The Slippery Slope Involved in the Proposed Move of the U.S. Foot and Mouth Disease Lab – What a “Mess”!

Background: Common to all fields of science and engaged scientists is their willingness to participate in the free exchange of ideas. This blog often posts such ideas in the form of existing citable scientific contributions and news items. In recent conversations among like-minded individuals regarding contemporary topics in livestock production agriculture and biotechnology, the issue of U.S. animal disease research was raised. No factor in livestock production can impact production efficiency and profitability more than a disease issue. And, in the case of a highly contagious foreign animal disease (FAD) where the U.S. would change from disease-free status to one of a FAD positive diagnosis, livestock production could be decimated in quick order. Read the rest of this entry »

Pork Production Practices Help Contain H1N1 Influenza

Bob Mikesell, Ph.D.
Senior Instructor
Department of Dairy and Animal Science

Introduction

In light of the H1N1 (formerly known as swine flu) virus outbreak, consumers should have an understanding of the influenza virus from a pork producer perspective, and the steps that US swine producers routinely utilize to keep pigs healthy. Read the rest of this entry »

Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Outbreak in the UK: Initial Report on Potential Breaches to Biosecurity at the Pirbright Site

Background:

I posted a press release on August 3, 2007 from the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) about a recent outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in the United Kingdom.

On August, 8, 2007 the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in the UK posted information that addresses potential breaches in biosecurity that may be linked to the outbreak. The HSE Report is presented below. Read the rest of this entry »

Foot and Mouth Disease Confirmed in Cattle in Surrey, United Kingdom

Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
News Release Date: 3 August 2007

Following an investigation of suspected vesicular disease by Animal Health on a holding near Guildford in Surrey, United Kingdom, laboratory results have this evening indicated that the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) virus is present in samples from cattle on the premises. Read the rest of this entry »

Impact of Bioterrorism on Agriculture in the U.S.

Terry Etherton

The vulnerability of agriculture in the United States to attack has been the subject of numerous reviews, especially since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Read the rest of this entry »