Africa: Idris Elba Sounds Alarm As Pandemic Threatens Food Crisis for Farmers.

Africa: Idris Elba Sounds Alarm As Pandemic Threatens Food Crisis for Farmers. Idris Elba on Friday called for urgent action and creative solutions to prevent a looming hunger crisis in poor countries, where food production and transport have been disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic. The British actor and filmmaker said the issue is personal to him and his wife, model and activist Sabrina Dhowre Elba, since both of their families come from Africa. The couple launched a United Nations fund in April to support rural food systems and spoke in an online panel on Friday with experts from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). With 60% of employment in Africa in agriculture, "that's an awful lot of people who are going to suffer and not eat because of the crisis and ongoing effects," Elba said.

Farmers to access 81,000MT of seeds.

Farmers to access 81,000MT of seeds.The Federal Government has said about 81,000 metric tonnes of seeds are ready for deployment to farmers for the planting season. Director-General, National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC), Dr. Philip Ojo, who made this known during a virtual press conference, noted that the seeds would ensure that agricultural activities were not disrupted as a result of the lockdown imposed across the country. According to him, “The Council will ensure subsidies only to be applicable to seed purchased from NASC approved seed companies and producers, and provide certification officers and seed companies with movement tags or permits”.

National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC Advocates Seed-Palliatives for Farmers .

National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC Advocates Seed-Palliatives for Farmers.The Director General, National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC), Dr. Philip Ojo, has urged both the federal and state governments to consider providing seeds as palliatives to farmers amidst the devastating impact of COVID-19 in the country. He also said the seed industry currently has about 81,000 metric tons of certified seeds of rice, maize, sorghum, soyabean, cowpea, millet, groundnut, wheat, sesame and potato that are ready for deployment and purchase by farmers for the production of food and raw materials for Nigerians during the current planting season.

Dogs sniff out coronavirus ‘far better than machines or tests’.

Research teams around the world are taking advantage of dogs’ remarkable sense of smell to train them to detect the presence of the coronavirus. At the University of Helsinki, researchers believe that the sniffer dogs Kössi and Lucky may prove to be faster and more accurate detectors of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, than any other currently available method. Using urine samples collected from patients across Finland, the research team has trained the dogs to differentiate between positive and negative samples. More encouragingly, the dogs also appear to be able to detect the presence of COVID-19 before patients display any signs of illness.

COVID-19 may stall Nigeria’s rollout of GMO cowpea.

. AGRIBUSINESS:: COVID-19 may stall Nigeria’s rollout of GMO cowpea. The COVID-19 pandemic may delay the rollout of pest-resistant Bt cowpea, Nigeria’s first genetically modified (GM) food crop. The country’s lockdown, imposed to stop the spread of the new coronavirus, has made it difficult to get the improved seeds out to farmers, said Dr. Rose Maxwell Gidado, the country coordinator for the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) Nigeria chapter. ALSO READ:10,000 farmers to benefit from World Bank-assisted project in Lagos. The government’s decision to allow the commercial release of Bt cowpea, which resists the destructive pod borer insect without the use of pesticides, elicited excitement among Nigerian farmers. They have been eagerly awaiting the planting season to try the new crop in their own fields after battling pod borer (Maruca) infestations for years. The Maruca outbreaks have been so severe, and the crop losses so significant, that a number of farmers have quit growing cowpea out of frustration. They saw hope in the Bt cowpea, which scientists have determined confers 100 percent protection against Maruca through the use of genetic modification to introduce the Bacillus thuringiences (Bt) gene.

AGRIBUSINESS:Should tomatoes go in the fridge?

AGRIBUSINESS:Should tomatoes go in the fridge?The influence of storage on the flavor of ripe tomatoes. There is much debate about the correct storage of tomatoes.

Should tomatoes be in the fridge or kept at room temperature? Researchers investigated whether there are differences in the flavor of ripe tomatoes depending on how they are stored, taking into account the chain of harvesting from farm to fork.

 No difference was found: the variety of tomato is much more important. How to make money from tomatoes.

"It is the variety of tomato in particular that has an important influence on the flavour. Therefore, the development of new varieties with an appealing flavour can be a step towards improving the flavour quality of tomatoes," says Larissa Kanski, lead author of the study.

FAO: Meat plant workflows must change to protect laborers.

Workplace dividers at meat and poultry plants may be an improvement as the industry seeks to protect its workers from COVID-19.


       The meat and poultry industry has taken a number of measures to protect its workers during the COVID-19 outbreak, more needs to be done, said Maximo Torero Cullen, assistant director-general and chief economist for the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.

 Cullen -- who is also a professor on leave at the University of Pacific, Peru -- noted that most processing plants are “labor-intensive” and were not laid out with a workflow that is conducive to social distancing guidelines.

 He showed a photo of a Tyson Foods plant where line workers were separated by plastic dividers, indicating that it is an improvement, but adding, “honestly, this doesn’t seem enough.”

 “A change needs to go deeper than  we are observing today, if we want to keep operating,” said Cullen.

A COVID-19 "exit" strategy to end lockdown and reopen the economy.

A COVID-19 "exit" strategy to end lockdown and reopen the economy. How can we return to work without spurring a second surge of coronavirus infection? Biologist Uri Alon shares a thought-provoking strategy: four days at work followed by 10 days of lockdown, a cycle that would exploit a weakness in the virus's biology and potentially cut its reproductive rate to a manageable level. Learn more about this approach -- which has already been adopted by both companies and countries -- and how it could be a key to reopening the economy responsibly.

DOGS: HOW TO BREED BOERBOELS...

DOGS: HOW TO BREED BOERBOELS..If you are looking to learn how to breed Boerboels, Get our guide: text vet to 35818

Therefore, it is an exceptional guard and working farm dog. They were bred with a specific purpose centuries ago, and therefore, they have an interesting and rich history which we are going to review. Furthermore, we are also going to analyze the appearance standards and desirable temperament and traits.

---

 Boerboels originate from South Africa and they appeared for the first time during the 1600s. Boers bred them to protect the homestead and to act as watchdogs and working farm dogs.

    However, before them, they mainly used Mastiff-type dogs and Hounds for this purpose. Jan van Riebeeck arrived in South Africa in 1652 to establish a trading post, as commanded by the Dutch East India Company.

FOOD SAFETY : Survey finds hygiene focus when eating out after COVID-19 lockdown.

FOOD SAFETY : Survey finds hygiene focus when eating out after COVID-19 lockdown. Three quarters of respondents to a survey in the United Kingdom say good hygiene will be more of a factor in choosing a restaurant than before the lockdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Results from the second COVID-19 British Foodservice Sentiment Study by The NPD Group show trust will be an important issue as food service operators re-open for business.

Almost six out of 10 respondents said restaurants and bars are the riskiest places to be infected with COVID-19, and nearly two thirds said they will only go to restaurants, bars, cafes and other establishments that they trust.

Echbee Foods..

https://echbeefoods.blogspot.com/2017/10/echbee-foods.html

AGRIBUSINESS:10,000 farmers to benefit from World Bank-assisted project in Lagos .

AGRIBUSINESS:10,000 farmers to benefit from World Bank-assisted project in Lagos .No fewer than 10,000 farmers in Lagos State are to benefit from the World Bank-assisted agricultural scheme, under the Agro-processing, Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood Improvement Support, APPEALS, project. APPEALS, which revolves round training, is designed to build capacities of actors in the rice, aquaculture and poultry value chains. The state Commissioner for Agriculture, Gbolahan Lawal, disclosed this on Thursday, during a ministerial briefing to commemorate first anniversary of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in office. He said the project is aimed at attaining large-scale production and processing of rice, eggs, poultry and fish and ultimately to boost food production in Lagos. Lawal said the efforts were targeted towards increasing the state’s self-sufficiency from less than 20 to 40 percent of its food needs by 2023. He expressed the present administration’s commitment to improving the red meat value chain through the establishment of standard operating procedures in processing, packaging and sales of red meat in the state. The purpose, he said, was to ensure the provision of wholesome and hygienically processed beef for the populace, boost beef processing to international standards to facilitate export, and also stimulate foreign investment into the value chain. He added that the implementation of the reform strategies were immediate, intermediate and long term. The immediate strategies include identification and classification of abattoirs, butchers and markets using a colour code, linkage of EKO refrigerated meat vans to identified abattoir for supplies to the markets classified with codes, accompanied with issued veterinary health certificate as evidence that the meat has been inspected.

AGRIBUSINESS: 9 RULES FOR RAISING RABBITS.

AGRIBUSINESS: 9 RULES FOR RAISING RABBITS.If you want to offer your bunny the utmost comfort, you have to be careful when choosing his/her new home from all those multiple types of cages for rabbits.

Also, the right rabbit diet is extremely important because it will help your little friend stay healthy and strong, both physically and mentally.

 When adopting animals we take full responsibility for their well-being because they will rely on us to make the best choices on their behalf. That is why we need to do extensive research to find out all the necessary information in order to keep them healthy and strong. A well-balanced diet Food plays an essential role in everyone’s life, including our bunnies.

 When they are young, they need specific nutrients in order to enjoy proper growth. And, when they are adults they have specific nutritional requirements, which, if not met, can lead to severe health issues. And, we are aware that some nutritional deficiencies can even lead to death.

 That is why your rabbit needs a complete and well-balanced diet packed with all the necessary minerals and vitamins that will help him/her thrive. Also, in order to have a healthy digestive system, your bun-bun requires high amounts of fiber.

                 Health care.
MANGE IN RABBIT. Mange in rabbit is caused by mite infestation.This tiny creatures burrow into skin,ear and feet region resulting in crusty scabs .There are patches of hair loss on coat resulting in bald areas.

VETERINARY MEDICINE: MANGE IN RABBIT. The mite infestation results in unthrifty condition in the rabbit because of constant scratching and pulling of affected areas,there is loss of weight and in severe condition fluids oozing out of scratched areas ,this predisposes the rabbit to secondary bacteria infection. Handling rabbits.

 Rabbits are tender and should be handled with care.They should never be pulled by ears or scruff,without support to feet and abdominal region.When rabbits are carried by ears,leaving feet dangling, they will struggle and likely snap their spine. see the pic.
  A Complete Guide to the Best Rabbit Breeds

A clean and safe environment Your rabbit needs to live in a clean environment, and that is why you should clean his/her cage once every week. The  bun bun’s litter box should be cleaned with white vinegar, or if it has deep and visible stains you can even soak it.
  Remember that spot cleaning must be done daily, in order to offer your bunny a nice-smelling and safe habitat.
 In order to prevent any allergies or health issues, you should clean your bunny’s food bowl every day. Bear in mind that his/her food needs to be changed daily as well.

DOGS: LEARN ALL ABOUT CANINE INFLUENZA.

DOGS: LEARN ALL ABOUT CANINE INFLUENZA.Canine Influenza – A Year Round Concern.The cold winter months are typically peak flu season, right? Well, in humans that’s true. But when it comes to the furry members of our family the flu is a year round canine health concern. It’s vital for every dog owner to know the risks of canine influenza, the dog symptoms to watch for and what to do if you have a sick dog. Flu Facts Canine flu is a fairly recent problem having been first diagnosed in 2004. It originally mutated from equine influenza and was initially detected among the greyhound population found in racing kennels. Over the past 10 years, the dog flu has spread and become more common among all dog breeds. Currently there has never been even one case of canine influenza being transferred from a dog to a person. However, flu viruses have been known to successfully modify themselves to infect other animals so there is always a possibility that people could be at risk. NewsCosmic bursts solve Universe's 'missing matter' problem Canine flu is highly infectious. Dogs who are exposed to it have close to a 100% chance of getting the flu. Senior dogs and puppies are more susceptible to serious illness if infected. Since it is spread via airborne particles, being on the receiving end of another pooches’ sneeze or cough is enough to make your dog sick. Also, the virus has the ability to survive on surfaces for up to 48 hours so sharing a toy or food bowl with an infected friend can spread it more quickly. More from DR POL HERE

COVID19: Japan Ends Coronavirus Emergency With 850 Deaths and No Lockdown.

COVID19: Japan Ends Coronavirus Emergency With 850 Deaths and No Lockdown.Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has announced the end of his state of emergency declaration for the novel coronavirus pandemic, with just 851 deaths reported and without ever implementing a lockdown. "I have decided to end the state of emergency across the nation," Abe said during a televised press conference on Monday. "In just over a month and a half, we almost brought (the infection) situation under control." Abe cautioned that lifting the order did not mean that the novel virus was gone from Japan. "Our battle against the virus will continue," he said, while urging the Japanese people to continue following stringent social distancing guidance.

COVID-19:A close relative of SARS-CoV-2 found in bats offers more evidence it evolved naturally.

COVID-19:A close relative of SARS-CoV-2 found in bats offers more evidence it evolved naturally.There is ongoing debate among policymakers and the general public about where SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, came from. While researchers consider bats the most likely natural hosts for SARS-CoV-2, the origins of the virus are still unclear. On May 10 in the journal Current Biology, researchers describe a recently identified bat coronavirus that is SARS-CoV-2's closest relative in some regions of the genome and which contains insertions of amino acids at the junction of the S1 and S2 subunits of the virus's spike protein in a manner similar to SAR-CoV-2. While it's not a direct evolutionary precursor of SARS-CoV-2, this new virus, RmYN02, suggests that these types of seemingly unusual insertion events can occur naturally in coronavirus evolution, the researchers say.

AGRIBUSINESS: How fishmeal and oil alternatives can support aquaculture growth.

AGRIBUSINESS: How fishmeal and oil alternatives can support aquaculture growth.As the world increasingly turns to aqua farming to feed its growing population, there's no better time than now to design an aquaculture system that is sustainable and efficient. Researchers at UC Santa Barbara, the University of Tasmania and the International Atomic Agency examined the current practice of catching wild fish for forage (to feed farmed fish) and concluded that using novel, non-fishmeal feeds could help boost production while treading lightly on marine ecosystems and reserving more of these small, nutritious fish for human consumption.

COVID-19: PPE, plus training, lowers risk of COVID-19 for health care workers.

PPE, plus training, lowers risk of COVID-19 for health care workers.Health care workers carry a significant burden of coronavirus infections worldwide, but a new evidence review shows the rate can be lowered with the use of personal protective equipment combined with proper training in infection control. Adequate supplies of personal protective equipment such as masks, gowns and eye protection have been the subject of heightened attention throughout the pandemic. Chou said the evidence suggests that lowering the rate of infection among health care workers must also include adequate training and education to ensure workers use the equipment properly. "Infection control training is important," Chou said. "It's not just about providing the equipment, but helping health care workers understand how they need to use it. Training and education were consistently associated with decreased risk of infection."

Tackling airborne transmission of COVID-19 indoors.

Tackling airborne transmission of COVID-19 indoors.Preventing airborne transmission of Covid-19 should be the next front of the battle against the virus. In a study published by the City and Environment Interaction journal, scientists from Surrey's Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE), together with partners from Australia's Queensland University and Technology, argue that the lack of adequate ventilation in many indoor environments -- from the workplace to the home -- increases the risk of airborne transmission of Covid-19. Madonna posted a video tribute to George Floyd, and it didn't go down well Covid-19, like many viruses, is less than 100mn in size but expiratory droplets (from people who have coughed or sneezed) contain water, salts and other organic material, along with the virus itself. Experts from GCARE and Australia note that as the water content from the droplets evaporate, the microscopic matter becomes small and light enough to stay suspended in the air and over time the concentration of the virus will build up, increasing the risk of infection -- particularly if the air is stagnant like in many indoor environments. The study highlights improving building ventilation as a possible route to tackling indoor transmission of Covid-19.

AGRIBUSINESS:Global food production to be transformed using new technology..

AGRIBUSINESS:Global food production to be transformed using new technology.The world's growing population will necessitate a 30-70% increase in food production over the next 3 decades. If we are to succeed, it will require a complete overhaul of the way we produce food. Researchers have now created an overview of solutions that include a number of new technologies that can collectively address this global challenge.Together with an array of leading researchers from the 'Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization' and the CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security, Svend Christensen has identified a number of new and upcoming technologies that together, and each with their own approach, will be able to solve this global challenge for society. Most of these technologies are fully developed, while others are just a few steps away.

AGRIBUSINESS: Combined production of fish and vegetables can be profitable.

AGRIBUSINESS: Combined production of fish and vegetables can be profitable

. When it comes to future food production, the combined farming of fish and vegetables through aquaponics is currently a hotly debated topic.

Sewage poses potential COVID-19 transmission risk.

Sewage poses potential COVID-19 transmission risk.Environmental biologists have warned that the potential spread of COVID-19 via sewage 'must not be neglected' in the battle to protect human health. Environmental biologists at the University of Stirling have warned that the potential spread of COVID-19 via sewage "must not be neglected" in the battle to protect human health.The response to the global pandemic has focused upon preventing person-to-person transmission, however, experts now believe the virus could also be spread in wastewater.

Vitamin D levels appear to play role in COVID-19 mortality rates.

Vitamin D levels appear to play role in COVID-19 mortality rates.Patients with severe deficiency are twice as likely to experience major complications.Researchers analyzed patient data from 10 countries. The team found a correlation between low vitamin D levels and hyperactive immune systems. Vitamin D strengthens innate immunity and prevents overactive immune responses. The finding could explain several mysteries, including why children are unlikely to die from COVID-19. The researchers noted that patients from countries with high COVID-19 mortality rates, such as Italy, Spain and the UK, had lower levels of vitamin D compared to patients in countries that were not as severely affected.

WILD LIFE: In chimpanzees, females contribute to the protection of the territory.

WILD LIFE: In chimpanzees, females contribute to the protection of the territory. Researchers have extensively studied several neighboring groups of western chimpanzees and their findings reveal that females and even the entire group may play a more important role in between-group competition than previously thought.



 They found that even though adult males seem important in territory increase, territory maintenance and competitive advantage over neighbors act through the entire group in this population of chimpanzees in the Taï National Park.


 In humans, warfare and territoriality have traditionally been considered male "business." Chimpanzees, with whom we share this propensity for out-group hostility and territoriality, are thought to follow the same gender difference.

Ultimate Tips for Happy, Healthy Cats.

   Ultimate Tips for Happy, Healthy Cats 

1)Bug Off :Protect your cat’s health from internal and external parasites all year long. Find whatever system works for you and be diligent about it. Even if your cat is inside all day there is still a chance he can get fleas, worms and other parasites, which can be harmful to your family and your cat.


 2) Develop a Purr-fect Palate:  What you should be feeding your cat can vary based on age, activity level and health concerns. Always consult your veterinarian to make sure you are using the right food in the right proportions. You want to make sure it is nourishing and delicious.

 3)Resist Treat Temptation: Allowing your cat to become overweight can result in numerous grave health problems. You can prevent obesity by feeding your cat the right food and avoiding too many treats. Instead, treat your cat by giving them toys to play with to keep them active.

More from Dr.Pol

DOGS: How to treat a dog with eclampsia..

DOGS: How to treat a dog with eclampsia. What is eclampsia? Eclampsia (hypocalcemia or puerperal tetany) is an emergency medical condition associated with a life-threatening drop in blood calcium levels that occurs in nursing mothers. Eclampsia most commonly occurs when the puppies are one to four weeks of age and the mother is producing the most milk. The cause of eclampsia is often not discovered, but may be due:1)to excessive loss of calcium from the mother to the developing fetal skeleton. 2)calcium supplementation during pregnancy. 3)producing milk after birth. 4)not receiving a balanced premium growth and development diet while pregnant and nursing. 5) hormonal problem with the parathyroid gland. Females that are particularly good mothers, especially attentive to their puppies, seem to be more likely to develop eclampsia. Breeds such as Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Toy Poodles, Miniature Pinscher, Shih Tzu, and other small breeds are at an increased risk. The signs are initially subtle. The female may be restless or panting a lot, and you may notice that she is moving stiffly (also called tetany) which may progress to her being unable to walk. This soon progresses to muscle spasms affecting the whole body, which can quickly progress to convulsing. Some affected nursing dogs may become disoriented, aggressive, have a high fever, and become restless and pace excessively. How is eclampsia treated? Treatment involves immediate intravenous injections of calcium and other drugs. Intravenous calcium must be administered very carefully and slowly otherwise it can cause severe lowering of the heart rate and arrhythmias. Some dogs will require anti-seizure drugs such as diazepam to control seizures and tetany. Oral calcium supplements (something as simple as Tums® may be recommended) and weaning the puppies as quickly as possible are typically required for follow-up care. If diagnosed and treated promptly, recovery from eclampsia is usually rapid and complete.

DOGS: HOW TO USE PREDNISONE.

DOGS: HOW TO USE PREDNISONE. Prednisone for Dogs With Allergies One of the most common reasons this drug is prescribed is for allergic conditions, which tend to make a dog very itchy and prone to scratching and licking themselves until they get skin infections. Prednisone can provide some much-needed relief and help to prevent future occurrences. It’s also helpful in treating sudden allergic reactions, such as a swollen muzzle following a bee sting. Prednisone for Dogs With Ear Infections Along the same lines, prednisone can also be very helpful for ear infections. The ear canals are an extension of the skin, and therefore ear problems often benefit from similar treatments to skin problems. Prednisone for Immune-Mediated Conditions in Dogs Just like humans, dogs can be affected by a number of different diseases that occur as the result of an overactive immune system. This can include chronic conditions such as lupus, inflammatory bowel disease, and certain neurological conditions, to name a few. It also includes sudden, life-threatening immune reactions like immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA), a condition in which the body rapidly destroys its own red blood cells for reasons that are often unknown. Prednisone for Addison’s Disease in Dogs Addison’s disease, or hypoadrenocorticism, is a condition in which the adrenal glands don’t produce enough of two kinds of hormones: cortisol, as well as another class of hormone, called mineralocorticoids. The disease is most common in certain breeds such as Standard Poodles and West Highland White Terriers. This condition is fatal left untreated but can be managed well for years with the use of certain medications. Another drug is given to address the mineralocorticoid deficiency, but prednisone is used to fill the cortisol gap. During times of stress (such as if an Addisonian dog is ill or needs to board for a little while), prednisone can be lifesaving.Prednisone for Coughing and Asthma in Dogs Prednisone can be very helpful for certain types of coughs, especially genetic conditions like a collapsing trachea (a windpipe that narrows too much) and chronic conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It’s also used for some patients with asthma, a condition more common in cats than in dogs.

Prednisone for Dogs: Uses for Dog Cancer and Other Medical Conditions.

Prednisone for Dogs: Uses for Dog Cancer and Other Medical Conditions. What is prednisone for dogs, why is it prescribed so often, and how can it help your pup? 

 Sometimes, prednisone for dogs can seem like a ‘magic’ pill that makes dogs feel better when they suffer from conditions such as allergies, immune-mediated diseases, or even cancer… But while this drug can help a lot of dogs, it’s important to compare the risks versus the benefits, especially when using it long term.

 If you’ve had dogs or other pets for whom steroids were prescribed, you may have given them prednisone or its very similar cousin prednisolone—or even both forms at different times in your pet’s life. Prednisone and Prednisolone, commonly used glucocorticoids in pets include hydrocortisone, dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, triamcinolone, and others. These drugs are steroids. But, they’re not what might typically come to mind when you think of a “steroid.” 

 Prednisone for Dogs With Cancer. Prednisone is helpful with a wide variety of cancers, especially lymphoma.Sometimes, prednisone is used as part of a chemotherapy protocol and has a direct effect on cancer growth and spread. Other times, it’s used for what we call “palliative therapy,” meaning that whether or not it changes the course of the disease, it can make your dog feel a lot better. While it’s not right for every dog nor every type of cancer, for some patients, prednisone can really give them a good quality of life

Prednisone for Dogs: Uses for Dog Cancer and Other Medical Conditions.

 What is prednisone for dogs, why is it prescribed so often, and how can it help your pup?

 Sometimes, prednisone for dogs can seem like a ‘magic’ pill that makes dogs feel better when they suffer from conditions such as allergies, immune-mediated diseases, or even cancer…

But while this drug can help a lot of dogs, it’s important to compare the risks versus the benefits, especially when using it long term.

If you’ve had dogs or other pets for whom steroids were prescribed, you may have given them prednisone or its very similar cousin prednisolone—or even both forms at different times in your pet’s life.

  Prednisone and prednisolone, commonly used glucocorticoids in pets include hydrocortisone, dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, triamcinolone, and others.

These drugs are steroids. But, they’re not what might typically come to mind when you think of a “steroid.”

Prednisone for Dogs With Cancer

Prednisone is helpful with a wide variety of cancers, especially lymphoma.Sometimes, prednisone is used as part of a chemotherapy protocol and has a direct effect on cancer growth and spread.

Other times, it’s used for what we call “palliative therapy,” meaning that whether or not it changes the course of the disease, it can make your dog feel a lot better.

While it’s not right for every dog nor every type of cancer, for some patients, prednisone can really give them a good quality of life

DOG HEALTH BASICS – A SIMPLE GUIDE TO GETTING THE BASICS RIGHT!

  A dog’s health is not limited to them looking or acting unwell, it can include anything that may bring them discomfort or inhibit their normal behavior, such as an excessively matted coat. We have labeled all the basic dog health factors you need to consistently check and maintain to keep your pup feeling healthy and happy.

   

Basic Dog Health Procedures

There are some elements of your dog’s health that require an unavoidable vet trip such as vaccinations or getting them spayed or neutered. Here are the basic dog health procedures you will have to consider.

Vaccinations

Both puppies and dogs require vaccinations to develop resistance against pathogens. This simply summarized means they avoid being affected by certain illnesses after having these shots. Puppies are particularly vulnerable to becoming ill due to a weak immune system. This is because they have not yet developed the resistance many adult dogs will have and therefore vaccinations will enable them to do this.

DOGS:WHEN IS HYDROTHERAPY USEFUL?

DOGS:WHEN IS HYDROTHERAPY USEFUL?
 
Canine hydrotherapy is the most effective when it is used for some specific causes. These health issues and problems are meant to be treated with canine water therapy and the result, therefore, is commendable. Let’s look into some of these specific use cases of hydrotherapy for dogs.

     

Dogs with hip dysplasia

Hydrotherapy is an ideal treatment for hip and elbow dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is a chronic and degenerative condition in which your dog has developed the hip or elbow joints abnormally. Basically, the head of the dog’s femur bone fails to completely fit into the hip’s socket. When this condition affects your dog, their ligaments become weaker and the joints get misaligned and inflamed. As a result, walking seems to be extremely painful and difficult. There is also stiffness all over.

Hydrotherapy for dogs uses the controlled aquatic exercise to build the weakened muscle in the hind legs. The mobility and endurance of the joints of your dog increases and this happen without putting excessive pressure on your dog’s lower body. Gentle and regular swimming is the key to manage hip dysplasia and these water therapies are suitable for other degenerative joint conditions as well.

HYDROTHERAPY IN DOGS. : BENEFITS OF HYDROTHERAPY IN DOGS.

   Hydrotherapy for dogs comes with multiple benefits for dogs with injuries and joint issues. The following are some of the most prominent benefits of this therapy for dogs.

    Pain Relief – Hydrotherapy for dogs is a pain relief technique that uses the buoyancy of the water to relieve joint and muscle pains in a dog. The warm water has a soothing effect on the painful joints that also tend to get flexible with this therapy.

   Reduces Inflammation – Hydrotherapy for dogs works like magic on sore joints and reduces inflammation of muscles. Therapies like the underwater treadmill encourage a movement of the joints and muscles without requiring your dog to undergo a lot of stress.

  Muscle Relaxation – The buoyancy and the resistance of the water come together to create a force, which effectively relaxes the tired and sore muscles of your dog. That is why; hydrotherapy for dogs is a recommended practice after any orthopedic surgery.

  Soften Muscles – When your dog has not walked for an injury for a long time, their muscles tend to get tight. Hydrotherapy for dogs induces movement of the muscles under water, which prevents them from getting tightened.

 Increased Coordination – Hydrotherapy for dogs also improves coordination. Your dog learns to flexibly move the muscles and often, going the extra mile to encounter the resistance. These activities lead to better coordination of the hips and legs. Hydrotherapy.

How does hydrotherapy for dogs work?

How does hydrotherapy for dogs work?

   Hydrotherapy for dogs can be performed using different types of equipment. They each serve a specific purpose.

  

Underwater treadmills

An underwater treadmill is the most common form of hydrotherapy for dogs. They are quite effective for dogs with joint problems. It is basically a treadmill that comes in a glass or plastic enclosed chamber. As you help your dog enter the chamber or tank, the doors are shut and the water fills up the tank with the level being just above the dog’s legs.

Now, the dog gradually begins to walk on the treadmill and faces the resistance that the water creates to strengthen his muscles in a low-impact environment. The speed of the treadmill is usually medium though it can vary depending upon the dog’s injuries and ability to walk fast.

As a result of this specific type of hydrotherapy for dogs, there is an improvement in blood circulation, an increase in joint flexibility and reduction in joint pain. Some of the additional benefits include cardiorespiratory endurance, agility and muscle strength. Get the guide Hydrotherapy in dogs.

DOGS: HYDROTHERAPY FOR DOGS.

PAIN IN DOGS? HYDROTHERAPY TO THE RESCUE.

•      Hydrotherapy for dogs is a medical practice that uses water to relieve dogs of certain joint and bone pains and problems.
•     Hydrotherapy or more specifically, canine hydrotherapy basically uses the main properties of the water namely buoyancy, viscosity, hydrostatic pressure and resistance.
• 
  
•   Buoyancy is the ability or tendency of a body to stay afloat or rise to the top of a liquid or gas. Such properties of water enable dogs to flexibly move their joints. Water makes the dog’s body buoyant by actually supporting the weight of the body when submerged. Your dog, as a result, no longer needs to fight gravity. The buoyancy of the water minimizes the stress on the joints, creating a safe environment for recovery from joint injuries as such.
• 
  
• Hydrotherapy for dogs is particularly beneficial when recovering after surgery of the joints or bones. It benefits dogs that are suffering from degenerative joint disease or are perhaps, partially paralyzed. Water therapy further improves conditions like hip dysplasia, amputation of a limb or simply, arthritis due to old DOGS.

5 ways people could transmit the coronavirus — from respiratory droplets to semen — ranked in order of risk

5 ways people could transmit the coronavirus — from respiratory droplets to semen — ranked in order of risk. The coronavirus has one main mode of transmission: respiratory droplets that leave a person's mouth or nose when they sneeze, cough, or talk. Studies have also found virus particles in the air as aerosols, as well as in feces and semen, but those pose less of a transmission threat. Coronavirus particles have been found in spit, mucus, poop, semen, floating through the air, and on various surfaces, like doorknobs and packages. But your chances of getting sick after coming into contact with the virus in these different situations vary. Here are the five ways we know the coronavirus can spread, and how risky each one is for you.

Mink pass coronavirus to humans in the Netherlands.

Mink pass coronavirus to humans in the Netherlands.At least two people have caught the coronavirus from mink in the Netherlands, in probably the first mink-to-human transmission cases. The risk of infection outside mink farms is "negligible," Dutch officials said. Mink are bred for their fur at some 155 farms across the country. The authorities detected infected animals at four such locations, Agriculture Minister Carola Schouten said in a letter to parliament. At three out of four farms, a sick human was thought to be the source of the infection among the animals, while officials were still investigating the cause at the fourth one, the minister said.

Cats, Dogs and COVID: How Safe Are Your Pets?

                    Cats, Dogs and COVID: How Safe Are Your Pets?

Nadia, a tiger at New York City's Bronx Zoo, tested positive for the corona virus. A few pet cats in the United States and some dogs  have  also tested positive.

The novel corona virus causing the current pandemic is thought to have originated at a live animal market in China, some people have wondered if they need to worry about their own pets.

 The good news is that any risk to humans from to pet is very low, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

  Humans with COVID-19 infections could pose a slight risk to certain animals, such as cats or ferrets. but not dogs.

 The basic thing to do is to stay safe and keep your pet safe. All personal hygiene protocol of hand washing, use of face mask is advised. The frequency of hand washing must be increased especially after handling your pet.

 When you take your dog out for walks its advisable to wipe the dog when you return paying particular attention to paws.

DOGS: THE 6 STAGES OF A DOGS LIFE.

DOGS: THE 6 STAGES OF A DOGS LIFE. Puppy to Dog: Your Pet's Life Stages. Puppies and How to Take Care of Them. Life Stage No. 1: Puppy. Your dog is a puppy from the time it's a newborn until it's able to reproduce. This happens at different ages, depending on the breed of your dog. Small breeds tend to reach sexual maturity earlier than larger breeds. Weaning. Puppies slowly switch from their mother's milk to eating other foods when they're 3 or 4 weeks old. They should be fully switched over from milk to food by the time they're 7 or 8 weeks old. Feeding. The number of feedings per day changes as your puppy gets older: 2 to 3 months old: 4 times a day 3 to 6 months old: 3 times a day 6 months old to 1 year old (up to 24 months in larger breeds): 2 times a day After age 1, feed your dog once or twice a day. Get the guide here

Could COVID-19 Be Causing Strokes? Know the Signs.

Could COVID-19 Be Causing Strokes? Know the Signs .A new, and frightening, expression of COVID-19 infection has surfaced. Numerous physicians around the world are reporting a possibly increased risk for blood clots in patients with COVID-19. Blood clots (what doctors call thrombosis) are particularly worrisome because of the potential consequences. Blood clots in the veins can travel to the lungs (which is called pulmonary embolus), a potentially life-threatening problem. Blood clots in the arterial system are even more alarming because these can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and amputations. COVID-19 appears to increase blood clots in both the arteries and the veins. Although all of the studies are small and observational at this point, one study from the Netherlands showed that 31% of subjects with COVID-19 in the ICU developed blood clots despite usual measures to prevent clotting. Another small study from China showed that 25% of the COVID-19 patients developed blood clots in the veins. These are shockingly high numbers. There’s reason to suspect that COVID-19 could possibly put any of us at risk for stroke. There is a need to be alert for stroke symptoms – sudden weakness, numbness, trouble speaking, seeing, or the onset of a severe headache without other explanation – even if you wouldn’t ordinarily need to be concerned about stroke risk, and even without other signs of COVID-19 infection. if you suspect a stroke in someone else, act F.A.S.T.: F.A.S.T. stands for: F—Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop? A—Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? S—Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is the speech slurred or strange? T—Time: If you see any of these signs, call health care line right away. Understandably, some are reluctant to go to the hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic, but when it comes to a stroke, the consequences of delaying medical treatment could be devastating. Do not delay. Call if anyone has these symptoms.

The COVID-19 Risk Factor You Can Control.

The COVID-19 Risk Factor You Can Control.If you are concerned about your risk from COVID-19, then you should know that there may be significant opportunities to lower your risk beyond hand washing and social distancing. COVID-19 is stabilizing or decreasing in many parts of the world, and this is good news. However, many experts predict the pandemic is far from over, and the worse may be yet to come. The concern is there may be further surges in COVID-19 with the world starting to open. And healthcare organizations are worried that a flood of COVID-19 patients, in addition to those with seasonal flu this fall and winter, may overwhelm their limited resources and prevent them from providing care to all who need it. There is so much that is not in our control – but, it’s important to remember that there is also much that is within our control.Our knowledge about COVID-19 grows daily, and it has become clear that certain people are at particularly high risk from COVID-19. It was recognized early in the pandemic that those over 65 years of age are a high-risk group. And it is becoming increasingly apparent that those who are not in good health, such as those with unhealthy weight, diabetes, or heart disease, are also particularly vulnerable to COVID-19. For example, one database has shown that less than 1% of those who have died from COVID-19 were previously healthy and did not have conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, cancer, immunodeficiency, lung, heart, liver, or kidney disease.

"African Swine Fever is a man-made disease".

"African Swine Fever is a man-made disease".If there is one take-home message to report after having spoken to two of the leading scientists on African Swine Fever, it should be that the major threat with regard to the virus is not the virus itself, but how humans deal with it.

 Dr Klaus Depner, head of the International Animal Health Team at the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI) on the island Riems in northern Germany, has to admit that even he as expert needed some time to understand the disease. How does the virus spread?Wild boars shed the virus mainly when they are very sick and in the final stage of the disease.

When the animals have high fever it’s in their character to stay where they are, and they are certainly not going to walk very far when they feel bad. So what we have here is a virus that is very stable in its environment without fast movement. It neither dies out, nor moves. Undisposed carcasses of infected wild boars remain infectious for a long time in the environment and become a source of infection for healthy animals.


 The human role Still, ASF did spread from the Caucasus until the Baltics and Poland. The question now is how. Soft ticks and insects are unlikely to have transmitted the virus, the scientists say. In fact, they have little doubt identifying about the real reason behind most of the ASF outbreaks: negligence.
Participating in recent ASF monitoring missions in Eastern Europe, Depner has a good idea of what has likely occurred. He says, “Often it was a matter of human misbehaviour. What happened is that infected meat made it to the market.


When many pigs started to die, they were sent to slaughter. Pig prices dropped, cheap meat entered the market and the meat made its way into homes – and into suitcases. This is how the virus dispersed. The virus spread along the main roads, the transport routes. This spread bears a 100% human mark.” more.

AFRICAN SWINE FEVER..

 How to protect your farm from African Swine Fever. How to protect a pig farm from African Swine Fever.(ASF). ASF is all about contact ASF is spread by contact. Far less by the pig breathing the virus in as in Classical Swine Fever, so it should be easier to prevent and control.

Think ‘contact’ in everything you plan to do and subsequently carry out on the premises. The contact is not just pig to pig, but what we humans do by allowing the ASF virus in through contact on the clothing equipment, vehicles, food deliveries, breeding stock and every other visit by an ‘outsider’ to or into your vulnerable farm premises.

 1) Keep everybody off your farm You will need discipline and tact to do this effectively. Quite brutally, you do not know where they have been! So do not risk it.

DOGS: HOW CAN YOU MAKE YOUR DOG'S DRY FOOD MORE PALATABLE?

DOGS: HOW CAN YOU MAKE YOUR DOG'S DRY FOOD MORE PALATABLE? The common fluid to use as a mix for your dog's dry food is water, here are some tips on other things to explore. 1) Add Meat and Fish – Animal protein is essential for your pet because it is of higher quality, easier to digest and promotes a healthy metabolism by facilitating the oxidation of fat. Therefore, topping dog food with meat or fish will allow your pet to thrive and feel fantastic because it will meet its nutritional requirements 2) Add Stock – Bone broth will improve the health of your dog because it is an excellent source of collagen, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin, glucosamine and amino acids like glycine and arginine. In addition, it is helpful for treating the leaky gut syndrome, arthritis and detoxing your pet from pollutants and heavy metals 3)Add Cottage Cheese and Yogurt – Two super-foods because they are a great source of minerals, antioxidants, vitamins, and high-quality proteins. Furthermore, they introduce novelty to the diet of your dog, especially if it has been eating only dry dog food. Thus, it’s a good idea to integrate them. DOGS: HOW CAN YOU MAKE YOUR DOG'S DRY FOOD MORE PALATABLE? 4)Add Fish Oil – Only add water to dry dog food and then fish oil and you will bring your pet a dish it will love. It is anti-inflammatory, and therefore, it is recommended for dogs that suffer from canine OA and cannot take traditional analgesics. 5)Add Some Steamed Vegetables – You can add some steamed cabbage, kale, lettuce, spinach, carrots or asparagus. Like yogurt and cottage cheese, it is a great way to bring a surprise factor to the food of your dog. Hence, if you to make your dog’s food more interesting, here you have an option 6)Add Eggs – They are an amazing source of folate, iron, selenium, fatty acids, vitamin B12, riboflavin and vitamin A, which are compounds that are necessary for the optimal health of your dog. However, make sure to only add eggs (no salt or spices). Additionally, you can mix it along with meat, fish, vegetables or stock.

DOGS: How Much Water to Add to Dry Dog Food?.

DOGS: How Much Water to Add to Dry Dog Food?.The amount of water to add into your dog food depends on three factors: 1) Amount of food/ portion size. 2) Weather. 3) preference of your dog. When the weather is warmer then the dogs will have higher hydration needs,hence you will have to add more water properly hydrate.

DOGS: WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR DOG IS NOT DRINKING WATER.

DOGS: WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR DOG IS NOT DRINKING WATER.Several dogs can be poor drinkers of water. Therefore, soaking dry dog food in water will help to hydrate your pet. We are aware of the dangers of dehydration; however, it is worth noting that it could be a symptom of a health issue. Here are some health problems in which dehydration can be an alarming and common symptom:1)Stress and anxiety. 2)Injury inside or near to the mouth of your dog. 3)Damaged teeth. 4)Urinary infection Therefore, there is a need to visit a vet if this persists. You can also change the way you serve the water, trying a fountain model or water fall model is a good start.

COVID: 19: Can You Catch COVID-19 Through Your Eyes?

COVID: 19: Can You Catch COVID-19 Through Your Eyes? You can catch COVID-19 if an infected person coughs or sneezes and contagious droplets enter your nose or mouth. But can you become ill if the virus lands in your eyes?

 Virologist Joseph Fair, PhD, an NBC News contributor, raised that concern when he became critically ill with COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.

From a hospital bed in his hometown of New Orleans, he told the network that he had flown on a crowded plane where flight attendants weren’t wearing masks. He wore a mask and gloves, but no eye protection. “My best guess,” he told the interviewer, “was that it came through the eye route.”

Asked if people should start wearing eye protection, Fair replied, “In my opinion, yes.” The clear tissue that covers the white of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelid, known as the conjunctiva, “can be infected by other viruses, such as adenoviruses associated with the common cold and the herpes simplex virus.

There’s the same chance of infection with SARS-CoV-2, says Duh. “If there are droplets that an infected individual is producing by coughing or sneezing or even speaking, then the front of the eyes are directly exposed, just like the nasal passages are exposed. In addition, people rub and touch their eyes a lot. So there’s certainly already the vulnerability.

What Are The Benefits of Adding Water to Dry Dog Food?.

What Are The Benefits of Adding Water to Dry Dog Food? When you add water to dry dog food it makes it more palatable and enhance the dog’s hydration. It is good to mix dry dog food with water. Moist dog food is always preferred by dogs over dry kibble, especially with weaning puppies. It tastes better, it smells better. Water is added for different reasons, for example, to prevent different health issues (ex: dehydration and blood circulation) and increase appetite in case your dog is not eating enough, but there are many others. Increases Hydration Proper hydration is vital for the optimal health of your dog, because water is essential for several physiological functions as an indispensable nutrient, and in addition, it is the perfect medium to remove metabolic waste. Adding water to make hard dog food soft will kill two birds with one stone, because your pet will enjoy it more and you will help it to drink more water without even noticing it. Even if it’s soft, wet, raw or homemade dog food, adding some water will help tremendously. For this reason, we’ll bring you precise indications on how much to add in the next sections. Improves Digestion Dry dog food can be hard to digest, and therefore, adding some water will give your pet a much easier time. In addition, it will induce a proper absorption of nutrients. Furthermore, it is worth noting that the digestive sensitivity of your dog varies according to its size, therefore, an important metric to monitor, because proper digestion is essential for the optimal health of your dog.In consequence, the best strategy is to feed it with highly digestible protein in addition to proper hydration. However, with small breeds, you must avoid ingredients that could reduce colon fermentation. Boosts Appetite If your dog is not eating enough, then water is a great solution to stimulate your dog’s appetite. By adding some of it, you will allow the dry food to release its aroma and flavor, which can spark the curiosity of your pet. Mixing dry dog food with water boosts the meal’s palatability which is great for picky eaters! Additionally, some dogs simply prefer wet food to kibble, and adding water is the fastest and most economical way of overcoming such difficulty. Simple and easy. Get a guide here.

COVID-19 : HOW TO REDUCE STRESS IN DOGS.

          COVID-19 : HOW TO REDUCE STRESS IN DOGS. 

 The best ways to help your dog have a better quality of life is to reduce the amount of stress she experiences.
The first step is to make as complete a list as possible of everything that is stressful for her. This includes mild stressors as well as the most significant ones.

 Stressors are like building blocks that push your dog beyond her ability to cope with her environment; eliminating even the milder ones can help keep her below that threshold.

               Here are few strategies  to reduce stress:

Elimination.: This means getting rid of the stressor altogether.. Stop yelling at your dog. Throw the shock collar away. Teach her cooperative care so there is no need for forced restraint professionals so as not.allow inappropriate interactions from any friends, visitors, or family members.

 Counter-conditioning. This involves changing your dog’s association with the thing she finds stressful by associating it with something wonderful (such as delicious pieces of roasted chicken).

This process is gradual and you must be sure to keep the intensity of the stimulus below threshold – so the dog sees it (or hears it) and is aware of it but isn’t stressed.  The goal is to convince her that other dogs ,children, men, or sounds are wonderful because they make bits of chicken appear.

 Indoor Games to Engage: Your Dog's Brain When You Can't Go Out. As corona virus confinement stretches on, dogs and humans are getting  stressed by the day from lack of exercise, While there are limits to the physical exercise you two can do while shut-in, there are many indoor dog games you can enjoy together such as cognition games, and playing with interactive toys. 

DOGS: Teaching Your Dog THIS Cue Could Save His Life.

DOGS: Teaching Your Dog THIS Cue Could Save His Life. Is your dog trained to reliably come when called? Most dog owners are working on a reliable "recall," but our pooches haven't entirely gotten the hang of it...yet. A reliable recall could save your dog’s life. Dog’s aren’t born knowing they should run right for us when we call them. And most of us are only beginning to understand how our dog’s think and learn. It’s our responsibility to positively train our dogs so that they respond instantaneously to a recall cue, whether you’re calling him in for dinner—or stopping him from making a mad-dash into a busy road. Learn how to train your dog to respond to your calls immediately.Teach Your Dog to Come When Called. In this life-saving guide, our expert-trainers and contributors show you …1) Why it’s important to learn how your dog values his rewards, and which one’s work best. 2) Why your dog sprints over to you in some places, but runs the other way in others. 3)What to do if you’ve “poisoned” your recall cue and your dog just won’t respond. Learn all the tricks here: a complete guide.

DOGS : Tick Bite? Here's What To Do.

DOGS : Tick Bite? Here's What To Do.A dog in the wrong place at the wrong time can be bit by dozens or even hundreds of ticks. Deer ticks go through three stages of life (larva, nymph, and adult), and feed only once in each of these stages; a blood meal ends each stage. Larval ticks feed off mice and other small rodents, but nymphs and adults are a threat to dogs. These ticks are small and their bites don’t itch so they are easily overlooked, especially adult deer ticks and the nymphs of any species. Ticks thrive in warm, moist conditions thus its important to always check under collars and around ears. If you observe a lump or bump inspect it critically you can seek help or better still use a magnifying glass. Tick Bite? Here's What To Do. Be careful when removing a tick to grasp it with tweezers firmly at the head, as close to the dog’s skin as possible, and slowly pull straight back. Never twist, press, burn, or apply irritating substances like kerosene to an attached tick because doing so can cause the parasite to expel the contents of its digestive tract, creating an unwanted hypodermic effect. Three-percent hydrogen peroxide, the common disinfectant, is recommended for tick bites because the oxygen it contains destroys the Lyme disease bacteria. Hydrogen peroxide can be liberally poured over bites on light-haired dogs (keep away from eyes and apply directly to the skin) but because it’s a bleach, this method is not recommended for black or dark-haired dogs. The use of an eyedropper to apply hydrogen peroxide directly to the bite will prevent unwanted bleaching. Get the guide here

COVID-19 AND FOOD SAFETY.

COVID-19 AND FOOD SAFETY. The recent outbreak of COVID-19 has called for stringent measures to ensure personal safety and food safety.

The measures proposed to ensure safety are:   1) improving personal hygiene, by regular washing of hands with soap and running water or the use of alcohol based sanitizer.

 2) Physical distancing is also a key factor to ensure safety.

 3) Self isolation in cases of sickness. These measures are also important for food safety at this period.



Butchers and food processors are hereby enjoined to maintain a high level of personal hygiene by regular washing of hands and tools.


 Butchers and food processors are to be fully kitted using gloves, overall, head cover and face masks from abattoir to markets.
 Butchers are to discourage customers from touching meat or meat products, rather customers are to point at what they want and butchers with gloved hands sell the meat.

 The era of several customers touching meat or meat products on display is over, as the Lagos meat reforms is poised to ensure only wholesome meat is sold to populace and also promote food safety. 


Food safety begins with you and me: stay safe and healthy. #Lagosmeatreforms. #MaskupLagos

COVID-19 :; FOOD SAFETY IN ABATTOIRS AND MEAT PACKAGING PLANTS.

The prevention of the spread of the corona virus has been ably captured as 1) washing hands with soap under running water for 20 sec or use a hand sanitizer. 2) practice physical distancing, give 2metres space between you and the next person and finally use a face mask.

COVID-19: HOW TO USE A FACE MASK.

TIPS ON HOW TO USE YOUR FACE MASK How to wear your face mask. Before putting on a mask: 1)clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water. 2)Cover mouth and nose with mask and make sure there are no gaps between your face and the mask. 3)Avoid touching the mask while using it; if you do, clean your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water. 4)Replace the mask with a new one as soon as it is damp and do not re-use single-use masks.

HOW TO DISPOSE YOUR FACE MASK PROPERLY. HOW TO REMOVE THE FACE MASK. 1)Wash your hands before removing the mask. 2)Do not touch the inside of the mask especially the portion over nose and mouth as it may be contaminated from your breathing, coughing or sneezing. 3) Loose or untie the ear loops and remove the mask by the straps. 4)Throw the mask in the trash. 5)wash your hands. #facemasks #maskupLagos

Yucca Root Can Improve Digestion and Relieve Arthritis Pain.

Yucca( cassava) Root Can Improve Digestion and Relieve Arthritis Pain. Yucca (CASSAVA )root possesses chemistries that add powerful medicinal activities to the veterinary herbalist’s goodie bag. Among these chemistries are sarsasapogenin, smilagenin, and various other compounds that are loosely known by the herbal/scientist community as "phytosterols." Herbalists theorize that phytosterols serve the body by stimulating and assisting the body in the use and production of natural corticosteroids and corticosteroid- related hormones. Unlike corticosteroid drugs such as prednisone, yucca is thought to work in concert with natural autoimmune functions of the body – actually supporting immune system functions as opposed to shutting them down. It can be reasonably hypothesized that the natural, corticosteroid-like actions of yucca may play a role in the body’s natural production of growth hormones, which in turn may contribute significantly to the accelerated growth and production we see in animals that receive it in their food. And although this theory has not been established as "fact" by the scientific community, we know that yucca is very safe in the diet when fed in moderation and in a sensible manner. What all of this means is that yucca can be a very useful natural remedy in the treatment of arthritis.

Improve Your Dog's Diet - and Health!.

Improve Your Dog's Diet - and Health!.Whether you feed your dog dry, canned, or home prepared meals, chances are he's not getting all the vitamins and nutrients that he needs in his diet - the diet that his ancestors thrived upon. Learn the ABC's of Great Canine Nutrition!

A - Amount of Fat, Protein, and Carbs That Your Dog Needs Regardless of what you're feeding your dog, he's probably not getting enough calories from protein. Discover the simple way to correct this imbalance! B - Balance the Fats Certain fats are vital to your dog's good health (is he getting them?), but even when included in premium brands there's a good chance they're going rancid, and potentially harming your dog. Learn the prevention for this common mistake! C - Complete the Nutrition With Fresh Foods You don't need to overhaul your dog's diet to feed him properly. Learn which easily available and inexpensive items to add to his current food to create a healthy, well-balanced meal! The Ancestral Diet Will Help Your Dog:1)Learn faster and remember better.2)Improve his sight and hearing.3)Achieve and maintain a healthier coat and skin. 4)Stay fit, and improve coordination.5)Live longer!. Get it.

How to make your dog happy.

How to make your dog happy.

Your dog is trying to tell you something—are you listening? “Why does my dog do that?” It’s a question every dog owner has asked—whether their best friend is growling at an unseen foe, or rolling in an objectionable scent. Now, world-leading canine experts and fellow dog-lovers Melissa Starling and Paul McGreevy are here with all the answers: How dogs use body language to communicate (with both people and other dogs)what motivates dogs (and what doesn’t).Rules for canine contentment (for example, most dogs don’t enjoy hugging),Subtle signs of discomfort, stress, and fear (like lip licking).Learn how to choose the furry companion that’s right for you. In Making Dogs Happy, you’ll learn to see the world as your dog does—full of goals to pursue, resources to guard, and stressors to avoid. Using that knowledge, you’ll be able to communicate with (and train) your dog so that they’re the happiest hound on the block. Decode your dog’s emotions and behaviors—and be the best dog parent you can be. Get it here.

How to House-Train A Dog.

How to House-Train A Dog. The C.R.A.P STRATEGY. C=CONFINEMENT, R=ROUTINE, A=ATTENTION, P=PLATINUM REWARDS. Confinement Preventing your dog from pottying in the wrong place is the first and most important housetraining task. Since most of us cannot keep our eyes on our dogs every minute, having a safe, comfortable confinement area is key to housetraining success. Most dogs naturally avoid going potty in their sleeping areas, so confining your dog in a small enough area that is more bed-like than room-like not only prevents unwanted accidents but also will help him develop bowel and bladder control. What are appropriate confinement areas? I am a huge fan of crates, used appropriately, once dogs are comfortable with them. An area that is fenced off with a portable exercise pen or a smaller room (such as a bathroom or laundry room with a baby gate across the door) can also serve as a confinement area. The key is that any confinement area should be small and cozy enough for your dog that he will choose “holding it” over pottying in it. When confinement is in place and used appropriately, there will be a decrease in potty accidents and an increase in bowel and bladder control. As your dog enjoys continued success at pottying outdoors appropriately and not pottying indoors, you can increase the size of the area where he is confined when not being supervised. Don’t go too far, giving him whole-house freedom after he hasn’t had an accident for a few days. Instead, use an exercise pen to expand his confinement area by, say, 50 to 100 square feet more per week of success. Routine Both dogs and humans benefit from a predictable, consistent housetraining routine. This routine should account for confinement time, potty breaks, meal times, play time, training time, walks, and all the other enriching activities that are part of your dog’s daily life. I recommend my clients create a written routine that includes potty breaks a minimum of every hour or two, depending on the age and situation of the dog. The general rule for “holding it” in a crate or pen is that dogs should have the ability to hold their bowels and bladder, in hours, the number of months they are plus one. So, a three-month-old pup ought to be able to hold his urine and poop for four hours. However, there are so many exceptions to this rule; most notably, that activity often makes a pup have to “go.” The best routines, then, are based on a solid understanding of your dog. Attention The first question I ask when a client asks me a question about a difficulty with their dog’s housetraining is: “Are you catching your dog in the act of pottying inappropriately or just finding the evidence after the fact?” More often than not, people sheepishly confess that they usually find the mess after the fact – and this always means their attention needs to be improved. There are two huge benefits to maintaining a laser focus on your dog when he is not confined. First, you can start to recognize and reward your dog’s “gotta go” signals. When your dog begins to pace, circle, and sniff, you can applaud his signaling (“Awesome doggie! Let’s go, go, GO!”) and rush him to his potty place. Rewarding “gotta go” signals will encourage your dog to become more demonstrative when he feels the urge – communication that is as helpful to us as it is to our dogs. Second, when we catch him in the act we can provide immediate feedback. A simple “Hey, hey!” while hustling him to his potty spot will make the point that there’s a difference between the spot where he started and that special place you want him to go. PLATINUM REWARDS. When housetraining a new dog (puppy or adult) I make sure I know what my dog considers “platinum level rewards.” Housetraining is a big deal, and it requires that we acknowledge our dog’s success with a fitting outcome for his or her achievement. High-value food rewards should be stored on a shelf or table by the door so you can grab them on the way out with your dog