|
* * * * * * * * * *
1. Trace Investigation Finds Bovine TB Infected Herd in Alcona County [MI]
Michigan Dept. of Agriculture and Rural Development Press Release
May 16, 2016
LANSING - A trace investigation from the 64th bovine tuberculosis infected herd conducted by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the United States Department of Agriculture recently confirmed a medium-sized beef herd as bovine TB positive in Alcona County. This is the 65th cattle herd in Michigan found with bovine TB since and the 16th in Alcona County since 1998.
An informational meeting for beef and dairy cattle producers in Alcona County is scheduled for:
May 24, 2016 at 7 p.m. at Mitchell Township Hall,
6849 W. Tower Road, Curran, MI 48728
Bovine TB is an infectious bacterial disease primarily affecting cattle; however, it can be spread between wildlife populations and other mammals, including humans. This herd is located in a county where bovine TB is endemic in the free-ranging white-tailed deer. Any contact either directly or indirectly with the deer can spread bovine TB to a herd.
"Successful investigations are a direct result of ongoing efforts by Michigan's cattle producers, in cooperation with MDARD, to properly identify cattle leaving Michigan farms," said Dr. Rick Smith, Assistant State Veterinarian. "Pinpointing where animals have traveled and being able to specifically find them within a herd is key in preventing the spread of bovine TB."
In designated bovine TB portions of the Northeastern Lower Peninsula, annual surveillance testing and testing before movement is required. These testing precautions are designed to catch the disease in the very earliest stages and prevent the disease from spreading to other farms. In addition, all cattle in Michigan must have electronic identification ear tags before they move from a farm which assists MDARD in tracing cattle movement in the event of a disease investigation.
Source:
********
|
|
2. One Florida Horse Tests Positive for EHV-1, Euthanized
By Erica Larson, News Editor
TheHorse.com
May 16, 2016
The Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) reported May 13 that a horse residing in Palm Beach County, Florida, has been euthanized after testing positive for equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1).
"On May 12, one premises in Palm Beach County was placed under quarantine after a horse displayed neurologic signs and was confirmed positive for EHV-1 via PCR," the EDCC statement said. "The 18 other horses on the premises currently are clinically normal. The index case has been euthanized for humane reasons. Biosecurity measures and twice daily temperature monitoring are in place. All states with traces have been notified. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will continue to monitor the situation."
Full text:
********
|
|
3. Dr. Claude Barton Passes - Obituary [edited]
The Tennessean
May 16, 2016
Dr. Claude Barton, age 87, born December 4, 1928, to Nancy Ruth and Claud Barton in Andalusia, AL, passed from this earthly life on May 14, 2016. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Barbara Ann Johnson Barton; daughters, Kathy (Mike) Mitchell, Becky St. John and Nancy King; and grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.
The majority of his career in veterinary medicine was dedicated to the eradication of Brucellosis from domestic livestock. During the course of his career with the USDA, he traveled to over a dozen countries to conduct training seminars in establishing Brucellosis Eradication Programs. He retired in 1999.
See more at:
********
|
|
4. Second rabies case confirmed in Gaston County [bovine - NC]
WJZY
May 16, 2016
GASTON CO., NC (WJZY) - On Thursday, May 12 a local veterinarian examined an adult cow that was acting abnormally in the area of Ver Lee Drive in Bessemer City.
The animal was humanely euthanized and taken to Griffin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in Monroe for testing.
The Gaston County Department of Health and Human Services, local veterinary practices, and the Gaston County Cooperative Extension office have been notified. The Animal Care and Enforcement Specialists will begin a canvass of the immediate areas where the animal was located to advise residents of the incident and to verify pet rabies vaccinations.
Full text:
********
|
|
5. Florida Reports Second Equine EEE Case of 2016
By Erica Larson, News Editor
TheHorse.com
May 16, 2016
An unvaccinated Mustang residing in Osceola County, Florida, was euthanized after testing positive for Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) reported May 13.
The EDCC stated that the 2-year-old, who had not left the property in over a year, began exhibiting clinical signs began on May 6 and was euthanized for humane reasons on May 7.
This is the first confirmed EEE case in Osceola County and the second confirmed case in Florida for 2016. The first was in an unvaccinated 18-month-old Quarter Horse residing in Polk County in April.
Full text:
********
|
|
6. U.S. Beef Arrives in Recently Reopened South African Market
USDA Office of Communications Bulletin
May 16, 2016
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today confirmed that the first shipment of U.S. beef recently arrived in South Africa following the reopening of the South African market earlier this year.
"The arrival of U.S. beef in South Africa represents another important milestone in efforts by USDA and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to regain access to this important market," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "Along with U.S. poultry, South African consumers now have access to high quality, safe and wholesome U.S. beef, and U.S. producers and exporters have gained another valuable market for their products."
On January 7, 2016, after more than two years of intense discussions, the United States and the Republic of South Africa concluded an agreement on sanitary barriers and related health certificates for U.S. beef, pork and poultry products exported to South Africa. The South African market had previously been closed to U.S. poultry since 2000, beef since 2003 and pork since 2013. With the removal of the barriers, U.S. exports of meat to South Africa could reach $75 million annually.
The United States began shipping poultry to South Africa earlier this year under the terms of the agreement. As a result, U.S. poultry exports to South Africa totaled almost 12,000 metric tons, worth $7.2 million, in the first quarter of 2016.
Full text:
********
|
|
7. New Study See Opportunities For MS Farmers In Cuba
By Evelina Burnett
Mississippi Public Broadcasting
May 16, 2016
A new report by a group that advocates lifting the U.S. embargo on Cuba says Mississippi would see significant economic benefits from increased trade with its island neighbor.
The Engage Cuba Coalition says Cuba imports as much as 80 percent of its food. And senior policy advisor Lee Ann Evans says the U.S. is being shut out as a major supplier.
"The EU, Argentina, Brazil and now Vietnam are beating us out in terms of exports," she says. "And if you look at what Cuba is importing, it's products like poultry, dairy, corn, rice, wheat, soybeans -- so a lot of things that we do really well in the United States.
"And for Mississippi specifically," she adds,"when you look at Mississippi's major exports, which are soybeans, poultry, soybean meal and corn -- those are all products that Cuba is importing."
Full text:
********
|
|
