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1. USDA Announces $2.4 Million in Available Funding to Relieve Veterinary Shortages
USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture Bulletin
May 9, 2016
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced $2.4 million in available funding to relieve veterinarian shortage situations through education, extension and training as well as support for veterinary practices in designated shortage areas. This funding is was authorized by the Veterinary Services Grant Program (VSGP) in the 2014 Farm Bill.
"These funds support activities for veterinarians and veterinary technicians, helping them gain the specialized skills to address shortages in parts of the country," said NIFA Director Sonny Ramaswamy. "Funds are also available for establishing or expanding veterinary practices in underserved rural areas."
The competitive VSGP grants support activities to develop, implement, and sustain veterinary services through education, training, recruitment, and retention of veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and students of veterinary medicine and veterinary technology. Grants will also be made to establish or expand veterinary practices in rural areas.
The VSGP is authorized by Section 7104 of the 2014 Farm Bill and received a first-time appropriation of $2.5 million in the FY16 federal budget.
NIFA will host three Veterinary Services Grant Program webinars, May 10, 11 and 15, to provide information to applicants and address their questions. [See: http://tinyurl.com/j5xaxl6 ]
Applications are due June 17, 2016. See the request for applications for more information.
[See: http://tinyurl.com/jp2zfht ]
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2. Clemson launches web resource about potentially devastating avian flu
By Tom Hallman
The Clemson Newsstand
May 9, 2016
CLEMSON - Clemson University Livestock-Poultry Health (LPH) has compiled an online resource that puts all the necessary information for confronting a potential avian influenza outbreak at South Carolinians' fingertips.
The site publishes telephone hotlines and online forms for reporting sick or dead poultry or waterfowl. It details the state plan for controlling and eliminating the disease if an outbreak should occur and lists basic information on the disease and suggestions for protecting commercial flocks or backyard birds.
"Education and awareness are essential in helping us provide a rapid and effective response should the disease be discovered here," said Boyd Parr, state veterinarian and LPH director. "It's important for poultry owners to know the signs and symptoms of disease to catch an outbreak quickly."
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3. Horse owners advised to vaccinate for West Nile virus [WA]
Washington State Dept. of Agriculture News Release
May 9, 2016
OLYMPIA - Washington State Veterinarian Dr. Joe Baker is urging owners to vaccinate their horses for West Nile virus, following a year in which Washington had more confirmed equine cases than any other state. Thirty-six horses tested positive for the virus in 2015. By comparison, only five cases were reported positive in 2014, all in Eastern Washington.
The state veterinarian's office is part of the Washington State Department of Agriculture and monitors cases of animal diseases, including West Nile virus. The West Nile virus vaccine has proven to be effective if administered to horses early enough for protection before mosquito season.
"The virus activity varies greatly from year to year, but the risks are real, so I recommend protecting your horses with West Nile virus vaccine," Baker said. "Most active cases of West Nile virus in Washington tend to develop in the southcentral counties when warmer weather starts growing the mosquito population."
The first confirmed case last year was reported mid-July by Washington State University's Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory in Pullman. There were eight cases in both Yakima and Kittitas counties, seven in Grant County and four in Benton County. In all, 10 counties reported cases.
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4. Prevent Anthrax by Vaccinating your Livestock [TX]
Texas Animal Health Commission News Release
May 9, 2016
AUSTIN - Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) officials are encouraging livestock owners to vaccinate their animals after anthrax was confirmed in a cow in southeast Webb County in mid-April.
"The anthrax vaccination is reliable and proven to protect livestock from the disease," said Dr. Andy Schwartz, TAHC Interim Executive Director. "Livestock owners are urged to consult with their local veterinary practitioners about vaccination."
Anthrax cases in Texas are historically found in the triangular area bound by the towns of Uvalde, Ozona and Eagle Pass. This area includes portions of Crockett, Val Verde, Sutton, Edwards, Kinney and Maverick counties.
Anthrax is a bacterial disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, which is a naturally occurring organism with worldwide distribution, including certain parts of Texas. It is not uncommon for anthrax to be diagnosed in the southwestern part of the state.
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5. Michigan begins testing for Zika, chikungunya
WDIV Detroit
May 9, 2016
DETROIT - The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services state laboratory began testing Monday for the mosquito-borne viruses Zika, dengue and chikungunya.
The testing is part of the department's effort to identify and monitor new cases of the viruses in Michigan travelers returning from areas where the viruses are currently circulating. These testing services are being provided to healthcare providers in Michigan through the department's Bureau of Laboratories. It builds on the current testing the Bureau conducts for West Nile, Eastern equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis and La Crosse encephalitis viruses.
Michigan is considered "low risk" for mosquito transmission of Zika, dengue, and chikungunya virus, as the mosquitoes that spread the diseases are not present in the state.
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6. Nebraska beef industry facing challenges, opportunities
By Mike Loizzo
Nebraska Radio Network
May 9, 2016
May is Beef Month in Nebraska and producers say the challenges they face now have not changed much.
Barb Cooksley, a rancher and president of Nebraska Cattlemen, says weather is the number one issue followed by keeping up production to meet consumer demand.
She says getting The Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement finalized is one of their priorities.
"I was able to take a trip last year to Japan, one of our best customers," Cooksley told reporters at a news conference. "They not only want beef from the United State, but they want Nebraska beef. They know that it's high quality."
Approval of the trade agreement would reduce tariffs from 38% to 9% on beef.
As part of Beef Month, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture is promoting an age and source verification program for cattle producers. To take part, a USDA-approved verification provider has to check calf birth and feedlot records with the rancher.
State Ag Director Greg Ibach says doing so will help producers market their beef.
"It's another layer to the story and the traceability that actually connects the ranch where the animal was born, the feedlot where it was fed to the beef that they're consuming," Ibach told reporters. "We're excited about that opportunity. We think that that can be a way for us to add another layer of value onto the beef that comes from Nebraska."
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7. Ban on caged hens, meat could be left to voters [MA]
By Christian M. Wade, CNHI State Reporter
The Daily Star
May 9, 2016
BOSTON - A ban on eggs and meat from animals confined to tight cages and crates is inching closer to the November ballot, even as opponents warn of higher costs at the grocery store.
Farmers and markets would only be allowed to produce and sell eggs from cage-free hens under the referendum. Pork and veal from animals reared in cramped enclosures would be outlawed, as well.
Since the use of confining cages is nearly non-existent in Massachusetts, the real impact would be in banning the sale of eggs, pork and beef shipped from producers elsewhere, say supporters who include the Humane Society and the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals.
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