology products are approved by the Center for Veterinary Medicine of the FDA. Regulatory issues relevant to animal biotechnology are described.\nApproximately 117 companies have been identified to be involved in animal biotechnology and are profiled in the report. These are a mix of animal healthcare companies and biotechnology companies. Top companies in this area are identified and ranked. Information is given about the research activities of 11 veterinary and livestock research institutes. Important 108 collaborations in this area are shown.\nShare of biotechnology-based products and services in 2013 is analyzed and the market is projected to 2023.\nThe text is supplemented with 34 tables and 5 figures.Selected 250 references from the literature are appended.\nKey Topics Covered:\nExecutive Summary\n1. Introduction to Animal Biotechnology \n2. Application of Biotechnology in Animals \n3. A Biotechnology Perspective of Animals Diseases \n4. Molecular Diagnostics in Animals \n5. Biotechnology-based Veterinary Medicine \n6. Research in Animal Biotechnology \n7. Animal Biotechnology Markets \n8. Regulatory issues \n9. Companies Involved in Animal Biotechnology \n10. References\nFor more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/nlf7ps/animal.\nOver 400 of the Fortune 500 buy their research from Research and Markets. Some of our clients in the area of Biotechnology include:\n– IGEN Biotech Group \n– BASF \n– McKinsey & Company, Inc. \n– Mitsubishi Research Institute, Inc. \n– Beiersdorf AG \n– NPS Pharmaceuticals, Inc. \n– Vertex Pharmaceuticals \n– Beckman Coulter Genomics \n– Baxter Innovations GmbH \n– Otsuka Pharmaceutical Company \n– Bio Springer \n– Qiagen \n– Amgen \n– Yale University\n \nContacts:\nResearch and Markets\nLaura Wood, Senior Manager\nU.S. Fax: 646-607-1907\nFax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716\nSource: Research and Markets via Marketwired\n " - ], - [ - "Russia reports new African swine fever outbreaks", - "The department for veterinary and food supervision at the Agriculture and Food Ministry of the Republic of Belarus has announced that several new cases of African swine fever have been reported from Oryol Oblast, Bryansk Oblast, Kaluga Oblast and Moscow Oblast of Russia. The Agriculture and Food Ministry informs on the need to take additional measures to prevent the import of live animals, sperm, pork and processed pork products, hides, hoof raw materials, hog hair, and hunter’s trophies acquired from susceptible animals from Russia’s Oryol Oblast, Bryansk Oblast, Kaluga Oblast and Moscow Oblast. There is a need to make special efforts to ensure the biological protection of large pig-breeding complexes and farms of all forms of ownership. The Agriculture and Food Ministry also said that a new case of classical swine fever was reported in Karsava Municipality of Latvia. The same measures should be applied to the products from this region. ASF is a contagious viral disease that affects domestic and wild swine. The disease is transmitted via direct contact, via products made of pork, by ticks and mechanically (by transportation means, during the transportation of people and animals). No vaccine is available. The animals suspected to have the disease are slaughtered. The disease does not affect humans. Classical swine fever is a viral disease affecting pigs and wild boars. This highly contagious infection causes fever, damage of blood vessels and blood-forming organs, inflammation of mucous membrane of large bowels. The disease can occur in all countries. Classical swine fever causes immense economic losses. The death rate ranges from 80% to 100%. " - ], - [ - "Bird Flu Reported in Myanmar", - "Poultry News Bird Flu Reported in Myanmar26 February 2015 MYANMAR - An outbreak of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza around 140km from Mandalay is reported to have led to the death and culling of thousands of poultry.According to health officials in Myanmar (Burma), thousands of poultry have been culled in an attempt to contain an outbreak of H5N1 bird flu in Monywa. \nThe Malaysian Insider reports that more than 1,400 chickens and 10,000 quail died in the Monywa outbreak and about 1,500 chickens and more than 20,000 quail have since been culled. \n \nFurther Reading \nYou can visit the Avian Flu page by clicking here. \n \n \nThePoultrySite News Desk " - ], - [ - "U.S. challenges S. Korea's ban on poultry imports", - " \n \n\tThe United States has taken issue with South Korea's decision to ban imports of U.S. poultry following the discovery of highly pathogenic bird flu cases in Washington and Oregon, the Seoul government said Thursday.In December, South Korea banned imports of all poultry products from America after two wild birds were determined to have contracted the highly pathogenic avian influenza.According to Seoul's trade and industry ministry, the United States Trade Representative said in its latest trade barriers report that the import ban conflicts with directives issued by the World Organization for Animal Health.The Paris-based organization said import bans should be implemented on products from regions reporting HPAI and not a blanket ban for all meat from a country.The USTR claims South Korea's farm-related safety standards lack transparency and predictability, arguing that there have been persistent delays by the Seoul government in authorizing trade of new food products, according to the ministry.Besides poultry, the representative office said Seoul's revised automobile management act, which makes it mandatory for import cars to disclose previous repair records, unfairly hurt foreign-made brands.The USTR also said that ambiguity in the sending of local financial data abroad and delays in getting authorization for such transfers have caused many U.S. firms to express frustration.Washington, however, said that South Korea was adhering faithfully to agreements reached on the import of beef from animals less than 30 month old, according to the ministry. The age limit was imposed after the United States reported a few mad cow disease cases in the past. (Yonhap)" - ], - [ - "DA bans poultry imports from Israel", - "MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Agriculture (DA) has temporarily banned the importation of domestic and wild birds and their products from Haifa, Israel after a reported outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in turkey fattening farms in the area.\nThrough memorandum order 4, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala banned the entry of poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs and semen from Haifa.\nThe World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) reported that an outbreak of H5N1 HPAI virus was monitored in turkey fattening farms in Avi’el, Hadera, Haifa as of Jan. 14.\nThis was confirmed by the Kimron Vetrinary Institute, Avian Diseases Laboratory, after real-time polymerase chain reaction tests.\nThe OIE Animal Health Information Department said the H5 HPAI virus is among the notifiable OIE-listed terrestrial animal diseases, infections and infestations in force in 2014.\nThe Agriculture department has, therefore, suspended the processing, evaluation of application and issuance of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Import Clearance to import such products from said location.\n \n \n Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1\n \n \nWith the exception of heat-treated products with slaughter or production date before Oct. 31, 2014, all other such shipments originating from the mentioned location would be seized to prevent entry into the country.\n“Our poultry subsector grossed P189.7 billion last year, or 7.84 percent higher than in 2013. We cannot afford then to lose this growth foothold to avian diseases, that is why we are keen on monitoring entry of products that could threaten the health of our poultry industry,†Alcala said.\nThe domestic poultry sector is one of the strongest farm subsector in the country, having remained free from bird flu that affected neighboring Asian countries.\nThe OIE is an inter-governmental organization that functions to inform governments of the occurrence of animal diseases and of ways to control these diseases.\nIt also conducts studies devoted to the surveillance and control of animal diseases and of harmonizing regulations to facilitate trade in animals and animal products.\n \n" - ], - [ - "Philippines bans poultry imports from Israel amid bird flu outbreak", - " \t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\tInterAksyon.com means BUSINESS\n\t\n\tMANILA - Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Proceso Alcala has ordered the temporary ban on the importation of domesticated and wild birds and their products, including poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs and semen, from Haifa, Israel.\nAlcala set the temporary ban through Memorandum Order 4- 2015 to protect the health of the local livestock population and food safety in the country from the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). Citing an Office of International des Epizooties (OIE) report, Alcala said there has been an outbreak of HPAI virus in Avi’el, Hadera, Haifa, Israel that started on January 14, 2015.\nThe outbreak, according to the OIE, was caused by H5N1 HPAI virus affecting turkey fattening farms as confirmed by the Kimron Veterinary Institute, Avian Diseases Laboratory through real-time polymerase chain reaction.\nThe OIE Animal Health Information Department said the H5 HPAI virus is among the notifiable OIE-listed terrestrial animal diseases, infections and infestations in force in 2014.\nUnder the orders, Alcala specified emergency measures such as the immediate suspension of the processing, evaluation of application and issuance of sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) import clearance, and the halt and confiscation of all shipments of aforementioned commodities from said locations, except heat-treated products with slaughter/production date before October 31, 2014.\nAlcala said the importation of poultry and meat products is subject to the conditions provided in the applicable articles of the OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code 2014.\n“Our poultry subsector grossed P189.7 billion last year, or 7.84 percent higher than in 2013. We cannot afford then to lose this growth foothold to avian diseases; that is why we are keen on monitoring entry of products that could threaten the health of our poultry industry,†Alcala said.\nThe OIE is an inter-governmental organization that, among others, has functions of informing governments of the occurrence of animal diseases and of ways to control these diseases, of coordinating studies devoted to the surveillance and control of animal diseases and of harmonizing regulations to facilitate trade in animals and animal products.\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t" - ], - [ - "Lithuania culls pigs over African swine fever", - "\t\n\tVILNIUS - Lithuania on Thursday destroyed thousands of pigs after confirming its first cases of deadly African swine fever, days after it was detected on farms in EU neighbours Latvia and Poland.The spread of the disease, which is harmless to humans but poses a grave threat to pigs and the pork industry, comes as the World Trade Organization reviews a Russian embargo on EU pork sparked by the outbreak.Lithuania's state food and veterinary service said cases were reported in the north-east of the country, close to Latvia and Belarus, on an industrial-scale farm owned by Danish company Idavang.\"The farm had around 19,000 pigs, and they are being destroyed,\" Idavang spokeswoman Lina Mockute told AFP.The developments come the day after Lithuania's southern neighbour Poland suffered its first cases of swine fever in pigs, and two days after northern neighbour Latvia extended an emergency zone for the same reason.Russia in January imposed a pork embargo on the 28-nation European Union but Brussels turned to the World Trade Organization, arguing the ban is totally misplaced.WTO's disputes settlement body have created panels to hear the complaint, trade sources said earlier this week.Russia buys a quarter of the EU's pork exports, worth around 1.4 billion euros ($1.9 billion) a year.Lithuania ordered a mass cull of wild boar earlier this year, targeting 90 percent of the estimated 60,000 living on its territory, after the disease was detected in animals thought to have come from Belarus. \n\t \n\t- Sapa\n\t" - ], - [ - "African swine fever hits Lithuania", - "\n \n \n \n \n \n News sources in Europe have reported an outbreak of African swine fever in Lithuania, part of the European Union. A hunted wild boar tested positive to the disease.\nA Global Post article said Lithuania has imposed a temporary ban on the movement of live pigs out of the affected areas, “fearing the virus could spread to local farms.†Two non-EU neighboring countries, Russia and Belarus have banned pork products from Lithuania that are not processed thermally as a result of the virus being detected in the country last week.\nThe Lithuanian government is expected to declare an official state of emergency this week in regions bordering Belarus, which it claims was the source of the virus. Officials also imposed a temporary ban on the shipping of live pigs out of the affected areas, fearing the virus could spread to local farms.\n In addition, all wild boars hunted in these regions (which are close to Poland, another EU-member country) will be incinerated if tests show they carry the virus. The Food and Veterinary Service in Lithuania said 90 percent of the country’s 60,000 wild boars would have to be culled to stop the virus from spreading, according to the Baltic Times.\nInterior Minister Dailis Alfonsas Barakauskas said the government will turn to the EU Commission, asking to finance a fence along Belarus' border to prevent the movement of boars. Last year the European Commission rejected Lithuania’s request to pay for a fence to stop wild boars from Belarus crossing the border.\nLatvia has banned the import of animal feed from Lithuania as a result of the scare, reports The Baltic Course. The Food and Veterinary Service has ordered several import bans, said Latvian Food and Veterinary Service spokeswoman Anna Joffe. She also asked hunters to be especially careful, and report any suspicious wild boar activities.\nAnimal feed produced in Lithuania's southeastern regions have been banned, as well as reproductive materials from live pigs, including pig embryos, egg cells and sperm. There also will be tighter control of animal products, especially pork products, on Latvian borders. Vehicles transporting animals will be subject to disinfection.\nThe Latvian government has agreed to allocate 1.36 million Euros in an effort to keep African swine fever from spreading across its borders.\nAfrican swine fever is harmless to humans but deadly to pigs, and presently there is no cure.\n " - ], - [ - "Wild boar cull in Lithuania amid African swine fever outbreak", - "\n Daugai: In the dead of the bone-chilling Lithuanian winter, a hunter cocks his gun and squints as he takes aim at a wild boar foraging for food 30 paces away.A sharp crack from the rifle and the prey, a pregnant female, collapses as blood trickles onto the snow.It's open season on wild boar after Vilnius ordered a record cull amid an outbreak of African swine fever that has prompted Russia to ban pork imports from across the European Union.But there is concern in this Baltic state that killing off 90 per cent of its estimated 60,000 wild boar will upset the delicate balance of the food chain.\n Advertisement\n \n \n\"We feel bad about shooting a female carrying babies, but we have to because we know the possible consequences,\" Aurimas Trunce, head of a hunting club in southern Lithuania, said.African swine fever is harmless to humans but lethal to pigs and has no known cure.It has spread throughout the Balkans, the Caucasus and Russia since 2007, and is endemic to areas of Africa, according to the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).The FAO warns of \"vast losses\" if it migrates from Russia to China, which is home to half of the world's pigs.The Lithuanian cull is one of the largest in the world but state veterinary officials in Vilnius say similar measures are now being applied in Belarus and parts of Russia.They believe the virus crept over the border from neighbouring Belarus and fear it could spread to, and decimate commercial pig farms, triggering a wave of bankruptcies.\"Our agriculture sector will suffer a huge loss if we do not solve this problem,\" Prime Minister Algirdas Butkevicius has warned.An EU member since 2004, Lithuania has also imposed a state of emergency in affected areas, slapping a temporary ban on shipments of live pigs, and is mulling a cull.Time is of the essence, insist state veterinary officials that are overseeing the six-month cull in the wild ending in June. Come spring, the virus will spread faster as warm weather brings back birds and the mites they bear.Carrot and stickBut environmentalists are also sounding the alarm, warning that the massive cull will wreak havoc with the food chain of wildlife populations.\"They are treating boars here the way homeless dogs are being treated in Sochi, as they are both being totally eliminated,\" an angry Andrejus Gaidamavicius said, referring to the mass killing of stray dogs in Sochi ahead of the Winter Olympics in Russia.Stronger animals could also develop an immunity to the virus, the environmentalist added.\"It is outrageous that hunting will also be allowed in nature reserves,\" Gaidamavicius said.With wild boars virtually wiped out, predators like wolves will turn to hunting deer and could severely deplete their numbers, experts insist.EU and UN experts admit excessive hunting could have other undesired effects: it might encourage individual animals to migrate in an effort to escape hunters and thus spread the virus.In a bid to stop more infected animals migrating from Belarus, Lithuania has also asked Brussels to co-finance a fence along its southern-eastern border.All wild boar hunted down in the cull will be incinerated if tests show they carry the virus; those not infected could still be used for meat.Of the nearly 1,500 animals killed in January, only two tested positive for the disease, according to state veterinary officials.The EU has termed Moscow's January 29 import ban of its pork \"disproportionate\". Russia imports a quarter of the bloc's pork exports, worth around 1.4 billion euros ($1.9 billion) annually.Lithuania has adopted a carrot and stick strategy for the mass cull: it is offering hunters 250 litas (72 euros, $98) for each carcass, but hunters who refuse to participate risk having their licences suspended.Environment Minister Valentinas Mazuronis even promised to charm their wives into letting the hunters head for the woods for the weekend.\"I'll write letters to hunters' wives: don't be angry at your husbands who go hunting Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. We appreciate you letting them go all in a good cause,\" he said only half-jokingly.AFP" - ], - [ - "Lithuania hopes ASF combat will be financed by Brussels", - "\n By Vladislav VorotnikovVladislav Vorotnikov , 07-Feb-20142014-02-07T00:00:00Z\n Lithuania is planning to send a request to Brussels to allocate about €20m towards the fight against African swine fever (ASF), according to a report from the country’s State Food and Veterinary Service.\n \n \"Lithuania borders on the EU, so any measures [taken to prevent the spread of ASF] concern the whole of Europe,\" said head of the service Jonas Milius. \"The Veterinary Service has developed a program to combat this disease, which has only been reported among wild boars in Lithuania. It has forced us to declare a state of emergency in six areas of the country.\"One of the most effective measures [to combat ASF] would be the creation of fence on the border with Belarus, which would prevent the migration of wild animals carrying the disease,\" added Milius. \"Several outbreaks of ASF were recorded last year in neighbouring Belarus.\"Insufficient fightMeanwhile, Sergei Dankvert, head of Russian veterinary watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor, said: \"Lithuania’s monitoring of ASF is extremely insufficient.\" He claimed this was clear from preliminary reports supplied by Russian veterinarians in the EU Commission in Lithuania.\"We still have a lot of questions for our Lithuanian colleagues,\" added Dankvert. \"In particular, why were the samples taken only from the seven dead boars, although 18 bodies were found?\"According to Dankvert the first outbreak of ASF in Lithuania may have happened as early as November 2013. \"Two ASF outbreaks, which were officially announced in January, are not linked,\" he said. \"They were 36km from each other. So the situation is difficult. We will continue to work together with our colleagues [on this].\"EU pork imports to be restoredPork exports to Russia from EU countries, limited following the discovery of African swine fever (ASF) in Lithuania, may be partly restored in April, added Dankvert.\"I do not see the possibility of restoring pork imports within the next two months. However, firstly, they [EU veterinary services] must conduct [a] regional study,\" he said.He noted that European colleagues should at least prohibit delivery from Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Estonia and, in principle, the danger zone should also be extended to include the Netherlands, Germany, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia. These countries could face a ban on exports of pork products to Russia for three years.However, Dankvert said that, from April, Russia may restore imports of pork from Italy, Portugal, Denmark, France, Spain and many others.\"I would be willing to make advances to Italy, France and other countries, but we need to work [on this]. To make it happen, we must have an understanding that the EU is assessing the situation correctly, although they do not seem to understand it at present,\" he concluded. \n \n " - ], - [ - "Russia extends pork ban for Poland and Lithuania", - "\n By Carmen Paun, in BrusselsCarmen Paun, in Brussels , 08-Apr-20142014-04-08T00:00:00Z\n As of yesterday (Monday 7 April) Russia has effectively extended its African Swine Fever (ASF)-justified ban to include processed pork meat products from Poland and Lithuania, two Polish members of the European Parliament (MEP) have revealed.\n \n Speaking during a meeting of the European Parliament’s committee on agriculture held yesterday in Brussels, the Polish centre-right MEP CzesÅ‚aw Adam Siekierski said that, last week, the Russian Veterinary Office released an order saying it would ban processed pork meat products coming from Lithuania and Poland as of 7 April, extending the existing Russian ban on fresh pigmeat products from the whole European Union (EU).\"As of today, a total ban on imports of [any] pork meat [products] from Lithuania and Poland is being introduced,\" added the Polish conservative MEP Janusz Wojciechowski. The European Commission’s directorate general (DG) for health, which has been in charge of negotiating with the Russian authorities on the issue, confirmed it had been informed about the new ban and said this could affect products such as Polish sausages, for example.Russia imposed its ban on all EU live pig and fresh pork meat in January following cases of ASF detected in wild boar in Lithuania and Poland.The country’s authorities have asked the European Commission for a list of all EU facilities which import pork meat from Poland and Lithuania for onward processing, the European Parliament debate revealed. Polish MEPs warned that this information could be used by Russia to impose bans on those facilities should Brussels provide the information.Speaking during the debate, Ladislav Miko, the deputy director general of the European Commission’s health directorate general (DG) indicated that this was not likely to happen soon: \"Sometimes we are asked questions that would distort the EU market and have nothing in connection with addressing the issue of African Swine Fever (ASF) and in that case we don’t send that information to the Russian partners,\" he said.The European Commission officials negotiating with Russia on the ban have been met by a permanent refusal to reconsider the issue, he said, arguing this was politically motivated by the recent diplomatic and economic clash between the EU and Russia on Crimea.Many members of the European Parliament’s agriculture committee expressed concerns that Russia was trying to split the EU market by negotiating with its member states on a bilateral basis. \"I would like to disapprove all actions of all member states which have started talking to Moscow independently; this is an infringement of the solidarity rule and the EU needs to remain united,\" said MEP Siekierski.Ladislav Miko said that Brussels is still considering compensating a larger number of pig farmers than those who are part of the Poland and Lithuania border areas affected by ASF. \n \n " - ], - [ - "African swine fever spreading in one of Lithuania's districts", - "The State Food and Veterinary Service (VMVT) reports that dead pigs were found in two farms located in Ignalina district. Laboratory testing confirmed African swine fever (ASF) in both cases, informs LETA/ELTA. \n \t \n\t \n\tAn immediate investigation was \nlaunched after Ignalina VMVT branch received information that one pig died \nwithout any clinical signs in a homestead in Ceikinai eldership (15 kilometres \nfrom UAB Idavang, the hotbed of ASF) \nand another pig was found dead in a homestead in Dukstas eldership (24 km from \nASF hotbed). \n \n \n \nIn the first case people kept two \npigs in a farm, whereas, only one pig was kept in a second location. The VMVT \ninspectors instantly declared quarantine to ascertain the diagnosis. \n \n \n \nThe results were in on Wednesday \nand showed that all three pigs were infected with the African swine fever \nvirus. \n \n \n \n3 km infection zones and 10 km \nmonitoring zones were established around both farms. According to the VMVT, \nthere are 17 pig farmers who keep 44 pigs within the new ASF 3 km infection \nzones. Meanwhile, in the 10 km monitoring zones there are a total of 85 pig \nfarmers that keep 235 pigs. \n \n \n \nFarmers who live in 3 km infection \nzones will be recommended to slaughter the animals and consume the meat only \nafter laboratory testing. While in 10 km monitoring zones, blood tests of all \npigs will be collected and tighter monitoring will be carried out. \n \n" - ], - [ - "R-CALF and other U.S. farm groups point to Canadian BSE case as ...", - "\n\t\n\t\n\tCows graze on a pasture near the Trans-Canada Highway north of Calgary, Alberta on February 13, 2015. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) confirmed February 13, 2015 that a case of mad cow disease has been found in Alberta, the first case in Canada since 2011.\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\tA handful of U.S. farm groups are trying to use Canada’s newest BSE case to prop up arguments in favour of mandatory country-of-origin labelling, or COOL.\nAmong the organizations attempting to draw a link between the labelling law and the latest infected cow is R-CALF — the same U.S. lobby group that became the bane of the Canadian beef industry during the height of this country’s BSE crisis more than a decade ago.\nBut John Masswohl, director of government and international relations for the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association, said he doesn’t expect the rumblings of a few extreme protectionists to have an impact on Canada’s efforts to get the controversial U.S. labelling law repealed.\n“We always expect the usual suspects to provide the usual spin. We’re pretty confident that nobody in the States really pays attention to R-CALF anymore,†Masswohl said.\nR-CALF, a Montana-based cattle producers’ lobby group, became infamous in Canada in 2004 when it successfully obtained a court injunction blocking the planned reopening of the U.S. border to Canadian beef products. The ensuing legal wrangling lasted more than a year and was one of the reasons bovine spongiform encephalopathy became such a costly and difficult episode in Canadian agriculture history.\nNow, R-CALF is once again raising alarm bells about Canada’s food safety system. Last week, the organization’s CEO Bill Bullard said the discovery of a new case near Spruce Grove, Alberta is proof that the U.S. Congress should not repeal COOL — even though the law has been successfully challenged at the World Trade Organization by Canada and Mexico for being discriminatory and violating trade agreements.\n“U.S. consumers can use COOL to avoid purchasing meat from countries like Canada that refuse to implement a responsible testing program to keep diseased animals out of their food system,†Bullard said in a news release. “Congress and the public should ignore Canada’s pompous posturing against COOL.â€\nR-CALF isn’t the only U.S. farm group trying to capitalize on Canada’s latest BSE discovery. Both the Wisconsin Farmers Union and the South Dakota Farmers Union have issued statements pointing to the new case as proof of COOL’s importance.\nBut Masswohl said these organizations have long been proponents of the labelling law, since it adds layers of red tape for Canadian beef producers and gives their U.S. counterparts an unfair cost advantage.\n“They love it, and they’ll use anything they can to try to hang onto it,†he said. “They know it has nothing to do with any animal health issue.â€\nCOOL — which the Canadian cattle and hog industries say costs them more than $1 billion annually due to increased processing and handling — requires all meat products sold south of the border to clearly state on the package where the animal was born, raised, and slaughtered.\nRelated\nCanada is currently awaiting a decision from the WTO, which is expected to issue a ruling in April after hearing an appeal from the U.S. earlier this winter. If the WTO sides once again with Canada and Mexico, the Canadian government has said it will seek authorization to impose retaliatory sanctions.\nMasswohl said he remains hopeful that U.S. lawmakers will repeal COOL before it comes to that. He said he believes many politicians south of the border understand the impact sanctions could have, and are eager to avoid such an outcome.\n“I think that we’re in good shape there … I think that people get it,†he said.\nThe Canadian Food Inspection Agency continues to investigate the latest Canadian case of BSE. No part of the infected cow entered the human or animal food chain.\nThe discovery of the new case has prompted six countries — China, Taiwan, Peru, Belarus, South Korea, and Indonesia — to impose trade restrictions on Canadian beef or beef products.\nastephenson@calgaryherald.com\nTwitter.com/AmandaMsteph\n\t" - ], - [ - "Lithuania to resume pork exports to Ukraine", - "\n By Vladislav Vorotnikov Vladislav Vorotnikov , 20-Feb-20152015-02-20T00:00:00Z\n Lithuania plans to resume supplies of pork to Ukraine in the months ahead, according to a statement from the country’s officials. Supplies have been banned since last year, following a series of outbreaks of African swine fever (ASF) in the Baltic States.\n \n Experts noted that Ukraine was previously an important sales market for a number of Lithuanian companies, but now, given the devaluation of the hryvnia and falling imports of pork into the country, whether it makes sense to renew supplies is questionable.Jonas Milius, director of the State Food and Veterinary Service of Lithuania, recently conducted talks with interim head of the State Veterinary and Phytosanitary Service of Ukraine Vitaly Bashynsky, during which new veterinary certificates for meat and dairy product exports from Lithuania to Ukraine were approved.\"The Ukrainian market has always been attractive for our producers, but because of ASF, which came to the country last year, exports of certain products have been temporarily suspended. We had to revise and re-approve veterinary certificates, which will allow the resumption of Lithuanian dairy and meat product exports. We also had to give guarantees that products exported from Lithuania were safe and that we had effective ways to control our production cycle,\" Milius stated.The recent agreements are expected to give Lithuanian producers the right to resume supplies to the Ukraine market within two to three months. However, forecasts say that Ukraine will import only 80,000 tonnes (t) of pork this year, compared to 230,000t in 2013, so the volume of supplies will be small. At the same time, recent reports have stated that Baltic pork producers urgently need to find new sales outlets for their products.Pig farmers will have to cut productionAccording to Olle Khorma, chairman of Atria Eesti, pork producers will have to cut production, in particular in Estonia, as the industry continues to suffer pressure caused by the Russian ban. All in all, he forecast that, in terms of volume, the embargo would cost European Union countries 700,000t in pork production.\"Production in Estonia meets domestic demand by 106%, while pork production in the European Union meets the demand by 111%. Due to the ban on export supplies to Russia, there is an overproduction crisis in Europe. In order to balance things out, the EU will have to reduce production of pork by 3%, or 700,000t – which means closing around 700 companies of a comparable size to Atria,\" he stated, adding that most pork producer bankruptcies would take place in 2016-2017.He added that, among all the Baltic States, Estonian pig farmers would probably suffer most from the Russian ban. He said: \"In January and February the price of pork declined. Although the purchasing price of live pigs is falling, production costs remain the same. Breeders in Estonia found themselves in the most difficult situation and had to take pigs to Latvia and Lithuania, as they had no alternative markets, where they could offer their products. Currently they are only selling to meat processing plants that do not have their own pigs and use only imported meat,\" he added. \n \n " - ], - [ - "Lithuania orders pig cull amid first cases of African swine fever", - "\n Lithuania orders pig cull amid first cases of African swine fever\n \n \n AFP | 2014-07-24 13:47:15.0\n \n \n \n \n Lithuania's state food and veterinary service said cases were reported in the north-east of the country, close to Latvia and Belarus, on an industrial-scale farm owned by Danish company Idavang. File photo\n \n Lithuania destroyed thousands of pigs after confirming its first cases of deadly African swine fever, days after it was detected on farms in EU neighbours Latvia and Poland.\n \n \n The spread of the disease, which is harmless to humans but poses a grave threat to pigs and the pork industry, comes as the World Trade Organization reviews a Russian embargo on EU pork sparked by the outbreak.Lithuania's state food and veterinary service said cases were reported in the north-east of the country, close to Latvia and Belarus, on an industrial-scale farm owned by Danish company Idavang.\"The farm had around 19,000 pigs, and they are being destroyed,\" Idavang spokeswoman Lina Mockute told AFP.The developments come the day after Lithuania's southern neighbour Poland suffered its first cases of swine fever in pigs, and two days after northern neighbour Latvia extended an emergency zone for the same reason.Russia in January imposed a pork embargo on the 28-nation European Union but Brussels turned to the World Trade Organization, arguing the ban is totally misplaced.WTO's disputes settlement body have created panels to hear the complaint, trade sources said earlier this week.Russia buys a quarter of the EU's pork exports, worth around 1.4 billion euros ($1.9 billion) a year.Lithuania ordered a mass cull of wild boar earlier this year, targeting 90 percent of the estimated 60,000 living on its territory, after the disease was detected in animals thought to have come from Belarus.\n \n \n \n \n\t \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t" - ], - [ - "Meat industry in Lithuania suffers heavy losses over ASF and ...", - "\n By Vladislav VorotnikovVladislav Vorotnikov , 01-Sep-20142014-09-01T00:00:00ZLast updated on 04-Sep-2014 at 11:32 GMT2014-09-04T11:32:41Z\n Meat producers in Lithuania have reported heavy losses due to the continuing spread of African swine fever (ASF) and the sanctions on meat supplies to Russia.\n \n According to the chairman of Lithuania’s Chamber of Agriculture Andrejus Stanchikas, these problems may result in the livestock industry in Lithuania dying out.The Chamber of Agriculture said that a significant fall in prices for milk and meat have made almost all producers unprofitable and, as the result, farmers are considering changing their types of activity.\"There is a real danger the current problem will mean that, soon, Lithuania will produce only crops,\" said Stanchikas.According to government estimates, the Russian embargo alone will lead to losses for the Lithuanian meat industry amounting to LTL250m (€73m), and for the milk industry LTL200m (€58m). The damage from the spread of ASF could be much worse as it has already meant the country cannot look for alternative markets for its pork.In addition, a lack of help from the state is making the situation worse. The Lithuanian government announced that it would pay some money to support meat producers, but would not allocate any funds to meat processors, as there were no additional funds in the state budget.\"We cannot provide financial assistance [to meat processors] from our own budget,\" said the country’s Prime Minister Algirdas ButkeviÄius.It is also not clear if producers would receive any compensation, as ButkeviÄius added that Lithuania was only going \"to seek assistance for them during negotiations with the European Commission\".Baltic countries may join forces to claim supportAt the same time, the Baltic countries have decided to put on a united front when it comes to claiming compensation from the European Union (EU), due to the ban on meat exports to Russia.Farming organisations in Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania are planning to send an open letter to the EU commissioner for agriculture, Dacian CioloÈ™, asking him to grant to all three Baltic countries the status of a buffer zone, due to losses from the Russian embargo.Farmers in Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania plan to ask the European Commission to provide more support than that given to other EU countries to cover losses from the Russian sanctions. Their justification for this was \"that the Baltic States, given their location next to Russia, suffered more and more heavily [from the trade restrictions on meat import] than other EU countries\".\"The current support of 35-50% does not suit us. It is very small. If [a Baltic] government gives €1m in support, the EU gives €350,000. This is ridiculous. We are the buffer zone of the European Union. We believe the support should be a much higher,\" said Latvia minister of agriculture Janis Douglas. \n \n " - ], - [ - "Euro changeover in Lithuania reaching final stage", - " \n\tEuro changeover in Lithuania reaching final stage \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\tLithuania adopted the euro on 1 January 2015, thus becoming the 19th member of the euro area. With the dual circulation period ending on 15 January, 2015, a crucial part of the changeover will be completed this week, the European Commission said in a report, cites LETA/ELTA. \n\t \n \t \n\t \n\tThe retail sector continues to cope \nwell with the changeover process and parallel handling of two currencies and \nLithuanians' transition to euro cash is smooth. According to a recent \nCommission survey, by 10 January more than two out of three cash payments in \nshops were being made in euro only. Over one in two citizens (56%) polled said \nthey were carrying only euro cash in their wallets. The cash changeover has \nbeen facilitated by the fact that residents make increased use of electronic \nmeans of payment. \n \n \n \nEuro coins were made available to \nLithuanians already in December by way of euro coin starter kits. Practically \nall of the 900,000 starter kits were sold by 1 January. The Lithuanian central \nbank, Bank of Lithuania, reported that euro cash in circulation exceeded \nLithuanian litas cash on 9 January (EUR 1.25 billion (50.4%) vs. EUR 1.23 \nbillion (49.6%) in litas). \n \n \n \nOnce the dual circulation period \nhas ended, litas may still be exchanged free of charge at the official \nconversion rate (3.45280 litas to one euro) at the Lithuanian Post and some \ncredit unions until 1 March 2015 and at commercial banks until 30 June 2015 (at \nsome 90 bank branches all year long). Bank of Lithuania will exchange litas \ninto euro for an unlimited period of time and free of charge. \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t" - ], - [ - "Pag-aangkat ng hayop mula sa Chinese Taipei, ipinagbawal", - "PANSAMANTALANG ipinagbawal ni Secretary Proceso Alcala ang pag-angkat ng domesticated at wild birds at karne, sisiw, itlog at punlay mula sa Chiayi county sa Chinese Taipei. \nLayunin ng pagbabawal na maipagsanggalang ang local livestock at mapanatiling ligtas ang pagkain sa bansa mula sa Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza o HAPI. Ibinalita ng Agricultural Technology Research Institute ng Taipei sa Office of International des Epizooties na mayroong HAPI outbreak serotype H5N8 virus na nakaapekto sa mga sakahan sa kanilang mga gansa sa Da-Lin township. \nSa ilalim ng kautusan, mayroong ipatutupad na emergency measures tulad ng pansamantalang suspension ng pagpoproseso, pagsusuri ng mga application at paglalabas ng Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance at pagsamsam ng lahat ng kargamento mula sa apektadong pook. Pipigilin at sasamsamin ang lahat ng kargamento maliban sa heat-treated products. \nAng importasyon ay masasaklaw ng mga itinatadhanan sa mga probisyon ng OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code of 2014. \n" - ], - [ - "Estonia finds African swine fever in wild boar", - "\nTALLINN Estonia's Veterinary and Food Board said on Monday it had confirmed the country's first case of African swine fever in a wild boar. Swine fever was discovered in Estonia's southern neighbor Latvia in June and has since been reported also in Poland, Lithuania and Belarus. Estonia's live pig exports have fallen sharply after Russia banned exports of pigs and pork from the European Union when the disease was detected.\n \n The disease, for which there is no vaccine, affects pigs and wild boar and is often deadly. It does not affect humans.\n \n The Estonian government agency said in a statement the infected wild boar was found in the south-east of the country near the border with Latvia. \n \n (Reporting by David Mardiste, editing by Anna Ringstrom)" - ], - [ - "African swine fever discovered in Estonia", - "\n There have so far been two reported cases of African swine fever in EstoniaThe latest outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) to hit the Baltics has been discovered in Estonia.\n \n A report submitted to World Organisation for Animal Health (OiE), on 8 September, by the Veterinary and Food Board, Tallinn, notified the first instance of the listed disease.There have been two cases so far – a wild boar which was found dead in the Valga district, Hummuli, around 6km from the border with Latvia, and another in the Viljandi district, Tarvastu.Measures according to Article 15 of the Council Directive 2002/60/EC have been implemented. Council Directive 2002/60/EC lays down specific provisions for the control of ASF, while Article 15 refers to the measure required where the disease is suspected or confirmed in feral pigs.Last month GlobalMeatNews reported that Estonia was among four Baltic rim states that had established a Baltic-Polish taskforce to eliminate the spread of the disease, which at that point been detected in all the aforementioned countries, bar Estonia.Ministers of agriculture from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland came together at a meeting on 31 July, where they decided to prepare a joint action plan to prevent the spread of the disease, and to apply to the European Commission for full compensation for the costs related to these measures.Ivari Padar, Minister of Agriculture, Estonia, said at the time: \"Regarding the spread of African swine fever, Baltic countries and Poland are a buffer for the whole European Union, this is why it is justified to apply to the European Commission for additional funds. This money will be used to apply preventive measures to stop the spread of African swine fever and to support farmers in their transition from pig farming to other fields of animal breeding.\" \n \n " - ], - [ - "African Swine Fever in Estonia Kills Wild Boar", - "News African Swine Fever in Estonia Kills Wild Boar09 September 2014 \n \nESTONIA - The Estonian veterinary authority has reported a fresh outbreak of African swine fever in Valga.The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) received an immediate notification on Monday, 8 September, stating that the affected population comprises wild boar. \nAccording to the report, one wild boar was found dead in Valga district, Hummuli parish, at 6 km from the Latvian border. \nThe presence of African swine fever virus in this wild boar was confirmed (real-time PCR) by the European Union Reference Laboratory for African swine fever in Spain. \nWith regards to this wild boar case, measures according to Article 15 of the Council Directive 2002/60/EC have been implemented. \nControl of wildlife reservoirs, screening and zoning are some of the control measures applied to contain the situation. \nThe source of the outbreak remains inconclusive. \nThePigSite News Desk \n \n" - ], - [ - "African Swine Fever Detected in Wild Boar in Estonia", - "News African Swine Fever Detected in Wild Boar in Estonia08 October 2014 ESTONIA - Six wild boar are reported to have tested positive for the African swine fever virus in the last 10 days.There have been no reports from the Estonian veterinary authority to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) describing new outbreaks of African swine fever. \nHowever, three reports dated between 26 September and 6 October record a total of six wild boar that have been found dead and subsequently tested positive for the virus. \nFour of those animals were found in Roosilla near Vijandi in the centre of the country. Two of the most recent cases were identified in Aitsa, which is in the south, near to the border with Latvia. \nThePigSite News Desk Top image via Shutterstock \n" - ], - [ - "Nordic meat company to invest in Estonia", - "\n HKScan has announced plans to invest in major production projects in Rakvere, Estonia, as well as western Finland – one of its home markets.\n \n The Nordic meat producer said the investment fitted with its strategy for \"profitable growth\", and the reformation of its industrial production practices.Its board of directors has given the green light to two projects – the first a €35m-€65m investment in western Finland, and the second a €20m investment in Estonia.The firm said the investment would \"enable the development of new products\", improve product quality, safety and working conditions, and reduce the environmental impact of its production.HKScan’s Kariniemen branded poultry products are produced at its Eura plant in Finland. The planned investment would involve the renovation and expansion of this plant, as well as a new production facility in a new area of western Finland. The design phase of this project is expected to last until next summer.In Estonia, the company plans to build a new manufacturing facility – approximately 10,000m2 – located at HKScan’s existing facilities in Rakvere.According to HKScan, the demand for Finnish poultry meat has been increasing at a rate of 2-4% over the past few decades, with this growth expected to continue. Last year the consumption of poultry meat in Finland stood at around 20kg per person, it said.The company exports to around 50 countries and has a turnover of around €2.1bn. \n \n " - ], - [ - "Canada Food Inspection Looking Into Mad Cow Case In Alberta", - "\n \n \n \n \n \t \n CALGARY - Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz says investigators are narrowing down how an Alberta cow was infected with BSE.The beef breeding cow was discovered last winter on a farm near Edmonton and was born on a nearby farm.Another cow born at the same location in 2004 tested positive for mad cow disease in 2010.\nA final report by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency is expected this summer.Ritz says investigators are looking for other animals that also might have been infected and any feed supplies that might be the cause.He said it's like looking for a needle in a haystack.\"It's searching out the cohort animals, any feed supplies that might have moved to any other farms or anything like that,\" Ritz said Thursday at an event in Calgary.\"That's the minute needle in several haystacks that takes months to accomplish. CFIA has done this before and they'll probably do it again.\"The majority of Canada's trading partners don't seem too worried about the two cases of bovine spongiform encephalopathy.\"We didn't see a hiccup at all from Japan ... or China and those are phenomenal gains that we've seen as they recognize the science and the safety of our food supply.\"An outbreak of BSE in 2003 cost the cattle industry billions of dollars in lost revenue when countries around the world shut the door to Canadian beef.Follow @BillGraveland on Twitter\n " - ], - [ - "Estonia's Entrepreneur of the Year 2014 title went to Jüri Raidla", - "Estonia's Entrepreneur of the Year 2014 title was granted this year to law office Raidla Lejins & Norcous OÜ founder and lawyer Jüri Raidla while the Entrepreneur's Award for Lifetime Achievement was granted to Merinvest's major owner and CEO Enn Meri, LETA/Public Broadcasting reports. \n \t \n\tPhoto: president.ee \n\tPresident Toomas Hendrik Ilves announced Estonia's Entrepreneur of the Year \n2014 at the gala event for entrepreneurs in Swisotel in Tallinn Thursday \nevening. The Entrepreneur's Award for Lifetime Achievement was handed over by \nthe Minister of Foreign Trade and Entrepreneurship Anne Sulling. \n \n \n \nEntrepreneur of the Year title \ncandidates were this year Aleksandr \nMaljugin from LTH-Baas AS, Galina Nikitina from IDEAB-Projekt Eesti AS, Heiti Hääl and Marti Hääl from Alexela Group \nOÜ, Jüri Raidla from law office Raidla \nLejins & Norcous OÜ, Veiko Pak \nfrom Kadarbiku Talu OÜ. \n \n \n \nEstonian Entrepreneur of the Year \ncompetition was organized by Ernst & \nYoung Baltic AS for the seventh time. \n \n" - ], - [ - "Korea Confirms Detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza", - "Poultry NewsKorea Confirms Detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza24 January 2014 \nSOUTH KOREA - The Korean government is in the midst of trying to contain the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI, H5N8 type) among its poultry farms. As of now, HPAI is confirmed in three farms located in North Jolla Province, located in the southwest side of the Korean peninsula. Prior to this incident, Korea’s last reported HPAI outbreak was 16 May 2011. This recent case will suspend all poultry exports from Korea until it can regain OIE status as being free from HPAI. \nThe first report of a suspected case of HPAI was reported on 16 January 2014 by a duck breeding farm located in Gochang-gun, North Jolla Province. The case was confirmed as HPAI (H5N8) on 18 January 2014. This type of HPAI represents the first time that it was found in Korea, as all previous cases (2003-2004, 2006-2007, 2008, and 2010-2011) were of H5N1 type. \nPresently, there are no known cases of human beings being infected by H5N8 type of HPAI. According to the initial epidemiological investigation, the farm shipped ducklings to 24 duck farms located in 4 different provinces (a total of 173,000 ducklings) within the AI incubation period (a maximum of 21 days). \nThe truck that shipped ducklings to these farms also stopped by a slaughter plant after unloading the ducklings. The Korean government sent officials to all of the affected farms and the slaughter plant, stopped movement of ducks from these farms and conducted fumigation. The slaughter plant is temporarily shut down. \nAs for the farms where the confirmed case was found, the Korean government culled all of 21,000 heads on the farms. The government will also cull all of the poultry (four duck farms, 62,000 birds) located within a radius of 500 meters (about 547 yards) from the infected farm. It will also cull a poultry farm owned by the duck breeding farm located about 3 km away as a preventive measure. \nOn 16 January, a second suspected case of HPAI was reported by a duck farm located in Buhahn, North Jolla Province. The second farm is located 10.3 km (6.4 miles) away from the first farm in Gochang-gun, where HPAI was first confirmed. The birds being raised in 6 farms (90,000 birds) located within a radius of 500 meters from the second farm were also culled. This was also confirmed as H5N8 type HPAI on 19 January. \nThe Korean government also found around 100 dead migrant birds in a water reservoir located between the two farms. These birds were also confirmed as having been infected by HPAI (H5N8) on January 20. As a result, the Korean government assumes that the source of the HPAI confirmed in the duck farms came from the migrant birds. \nOn 18 January, a third case of HPAI was reported by a duck farm located 1.3 km (0.8 mile) south of the second farm in Buhahn. This was also confirmed as HPAI (H5N8) on 20 January. \nIn order to prevent any further spread of HPAI, the government announced a temporary suspension of all poultry movements within North and South Jolla province and Gwangju city for 48 hours from 00:00 hours on 19 January to midnight on 20 January. As no further cases were reported, the Korean government lifted the temporary suspension as of midnight 20 January. \nA fourth suspected case of HPAI was reported on 21 January by a duck farm located in Gochang-gun, North Jolla Province. This farm is located 19 km (11.8 miles) away from the first farm. The fourth farm is owned by the same owner as the second farm located in Buhahn and compound feed trucks had moved back and forth between the two farms. A final confirmatory test result is expected on 23 January. \n \nFurther Reading \nYou can visit the Avian Flu page by clicking here. \n \nThePoultrySite News Desk " - ], - [ - "Migratory Birds Behind South Korea Bird Flu Outbreak", - "\n South Korea says migratory birds were the likely cause of the country’s first outbreak of bird flu in three years, and stepped up quarantine measures at domestic poultry farms to stop the spread of the disease.\nEuropean Pressphoto Agency\nA quarantine vehicle sprayed disinfectant on Daedong Lake in South Jeolla Province, South Korea, Jan. 19 after the discovery of dead migratory birds in a reservoir in North Jeolla Province.\nTests showed the remains of 100 dead migratory wild ducks in a local reservoir contained H5N8 avian influenza virus, the same strain found at poultry farms in North Jeolla Province near the reservoir, the agriculture ministry said in a statement.\n“The wild migratory birds were presumably the very likely source of the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus that had affected the duck farms in Gochang and Buan [in North Jeolla Province,]†about 300 kilometers (187 miles) and 280 kilometers southwest of Seoul respectively, the ministry said in a statement.Advertisement \nThe ministry identified the migratory birds as the Baikal Teal (Anas formosa), a wild duck that breeds in eastern Russia and spends the winter in East Asia. They usually visit Korea from October through March.\nThe ministry said the government was closely monitoring migratory birds at their resting places, which include reservoirs, rivers and paddy fields, and was also restricting people from visiting those areas for activities such as hunting or sightseeing.\nSince the outbreak was reported last week, Korean authorities have culled more than 90,000 ducks at six poultry farms–two farms that had poultry that tested positive for avian influenza, and another four nearby.\nAnother slaughter was underway at a third duck farm in Buan, which reported a suspected case of bird flu, authorities said Monday.\nIn a bid to contain the possible spread of the disease, the ministry has imposed a temporary ban on poultry shipments from North Jeolla Province, as well as neighboring Gwangju City and South Jeolla Province.\nSouth Korea doesn’t have any listed poultry farmers, but shares of packaged chicken processers fell for a second consecutive session on Monday. Harim Holdings Co. was down 5.4% and Maniker Co. was 2.6% lower in early afternoon trade, underperforming the benchmark Kospi index’s 0.5% gain.\nThe previous outbreak of bird flu in South Korea was from December 2010 through May 2011, during which authorities culled 6.5 million poultry. Unlike neighboring countries including China, there has been no human case of bird flu in South Korea.\nFor the latest news and analysis, follow @WSJAsia \n " - ], - [ - "Foot and Mouth Disease in Zimbabwe", - "News Foot and Mouth Disease in Zimbabwe11 May 2015 \n \nZIMBABWE - There have been five outbreaks of Foot and Mouth Disease in Matabeleland province in Zimbabwe.The cases were discovered in cattle during routine farm inspections. The farm where the cases were found had recently purchased animals at a sale in Bulawayo and trace-back investigations revealed infection at source farms. \nInfection was also detected at two neighbouring properties, one of which is Mbokodo feedlot, with an abbatoir on the same property. \nInspection of records revealed cattle originating from Mwenezi district in the infected zone, that were meant for direct slaughter at Mbokodo abattoir, were illegally diverted into the feedlot and are suspected to have introduced infection into the herd. \nNo other property that had sent cattle to the Bulawayo auction sale had infection. \nTrace-forward inspections of all properties that received cattle from the auction sale revealed infection at four different sites. All the four infected sites had moved animals out after the date they received cattle from the auction. \nIn all there were 115 cases out of a susceptible population of 16595 cattle on the infected farms, and 6 animals were destroyed as a result. \n \nTheCattleSite News Desk \n" - ], - [ - "Foot-and-mouth disease hits Gokwe", - " \n \n\tGokwe South district in the Midlands province has been hit by foot- and-mouth disease which has affected cattle at three dip tanks, provincial veterinary officer Dr Thomas Sibanda has said.\nBY Stephen Chadenga\nSibanda said his office received reports of the outbreak this week. He said the Veterinary Services Department had moved swiftly to control the movement of cattle in and out of the affected areas.\n“We received reports this Wednesday of a foot-and-mouth outbreak in Gokwe South bordering with Chirisa,†Sibanda revealed at a Midlands business indaba in Gweru yesterday.\n“We have dispatched our team from the veterinary department on the ground to assess the situation and by the end of this week we should have full information on the number of cattle affected, but what we know at the moment is the disease was detected at three dip tanks in the area.â€\nResponding to queries by farmers in the province who wanted to know what the government was doing to control the outbreak of foot-and-mouth in the Midlands, Sibanda said though his department was on high alert, they faced the challenge of shortage of chemicals for vaccination.\n“Our major challenge is we don’t have adequate vaccines to prevent the virus from spreading further,†he said.\nTwo months ago there was an outbreak of foot-and-mouth in Mvuma and last year in November Mberengwa and Zvishavane districts were hit by the disease.\nHe said the department was in the process of setting up a Midlands Foot-and-Mouth Taskforce to help control the spread of the disease in the province.\n“We have multiple outbreaks and the main culprits are those who illegally move cattle from one area to another in the province,†Sibanda added.\n \n\t" - ], - [ - "Botswana blames Zim for foot-and-mouth outbreak", - " \n \n\tBOTSWANA President Ian Khama has blamed the spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in the country on Zimbabwe, saying the latter had failed to meet its part of the bargain in compensating the affected farmers.\nSTAFF REPORTER\nBotswana’s Daily News online reported that Khama made the remarks while addressing a meeting at Robelela in the Mmadinare constituency last Thursday.\nKhama said the government was doing everything in its power to assist the affected farmers.\nHe, however, said not all dead cattle would be replaced as investigations would be carried out to decide which ones to replace.\nKhama said cattle in the area were killed to control the spread of FMD, while others died because they were not used to the new environment.\nKhama said the Botswana government was spending a lot of money in trying to control disease outbreak.\n“Although most of the viruses came from Zimbabwe, the two countries had agreed to share the costs. However, at the moment Zimbabwe did not have money to pay their share and this was a problem to Botswana,†Khama said. Botswana was reportedly struggling to recover P1 million from Zimbabwe’s Cold Storage Company (CSC) for the supply of cattle under a 2011 agreement with Zimbabwe.\nIn July last year, the two neighbours signed a memorandum of understanding under which close to 30 000 cattle from Botswana’s foot and mouth disease-infested zones were to be slaughtered at CSC abattoirs in Bulawayo.\nThe two countries agreed that some of the cattle were suitable for consumption.\nBut the Botswana government decided to stop trading with Zimbabwe after CSC failed to remit 60% of the income generated from meat sales. Under the agreement, 20 000 cattle from the Ngamiland were to be exported to Bulawayo.\n \n\t" - ], - [ - "Russia eyes beef from Zimbabwe", - "\n Russian investors have expressed keen interest in Zimbabwe’s livestock sector and may soon start importing beef from the Southern African country, a senior government minister has said.\nAgriculture Minister Joseph Made\nThe state owned Herald newspaper on Monday quoted Zimbabwe’s Agriculture Minister Joseph Made saying areas that Russians will explore include manufacturing of vaccines and medicines for livestock, infrastructure as well as investing in new technology.\n“Very soon we will have a delegation from Russia, exclusively for the livestock sector and it is going to be wide ranging,†the minister said.\nZimbabwe is looking at exporting beef to Russia as the Eastern European country seeks alternative source markets for beef after the banning of food imports from the West. \nThe minister said the Russian investment could partner Zimbabwean state or private companies.\nZimbabwe’s national cattle herd is estimated to be at 5.36 million. The government is targeting to raise the figure to 6 million.\nLivestock production in Zimbabwe is mainly centred on beef, pork, milk and poultry industries.\nZimbabwe used to rake in millions of dollars yearly through beef exports to the European Union but the country’s beef industry has been struggling for over a decade since the EU banned meat imports from Zimbabwe due to the outbreak of the foot-and-mouth disease.\nBefore the ban, the country also exported beef to Libya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Africa and Malaysia. Xhinua\n \n \n \n" - ], - [ - "ZITF reflects flea-market economy", - "\n \n\tTHE Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) — which used to attract dozens of international exhibitors showcasing new products, technology and ideas — now resembles a huge flea market, basically reflecting the state of the ailing economy which has now become highly informalised.\nNqobile Bhebhe/Fidelity Mhlanga\nZITF, officially opened yesterday by Zambian President Edgar Lungu, has yet again failed to live up to its billing with even poorer participation by local companies.\nThemed “Simulating Trade: Seizing opportunities to accelerate growthâ€, the prime exhibition show that ends tomorrow has 31 foreign exhibitors compared to last year’s 39. Seventeen countries are represented at the fair, with 404 direct exhibitors\nThe first two days of the fair were a big disappointment as business was subdued, with some exhibitors yet to complete setting up their stands as if exhibiting was a mere formality.\nA local daily reported that even the Chinese, who were active at previous fairs, have largely ignored the fair, with plenty of space reserved for them conspicuously empty.\nZITF has over the years gradually deteriorated in terms of the mix and quality of exhibitors, in sync with the economy which has been sliding for about one and a half decades. Zimbabwe has suffered massive de-industrialisation due to an ongoing economic crisis, with retrenchments feeding the rapid growth of the informal sector. \nFar from being a serious exhibition in quantitative and qualitative terms which offers exposure to traders, the multi-sectoral and multi-national expo has now resembles a large flea market selling poor quality products.\nA walk around the ZITF grounds showed that some exhibitors were trying to sell their products instead of showcasing them as envisaged. Large industries and the corporate world have reduced space uptake, while a lot of space inside the showground remains vacant. In previous years ZITF organisers have had to lower exhibition space charges to attract more exhibitors.\nBulawayo-based economist and MP Eddie Cross said: “The Trade Fair is a casualty of the economic and political situation. The economy is shrinking. There are only few international exhibitors this year. The management of the fair is doing a great job but the event is hardly a showcase for Zimbabwe. I think describing it as a flea market is the right description.†\n“There is no point in talking about industrialisation, when 60% of agro-based industry is dead. We are going nowhere and the government is clueless.â€\nZITF chairman Bekithemba Nkomo said they hoped the fair would gather momentum. \n“We are pleased with the participation of visitors and the number of business visitors that have been coming in. We are particularly happy with the improved foreign participation. There is a fair amount of excitement from the foreign contingent.†\nHowever, Bulawayo-based economic analyst, Butler Tambo, said this year’s fair has made little impact on the host city, which has suffered massive de-industrialisation, amid company closures and job losses.\n“There are few Bulawayo-based companies that are exhibiting at this year’s Trade Fair and I don’t think they will clinch any lucrative deals,†Tambo said. “The trade is dominated by the few foreign companies while parastatals and universities are better represented compared to private companies. \nZimbabwe’s parastatals have become synonymous with mismanagement and corruption, and continue to be a severe drain on the country’s struggling fiscus.\nThe products on display are of poor quality, reflecting the parlous state of the economy, said Lupane State University lecturer George Nyathi.\n“The steers (bullocks) exhibited this year is of poor quality and I don’t know whether it’s because of the foot and mouth disease. I think government should play its part by addressing the cost of doing business in Zimbabwe because at the moment it is just too high.†\nVice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa admitted Zimbabwe’s economy was subdued when he addressed the international business conference on the sidelines of the Trade Fair.\nHe, however, said government remained committed to providing the necessary environment to support business.\n“One such initiative is the Ease-of-Doing-Business study by the Finance and Economic Development ministries, which seeks to identify impediments to do business in Zimbabwe as well as come up with reforms to improve the situation,†Mnangagwa said. \n“These are reforms we should implement expeditiously as we demonstrate our renewed zeal to develop our economy.†\nFor now Zimbabwe remains an unattractive investment destination. The country is ranked 171 out of 189 countries on the 2014 World Bank Doing Business scale.\nGovernment statistics released last year show that more than 4 600 companies have shut down since 2011 resulting in the loss of more than 55 400 jobs. \nDespite claims that the tourism sector was on the rebound it was in fact the hardest hit, with 2 142 firms shutting down since 2011 with 18 413 jobs lost as a result. In the manufacturing sector 458 companies closed with 9 978 jobs lost.\n \n\t \n'\t" - ], - [ - "Meet Zimbabwe's most decorated vendor", - " \n \n\tTo strangers he is judged to be a mentally deranged man, but to those who know him, he is just a mobile vendor. \nBY JAIROS SAUNYAMA \nHe is sane and undoubtedly Zimbabwe’s most decorated vendor. With all sorts of sewing apparatus hanging from his body, while his bicycle is heavily pampered with the various wares, the 42-year-old vendor slowly pushes his “wheeled tuckshop†along the streets, with buyers plucking off different types of goods off from his body.\nClever Marumbwa, is the man who has taken Marondera by storm through his vending antics that have left many wondering.\nAccording to him, people’s perceptions are not a hindering factor to his business as he has to devise a way of marketing himself.\n“I am not insane, I am a vendor. This is how I do my things,†Marumbwa said. \nHe told NewsDay that vending was only a supplementary move since he was employed elsewhere.\n“I am a full-time guard employed by a local security company. I work four days per week and the other three are off days. So when off duty, I do vending to supplement my income,†he said.\nAsked how he manages to move around town with such a heavy load on both the bicycle and himself, Marumbwa said he had been operating like that for the past 10 years and that he was used to his trade.\nThe bicycle’s is estimated to carry a load of about 60kg, while he hangs goods weighing an average of 15kg on his body.\n“It is not heavy. I have been vending since I was in Grade Six at Zhombwe Primary School in Murewa,†he said. \n“My uncle would give me sweets to sell at school. After completing secondary education, I came to Marondera where I studied Cutting and Designing.\n“However, I did not get employed for long because it was during those days when mazitye (second-hand clothes) flooded the market. Clothing factories were closed so I went into vending.\n“I owned a tuck shop, but could not hold on to it for long as it was destroyed during the Murambatsvina era. This is how I became a mobile vendor. I have been selling my wares like this for the past 10 years and it is working.†\nWith his body and bicycle carrying wares that can fill a whole tuckshop, one is forced to ask how Marumbwa disposes of the goods.\n“A few years ago, I used to go to Harare twice a month to order goods, but these days business is low,†he said. \n“I get my wares from Mbare, Harare, and because they are small things, I cannot say how much I sell per day. What I know is that people are quite aware of my business and each time I pass through the residential areas, my customers will be waiting.\n“People know that I move around with everything. So I have ready deliveries.â€\nLove or hate him, Marumbwa is in a class of his own. In this current economic meltdown, only the innovative survive. With the influx of vendors in Marondera, it now needs those who take the bull by its horns to put food on the table.\n“I have a wife and three children. My first born is now 19 years old while the last born is three,†Marumbwa said. \n“They all need to be taken care of. The eldest child will soon be going to university. Vending is in my blood and will not retire soon.â€\nThe things that hang from Marumbwa’s body and bicycle are catapults, necklaces, rings, combs and hangers, among many others.\n \n\t" - ], - [ - "Canada opens borders for UK beef", - "\nThe ban was first implemented in 1996 to prevent the spread of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), also known as ‘mad cow’ disease. John Sleigh, livestock policy manager for the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) Scotland, commented that both the EU and Canada will benefit from the decision. “We welcome the news that UK farmers can send beef to Canada,†he said. “This is a step in the right direction as the sector looks to boost exports. The door is open, so now the hard work of getting beef across the Pond needs to start.“We need a strong export strategy to ensure we can compete on the shelves in Canada. Nineteen countries have gained access to the Canadian beef market so there are opportunities to collaborate with using our strong Scotch Beef brand.†In a statement released by the European Commission, it was highlighted that the EU has demonstrated a strong level of food safety for consumers in the EU and further afield. This is based on international standards and science. It proceeded to encourage the agriculture and food sectors to capitalise on the achievement, claiming that the reopening of Canada’s borders sends a vital message to the EU’s international traders that EU beef is safe and that global imports should resume operations sooner rather than later. In a joint statement, the EU’s health and food safety commissioner, trade commissioner and agriculture commissioner said: “By re-authorising 19 Member States at once, Canada recognises that the EU functions as a single entity with uniform and harmonised rules and standards, where enforcement is overseen by the European Commission. This is an important development and will further improve the trade relations with Canada on sanitary and phytosanitary issues.  “This move also forms part of a growing trend to recognise the robust, comprehensive and successful measures put in place by the EU to eradicate BSE. We call on our few remaining international trading partners who still maintain restrictive measures, to fully adopt recognised international standards.â€\n \n" - ], - [ - "Russia eyes Zimbabwe as entry point into African market", - "Russia is keen on further expanding its footprint in Zimbabwe's business circles and has cast its eyes on agriculture, promising to set up vast equipment assembly plants at a knock down cost. There is a growing demand for agricultural produce in Russia, which is under sanctions from the European Union and has in turn imposed an embargo on basic foods, as well as meat and many other products, from Western countries.The company will also ensure that an assembly plant is built in Zimbabwe to supply the African marketsRussia is seeking alternative markets and products subject to the one year embargo on beef, pork, poultry, fish, fruit, vegetables, cheese, milk and other dairy products from the US, Canada, the European Union, Norway and Australia.Setting up an agricultural base in Zimbabwe might help mitigate food shortages.On Monday, a 12 member Russian delegation, comprising of technical expects, led by Igor Avakumo, pitched proposals to their Zimbabwean counterparts.The proposals range from setting up an agricultural equipment manufacturing plant, citrus production, food processing, water purification, veterinary education, poultry and production of vegetable seeds.The head of the Russian delegation, Avakumo said Zimbabwe may bridge the food shortage gap.\"We do not plant much of our citrus in Russia because we have a small vegetative season, but we need citrus more, so Zimbabwe may come and fill in the gap and be key in terms of supply,\" he said.\"Russia is one of the major global suppliers of agricultural equipment, we manufacture tractors and combine harvesters, we are ready to sell tractors and these combine harvesters to Zimbabwe.\"The company will also ensure that an assembly plant is built in Zimbabwe to supply the African markets, the prices we offer are 15% less compared to competitors such as John Deere and Massey Ferguson tractors.\"Russia, like China, has strong political ties with Zimbabwe, which began when Moscow helped train independence fighters in the 1960s and 1970s.In 2008 Russia vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution by Western countries to impose sanctions on Zimbabwe.Presently, Russia's major investment in Zimbabwe is a joint-venture diamond and gold mining company in eastern Zimbabwe, DTZ-OZGEO, and Moscow is also planning a joint platinum mining operation outside the capital Harare.Joseph Made, the Zimbabwean Agriculture minister said the southern African country stood to benefit from the Russian proposal.Zimbabwe's beef industry has been struggling since the European Union (EU) banned meat imports from the African nation in 2001, following an outbreak of foot and mouth disease. " - ], - [ - "Liquidity crisis chokes local abattoirs", - " \n \n\tZIMBABWE’S liquidity crisis has hit local abattoirs hard in the past year forcing most to reduce production below 50%, according to Abattoirs Association of Zimbabwe chairman Godfrey Chanetsa.\nBY MTHANDAZO NYONI\nChanetsa said business was bad and the industry was presently pinning its hopes on the ongoing tobacco sales.\n“We had very low sales in 2014 and that seems to have set a wrong pace for 2015, which started on a very low key,†Chanetsa said without giving any figures.\n“As we speak right now, the market is very depressed and most abattoirs in the country have reduced their operations. Consumers don’t have disposable income and I wouldn’t be surprised if abattoirs will start retrenching because there is no business to talk about.\n“Some had a lot of piled stock with no buyers, but we are hopeful that the ongoing tobacco sales will inject money into the economy.†\nZimbabwe projects lower tobacco output in 2015 at around 195 million kg from 216 million kg last year, which earned the country $684 million.\nAgriculture deputy minister responsible for livestock Paddy Zhanda revealed that in 1996, Zimbabwe slaughtered 780 000 cattle out of a total herd of 5,9 million, but was now slaughtering around 200 000 out of 5,3 million as people were no longer selling.\nState-owned meat processor Cold Storage Company (CSC), which used to be the biggest beef processor in the country and exported beef to the European Union, was saddled with a $22 million debt and owed workers $2,1 million in outstanding salaries.\nThe company was at one time the largest meat processor in Africa, handling up to 150 000 tonnes of beef and associated by-products a year and exporting to the EU, but mismanagement and persistent outbreaks of foot-and- mouth disease halted exports in 2001, affecting its viability.\nCSC requires over $50 million to revive operations and settle debts, but has remained a loss-making operation over the years.\n \n\t" - ], - [ - "Botswana confirms foot and mouth disease outbreak", - "\n \n \n \n \n \n Botswana on Wednesday confirmed that it has been hit by an outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in the northern part of the country.Acting Agriculture Assistant Minister, Fidelis Molao told Parliament that the disease was detected last week during a clinical inspection of cattle destined for slaughter at the Maun abattoir.\nHe said at least 20 of the 300 cattle tested positive for FMD and that the last vaccination done in the area was in September 2014.\nMoalo said that despite the current setback, the government would continue with the process of increasing the number of cattle slaughtered at the abattoir which would improve the livelihood of people in the area.\nHe further urged stakeholders to cooperate and support efforts by his ministry to contain and control the outbreak from spreading to other neighbouring areas.\n Signature : APA \n Copyright : © APA \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n " - ], - [ - "Botswana negotiates beef exports with Norway", - " \n\t \n\t \tThe Minister of Trade and Industry, Vincent T. Seretse left for Norway on January 24th to attend a bilateral meeting with his Norwegian and Namibian counterparts to discuss the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) Generalized System of Preference (GSP) and the Free Trade Area (FTA) Beef Quota Review.\n \nThe joint ministerial meeting will discuss issues and developments in the agricultural sector in Norway, which may have negative impact on the Botswana-Namibia beef quota. Norway is currently reviewing its agricultural support framework with a view to opening up its markets for global competition. This initiative could have a negative impact on Botswana and Namibia’s beef exports and there is need for extensive consultations to ensure that the SACU market is protected. Norway provides an annual quota of 2,700 tons of beef imports from SACU, most of which is from Botswana and Namibia. A statement from Botswana’s Ministry of Trade and Industry, released last week, stated that the joint ministerial meeting will also discuss the implication of the Norwegian review process on negotiations about the SACU and European Free Trade Area (SACU-EFTA) Agreement.\n \n“The outcomes of engaging with the Norwegian counterpart will provide inputs into SACU’s position which will contribute to the review of the SACU EFTA Agreement during the first quarter of 2015,†read the statement.\n \nWhile it is estimated to account for less than two percent of Botswana’s GDP and 1.5 percent of its merchandise exports, the beef sector is strategically important as it affects the livelihoods of a large number of Batswana. In 2013, 97 percent of Botswana’s beef exports went to South Africa, UK, Germany, Netherlands and Norway. Botswana’s beef exports have been rising steadily over the last two decades, but dipped during the 2007-08 global economic crisis. The outbreak of foot and mouth disease, coupled with Botswana’s failure to comply with EU standards, led to the country being suspended from exporting beef to the EU market in 2011-2012, which caused a drastic decline in exports. However, exports have been recovering and the country has regained EU market access.\nNevertheless, beef exports are still significantly below the 2010 peak of US$158.6million. The government of Botswana is very much committed to resuscitating the beef sector because the global longer-term outlook for beef demand is positive. Beef is also critical to Botswana’s Economic Diversification Drive (EDD) ambitions.\n \n \n\t " - ], - [ - "In Botswana, farmers battle roaming wild animals for their livelihood", - "RAKOPS — Wild animals roam freely over much of Botswana, a country known for strict conservation policies and wildlife tourism. But as roaming animals destroy crops and damage property, frustrated locals wonder: Does the government value the animal kingdom more than its citizens?For 21-year-old Botswanan farmer Letsile Pataabotwe, the majestic elephants that tens of thousands of tourists come to admire every year are nothing but trouble.\"A few weeks ago, I saw a group of them trampling our fields,\" says Mr Pataabotwe, who works on his mother’s land in Rakops, outside the north-eastern border of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve in the center of the country.\"I reported the incident to the wildlife authorities, but I had already lost 300 sacks’ worth of maize,\" the young farmer says in front of his concrete house, peering over the road to the fields.Mr Pataabotwe’s problem reflects a decades-long conflict between man and beast in Botswana — one that affects hundreds of thousands of people living near conservation areas in the southern African country.\"The compensation I will get from the government after months will not be anywhere near what the harvest would have been worth,\" he says. \"Elephants should all be killed, or sold to other countries!\"Nearly 40% of Botswana falls under two categories of protected land: game reserves, where the only human activities are conservation efforts and tourism; or wildlife management areas, where the rules on human activity are less strict.The country’s conservation policies in turn support its tourism industry, which is based almost entirely on wildlife and makes up nearly 9% of gross domestic product.These policies also affect another aspect of Botswana’s economy: cattle.Today, the country’s nearly 3-million heads of cattle are mostly owned by the beef industry, which analysts describe as having links to politicians.But the roaming cattle of smaller-scale farmers are threatened by the wild animals wandering the land — animals that include elephants, lions, leopards and others, according to John Weldon McNutt, who heads the Botswana Predator Conservation Trust in Maun.The wealth of a Botswanan has traditionally been measured by the number of cattle he or she has, and a farmer’s loss of cattle to a predator represents a blow to his livelihood.According to experts at the University of Botswana, thousands of kilometres of double wire fences were erected around wildlife areas between the 1950s and 1990s. The move was prompted in part by the European Union, a major importer of Botswanan beef, which wanted to prevent buffaloes from infecting cattle with foot-and-mouth disease.The fences prevented animal herds from using migratory routes in search of water in the dry season, leading to the deaths of hundreds of thousands of wildebeest between 1979 and 1985, said fencing expert Richard Fynn from the university.Animals have now adapted to the fences, which in some cases have saved zebras and wildebeest from starvation by segregating their feeding ground from that of cattle, wildlife expert Chris Brooks said.But the fences have not been as effective in keeping wild animals away from areas of human settlement.According to locals, elephants knock fences down, destroy crops, tear up water pipes and invade waterholes used by the community — clearing the way for other animals to come through in their wake.\"Jackals attacked my sheep, and my neighbour’s donkeys were maimed by hyenas,\" Mr Pataabotwe says.Hunting is banned in Botswana, but farmers often grab a gun or resort to poison when a wild dog or a leopard attacks their livestock.\"The killing of a cow by a wild animal is viewed very seriously by police,\" Mr McNutt said, explaining that the authorities often overlook the shooting of a predator by a farmer whose cattle was attacked.Official farmers’ representatives declined to be interviewed, saying they were discussing problems related to property damage with the government.President Ian Khama’s government has been lauded internationally for its conservation policies. But many Botswanans feel the authorities \"regard wildlife as being more important than people,\" said Gaseitsiwe Masunga, a research scholar on landscape ecology at the University of Botswana.\"We support tourism, but who wants to lose his cow to a lion?\" asked one farmer, who spoke on condition of anonymity.The government is trying to win acceptance of wildlife with educational measures and by encouraging tourism companies to share some of their profits with local communities.But as farmers continue to lose livestock to predators, solving the conflict between humans and wildlife may require a more effective compensation system, Mr McNutt said.Innovative ideas, he added, could also help.Instead of trying to separate humans from wildlife with fences, Mr McNutt’s Botswana Predator Conservation Trust proposes using animal feces, urine or similar chemical substances to mark territorial boundaries that animals would naturally respect.\"The technique could be used with lions, leopards, hyenas, wild dogs and possibly even elephants,\" said Mr McNutt, whose organisation is developing chemical substances for the technique in its laboratory.Sapa\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n \tPicture: THINKSTOCK\n \nRAKOPS — Wild animals roam freely over much of Botswana, a country known for strict conservation policies and wildlife tourism. But as roaming animals destroy crops and damage property, frustrated locals wonder: Does the government value the animal kingdom more than its citizens?For 21-year-old Botswanan farmer Letsile Pataabotwe, the majestic elephants that tens of thousands of tourists come to admire every year are nothing but trouble.\"A few weeks ago, I saw a group of them trampling our fields,\" says Mr Pataabotwe, who works on his mother’s land in Rakops, outside the north-eastern border of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve in the center of the country.\"I reported the incident to the wildlife authorities, but I had already lost 300 sacks’ worth of maize,\" the young farmer says in front of his concrete house, peering over the road to the fields.Mr Pataabotwe’s problem reflects a decades-long conflict between man and beast in Botswana — one that affects hundreds of thousands of people living near conservation areas in the southern African country.\"The compensation I will get from the government after months will not be anywhere near what the harvest would have been worth,\" he says. \"Elephants should all be killed, or sold to other countries!\"Nearly 40% of Botswana falls under two categories of protected land: game reserves, where the only human activities are conservation efforts and tourism; or wildlife management areas, where the rules on human activity are less strict.The country’s conservation policies in turn support its tourism industry, which is based almost entirely on wildlife and makes up nearly 9% of gross domestic product.These policies also affect another aspect of Botswana’s economy: cattle.Today, the country’s nearly 3-million heads of cattle are mostly owned by the beef industry, which analysts describe as having links to politicians.But the roaming cattle of smaller-scale farmers are threatened by the wild animals wandering the land — animals that include elephants, lions, leopards and others, according to John Weldon McNutt, who heads the Botswana Predator Conservation Trust in Maun.The wealth of a Botswanan has traditionally been measured by the number of cattle he or she has, and a farmer’s loss of cattle to a predator represents a blow to his livelihood.According to experts at the University of Botswana, thousands of kilometres of double wire fences were erected around wildlife areas between the 1950s and 1990s. The move was prompted in part by the European Union, a major importer of Botswanan beef, which wanted to prevent buffaloes from infecting cattle with foot-and-mouth disease.The fences prevented animal herds from using migratory routes in search of water in the dry season, leading to the deaths of hundreds of thousands of wildebeest between 1979 and 1985, said fencing expert Richard Fynn from the university.Animals have now adapted to the fences, which in some cases have saved zebras and wildebeest from starvation by segregating their feeding ground from that of cattle, wildlife expert Chris Brooks said.But the fences have not been as effective in keeping wild animals away from areas of human settlement.According to locals, elephants knock fences down, destroy crops, tear up water pipes and invade waterholes used by the community — clearing the way for other animals to come through in their wake.\"Jackals attacked my sheep, and my neighbour’s donkeys were maimed by hyenas,\" Mr Pataabotwe says.Hunting is banned in Botswana, but farmers often grab a gun or resort to poison when a wild dog or a leopard attacks their livestock.\"The killing of a cow by a wild animal is viewed very seriously by police,\" Mr McNutt said, explaining that the authorities often overlook the shooting of a predator by a farmer whose cattle was attacked.Official farmers’ representatives declined to be interviewed, saying they were discussing problems related to property damage with the government.President Ian Khama’s government has been lauded internationally for its conservation policies. But many Botswanans feel the authorities \"regard wildlife as being more important than people,\" said Gaseitsiwe Masunga, a research scholar on landscape ecology at the University of Botswana.\"We support tourism, but who wants to lose his cow to a lion?\" asked one farmer, who spoke on condition of anonymity.The government is trying to win acceptance of wildlife with educational measures and by encouraging tourism companies to share some of their profits with local communities.But as farmers continue to lose livestock to predators, solving the conflict between humans and wildlife may require a more effective compensation system, Mr McNutt said.Innovative ideas, he added, could also help.Instead of trying to separate humans from wildlife with fences, Mr McNutt’s Botswana Predator Conservation Trust proposes using animal feces, urine or similar chemical substances to mark territorial boundaries that animals would naturally respect.\"The technique could be used with lions, leopards, hyenas, wild dogs and possibly even elephants,\" said Mr McNutt, whose organisation is developing chemical substances for the technique in its laboratory.Sapa\n\t\n\t" - ], - [ - "Russia bans cattle imports from Romania over mad cow disease ...", - "\n\tRussia bans cattle imports from Romania over mad cow disease outbreak\n\tThursday, July 3, 2014\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\tRussia's federal veterinary and phytosanitary control authority (Rosselkhoznadzor) has banned imports of bovine cattle, beef and by-products from Romania over an outbreak of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), commonly known as mad cow disease, the Russian ITAR-TASS reads.According to a Rosselkhoznadzor release circulated on Tuesday, the ban is also applicable to processed animal proteins, animal feedstuff made of such proteins, meat-meal and bone tankage.An outbreak of mad cow disease in Romania was registered by the International Epizootic Bureau, says ITAR TASS.On the other hand, the Romanian national veterinary and sanitary authorities (ANSVSA) deny the above-mentioned information, stating that Russia does not import bovine cattle, beef and by-products from Romania, and that the 'epidemic' referred to is in fact an isolated, atypical BSE case which doesn't jeopardize the human health. Likewise, Romania has never registered the classic form of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), the ANSVSA representatives informed.At the beginning of June, Romania has received from the International Epizootic Bureau (IEB) a certificate by which it was recognized the status of country with BSE negligible risk.Romania has carried tests for seven years in order to receive this IEB standard, 'the optimum standard of the three it issues'.Out of the 178 IEB member countries only 25 do have the negligible risk standard as Romania, the rest of the countries having an undetermined risk. \n \nAtypical mad cow disease case no threat for public health (Veterinary Authority) \n \nThe atypical case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE, also known as mad cow disease) found in a cattle carcass in Romania does not threat public health; veterinary authorities nevertheless took all the necessary measures, just like in case of classic contagious diseases, National Sanitary Veterinary and Food Safety Authority (ANSVSA) President Vladimir Manastireanu told Agerpres on Wednesday.'Following the investigations so far, and having the confirmation of two reference laboratories - the national one for BSE within the IDSA [Institute for Animal Diagnosis and Health], and the European one in the United Kingdom - we can definitely say this was an atypical case of BSE; atypical cases occur spontaneously and naturally in cattle above two and a half years of age. This is not a risk for public health; nevertheless, we took absolutely all the measures for classic contagious spongiform encephalopathy,' he pointed out.The official added that veterinary authorities have destroyed the carcass, the products, the sub-products where this atypical form of the disease was found, and the surrounding carcasses on the same slaughter line. 'We have also isolated the herd of that bovine, which will allow us destroying it, too, after the investigation. Last, but not least we have limited the animal moves [in the area] where the bovine identified as a carrier of atypical bovine spongiform encephalopathy. Our investigation involves several state institutions,' Manastireanu added.The head of ANSVSA voiced his surprise to Russia's reaction in this case, especially as the country does not import beef from Romania, and Romania reported the case to the International Epizootic Bureau (IEB), to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.'Russia does not import cattle meat from us, and I don't understand why Russia reacted this way, as we have informed the IEB, which immediately informs all its member states. We have also informed the EFSA and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control; atypical cases do not threaten food safety. From this point of view, the public should be reassured that Romania's food safety is not involved. The investigation is in progress, and when it is completed, we will publish all the data,' he mentioned.\t" - ], - [ - "Moving Botswana forward - 2014 #SONA [full text]", - " \n INTRODUCTION \n1. Madam Speaker, before we begin may I request that we observe a moment of silence for those of our citizens who have departed from us during the past year. Thank you. \n \n2. Honourable Members, it is my pleasure to once more present an updated assessment of how Government intends to move Botswana forward by seizing opportunities to secure our future. \n \n3. As this is the first session of the 11th Parliament, let me preface my remarks by welcoming the newly elected members of this Assembly. Let me further congratulate you Madam Speaker on your own election. \n \n4. Today's gathering is an outcome of our 11th consecutive general election. As is our tradition, the ballot was conducted in a peaceful, free and fair manner. For this we can once more thank Batswana in general, as well as the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and other individuals and organisations that helped to ensure the poll’s success. \n \n5. In any democracy elections are the means to the greater end of forming a Government capable of translating the popular will into public service delivery. We who have the honour of sitting in this House are accountable to the hundreds of thousands who entrusted us with their votes. Although divided in their choices, the voters were united by a shared desire for a better future. It is, therefore, our responsibility to ensure that together we deliver that future by at all times putting the national interest before our own. \n \n6. Last month my party, the Botswana Democratic Party, was reâ€elected on the basis of a detailed manifesto that promised to secure our common future by building on our past achievements. Today, before this House I reaffirm our commitment to honour that pledge. \n \n7. In as much as we recognise that a government of and by the people is not an event but a process; this administration shall continue to engage Batswana across the country about their concerns through various fora and media, from the venerable realm of dikgotla to the digital world of interactive online communication. It was as a result of wide-ranging consultation that our manifesto was predicated on what we understood to be our citizens’ core aspirations. These include achieving: \n \n• Job creation for sustainable livelihoods and income generation; \n• Food security through continued agricultural renewal; \n• Expanded access to land and housing ownership; \n• Access to world-class quality education that caters to current and future needs; \n• Citizen, including youth, economic empowerment; \n• Dignity for all through the eradication of poverty; \n• Zero tolerance for corruption in all of its manifestations; \n• Elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV; and \n• Government reform that leverages on the application of new technologies. \n \n8. Each of these commitments is based on realistic analysis of where our country is and needs to go in order to meet the reasonable expectations of its people, while improving our global standing in an ever more competitive world. Taken together they are consistent with our broader vision of achieving inclusive sustainable development that upholds the dignity of all. \n \nECONOMIC OUTLOOK \n \n9. Madam Speaker, owing to the prudent economic and financial management by my Government, the country was able to survive the 2008/09 global financial crisis and economic recession with minimum impact on the domestic economy. We were able to save jobs in both the public service and private sector, as well as continued to provide essential public services to our people. \n \n10. Having successfully weathered the storm of the economic downturn, we can look forward to better days ahead, with economic growth buttressed by reduced inflation. These positive trends should allow us to revive some of our postponed projects, along with outstanding issues affecting the conditions of service among public employees. Our optimism is in part based on forecasts of continued, albeit still fragile, global economic recovery, with worldwide output projected to grow by 3.3% in 2014 and 3.8% in 2015. \n \n11. Turning to the domestic economy, the gross domestic product (GDP) at current prices stood at P124 billion in 2013 and it is projected to expand to P136.5 billion in 2014. In real terms, the GDP grew by 5.8% in 2013, and is projected to grow by 5.2% in the current year, driven by both the mining and non-mining sectors.  Within the non-mining sector, retail and hospitality industries, as well as agriculture are experiencing growth. \n \n12. Average national inflation continued to decline from 8.5% in 2011 to 7.5% in 2012 to 5.9% in 2013 and further to 4.5% in September 2014, which is well within the Bank of Botswana objective range of 3 to 6%. This positive trend gives us confidence in our ability to maintain a low inflation environment, which is necessary for domestic enterprises to compete in the global market. \n \n13. In terms of our fiscal management, Government succeeded in restoring a balanced budget during 2012/13 financial year, after four years of budget deficits. For the 2013/14 financial year we were able to collect P 48.9 billion, up from the P 41.7 billion received in 2012/13, while total expenditures and net lending for 2013/14 amounted to P 41.73 billion. This resulted in a budget surplus of P7.2 billion, largely due to the good performance of the mineral sector. For 2014/15 a budget surplus of P1.3 billion is currently projected. These savings will allow us to reduce our debt burden and rebuild our financial reserves. \n \n14. To sustain a positive balance sheet will, however, require expanded revenues. Here I can report that we were able to collect P48.9 billion in the 2013-14 financial year, up from the P41.7 billion received in 2012-13. The 2013/14 outturn for expenditure and net lending was P41.7 billion. \n \nEMPLOYMENT \n \n15. Madam Speaker, to be meaningful to Batswana, economic growth has to be accompanied by expanded employment, which is why our manifesto listed job creation at the top of our aspirations. To reiterate what I said in my own message to the voters, of all our campaign promises tackling unemployment is the most important one. While there has been some progress in recent years, current estimates put unemployment among those 18 and above at just over 17%. Although this reflects a modest reduction since 2007, it has been insufficient to absorb all those seeking employment, especially among our talented youth. We can and shall do more. \n \n16. Our Economic Diversification Drive (EDD) is a key instrument for job creation. Since its 2010 inception, EDD has been facilitating employment generating business opportunities by promoting the consumption of local products. While our immediate focus has been leveraging public procurement in support of domestic industries, as we move forward our emphasis will shift to developing greater internal capacity for export-led growth, while continuing to value local goods and services. \n \n17. So far a total of P13.3 billion worth of goods and services were recorded since the inception of the initiative. Out of this figure, the value of local manufacturers and service providers (EDD purchases) amounted to P590.5 million for 2010/2011, P1.8 billion for 2011/2012 and 2012/2013 and P2.3 billion for 2013/2014. Over one thousand enterprises have so far been registered under the EDD Programme, which has contributed to the employment of 28,000 Batswana. \n \n18. We have already begun implementing our EDD Medium to Long Term Strategy, to develop sustainable sectors for economic growth and diversification. A leading example is the Leather Sub-sector Strategy, which is focused on the establishment of a Leather Park in Lobatse at a total cost of about P225 million. Government has agreed to finance the park’s primary infrastructure, a Common Effluent Treatment Plant, estimated to cost P102 million, while other components of the project will be financed through private sector investment. \n \n19. Government had also budgeted over P20 million to provide temporary assistance for over 12 months to support 34 textile companies, employing 2,912 workers. \n \nOPPORTUNITIES \n \n20. While the nurturing of SMMEs, support for existing industries and value addition remain critical in our achievement of job creation, we further anticipate that over the next few years local formal sector employment will be generated with the emergence of new economic opportunities through the synergies generated by the development growth nodes or clusters across the country. \n \n21. In the Chobe region, for example, we anticipate an expansion of opportunities in tourism, construction, transport services and agriculture resulting from the construction of the road and rail bridge at Kazangula and phase one of the water pipeline to Pandamatenga, along with associated infrastructure. It is estimated that when completed these two mega-projects will create over 9000 permanent jobs. \n \n22. Additional emerging labour intensive opportunities are already being generated in our urban areas, as reflected in Selebi-Phikwe’s development as a metallurgical hub, the continued growth of Gaborone as a global diamond as well as regional technical services centre, and Francistown’s growth as a nexus for trade and transport. We further anticipate additional jobs through synergies generated by new mining activities, the continued expansion of commercial agriculture and the development of Trans-Kgalagadi road and potential rail corridor. \n \nCOMPETITIVENESS \n \n23. A key to unlocking these job creation opportunities will be increasing our global competitiveness. To improve our competitiveness ranking in the area of goods market efficiency we have tightened our market monitoring for greater efficiency in the provision of goods and services, while the Competition Authority is reviewing mergers and potential cartel activity involving both local and foreign companies. \n \n24. Madam Speaker, job creation is inevitably linked to investment. In this respect the latest FDI Intelligence report indicates that Global Greenfield FDI showed signs of recovery, increasing by an estimated 11% from 2012 to 2013. The increase in local investment has been even greater, with UNCTAD’s 2014 World Investment report showing Botswana having grown by 27% in 2013. \n \n25. The Botswana International Trade Centre (BITC) continues to promote our country as a competitive location for investment, making business contacts and generating leads. During the 2013-2014 financial year, BITC helped realise a total combined investment capital of just over 1 billion pula, of which P 642 million was from foreign direct investment (FDI) and P449 million came from new domestic investments. In 2012/13, BITC further recorded P1.9 billion worth of goods and services exported into the region and beyond, of which P738 million was attributable to financial and international business services by the financial services cluster. \n \n26. Botswana was ranked number one in the 2014 Baseline Profitability Index, surpassing Hong Kong as a location for medium to long term returns on investment. In essence the Index suggests that investors can expect to do well here once they have established themselves in our market. \n \n27. Government is, furthermore, working to limit the number of licenses and permits, while allowing mixed land use zoning, adopting risk based approach for Environmental Impact Assessments and Management Plans, and decentralising the management of electricity connections. \n \n28. Government has also embarked on a National Work Ethic programme to promote productivity. So far, 254 facilitators have been assessed to implement the programme, which commenced in May 2014. \n \n29. The drafting of a Bill which will provide the legal framework for the establishment of Special Economic Zones and the Special Economic Zone Authority is being finalized. \n \n30. The Rural Development Council (RDC) has been upgraded as the national consultative body to promote and coordinate the implementation of rural development policies and programmes. As a result community based projects such as the Zutshwa Salt Project and the Mogobane Irrigation Scheme, to mention some, have been resuscitated. \n \nCITIZEN EMPOWERMENT \n \n31. Madam Speaker, it is pleasing to note that to date, CEDA has funded 5,462 enterprises with a total value of nearly P8.55 billion, in the process creating over 48,935 thousand jobs. During the 2013/14 financial year, CEDA assisted 151 new enterprises with a total monetary value of P152 million, collectively generating 1042 new jobs. \n \n32. Since its inception, LEA has also facilitated the creation of 4995 new jobs, including 568 in the ongoing financial year. The Authority has further trained a total of 9,317 entrepreneurs. In an effort to inculcate an entrepreneurial culture, LEA embarked upon the Entrepreneurship Awareness Workshops among secondary school leavers, vocational trainees and prison inmates; over 26,000 of whom have been trained. \n \n33. Madam Speaker, through the Botswana Bureau of Standards (BOBS), we have encouraged our small and medium enterprises to implement quality assurance activities within their businesses. Progress has been made in certification of goods especially in the building and construction industry. To further ensure that prescribed goods entering our borders comply with domestic standards, a BOBS office has been opened at the Tlokweng Border. \n \nRULE OF LAW \n \n34. Madam Speaker, adherence to the rule of law remains a cornerstone to our national development. It is thus encouraging that independent comparative surveys, as well as domestic polling, consistently place us among the best in the world as well as first in Africa in terms of our upholding the rule of law while ensuring the safety and security of all our citizens. These surveys include: \n \n• 2014 Ibrahim Index of African Governance, where we ranked first in the category of safety and security; \n• World Justice Project’s 2014 Rule of Law Index, where we were ranked 25th in the world as well as first in Africa; \n• 2014 Global Peace Index where we were at 36th place, ranking above half of European countries surveyed; \n• 2014 Legatum Index for Governance and Rule of Law, where we were ranked 28th in the world; and \n• 2013 Global Democracy Index, where besides ranking 35 out of 167 countries we achieved a near perfect score in the area of civil liberties. \n \n35. In light of such reputable findings it is unfortunate to say the least that some individuals, working through foreign as well as domestic media, including rumour mongering on social media, have attempted to instil the perception of Batswana living in fear. This is in an apparent effort to undermine this country’s longstanding and shared record of peace, order and good Government. \n \n36. While the mass circulation of false and malicious reports intended to incite undue alarm may be aimed at promoting the political agenda of some, it is at the collective cost of tarnishing the image of the country as a whole. It is also a threat to the economy we all must depend upon for our livelihoods. Such disinformation should therefore be rejected with contempt by all peace-loving Batswana. All citizens, residents and potential visitors to Botswana can be confident that this Government will continue to both abide and uphold the rule of law without fear or favour. \n \n37. Let me, nonetheless, also observe that we have not, and shall not, allow past achievements or international accolades to breed complacency as we recognise that, here as elsewhere, criminal activity is constantly evolving and increasingly sophisticated. We therefore remain determined to pursue a zero tolerance approach to all forms of criminal activity, including corruption. \n \n38. To counter emerging domestic and trans-national challenges the Police Service has deployed integrated law enforcement strategies to combat all forms of criminality and anti-social behaviour. This has involved an ongoing redirection of resources to deal with violent and intrusive, cross border and cyber based criminal activities. \n \n39. Whilst total recorded crime excluding road traffic violations rose by 4.7% during the year 2013, significant reductions were, however, registered in respect of violent and intrusive crimes. Offences in this category, which included burglary, store breaking, robbery, house breaking, threats to kill, murder, rape, motor vehicle and stock theft, declined by 15.4%. \n \n40. Road traffic management poses an additional policing challenge. Analysis of road accidents shows a youth bias, expressed in reckless driving, often aggravated by the influence of alcohol. As a result of the increase in the intensity of road policing initiatives, the number of detected road traffic offences rose by 32.4%, while there was a corresponding decrease in the number of fatal road accidents by 2.6%. \n \n41. Madam Speaker, the Department of Prisons and Rehabilitation continues to improve security in the prisons and rehabilitation of offenders. While overcrowding has been a problem in some of the Prison institutions, there has been substantial reduction in congestion since 2008. In June 2014 there were 3824 offenders held in prisons, which was 13% below the authorised holding capacity. \n \n42. Madam Speaker, the internal and external challenges of today’s constantly changing security landscape, call for a structurally aligned, strategically focused and adequately resourced, as well as highly trained and motivated, defence force. The BDF will thus continue to evolve its structures and strategies to defend the nation, while continuing to provide assistance to other law enforcement agencies in combating crime, including poaching. \n \nACCESS TO JUSTICE \n \n43. Madam Speaker, as was most recently demonstrated in the Judgments of the High Court and the Court of Appeal upholding the constitutionality of the Standing Orders of this very House, our Judiciary continues to independently and effectively deliver on its constitutional mandate of settling disputes, both large and small, without fear or favour. This Government will, as always, respect decisions of the Courts and expects all citizens to do the same. Equally, we must all display tolerance and recognize everyone’s right to approach the Courts for the resolution of any legal issue no matter how strongly we may disagree. \n \n44. To improve everyday access to justice several special court projects like the stock theft, maintenance, traffic, small claims and most recently corruption court have been put in place so as to speed up and improve the case disposal rates, while promoting greater access to justice by simplifying court rules and processes to make them more user friendly. In addition a Court Annexed Mediation will be in place by the end of the current financial year. This form of alternative dispute resolution will accelerate case disposal and reduce the cost of litigation once implemented. \n \n45. During the current financial year the number of special traffic courts has also been increased from two to nine. Plans are also now advanced to purchase four mobile courts, which will be used for traffic cases and other case types to promote greater access to justice. Various technological initiatives are also improving access to justice, such as video conferencing, real time court reporting and e-filing. \n \n46. Madam Speaker, since the Legal Aid Project commenced in April 2011, legal services have been available to citizens for a wide variety of civil law issues. The demand for these services has steadily increased, with over 6,000 applications for legal aid having been received as of May 2014. An independent legal aid entity - Legal Aid Botswana - will thus be brought into operation during the current financial year. \n \nBOGOSI AND LOCAL AUTHORITIES \n \n47. Government recognizes the important role of Bogosi in nation building. As an institution Bogosi provides a solid foundation for community mobilization, development and national unity. In this regard, Government is committed to strengthening the institution, ensuring its continued role and relevance. \n \n48. Government is further committed to promoting local governance, while taking services closer to the people. We have in this respect started to fully operationalise seven service centres, which were established last year. \n \n49. Local Government is also piloting the Service Halls concept as part of the e-Government programme as a one stop shop for various public services. The first centre will soon open its doors in Molepolole. This effort will not only bring services closer to people, but will also bring government services under one roof for easy customer access. \n \nCIVIL AND NATIONAL REGISTRATION \n \n50. Madam Speaker, the on-site registration programme that was launched in 2012 is yielding positive results as evidenced by the increasing number of births and deaths registered at these centres amounting to 61,624 births and 15,720 deaths since the inception of the pilot project in 2011. Additional computerisation of critical functions of Civil and National Registration and linkage with other systems is on-going. The Project has as one of its deliverables an Electronic Identity Card or e-id. \n \n51. Madam Speaker, Government very much appreciates the sterling contribution being made by the religious community in upholding social harmony through their prayers, preaching and good deeds. We are, however, concerned that a few hide behind religion to promote personal gain in ways that are ultimately disruptive to social harmony resulting in legal intervention. \n \nIMMIGRATION \n \n52. Madam Speaker, Government continues to improve the processing of work and residence permits. A project to automate the processing of the work permits has already commenced, which will better ensure the integrity of the documents and enhance processing time as well as data management. \n \n53. As a Government it is our duty, in the first instance, to promote the economic interests of our own citizens when it comes to issues of employment. We, nonetheless, continue to recognise the value of opening our doors to citizens of other countries who add value to the economy and social welfare of the nation as a whole. Illegal migration, however, remains a serious challenge. Over the past year we have had to deport over 36,000 illegal immigrants. \n \nLAND \n \n54. Madam Speaker, in our manifesto my party recognised that the equitable and efficient distribution of land remains an area of both great opportunity and challenge. To address the shortage of serviced land, Government shall continue to undertake land servicing projects to promote economic development. The construction of Palapye Extension 11 land servicing project is expected to yield 3300 plots upon completion. In addition we will continue with infrastructure design projects for another eight areas around the country. \n \n55. Government is also implementing additional measures that promote optimal utilisation and better management of our land resources through physical planning; Land Administration Processes, Capacity Building and Systems (LAPCAS) Project, which has so far resulted in the surveying of 234,525 plots countrywide. A project outcome will be the establishment of a land information centre as a collection of all land data in the country. As of now a total of 890,814 individual land records have been opened and secured, while Deeds Registry has captured 431,667 title deeds. Information collected through this project will benefit individual landholders as well as the country as a whole, since registered land titles can, for example, be used as collateral for loans. \n \n56. Madam Speaker, the Town and Country Planning Act of 2013 which further decentralized physical planning functions to the Councils became operational in April 2014, providing for oversight and policy direction on physical planning as well as regional planning functions. \n \n57. Efforts are also ongoing to prepare new settlement development plans. To date a total of 25 such plans, out of a current target of 29, have been prepared. Government is further exploring alternatives to decentralize and decongest development away from Gaborone. We have thus commenced the preparation of three new master plans. \n \nDIAMONDS \n \n58. Madam Speaker, our GDP has been significantly boosted by renewed growth in the mining sector, which continues to drive our economy. Given that this expansion was primarily due to global diamond sales, we are further encouraged by the fact that these current trends are consistent with long term industry projections, based on growing demand among new consumers, as well as sustained recovery in our traditional markets. \n \n59. Growing global demand for gem diamonds has further dovetailed with upward estimates of domestic production based on both the ongoing and anticipated opening of new mines and an extension in the life spans of existing mines through new recovery methods. Together, these developments should ensure that we will remain a leading global producer over the next three decades, until at least 2050. Let us recognise, however, that diamonds alone cannot carry us forward. We must therefore continue in our efforts to achieve greater economic diversification, which includes the promotion of further beneficiation within the minerals sector. \n \n60. In the case of diamonds we are already realising our goal of becoming a global ‘mines to market’ hub with the successful migration of the De Beers Global Sight-holder Sales from London to Gaborone, which was completed ahead of schedule. The first round of local Diamond Trading Company (DTC) sales took place in November 2013. To date 10 sight-holder sales have been successfully held in Botswana. Included in the DTC turnover has been diamonds supplied to local industry. This has strengthened our diamond cutting and polishing industry, which as of July 2014 employed 3,781. \n \n61. The Government owned Okavango Diamond Company has also successfully conducted eight tenders to date, which attracted over 400 customers from all over the world. In addition Boteti Mining Company (Karowe Mine) has also been conducting sales. \n \nEMERGING MINERAL OPPORTUNITIES \n \n62. Notwithstanding continued volatility in the global trading of mineral commodities, we are encouraged by the emerging opportunities for beneficiation, as well as expanded mining of iron ore, copper, nickel and silver, coal and coal bed methane. In order to better manage these opportunities, we have now established a state owned Mineral Development Company. \n \n63. At the same time we have worked to maintain Botswana’s status as a welcoming environment for international investors. In the 2014 Fraser Institute Mining Policy Perception Index, which annually assesses the competitiveness of global mining jurisdictions, we were ranked first in Africa and 25th in the world, while for diamond industry investment we were rated first in the world. \n \n64. In terms of further mineral beneficiation we are especially encouraged by the efforts of Bamangwato Concession Limited (BCL) through its Polaris II programme to establish Selebi-Phikwe as a regional metallurgical hub for the refinement of base metal concentrates. The initiative further provides for additional investments in downstream activities as was reflected in the ongoing construction of the Pula Steel plant. \n \n65. Just this past month the Polaris II project took another giant step forward with BCL’s acquisition of Norlisk Nickel’s Southern Africa assets, which notably include its controlling stake in South African based Nkomati Nickel, as well as the local Tati Nickel Mine. Output from these mines is now expected to be serviced by the BCL smelter. All of these positive developments were made possible through Government’s decision to empower BCL to expand its commercial activities, while releasing the company from its debt burden. \n \n66. In the context of our ‘Coal Roadmap’ we are also finding opportunities through which our vast coal reserves can become an additional source of export revenues, while being further utilised to fuel local power plants. This has in turn served as a catalyst for the Trans-Kalahari and Ponto Techobanine railway projects, as well as further expansion in the energy sector. We have signed a bilateral agreement with Namibia on the Trans-Kalahari Railway Project, which paves the way for the construction of a heavy haul railway line stretching 1,500 kilometres from Mmamabula coal fields to Walvis Bay. \n \n67. We are further engaged in a joint project with Zambia for the construction of the Kazungula Bridge across the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers, which includes a railroad component, one stop border facility and access roads. We have also signed an agreement on road and bridge infrastructure with South Africa, which has resulted in the already ongoing construction of bridges and infrastructure at Notwane and Platjaan. \n \nAGRICULTURE \n \n68. Madam Speaker, in terms of job creation, rural income generation and food security agriculture remains a priority economic sector with still untapped potential. The Integrated Support Programme for Arable Agriculture Development (ISPAAD), Livestock Management and Infrastructure Development Program (LIMID) and animal disease control measures are key interventions for driving the sector forward. \n \n69. I am especially pleased to report that the prospects for the 2013/14 ploughing season are very good for rain fed agriculture, with over 127,000 farmers having cultivated nearly 417,000 hectares. This has resulted in what we anticipate will be a record 2014 cereal crop of about 200 thousand metric tonnes. This is over 500% above that of last year, when we were of course plagued by poor rainfall. \n \n70. The higher estimated crop yield is a result of the use of inputs such as hybrid seeds, fertilizers and herbicides as well as improved technology and above average rainfall. Farmers, in this respect, benefited from increased financial support by the National Development Bank (NDB), CEDA and commercial lenders as well as other Government support such as ISPAAD. \n \n71. ISPAAD has been the primary vehicle for channelling Government support for expanded arable farming; its five components being draught power and input subsidy, cluster fencing, individual fencing and horticultural assistance. The latter component assists farmers with development inputs of 40% of total cost. \n \n72. In addition, this past year we introduced the Special ISPAAD programme aimed at assisting beneficiaries in areas where crop production is not suitable, such as Kgalagadi, Ghanzi, and parts of Kweneng and Southern Districts. \n \n73. An additional constraint to horticulture production has been the marketing of produce. To address the challenge, the Horticulture Market has now been established as a wholesaler to provide a sure market at equitable prices, while the horticulture processing facility at Selebi Phikwe will soon provide another reliable outlet for horticulture produce. \n \n74. We can further report that infrastructural development for the Zambezi Agro-Commercial project will soon commence, while arable production will continue to benefit through our cluster development strategy. Besides the Pandamatenga cluster, new clusters such as at Mosisedi are now operational. \n \n75. Over the past year our livestock sector has enjoyed positive growth, particularly as a result of controlling foot and mouth disease. This has enabled the Botswana Meat Commission (BMC) to resume beef exports to the high value European Union and other international markets. This past year BMC’s after tax profits were over P 25 million, with a turnover of just over P 1 billion. Seeking additional non-EU markets continues to be a major assignment for Government through the BMC. \n \n76. The change over from the bolus to ear tags for the livestock identification and trace back system is finally on course. As at October 2014 a total of 1.4 million cattle had been tagged against the target of 2.2 million. With respect to dairy, we are still heavily dependent on import of milk and milk products. To turn this around a dairy strategy has been adopted. \n \n77. Our current animal disease situation is satisfactory. The outbreak of foot and mouth disease in Mohembo East, which occurred in July 2014, has been brought under control by vaccination and movement control. Fortunately the outbreak did not affect cattle marketing in the rest of Ngamiland and therefore trade in livestock continued in the area. \n \n78. There is also currently an outbreak of Newcastle disease among chickens, which fortunately has not affected commercial poultry and ostrich farms where appropriate control measures have proved effective. To counter the outbreak among small scale producers, Government has secured a vaccine that is being distributed at no cost to the farmers. Part of the vaccine was donated by the Botswana Veterinary Association. \n \n79. Under LIMID beneficiaries continue to be assisted with small stock, poultry, animal husbandry and water provision. Since its inception in 2007, over 18 thousand have benefited from the programme at a cost of P224 million. Initially LIMID was allocated P20 million annually but this has now been increased to P50 million. \n \nTOURISM \n \n80. Madam Speaker, another driver of economic diversification has been the tourism and associated hospitality industries, which currently employs some 35,000. Our progress is reflected in the fact that we have experienced a 45% increase in licensed enterprises over the past decade, with 135 newly licensed citizen owned enterprises in 2013-14 alone. As I have said before, but it deserves repeating, recent growth in the sector has been largely driven by citizen investment. As of May 2014, 61% were citizen owned, 23% were joint ventures, while only 16% were foreign owned. \n \n81. To further fuel this positive trend we are continuing to find innovative ways to promote a broadening of the tourism product, in collaboration with the Botswana Tourism Organisation, private sector and civil society partners. Our progress is evidenced by the number of new attractions being opened up in less developed areas such as Kgalagadi, Tswapong and Bobirwa. With the approval of management plans we will soon also open up dams for tourism and recreation purposes. In addition, events such as Makgadikgadi Epic sky dive, the Khawa Dune Challenge and the Toyota Kalahari 1000 Desert Race are bringing in visitors while raising our country’s profile. We anticipate additional high profile events in the coming year. \n \n82. Another means through which we are diversifying our tourism is the development of historic and cultural, as well as natural heritage sites. Several heritage trails have been developed including the Makgadikgadi Heritage Trail, which is one of the 74 heritage places across the country where information boards and signage have been installed. In protecting and promoting our country’s rich cultural heritage we are ratifying three UNESCO conventions to strengthen our care of cultural properties and heritage sites. Our conservation efforts were, of course, this year also acknowledged in the Okavango Delta’s listing as the 1000th UNESCO World Heritage Site. \n \n83. Following the decision to impose a moratorium on hunting on public land to conserve our wildlife heritage, Government has been working with community based organisations to re-align their management plans to facilitate their transition from hunting to photographic tourism. Communities and concessionaires are also being capacitated to undertake resource monitoring in their areas to allow them to track the impact of management interventions such as water provision, measures to reduce illegal off take and fire management. \n \nNATURAL HERITAGE \n \n84. Madam Speaker, with poaching on the rise globally we remain vigilant in securing our elephants, rhinos and other wildlife species. Government has taken additional measures to strengthen anti – poaching efforts by increasing posts in the Department of Wildlife and National Parks and deploying other law enforcement agencies like the Botswana Defence Force, Police and Prisons Services and the Directorate of Intelligence Services to augment initiatives to curb poaching. \n \n85. Our country enjoys widespread international recognition and goodwill for our record of domestic conservation and sustainable tourism development coupled with our contributions to global efforts to suppress poaching and the global trafficking of illegal natural products. It is in the latter context that we shall early next year play host to the 2nd International Conference on the Illegal Wildlife Trade. This gathering will be a follow-up to the London Conference earlier this year, where there was for the first time broad agreement among nations involved in the supply, transit and consumption of illegal wildlife products, to join hands in combating the trade. \n \n86. Government also remains committed to ensuring that the Gaborone Declaration for Sustainably in Africa bears fruit. To this end we are undertaking an exercise to value the contribution of different streams of natural capital to GDP. In addition to our water and minerals, we wish to assess the values of other resource based economic activities such as pastoral agriculture, tourism, and land management so as to ensure that our measure of the national wealth is inclusive. In this regard the findings of the Wealth Accounting and Valuation of Ecosystem Services (WAVES) project will be used to reform our accounting systems. \n \nENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION \n \n87. We have also initiated a process to streamline the Environmental Assessment process. Our main aim is to reduce the turnaround time for the assessment of projects as well as to reduce the number of projects subjected to detailed assessments without compromising the environment. \n \n88. Wild land fires remain a concern as they risk land degradation. The total area burnt as at end of December 2013 was 8.6 million hectares, as compared to 11.3 million hectares same period during 2012, a 24% reduction. Government continues to mobilize resources to areas of high economic importance. Since 2009, 2,560 fire fighters have been trained. This has been achieved through our ongoing partnership with Australia. We also continue to distribute Personal Protective Equipment to seasonal fire fighting teams and community based volunteer fire-fighters, who have demonstrated dedication and willingness to volunteer for fire suppression. \n \n89. Illegal mining, particularly of construction materials including sand and gravel, continues to be a source of concern, and cause of environmental degradation, especially of our rivers. This has resulted in increased law enforcement efforts. \n \n90. Madam Speaker, the negative effects of climate change cannot be overlooked. Let me therefore encourage Batswana to inculcate the culture of tree planting. Government will continue to provide tree seedlings and also encourage backyard tree nurseries. We are aware that the main predicament to these initiatives has been shortage of \n\t \n \n \n water, but efforts such as recycling are underway. \n \n91. Government continues to encourage utilization of waste as a resource. Following the piloting of waste separation at source in 4 schools in Gaborone, we are in the process of rolling out the initiative to all schools in the country during 2014. Moving forward Government has taken a decision to outsource waste management services to the private sector. \n \nENERGY \n \n92. Madam Speaker, in my 2008 address before this House I stated that transforming our nation from an energy deficit to surplus nation had become a new development priority. We knew from the beginning that this was a mammoth task, which along the way was made all the more difficult by the setbacks we continue to suffer in bringing the Morupule B Power Station fully online. With Morupule B capable of producing up to 600MW when at full capacity, supplemented by plants at Orapa and Matshelagabedi to meet spikes in demand, we should be able to cater for our domestic energy needs. \n \n93. To ensure long term security of power supply, Government is in the process of procuring Independent Power Producers for the construction of an additional 300MW from a Brownfield site at Morupule B site as well as 300MW from a Greenfield site. The construction of these additional power plants over the next few years will give us the capacity to ultimately become a net exporter rather than importer of electricity. \n \n94. Catering for future as well as current domestic energy demand remains a priority given that access to electricity and thus overall consumption has been steadily increasing since the establishment of the National Electricity Standard Connection Cost Programme in 2010. As at April 2014, the Programme has enabled 58,470 new households to connect to the national grid, with household access to electricity now standing at about 70%. In terms of settlements 76% or 373 out of 492 gazetted villages have been electrified. During the current financial year this is being increased with the electrification of another 28 villages, while network grid extension is ongoing in 24 villages. \n \n95. Turning to the petroleum sub-sector, construction of the 149 million litres strategic storage facility at Tshele Hills is ongoing. Government has also put in place a quality monitoring programme of petroleum products to protect consumers and the environment. Additionally, we continue to make efforts to ‘green’ the energy sector through various renewable energy initiatives. The 1.3 MW Solar power plant is producing green power as expected, avoiding significant carbon dioxide emissions. \n \nWATER \n \n96. Madam Speaker, water resources is an area where we continue to face significant challenges as well as opportunities. In this respect we are partially victims of our own success. While we remain on target towards achieving near universal access by 2016, we appreciate the fact that, being a semi-arid country, water shall continue to be a relatively scarce and therefore precious resource. There is thus an absolute need for us to carefully manage our limited water resources to ensure optimal, equitable and sustainable utilisation. \n \n97. Our efforts to maintain water supply security are, of course, further challenged by recurring drought. To address this challenge the Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) has introduced water restrictions and rationing in order to reduce water demand. As Government we have further availed a budget of P470 million for drought mitigation projects, including the upgrading and refurbishment of boreholes and the expansion of treatment plant capacity. So far P338 million worth of projects are at various stages of implementation. \n \n98. Government is also working on associated infrastructure for supplying water from the newly built Dikgatlhong, Lotsane and Thune dams. A 75 km water pipeline from Dikgatlhong dam to Moralane was completed earlier this year at a cost of P 1.3 billion, while the North South Carrier 2 pipeline to Palapye is still under construction. \n \n99. Looking to the future, Government continues to prioritise trans-boundary cooperation under the auspices of the SADC Protocol on shared watercourses, where our efforts continue to bear fruit. The Middlepits cluster villages project for the transfer of potable water from South Africa has been completed. A feasibility study of the Lesotho Highlands project should be completed next year, which will potentially allow the three countries participating in the project – i.e. Botswana, Lesotho and South Africa – to take the project forward. The Limpopo Watercourse Commission (LIMCOM) was launched in July 2014, which is home to all our dams that we currently rely on for water supply. Having LIMCOM as a functional platform to discuss and agree on management and utilisation of the Limpopo basin is thus critical. \n \n100. Government remains committed to ultimately drawing about 495 Million Cubic Metres of water per annum from the Chobe/Zambezi River system. This share of water will initially be used for the planned Zambezi Integrated Agro-Commercial Development Project at Pandamatenga. In the longer term this resource is expected to play a key role in meeting our post 2025 demand. \n \nBUILDING INFRASTRUCTURE \n \n101. Government continues to address the many challenges facing the construction sector, by putting in place structures at policy level to improve the performance. These include interventions such as restructuring initiatives and the introduction of project management for improved execution of projects. \n \n102. Government continues to deploy audit teams to ensure that all new construction projects and procurement of offices and staff house are defect free at completion stage or rental/purchase stage. \n \n103. With regard to problematic projects, a contract for the completion contract of the Sir Seretse Khama International Airport has been awarded. Work commenced in July 2014 and is scheduled to be completed during the first half of 2015. The completion works for Francistown Stadium, will cost just over P 100 million and is being undertaken as two separate contracts. Major refurbishments of Serowe Sports Complex, which included installation of the artificial turf and cleaning and repair of sewage pipes, has been completed and are in use. \n \nSCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY \n \n104. Madam Speaker, implementation of the National Research, Science, Technology and Innovation policy or RSTI has started with the appointment of focal persons to provide linkages between the ministries and departments. In order to develop capacity for Botswana to continuously monitor and evaluate its status and progress of RSTI development, we have applied for enrolment in the African Science and Technology Innovation Indicators (ASTII) Initiative. \n \n105. The Indigenous Knowledge Systems Policy, whose development has recently been finalised, will enable Batswana to benefit from Indigenous Knowledge and also to impact the country’s economic diversification as it can also contribute to innovation, poverty alleviation, cultural preservation and sustainable management of natural resources. \n \n106. The Botswana Institute for Technology Research and Innovation (BITRI) is now established with the task of adapting, developing and enhancing technologies for local use. BITRI has identified a state-of-the-art solar technology for street lights. In addition, the organization will facilitate the construction of houses using Kalahari Sand Building Blocks in Kgalagadi South to ensure maximum beneficiation from the readily available sand in the construction of affordable housing. \n \n107. The implementation of the Botswana Innovation Hub (BIH) is continuing with construction of its central icon building. The Hub has since 2013 also put into operation three additional innovation support programmes. \n \nSOCIAL PROTECTION \n \n108. Madame Speaker, funds amounting to P581 million have been approved for the implementation of Ipelegeng Programme during the 2014/15 financial year. The programme continues to provide temporary relief for the unemployed and vulnerable members of the society. It further contributes to infrastructure maintenance, environmental cleanliness and crime prevention. The monthly target has been increased from 61,670 to 65,757 beneficiaries. \n \n109. Government continues to provide social protection services for all deserving different categories of vulnerable people, such as, Destitute Persons, Orphans and Vulnerable Children, Community Home-Based Care Patients, World War II Veterans, Old Age Pensioners, the Disabled and Remote Area Communities. Government cushions the debilitating effects of poverty on these vulnerable groups through provision of cash transfers, food baskets, feeding schemes, shelter, livestock, packages and labour based public works programme. A total amount of P1.8 billion has been allocated under these various programmes to support these vulnerable groups. This is an endeavour to promote dignity and self-development to communities to enable them to achieve sustainable livelihoods. \n \n110. The monthly allowance for the over 99 thousand Old Age Pensioners was increased effective April 2014, as well as the allowance for World War II Veterans (or their spouses/children below the age of 21 years). Elderly persons who live alone or without care givers have been supported with radios to enable them to have access to information. Furthermore, blankets were provided in January 2014 and have been distributed to the Districts for issuance to the beneficiaries. \n \n111. Government currently supports registered Destitute Persons who are benefiting from food baskets and a monthly cash allowance. This enables them to buy items of their choice which are not provided for in the food basket. 35,236 Orphans and Vulnerable Children, 34,845 Destitute Persons and 1,161 Community Home Based Care patients receive monthly food baskets, which are aimed at ensuring their food security, basic daily nutritional support and general good health. All beneficiaries, irrespective of their geographical location, receive all food items stipulated in the basket. To further provide dignity to beneficiaries, Government has introduced the Poso Card to ensure that all beneficiaries get their allowances every month. \n \n112. Supplementary feeding is also provided to 755 Primary Schools with a total enrolment of 349,485 pupils and 966 Health Facilities with a total of 316,446 beneficiaries. Due to the drought that engulfed part of the country last year, Government permitted provision of a second meal to the primary schools and double ration supply for health facilities for seriously affected areas. Government has continued with purchase of agricultural produce for Primary Schools. As at June 2014, P5 million was spent on purchasing such produce, with 2,935 farmers benefitting. \n \nPOVERTY ERADICATION \n \n113. To continue its effort of eradicating abject poverty, Government has identified 20,636 beneficiaries to be assisted with Alternative Packages across the country. To this end, a total of 1,815 projects are operational while 461 are excelling. In the process 3,364 beneficiaries have been equipped with different technical skills, while 13,097 beneficiaries have been trained on business management skills. Since its inception, P99.2 million has been disbursed to the districts for the purchase of equipment and materials, as well as training of beneficiaries undertaking Alternative Packages. \n \n114. Market days are also held monthly in every District at designated areas to create market opportunities for small entrepreneurs and facilitate income generation through direct sales. As at June 2014, 158 market days were held countrywide in which 546 beneficiaries participated. \n \n115. Madam Speaker, the review of the National Policy on Care of People with Disabilities is now at finalization stage. The policy is premised on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This policy will guide the implementation of disability services in Botswana including, access to education, development of sport and sporting facilities for the disabled, affirmative action, employment and general economic empowerment of People with Disabilities. In the meantime, People with Disabilities continue to benefit from different Government programmes. \n \nGENDER EQUITY \n \n116. Madam Speaker, the World Economic Forum’s 2014 Global Gender Gap Report and Index confirms that our country has been making great strides in achieving gender equality. In the overall ranking we climbed 34 places to 51 out of 142 countries surveyed, while in terms of female participation in the economy we moved up 40 places to number 8 in the world. With respect to equality of educational attainment we ranked at the top of the table, sharing first place over the past five years with a number of other countries for having achieved an almost perfect gender balance at all levels. \n \n117. Under the Women’s Economic Empowerment and Poverty Eradication Programmes, 64 women’s groups were funded at a total cost of P9.5 million in 2013/14, resulting in job creation for 320 beneficiaries. This brings the total of supported women’s groups to 310 at a total cost of P34.3 million benefitting a total of 2,480 individuals. \n \n118. Government is cognisant of the fact that Women’s Economic Empowerment and Poverty Eradication beneficiaries continue to face challenges in accessing markets where they can sell their goods. Efforts therefore continue to be made to support them in accessing markets locally, regionally and internationally. The National Women’s Exposition which was introduced in 1999 to give women entrepreneurs access to markets has grown from 70 to 350 exhibitors in 2014. In order to enrol more women in this venture, the Northern Exposition was introduced in 2013. \n \n119. Following the 2012 Gender Based Violence (GBV) Indicator Study, which revealed 67% of women as victims and 44% of men as perpetrators, the Government is piloting the GBV Referral System in Maun and Mochudi in an effort to capacitate all service providers in handling GBV cases. We are currently developing the Monitoring and Evaluation System through which the referral progress will be monitored. A more in-depth study on GBV has already commenced. \n \nREMOTE AREA DEVELOPMENT \n \n120. Government continues to use the Remote Area Development Programme as a rural development strategy intended to uplift the livelihoods of people living in the remote areas. To economically empower these communities, Government provides livestock, basic shelter, economic empowerment projects, which include bakery, leatherwork, horticulture, sewing; communal farms and cooperatives. As at July 2014 a total of 1,052 projects had been rolled out to beneficiaries in remote areas. \n \n121. The Affirmative Action Framework for Remote Area Communities (RACs) is being implemented over a period of ten years until 2025, and it will be reviewed after five years. Regarding education, Government is now sponsoring 822 students in institutions of higher learning locally. District Councils are also financing education expenses for 634 members of RACs in Brigades and Technical Colleges. \n \nHOUSING \n \n122. To increase access to housing and promote socio-economic development, Government has allocated 1,844 out of a target of 6,786 plots on state land and 26,069 plots for various uses in tribal land across the country. To further promote access to housing for the low income group, Government has funded a total of 3,553 SHHA Home Improvement projects for implementation by local authorities. \n \n123. Government has also funded 2,151 SHHA Turnkey projects for implementation by District Councils. In 2012/13 the Turnkey Development Scheme was transferred to the Botswana Housing Corporation and 2,000 projects are now being funded under this arrangement. Progress has been hampered by the high cost of material. It was therefore recognised that the maximum, P60,000, loan was insufficient; causing us to review our loan ceilings. \n \n124. The Integrated Poverty Alleviation and Housing Scheme continues to assist Batswana to earn allowances and build houses through project self-help. \n \n125. Government also recognises the need for public officers’ housing needs. The Botswana Housing Corporation (BHC) thus started construction of district housing units during the Financial Year 2013/14. BHC has further delivered 712 houses countrywide. Of these, 575 were for third party projects. Since June 2014 BHC has started identifying plots for an additional 540 houses to be built under the Public Officers Housing Initiative. \n \n126. Government has developed a new National Housing Strategy that includes initiatives such as the Social Housing Programme targeting the less privileged and disadvantaged. Some of the main features of the programme include: Instalment Purchase Scheme and low cost Youth apartments. \n \n127. In an effort to provide shelter for the needy, Government will construct a total of 463 houses in the 2014/2015 financial year. These houses will benefit people at the Remote Area Settlements as well as in villages where people have been assessed and approved as destitute persons. Districts have started the building of these houses. At the same time 420 houses have already been built through generous contributions to the Presidential Housing Appeal. \n \nYOUTH DEVELOPMENT \n \n128. Madam Speaker, Youth development and empowerment is one of the priority areas for Government in its drive to reduce youth unemployment and poverty. Key areas of focus include Information and Communication Technology, Life Skills Development, Mentorship, Behaviour Change and Character Building in collaboration with different stakeholders. \n \n129. Our attention in the past year has been on the introduction of a new component under the Youth Empowerment Scheme (YES) in the form of Tirelo Setshaba to engage youth in meaningful community development programmes, while giving them the needed experience for the world of work. Botswana National Service Programme or new Tirelo Setshaba was launched in April 2014, and to date 11,200 young people have enrolled in the programme. \n \n130. Government is also continuing with the National Internship Programme as a platform for skills transfer and development. As of April 2014, there were 4,228 Interns enrolled in the programme. \n \n131. The Youth Development Fund is yet another component of YES aimed at supporting young entrepreneurs with financing for their business ideas. For the financial year 2013/14 1,111 projects were funded with an amount of P 99 million creating employment opportunities for youth. \n \n132. Government continues to monitor progress on youth mainstreaming through officers seconded to different Ministries. Reports indicate that for the financial year 2013/14 592 young people have been funded to the value of P 6.9 million under the LIMID programme, 2,024 plots have been allocated to the youth and 9,794 youth freelancers were engaged. \n \n133. Government also continues to engage Youth companies and individuals with vocational skills in construction maintenance and rehabilitation of facilities. These youth companies benefit under the 15% Maintenance Reservation Programme. \n \n134. Since the programme started in 2009 to-date, maintenance tenders worth P 105 million have been awarded country wide to 171 youth owned contractors and 177 individuals with vocational skills in the construction industry. Since 2013 the private sector has also participated in engaging youth companies. The Department of Building and Engineering Services maintains an updated database of Youth Construction Companies, while efforts to encourage others to engage Youth owned companies are bearing fruit. \n \n135. In recognition of the youth as a valuable resource for development, BITRI is in the process of setting up ICT centres to engage interns to equip them with various skills for self-employment. \n \nEDUCATION \n \n136. Madam Speaker, Government’s commitment to move Botswana forward is perhaps best reflected in our enduring commitment to the education and training of our youth. This has resulted in education and vocational training consistently receiving the lion’s share of the budget. We have, however, become increasingly concerned that our quantitative success in increasing access to education over the years has not been adequately matched by qualitative achievement, as evidenced by disappointing examination results as well as the apparent skills mismatch between many of our graduates and potential employers. This has led us to review our syllabi, while looking into additional ways to improve our schools and training institutions. \n \n137. In recognizing the challenges faced by the education sector, Government is undertaking a system level transformation in the form of the development of a sector strategic plan; the Education and Training Sector Strategic Plan (ETSSP) 2014-19. The Plan is designed to comprehensively transform education from pre-primary to tertiary level, focusing on improving both the quality and management of education. \n \n138. Progress made towards ETSSP includes the development and implementation of programmes for the whole system. These include the introduction of reception classes, which were piloted in January 2013. This programme was expanded to another 115 public primary schools in 2014. Additional initiatives aimed at improving performance of the sector include the introduction of the six weeks “Standard One Orientation†programme in 754 public primary schools and the “Leadership Turnaround Strategy†which was piloted in 6 senior secondary schools and 42 junior secondary schools in 2013. \n \n139. In terms of the sector’s legislative framework, progress has been made over the past year regarding the transformation of the Tertiary Education Council into the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) and the Botswana Training Authority (BOTA) into the Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA). The mandate for the HRDC is to coordinate Human Resource development as well as manage Tertiary education funding, while BQA is mandated to develop and implement the National Credit and Qualifications Framework that will provide accreditation and monitoring for quality assurance. \n \n140. The Botswana Examination Council (BEC) is being transformed into a National Assessment Authority with an expanded mandate to include assessment and moderation for Technical and Vocational skills, as well as indigenous skills. \n \n141. Major projects aimed at improving educational access include the expansion of two junior schools into unified schools, construction of new schools as well as additional housing units for teachers in various schools nation-wide and the maintenance of schools. \n \n142. Further progress has been made with respect to provision of access to education at tertiary level as reflected by the increase in Gross Enrolment Rate at Tertiary Education level from 47,889 (or 15.1%) in 2009/10 to 57,447 (or 20.2%) in 2013-14. The increase in tertiary enrolment was for the most part, supported by the introduction of the ‘Study in Botswana’ initiative which facilitated rapid growth in local placement of learners with the consequent building of local institutional capacity as well as provision of tertiary access to more learners. \n \n143. Construction of the Academic Hospital under the University of Botswana is expected to be completed by the end of 2014, while the Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) has relocated to its permanent campus in Palapye. These two institutions will facilitate a further increase in access, as well as improved quality and diversification of programmes at the tertiary level. \n \n144. To upgrade primary schools across the country, District Councils have been engaged in construction of teachers’ quarters, classrooms and toilet blocks. Currently some 77 classrooms, 456 toilet cubicles and 316 teachers’ quarters are under construction and are expected to be completed during the 2015/2016 financial year. \n \n145. The Construction Industry Trust Fund (CITF) and Madirelo Training and Testing Centre (MTTC) continue to make special efforts targeting un-employed and un-skilled youth, school leavers and disadvantaged groups to enable them to acquire practical competencies in building and construction trades. During the 2013/14 financial year, the CITF Gaborone Main Centre graduated 1408 trainees in various building and allied industry trades, with 879 graduates being employed in various building and construction projects in Gaborone and surrounding places. In line with the CITF Strategic Plan, the Centre has expanded the level and scope of skills training to reduce dependency on external recruitment of semi-skilled and skilled artisans in mining. \n \n146. The Kazungula Mobile Training Unit in the Chobe District is fully operational, and is targeting emerging mega projects such as the Kazangula Bridge, in the region by providing trained semi-skilled and skilled artisans for such projects. It currently has an enrolment of 242 trainees in various building and construction related trades. \n \n147. Since 2011 Educational Television has continued to broadcast programmes to supplement the curriculum, mainly focusing on secondary education. With the digital migration of terrestrial television signals scheduled for 2015 we intend to increase broadcasting time to allow for programming directed to younger learners and also out of school or non-formal learners. \n \nHEALTH \n \n148. Madam Speaker, Government continues to invest significantly in health services, which has been reflected in a reduction in childhood and mother mortalities and increase in life expectancy in the country. \n \n149. We are continuing with extension of operation hours in clinics from 8 to 24 hours to provide continuous access to services to communities. The newly introduced emergency medical services have yielded good results and the initiative has now been introduced in four centres. Plans are underway to establish more centres in the 2014-15 financial year. \n \n150. Availability of medicines and medical supplies continue to improve with average availability of vital, essential and necessary medicines at Government health facilities being at 88.3% at the end of June 2014, while the availability of laboratory supplies at Central Medical Stores has continued to be at 100%. In an effort to further improve access to medicines, decentralisation of specialist medicines to clinics has now been rolled out to include Gaborone and Francistown, and efforts are being made to include all the districts. The warehousing and distribution at Central Medical Stores was also outsourced in May 2014 and this has resulted in regular availability of transport from CMS to facilities. \n \n151. I am pleased to note the placement over the past two years of resident specialists at most of our district hospitals, thereby reducing the turnaround times to access specialist services. Some district hospitals are also now offering sub-specialist services. \n \n152. In a bid to strengthen the port health services, during the current 2014/15 financial year, we will roll out services to three more ports of entry bringing the total to twelve. This is in response to our obligations of the International Health Regulations which we have domesticated into the Public Health Act of 2013. We now intend to extend our services to more points of entry given the steady increase of international travellers coming into our country and the continued challenge of trans-national outbreaks of communicable diseases such as Ebola. \n \n153. Botswana has not been spared from the growing burden of Non Communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular conditions, cancers, diabetes and chronic respiratory disease. To get a better measure of the growing challenge that these and other conditions pose to public health a National Non Communicable Disease risk factor or ‘STEPSwise’ survey was carried out to facilitate the mapping and quantification of the burden of risk factors leading to non-communicable diseases. This will in turn inform both policy and response strategies to curb this burden. \n \n154. The national Quality Improvement Project (QIP) has been successfully rolled out to ensure access to quality maternal health services, which has resulted in a reduction of maternal and neonatal mortality. \n \n155. Government is determined to improve the quality of health care in our public health facilities. A Performance audit tool is being piloted at Princess Marina Hospital and will soon be rolled out to other health facilities to address attitudes of health professionals as well as improve patient outcomes. \n \n156. The Alcohol Levy as one of interventions to combat harmful effects of alcohol has as of June 2014 collected a cumulative total of P1.441 billion. Government further developed a National Framework for Alcohol and Substance Abuse Treatment which will guide the delivery of rehabilitation services. \n \nHIV AND AIDS \n \n157. Madam Speaker, as a nation we remain resolute in our commitment to getting to Zero New HIV infections, Zero Discrimination and Zero AIDS related deaths by 2016. To that end, in April 2014 consultants were engaged to review the HIV/AIDS National Strategic Framework II. \n \n158. Our latest survey results show that the number of people who have tested has increased from 56% in 2008 to 70% in 2013. The survey also shows that HIV prevalence rate has increased from 17.6% in 2008 to 18.5% in 2013 whilst HIV incidence rate has decreased from 1.45% in 2008 to 1.35% in 2013. Whilst the incidence results shows that we are moving in the right direction given that the number of new infections per annum is going down, it is worrisome that the absolute figure is still high, with approximately ten thousand new infections per annum. For us to truly achieve zero new infections our only option is to change our behaviour. \n \n159. Since 2009 some 115,000 or 29.8% of men countrywide have been circumcised against a target of 385,000. While a higher percentage of those seeking circumcision comes from the school going boys, efforts are underway to reach to the out of school youth and older men through such interventions as mobile clinics. \n \nCULTURE \n \n160. Madam Speaker, Government continues to run art and cultural programmes to nurture talent and provide leisure and recreation for young people and Batswana as a whole. The President’s Day competitions started on 11th May 2014 with visual art exhibitions. This year, a total of 18,262 performing artists and 3,337 visual artists had registered to participate in the events. \n \n161. Additional efforts to preserve and develop our national cultural heritage are also bearing fruit. These include market days which are regularly held in 20 localities across the country, where 428 Visual artists are accorded the opportunity to market and sell their products to the general public. \n \n162. The 50th Anniversary Celebrations were officially launched on the 5th July 2014. The celebrations are held under the theme “Botswana Peleâ€. One of our ongoing initiatives has been the hoisting of the Botswana flag in all communication towers nationwide to instil a sense of ownership and pride in our national flag and country. I commend all of the tower owners who have partnered with BOT 50 in this project. \n \nLIBRARY SERVICES \n \n163. Madam Speaker, libraries offer diverse programmes aimed at transforming the lives of the communities they serve. These include life skills, educational, cultural and recreational programmes. Over 26 thousand people participated in these programmes during the last financial Year. Libraries also contribute to bridging the digital divide by providing computers and internet for free public access. A total of 62 public libraries have internet, and over 63,896 members of the public have been trained on Basic ICT to enable them to participate in the cyber space to improve their lives. \n \n164. Since 2007 Government has partnered with the Robert & Sara Rothschild Family Foundation to construct a total of 20 libraries. To date twelve libraries have been completed and are operational, while the thirteenth library is under construction at Maunatlala and is scheduled to start operation by February 2015. \n \nSPORT AND RECREATION \n \n165. Madam Speaker, over the past year we have been delighted with the increased success of our athletes in various international completions, including the 2nd Africa Youth Games that were held here in Gaborone with nearly 2,000 athletes from 53 countries competing. Botswana was represented by 198 athletes from various sport codes, who together won a total 31 gold, silver and bronze medals. Their success was followed up with two more silver medals at the Nanjing Youth Olympics. Let me further say that we are equally proud and thankful to all the organisers and volunteers who made the Gaborone games such an overall success. \n \n166. This past year we were further delighted by the performance of our senior athletes at the Commonwealth Games and African Senior Championships. At the latter event we emerged in fourth overall position, with 6 medals including 4 gold medals. \n \n167. While this was truly a year that Nijel Amos and Isaac Makwala consolidated their status as global sport stars, there are many others also worthy of mention, as the number of Batswana who are successfully competing on the international stage has been steadily growing. Looking to the future we are working towards further growing these numbers by implementing different sport development initiatives. \n \n168. The constituency sport tournaments continue to be popular. Participation rates have grown from over 28,000 at inception in late 2008 to over 67,000 as of June 2014. There is an encouraging trend of players graduating from the tournaments to the mainstream teams, as well as some teams rising to affiliate to formal football structures. \n \nHUMAN RIGHTS \n \n169. Madam Speaker, Government is committed to implementing its obligations under the international human rights instruments it is party to, and the promotion of the rights of its citizens. We have taken the decision to establish an institution that will address issues of human rights. In this connection legislation amending the Ombudsman Act and establishing a hybrid institution that will address issue of maladministration and human rights will in the near future be brought to the National Assembly. \n \n170. We have decided to develop a Comprehensive Human Rights Strategy and National Action Plan to address the commitments Botswana has undertaken under the various human rights treaty bodies and the Universal Periodic Review mechanism of the United Nations Human Rights Council. \n \n171. Madam Speaker, Botswana was re-elected to the Human Rights Council for the period 2015 – 2017. We will further serve as the Council’s Vice Chair in 2015. In these developments we enjoyed the support of the African member states. We shall continue to use our membership to the Council to support initiatives aimed at promoting and protecting the rights of women, children, human rights defenders, civil and political rights as well as accountability for human rights violations in countries such as Syria, North Korea and Sudan, to mention some. \n \nINTERNATIONAL COOPERATION \n \n172. Madam Speaker, Botswana continues to play an active and meaningful role within the United Nations, intergovernmental and regional organizations in shaping the global agenda. As a small and developing country, multilateral diplomacy remains the most effective vehicle through which we advance and protect our national interests in the complex global system. We partake in this international discourse as a responsible member of the international community, to contribute to a more peaceful, united and prosperous world. \n \n173. Our foreign policy is premised on the need to improve human dignity through the promotion and protection of democracy, human rights, the rule of law, good governance, sustainable development and international peace and security. These noble principles are critical in advancing the cause of humanity in a fast changing, highly competitive, diverse and sometimes violent world. \n \n174. Madam Speaker, Botswana’s credentials and voice in promoting such cardinal values have earned her respect and goodwill around the world. This goodwill has translated into willingness by other countries to interact and collaborate with Botswana in various ways. In this context, over the past twelve months, we had the privilege and honour of welcoming dignitaries from friendly countries and development partners. We also hosted a number of high level meetings. \n \n175. In our international relations we shall attempt to influence the adoption of democracy where there is a deficit in certain parts of the world, and give our support to those who are struggling to sustain theirs from being eroded. One thing is a fact, democracy will come to all those who are owed it. What is inevitable is that if democracy is not given, it will one day eventually be taken. \n \n176. Botswana has played her part as a compassionate member of the international community by contributing to appeals for assistance for victims of natural disasters. The value of our international partnerships was also reflected by our participation in global efforts to stem the spread of the Ebola virus, to which we have contributed financially to the UN and AU appeals and also directly with equipment to the affected countries. \n \n177. Over the past year incidents of terrorism have increased in countries such as Kenya, Nigeria, Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan. The international community must remain resolute in addressing these cruel acts that continue to claim innocent lives. We will continue to express our solidarity with those affected countries and convey our heartfelt sympathies towards victims and their families. \n \n178. Botswana attaches the greatest importance to the peace and progress of her neighbours in SADC and the wider Africa region. We have therefore remained an active participant in SADC and African Union efforts to advance peace and stability. \n \n179. Madam Speaker, Botswana, as a developing country, needs the support of other countries to advance in an increasingly competitive and ever shrinking global market place. For this reason, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those governments, international organisations, NGOs and individuals who have contributed to the development of our country and its people. \n \nCONCLUSION \n \n180. Madam Speaker, let me conclude by once more affirming what shall be Government’s core priorities for the next five years. Our foremost goal remains increasing job opportunities for all Batswana, especially for our youth. Our second priority is to bring dignity to the lives of all Batswana through the elimination of abject poverty among able bodied Batswana by 2016-17. Our third priority is to secure our citizens’ future by ensuring that they have access to land, which is their birthright and shelter which should be the common right of all. \n \n181. In addressing these priorities, while meeting our other challenges, we simply must further find it in ourselves to once and for all stem the spread of HIV. \n \n182. Finally, Madam Speaker, in overcoming our challenges while reaching for our goals, let us remember to seek the blessings and guidance of the Lord in all of our endeavours; for in the end it is only through His grace, and our efforts, that all things are possible. \n" - ], - [ - "Zambia, Mozambique express interest in Botswana beef - official", - "\n \n \n \n \n Copyright : APA \n \n \n The plant manager of the Botswana Meat Commission (BMC) at the Maun Abattoir, Mothobi Mothobi said on Tuesday that after trials conducted in Zambia and Mozambique, those countries have shown interest to buy canned beef from the abattoir.\nThe abattoir slaughters and sells cattle for the local and regional market while the main one at Lobatse, 70 kilometers from the capital Gaborone slaughters for the European market. \nMothobi said they had also started selling to the Zimbabwe market, adding that the trade had been progressing well as payments were done on time. The Zimbabwean market was suspended after payments were delayed. \nMothobi also said that they were exporting 250 cattle per week, adding that this year they targeted to export 12,000. He said they managed to sell 23, 000 tonnes of beef directly to two of the countries. \n“Currently, we are waiting for some officials from Mozambique to come here and discuss the logistics and see if we could have permanent trade. Zambia has also made it clear that they do not want meat from the areas affected by the Foot-and-Mouth Disease,� he added.\n Signature : APA \n Copyright : © APA \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n " - ], - [ - "Bird flu resurfaces in the Netherlands", - " \n \n\t \n\tBird flu resurfaces in the Netherlands \n\t \n\t \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t \n \n \nApproximately 30,000 hens are being culled in Barneveld, Gelderland after avian influenza was detected at a poultry farm there, the government revealed in a statement. Further analysis by Central Veterinary Institute (CVI), expected to be available on Friday, will determine the severity of the flu, but for now it is suspected to be a mild H7 variant, Secretary of Economic Affairs Sharon Dijksma writes in a letter to the Tweede Kamer. \nSince the mild, low pathogenic H7 variant can mutate into a more pathogenic variant, becoming highly contagious and deadly for chickens, the farm was cleared as soon as possible.\nBeginning Thursday afternoon, a ban on transporting eggs, poultry, poultry manure and used bedding was issued for a one-kilometer radius around the infected farm. There are 17 poultry farms within this area which are sampled and tested for avian influenza.\nEvery farm in the area has to keep birds locked indoors for three weeks, measures similar to those first put in place last year as avian influenza was detected in the Netherlands. Safety measures were finally reduced in February.\n \n \n\t \n\t \n" - ], - [ - "Migrants keep a keen eye on Botswana polls", - "\n\tThe large number of foreigners living and working in Botswana will be among those closely following the country’s elections.  \n\tReports that the government of President Ian Khama was planning to tighten immigration laws to curb the flow of Zimbabweans to Botswana caused concern among refugees and civil society organisations earlier this year. \n\tGrowing unemployment problems in Botswana have also increased the level of xenophobia in the country. \n\tThe Botswana Sunday Standard reported in July that the government was no longer going to grant refugee status to Zimbabwean asylum seekers because the political situation in Zimbabwe had improved. \n\tBotswana’s minister of defence, justice and security, Ramadeluka Seretse, was quoted as saying it was now safe for political refugees to return to their homes. This followed last year’s presidential elections in Zimbabwe that were considered “free and credible†by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) observers. Zimbabwe refugeesAlice Mogwe, the director of Ditshwanelo, the Botswana Centre for Human Rights, says the statement raised concerns because it is clear the human rights situation in Zimbabwe has not improved. \n“The information from our colleagues in Zimbabwe is that the situation is not conducive for refugees to return.â€\nDitshwanelo has been monitoring human rights issues in Botswana in the run-up to the elections.  \n\tThe number of Zimbabwean immigrants to Botswana increased dramatically after the start of the economic decline in that country in 2000. \nZimbabwe’s economy shrunk by more than 50% between 2000 and 2008. \n\tMost Zimbabweans who left for Botswana went in search of job opportunities. The clampdown against opposition supporters, especially in the run-up to the 2008 polls,  also led to an increase in the number of Zimbabweans seeking political asylum in Botswana. Dr Eugene Campbell, an independent researcher in Botswana and co-author of a report on Zimbabwean migrants in Botswana, says xenophobia against Zimbabweans increased sharply after 2000 and is still a problem.  Khama a critic of MugabeBut he believes Khama’s strong stance over the crisis in Zimbabwe – holding President Robert Mugabe responsible for the collapse of that country’s economy – has, since 2008, led to a willingness in some circles to support Zimbabwean migrants. \n\tKhama has been an outspoken critic of Mugabe in forums such as SADC and the African Union and hosted opposition Movement for Democratic Change leader Morgan Tsvangirai for long periods during the height of the political crisis in Zimbabwe. Tsvangirai had said he feared for his life if he returned home.  \n\tAlthough Botswana has immigrants from several other countries including China and Nigeria, and houses political refugees ?from Somalia, Zimbabweans make up the vast majority of foreigners in the country. \n\tCampbell says, compared with  the situation just after the crisis in Zimbabwe started, the police force in Botswana has, in some instances, shown consideration for the plight of Zimbabweans.  \n\t“There was definitely a lessening of tensions after 2008,†he said. \n\tStudies show that in some places local authorities, such as those in Francistown, have good policies in place to deal with irregular immigrants. \n\tThe government is aware of the situation of migrants and held a workshop in June in preparation for a new policy document on irregular migration, says Campbell. \n“The idea is to try to get rid of stereotypes and introduce measures to increase education about migration, similar to those in South Africa, the United States and Canada,†he says. \n\t“All the studies show education moderates xenophobia.†  Botswana and xenophobiaAlthough the level of xenophobia is high in Botswana, respondents to the 2012 study, Unfriendly Neighbours: Contemporary Migration from Zimbabwe to Botswana, said they found Botswana more welcoming of foreigners than South Africa.  \n\tThis is one of the reasons some migrants prefer to try to find work in Botswana rather than its richer neighbour to the south.  \n\tIn the early 2000s attitudes towards Zimbabweans were harsh, says Campbell.  \n\tIn 2002 a furore broke out when an electric fence was erected between Botswana and Zimbabwe, rumoured to be a deterrent for illegal immigrants.  \n\tThe government, however, said it was to stop foot and mouth disease travelling over the border. The fence was never electrified.\nIllegal immigrants are still regularly rounded up and expelled, with the number of deportations to Zimbabwe reaching a high of 50?000 a year in 2009, the Southern African Migration Project study noted. \n\tMore than 80% of the migrants to Botswana said they returned home at least once a year.  \n\tAnd most of them send money home regularly. \n\tThe nature of migration to Botswana is complex. Figures for  Zimbabweans entering the country include informal traders who move across the border to buy and sell goods. It also includes people seeking healthcare in Botswana following the collapse of Zimbabwe’s health system.  \n\tSome argue that Botswana has benefited from the brain drain out of Zimbabwe. The number of work permits granted to Zimbabweans in Botswana, for example, increased from just over 1?000 in 2003 to almost 8?000 in 2009.  \n\tThese job opportunities, however, are becoming scarce. \n\tDr Tachilisa Badala Balule, senior lecturer at the department of law of the University of Botswana and a political commentator, says the economic situation in Botswana is making it increasingly difficult for foreigners in the country. \n“Unlike in the past, when there were so many job opportunities, it has become very difficult, even for our own graduates.â€Â \n\tBalule says there is concern in Botswana over the restrictions against individuals – whether locals or foreigners – by the “overtly secretive†regime of Khama and the Botswana Democratic Party.  \n\tThis includes tighter control of the media and intolerance of criticism, which could affect illegal immigrants.Read the Botswana Country Report 2014 here." - ], - [ - "IMF Heaps Praise on Botswana But Highlights Growth Concerns", - "\n The International Monetary Fund has given Botswana a resounding thumbs-up in its latest assessment of the country’s economy—but warns that growth may be slowing. \nIn an unusually upbeat assessment of the country’s economic progress, the organization commended the country’s authorities for their “good governance and prudent management of natural resources.â€\nIn the years since independence in 1966, Botswana has consistently attracted international acclaim for successfully avoiding the “resource curseâ€, a trap into which some other resource-rich African economies have fallen. Botswana achieved this feat by effectively channeling profits from the lucrative diamond-mining sector into public healthcare, education and large-scale national infrastructure projects. Advertisement \nHowever, the nation’s dependence on diamonds has led to a lack of export diversification, which leaves “Botswana’s economy vulnerable to fluctuations in the international demand for diamonds,†warns the IMF report.\nConcern over the country’s heavy reliance on a single export sector has grown in recent years as the Botswana Meat Commission, the organization solely responsible for the slaughter and marketing of all beef exports from Botswana, became unable to export beef to the European Union because of foot-and-mouth disease in the country. \nUnease grew in January this year, when a long-anticipated ban on commercial hunting was announced by President Ian Khama. Opponents of the ban say it harms the country’s lucrative tourism industry, which currently accounts for 11% of GDP.\nThe IMF projects that Botswana’s real GDP growth will slow to 4.4% in 2014 after achieving a “faster-than-expected†6% increase last year. The organization says Botswana’s growth rate is easing due to a “slowdown in diamond recovery and continued problems in the electricity and water supply, which has affected the non-mineral sector.â€\nWrite to Jessica Eaton at Jessica.Eaton@dowjones.com.\n \n " - ], - [ - "Philippines imposes ban on poultry from Vietnam, 2 European states", - " \t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\tInterAksyon.com means BUSINESS\n\t\n\tMANILA – The Philippines has barred the entry of poultry from Vietnam and two European countries.\nIn separate orders, Secretary Proceso Alcala directed Department of Agriculture (DA) personnel to halt the processing of applications to import poultry from Italy, the Netherlands and Vietnam.\nThe ban covers domestic and wild birds, including poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs and semen.\nThe import ban comes on the heels of reports from the Office Internationale Des Epizooties (OIE) of outbreaks of highly pathogenic Avian Influenza virus serotype H5 in Vinh Long and Trah Vinh in Vietnam; and highly pathogenic Avian Influenza virus serotype H5N8 in Veneto, Italy; and Ter Aar, Zuid-Holland, Kamperveen and Utrecht City in the Netherlands.\n\"We want to protect our local bird population and ensure the safety of consumers,\" Alcala said, adding that the Philippines is the only Southeast Asian country free from bird flu.\nHe ordered all quarantine personnel to seize shipments of poultry products from the four countries.\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t" - ], - [ - "Canada Quarantines Eight Farms After Bird Flu Outbreak", - "\n \nCanadian officials placed eight farms in southern Ontario under quarantine Tuesday, after an avian influenza outbreak caused the sudden deaths of thousands of birds over several days. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency said its investigation would look at whether the H5 avian influenza originated from the U.S., where 10 states have suffered an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza. Testing on the strain that struck a turkey...\n " - ], - [ - "Headed to Canada? Leave chicken, eggs at home", - "DULUTH, Minn. -- An outbreak of avian influenza among commercial poultry flocks in Minnesota and other states has spurred the government of Canada to ban travelers from bringing uncooked chicken, turkey and even raw eggs into Canada.\n \nThe Canadian Food Inspection Agency this month moved to \"to protect Canada's poultry resources from an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza reported in poultry in the states of Minnesota, California, Idaho, Oregon and Washington.\"\nAny raw poultry and all poultry products that originate from those five states, including raw eggs and even pet food with poultry, are now illegal to bring into Canada.\nLive pet birds may be brought into Canada with official certification from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.\nThe Canadian agency said there is no food safety risk associated with the poultry products. \"These measures are being taken to prevent the introduction of avian influenza into other parts of Canada,\" the agency said in a notice.\nThe regulations went into effect March 6 and will remain in effect until further notice. In recent years governments on both sides of the border have instituted various food import bans, including raw meat, apples and other fruits and vegetables.\nAnglers and other travelers heading into Canada can purchase the banned products on the north side of the border.\nThe U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service recently confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic H5N2 avian influenza in a commercial turkey flock in Pope County, Minn. This is the first finding in the Mississippi flyway. It is the same strain of avian influenza that has been confirmed in backyard and wild birds in Washington, Oregon and Idaho as part of an ongoing outbreak in the Pacific flyway." - ], - [ - "India's virology institute rejects MIT study claiming deadly swine flu ...", - "India's National Institute of Virology has disputed the findings of researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology that the deadly swine flu virus has undergone mutations.The MIT study said that the genetic information of two Indian strains, deposited in public databases in the past two years, revealed new mutations to a virus strain that originated in California in 2009.The Indian strain is far more virulent, they said, and could evade the vaccine developed for the California strain. The Californian strain contributed to the pandemic, which caused over 284,000 deaths across 74 countries worldwide during 2009-10.Rejecting the findings as \"incorrect\", the NIV said: \"We found that the strain analysed in the said publication and the sequence data of the original H1N1 virus ... did not show any of these mutations.\"The strain analysed in the US study had no relevance to the current outbreak, it said.The MIT researchers called for greater surveillance to determine whether the mutations were currently present in India.\"... effectiveness of the current H1N1 flu vaccine is debatable, and there have been calls for updating the vaccine. The Indian H1N1 viruses that circulated in 2014 are different compared to the 2009 vaccine strain A/California/07/2009,\" said Ram Sasisekharan from the MIT.Other experts too have called for increased surveillance of the influenza in India while cautioning against any conclusions based on the sequence analysis of two strains.Toll nears 2000 The death toll from swine flu in India rose to 1,674 while the number of persons affected by the H1N1 virus exceeded 29,000 as on 13 March, according to the health ministry.Experts have been suggesting that a new strain of influenza virus responsible for 99.8% flu infections in the US this season could be behind the swine flu outbreak in India.The H3N2 virus is one of the three sub-types of swine flu but labs in India are only looking for H1N1 strains. H2N2 is the other strain.The World Health Organization raised an alarm over the widespread and severe influenza in many parts of the world mainly arising from an antigenic drift or mismatch between the strain used in the vaccine and that found in the community.WHO is particularly concerned about avian influenza with the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus joined by five new strains in five years." - ], - [ - "Vietnam reports outbreak of H5N6 bird flu virus: OIE", - "\nPARIS Vietnam reported an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N6 bird flu virus in a village in the northern province of Thanh Hoa, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) said on Thursday.Over 350 birds were found infected by the virus in a village in Tinh Gia district last week, the Vietnamese agriculture ministry said in a report posted on the OIE website. This lead to the culling of a total of 670 birds, it said.\n \n The outbreak follows a series of cases of highly pathogenic H5N1 virus found in birds in the southern part of the country earlier this year.\n \n \n \n (Reporting by Sybille de La Hamaide, editing by Gus Trompiz)" - ] - ] -} \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/generate_str.py b/generate_str.py index c4689eb..25edc2a 100644 --- a/generate_str.py +++ b/generate_str.py @@ -17,7 +17,7 @@ from strpython.nlp.pos_tagger.tagger import Tagger from strpython.models.str import STR from strpython.nlp.ner.spacy import Spacy as spacy_ner -from strpython.nlp.ner.polyglot import Polyglot as poly_ner +#from strpython.nlp.ner.polyglot import Polyglot as poly_ner from strpython.nlp.ner.stanford_ner import StanfordNER as stanford_ner from strpython.nlp.disambiguator.wikipedia_cooc import WikipediaDisambiguator as wiki_d @@ -45,7 +45,7 @@ disambiguator_dict = { ner_dict = { "spacy": spacy_ner, - "polyglot":poly_ner, + #"polyglot":poly_ner, "stanford":stanford_ner } @@ -88,6 +88,8 @@ if not os.path.exists(args.input_pkl): df = pd.read_pickle(args.input_pkl) +dataset_name = args.input_pkl.replace(".pkl","") + cols=set(df.columns) if not "filename" in cols or not "id_doc" in cols or not "content" in cols or not "lang" in cols: raise ValueError("Missing data column in input given") @@ -96,7 +98,7 @@ languages= np.unique(df.lang.values) print("Languages available in the corpus",languages) pipelines={ - lang : Pipeline(lang=lang,ner=ner_dict[args.ner](lang=lang),tagger=Tagger(),disambiguator= disambiguator_dict[args.disambiguator]()) + lang : Pipeline(lang=lang,ner=ner_dict[args.ner](lang=lang),tagger=Tagger(),disambiguator= disambiguator_dict[args.disambiguator](),corpus_name=dataset_name) for lang in tqdm(languages,desc="Load Pipelines model") } diff --git a/strpython/pipeline.py b/strpython/pipeline.py index 66b5d21..a54a616 100644 --- a/strpython/pipeline.py +++ b/strpython/pipeline.py @@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ from .models.str import STR from .models.transformation.transform import Generalisation, Expansion from .nlp.disambiguator import * -from .nlp.ner import * +from .nlp.ner import Spacy, NER from .nlp.exception.disambiguator import NotADisambiguatorInstance from .nlp.exception.ner import NotANERInstance @@ -45,6 +45,9 @@ class Pipeline(object): self.dict_adj = kwargs.get("dict_adj",None) self.dict_inc = kwargs.get("dict_inc",None) + self.corpus_name = kwargs["corpus_name"] if "corpus_name" in kwargs else "no_name" + + self.corpus_name= "{0}_{1}".format(self.corpus_name,self.lang) def parse(self,text,debug=False): """ @@ -97,10 +100,10 @@ class Pipeline(object): """ if not self.dict_adj and not self.dict_inc: - if os.path.exists("adj_dict.json") and yes_or_no(question="Do you want to use previous adj file"): - self.dict_adj=json.load(open("adj_dict.json")) - if os.path.exists("inc_dict.json") and yes_or_no(question="Do you want to use previous inc file"): - self.dict_adj=json.load(open("inc_dict.json")) + if os.path.exists("{0}_adj_dict.json".format(self.corpus_name)) and yes_or_no(question="Do you want to use previous adj file"): + self.dict_adj=json.load(open("{0}_adj_dict.json".format(self.corpus_name))) + if os.path.exists("{0}_inc_dict.json".format(self.corpus_name)) and yes_or_no(question="Do you want to use previous inc file"): + self.dict_adj=json.load(open("{0}_inc_dict.json".format(self.corpus_name))) if not self.dict_adj and not self.dict_inc: r = RelationExtractor(spatial_entities) @@ -109,11 +112,14 @@ class Pipeline(object): df_adj, df_inc = r.fuse_meta_and_geom() self.dict_adj = df_adj.to_dict() self.dict_inc = df_inc.to_dict() - + # Saving + open("{0}_adj_dict.json".format(self.corpus_name),'w').write(json.dumps(self.dict_adj)) + open("{0}_inc_dict.json".format(self.corpus_name),'w').write(json.dumps(self.dict_inc)) def pipe_build(self,texts, cpu_count=cpu_count(),**kwargs): - text_and_spatial_entities = [self.parse(text) for text in tqdm(texts,desc="Extract spatial entities from the texts")] + #text_and_spatial_entities = [self.parse(text) for text in tqdm(texts,desc="Extract spatial entities from the texts")] + text_and_spatial_entities = Parallel(n_jobs=4,backend="multiprocessing")(delayed(self.parse)(text) for text in tqdm(texts,desc="Extract spatial entities from the texts") ) sp_es= [] for res in text_and_spatial_entities: sp_es.extend(list(res[1].values())) -- GitLab