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1. AGFC modifies proposals for CWD management (AR)
Posted by Ronnie Weston, Operations Manager
KAIT8.cm
June 16 2016
EL DORADO (AGFC) -The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission heard modified proposals to help slow the spread of chronic wasting disease in Arkansas at its June meeting today at the El Dorado Chamber of Commerce.
Regulations concerning CWD originally were presented at the Commission's May 19 meeting. Since that time, AGFC staff has gathered public comments through 11 public meetings, a statewide call-in television show on AETN and an online public survey.
"Almost all of the questions and concerns we have received focus on the elimination of supplemental feeding on a statewide basis," said AGFC Chief of Staff Jeff Crow. "We have modified that proposal to only apply to the 10 counties in our proposed CWD management zone."
[ 28 proposed changes are listed.]
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2. NOTICE: Scrapie Free Flock Certification Program Standards Have Been Updated
USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Bulletin
June 17, 2016
The Scrapie Free Flock Certification Program (SFCP) standards have been updated and are available on the APHIS SFCP Web page, effective May 1, 2016.
A brief summary of the major updates to the program are also available on the SFCP Web page.
The basic structure of the program has not changed. There are still two categories in the SFCP: the Export Category (with Export Monitored flocks and Export Certified flocks), and the Select Category (Select Monitored flocks). The updates address/clarify:
Sampling requirements, advancement, and genotyping lambs/kids in genetically resistant flocks;
Veterinary inspection of cull animals;
Imported embryos/oocytes;
Animals originating from Inconsistent States;
Special circumstances involving "Lost to Inventory" and "Found Dead" animals; and
Reporting requirements for the use of milk/colostrum from a lower status flock.
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3. NOTICE: Influenza A Virus in Swine Surveillance Program - Changes Effective June 27, 2016
USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Bulletin
June 17, 2016
The Influenza A virus in swine (IAV-S) Surveillance Program has collected and characterized virus isolates from swine since it was initiated in 2009. The program supports both animal and public health objectives. Program goals include monitoring the evolution of the virus, providing isolates for research and the development of diagnostic reagents, and updating diagnostic tests and vaccine seed stock products. Funding for this voluntary program is being rapidly depleted. However, we hope to extend testing beyond this fiscal year if additional funding can be identified.
APHIS brought numerous stakeholders together in Ames, IA last month to discuss alternatives to make the program more economically efficient, conserve spending of the remaining funding, and extend the life of the program. As a result of this meeting and subsequent industry committee discussions four immediate changes to testing and reimbursement policies for the IAV-S Surveillance Program have been recommended:
Discontinue the USDA reimbursement for the Matrix PCR screening test.
Lower the Matrix PCR screening test CT cutoff values for samples eligible for USDA-covered further testing.
The M gene will be monitored by the NVSL through whole genome sequencing. However, payment to the NAHLN laboratories for sequencing of the M gene will be discontinued.
We will forward one sample per accession for subtyping PCR's, reducing the current level by one sample.
APHIS is implementing these changes, effective June 27, 2016. Any samples received in the laboratory on or before June 27, 2016 will be tested in accordance with the current algorithm and billed to APHIS' Veterinary Services (VS) program prior to July 30, 2016. Specific instructions for National Animal Health Laboratory Network Laboratories will be provided separately by the NAHLN Program Office.
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4. Ruidoso confirms case of herpesvirus; horse euthanized
By Mary Rampellini
Daily Racing Form
June 18, 2016
A racehorse based at Ruidoso Downs was confirmed positive for the equine herpesvirus late Friday, the New Mexico track announced on Saturday.
The strain was EHV-1. The horse was euthanized, and the barn at which the animal resided is under quarantine.
Ruidoso is in a mixed meet for Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds. The season runs through Labor Day.
"Because the virus was found in just one horse in one barn, right now there is no reason to discontinue racing at Ruidoso Downs," Shaun Hubbard, general manager of Ruidoso, said in a release. "All I can say is sanitize, sanitize, sanitize and disinfect, disinfect and disinfect. All biosecurity measures must be in place and enacted.
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5. Researchers: Education, Prevention Help Boost Horse Welfare
By Edited Press Release
TheHorse.com
June 18, 2016
There are fewer neglected horses in Minnesota, a trend researchers attribute to an improved economy, education, and other preventive measures.
From 2008 to 2013, Minnesota's Animal Humane Society was called in to investigate conditions of an average of 1,400 horses per year, a 400% increase over previous years. While the numbers of horses owned in Minnesota has remained about the same, the number of animal welfare investigations in 2014 and 2015 dropped to a yearly average of 894.
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6. Elanco opens state-of-the-art vaccines innovation center
National Hog Farmer
June 17, 2016
On June 16, Elanco Animal Health, a division of Eli Lilly and Company, announces the opening of a state-of-the-art Vaccines Innovation Center whose intentional design will enable scientists to address some of animal health's most pressing issues.
Half of the 48,000 sq. foot space comprises an open concept collaboration environment intentionally designed to encourage scientific interaction. The remaining floor area houses an integrated laboratory space equipped with the very latest technology in the fields of immunology, molecular biology and microbiology. The Vaccines Innovation Center is the global centerpiece of the Elanco vaccines R&D model and one of its unique features is a self-contained master seed suite. Master seeds are the critical starting materials for any vaccine, and must be prepared with great stringency. The Vaccines Innovation Center's specialized suite comprises three distinct, access restricted zones with dedicated air handling and single pass personnel flow to optimize biosecurity. Seeds laid down in this suite will provide the critical starting materials for production of vaccines throughout Elanco's global manufacturing network.
"From foundation to roof, this new building creates an environment for innovation," said Aaron Schacht, Vice President of Elanco Research and Development. "Our scientists will use leading approaches to develop vaccine products that address key needs for the health of animals, including innovative alternatives to antibiotics."
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