BIO TECHNOLOGY AND FOOD SECURITY.

Biotechnology is one of the various ways of using scientific principles and techniques to produce crops that are pure strains and resistant to diseases. Biotechnology,nanotechnology,genetic engineering are all scientific interventions to produce better crops,improve plants,animals and microorganisms to enhance their value. The world today is faced with population explosion; the growth of the population is not at the same rate as food production and processing leaving most developing countries on poverty threshold and food scarcity. The world now is looking at strategies for food security and sustainability to eliminate hunger and eradicate poverty. Biotechnology has actually shown great potential to achieve food security in the agricultural sector where it has been used to develop plant strains that are resistant to pests and diseases. Biotechnology has also been employed to improve food processing,nutritional value better flavor and productivity of plants,vegetables and other food crops. Agric biotechnology is the use of scientific techniques to modify and improve crops by selective breeding. Advances in science especially in the field of molecular biology has provided scientist with ability to manipulate food at molecular level referred to as genetic engineering.The technique employed in genetic engineering is the transfer of DNA from species with specific desired traits into distantly related organisms. Genetic engineering allows the transfer of one or more traits from specific organism,plants,animals and microorganism and introduce them to new strains to come up with genetically modified strains with better productivity. The technology era has brought with it innovation , information , inputs and institutional support to enhance economic growth and development.The use of technology to ensure food security cannot be overemphasized,and so many options are at our fingertips to ensure food sustainability. Food can be cultivated in nutrient media instead of soil, and this is done in a controlled environment this system is referred to as hydroponics /aeroponics depending on the conditions of growth.This system enables farming even in your room or balcony or any small space that can house the system you want to adopt. Technology bringing change in its track; who could have imagined farming without soil or land? can you imagine planting tomatoes or vegetables or even yam in a column -like stand or table? Welcome to the world of BIOTECH; feeding the world with ease.

RABIES AND DOG MEAT.

Rabies is very deadly but can be prevented by vaccination,and in case of exposure to the rabies virus from infected animals post exposure prophylaxis is important.The story below outlines the risk of processing animals such as dogs,cats and bats for consumption.

 Eating dog meat is common in many Asian and African countries, but research conducted as part of the South East Asian Infectious Diseases Clinical Research Network has discovered a potentially lethal risk associated with preparing dog meat: rabies. 

In research published today in the open access journal PLoS Medicine, Dr Heiman Wertheim and colleagues from the National Institute of Infectious and Tropical Diseases and the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology in Hanoi, Viet Nam, report on two patients admitted to hospital showing signs of rabies infection. Neither patient was thought to have been bitten by a rabid animal in the preceding months. Rabies is a very serious – and in nearly all cases fatal – disease. 

It is estimated to kill over 30,000 people each year in Asia, and the number of cases in China and Viet Nam is increasing. Symptoms include agitation, severe spasms, fever, fear of water and inability to drink liquids, and eventually death. Humans are usually infected after being bitten by an infected animal such as a dog or bat.

 When the researchers investigated whether the patients had come into contact with infected animals in the preceding months, they found that both had been involved in preparing and eating animals which may have been infected. In the first patient’s case, he had prepared and eaten a dog that had been killed in a road traffic accident; rabid dogs were known to inhabit the neighborhood.

 The second patient had butchered and eaten a cat that had been sick for a number of days. In both cases seen by Dr Wertheim and colleagues, it is thought that infection occurred during the slaughtering, and not by eating the meat as the meal was shared by others who did not become infected.

 In Asia, it is believed that eating dog meat enhances health and longevity. It is eaten throughout the year in the second half of the lunar month, particularly in the winter months, when it is believed to increase body heat. 

 In Vietnam, dogs with rabies have been detected in dog slaughterhouses and workers at dog slaughterhouses are vaccinated against rabies as part of the national programme for rabies control and prevention. 

However, the private slaughter of dogs is relatively common in the country. Illegal dog and cat meat traders both in Asia and Africa are of particular concern to No To Dog Meat. this area we must focus on to prevent mass rabies outbreak equaling death.

 “We need to alert both the general public and clinicians about the risks around butchering and handling meat,” says Dr Wertheim. “People should not handle animals that may be infected with rabies. 

Rabies can be prevented with a vaccine and people exposed to rabies can be helped with post-exposure prophylaxis, but this needs to be administered as quickly as possible following the exposure. 

Once a person shows symptoms, the disease is almost invariably fatal. “Vietnamese doctors already consider dog slaughtering to be a risk factor for rabies transmission, but it is important that other health care workers and policy makers, both in- and outside Vietnam, are aware of this risk factor.”

 Human health is just as important to ourselves as is animal health. We are creating awareness because we believe that a mass outbreak of food poisoning, rabies or a unique form of (H?N?) mutation forming. Disease is rife as it is within Africa. 

A third world nation that now has the effects of climate change looming we cannot sit back any longer and allow mass disease outbreak and spread to occur.

BIO GAS.

WASTE TO WEALTH # ENVIRONMENTAL FRIENDLY.

Waste management is simply the method of handling waste such that it becomes a resource and not a pollutant. There are various channels of waste generation such as farm waste, animal waste,human waste and municipal solid waste(MSW). The waste generated are processed in various ways ,and the products are used in different ways.The major way of processing waste is composting,although this is carried out using various methods. Composting can be done in tanks with 3 holes, a revolving drum , in bags, plastic bags or laid out in designated points. The benefits of composting are enormous and these include : 1) reduces the cost of waste collection and disposal. 2)reduces pathogenic organisms,harmful insects and weed seeds that are released to the atmosphere. 3)eliminates the need for commercial fertilizers. 4)it enriches the soil. 5) it can be used to produce bio-fuel. The making of compost is now easy,inexpensive and reduced labor cost with the use of AG-BAGS CALLED ECO PODS. The bags are made of recycled plastic and are sold with all necessary parts to make an EcoPOD® compost. The controlled compaction is used for all types of materials, densities, moistures , and particle sizes. EcoPOD® is adjusted with its own valving and aeration controls to individualize the composting process, yet use a minimal amount of labor and supervision. Our system is reliable and efficient with capacities to match any requirement.Ag-Bag Environmental offers a patented technology with a high degree of process control. Composting is a choice in this age as it reduces material volume and produces products that enhance soil structure and benefits new growth. The Ag bags have the following added advantages; odor control, vector control,leachate control, reduced cycle time of composting,and reduced site area. The AG BAGS ARE ENVIRONMENTAL FRIENDLY EASY AND SAFE TO USE. The bags can also be used for feed storage, salt storage and as a silage bag. Ag-bags are flexible,efficient and reliable agricultural storage systems.The bags are safe and effective for composting,making silage,storing feeds . When ag bags are used for storage of feed,it makes the feed easily digestible by the animals ,highly metabolized in the animals ensuring rapid growth and development. The ag-bags used for composting is a better recycling method of waste,as it avoid expensive land fill costs and it gives a greener solution to waste management. HOW THE AG BAGS ARE USED FOR COMPOSTING.;

ELECTRICITY FROM ANIMAL WASTE.

The use of waste to generate electricity in the world today has various advantages to the individuals,nation and the environment. The waste generated in the poultry industry, the livestock farms,agricultural waste,food waste and human waste can be channeled into a bio-gas plant to produce methane,heat and electricity. The power generation in most countries need to be upgraded to serve the populace better,drive industrial growth and maintain a safe environment.The millions of tons of chicken droppings/litter can be channeled and put in a bio-gas plant to generate electricity. Waste of poultry has before now been a menace to the society because of improper management and disposal,but with the introduction of a pre-treatment technology that treats the waste before its passed to the anaerobic digester,for breakdown to produce the desired products. The use of chicken waste to generate power will reduce cost of production in the manufacturing industry,which will translate to lowered overhead cost,lower prices of products and more profit for manufacturers. The generation of electricity from waste is a viable project taking to consideration the amount of poultry birds that are in the country; in a well managed system various sectors/areas can actually provide power to their community. The generation of electricity from chicken droppings is on the move..................join the change movement! no more blackouts....Electricity for all. Join my partners and I as The use of waste to generate electricity in the world today has various advantages to the individuals,nation and the environment. The waste generated in the poultry industry, the livestock farms,agricultural waste,food waste and human waste can be channeled into a bio-gas plant to produce methane,heat and electricity. The power generation in most countries need to be upgraded to serve the populace better,drive industrial growth and maintain a safe environment.The millions of tons of chicken droppings/litter can be channeled and put in a bio-gas plant to generate electricity. Waste of poultry has before now been a menace to the society because of improper management and disposal,but with the introduction of a pre-treatment technology that treats the waste before its passed to the anaerobic digester,for breakdown to produce the desired products. The use of chicken waste to generate power will reduce cost of production in the manufacturing industry,which will translate to lowered overhead cost,lower prices of products and more profit for manufacturers. The generation of electricity from waste is a viable project taking to consideration the amount of poultry birds that are in the country; in a well managed system various sectors/areas can actually provide power to their community. The generation of electricity from chicken droppings is on the move..................join the change movement! no more blackouts....Electricity for all. Join my partners and I as we light up your communities, state and turbo charge your businesses. we light up your communities, state and turbo charge your businesses.

VETERINARIANS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

The vet has a major role to play in nation building in terms of animal health and production. It has been documented that 75% of diseases affecting humans are caused by animals, so if the health status of the animals are top priority ,then we can prevent a lot of diseases in man. 

 The animal kingdom has a lot to offer the human race ,in terms of food, clothing, medicine, research opportunities, foreign exchange and new improved genetic strain and breeds that can eliminate unwanted traits in certain species. 

 There is a fortune to be made from animal husbandry but management of such projects deny us the expected rewards. I want to talk on an aspect of production that is crucial but its neglected, this is the major reason why we are not raking in the estimated profits. 

 Animal/pet identification project: if farmer has his farm registered, the animals on the farm are microchiped, the information is stored in a data base, the location of the farm is noted using google earth or the simple G.P.S , all activities on the farm are monitored by vets and of course the farm is insured. All products from the farm can be traced up to the market,and all food safety procedures adhered to, and documented. 

 This process alone will give a data base of producers in the country,proper management will be ensured, tracing of products are possible, this will be of importance if there is a problem that mandates a recall of product for investigation. 

 The way forward to achieve the purpose of production is to have a data base that shows what is where, where they came from, where they are off to. The integration of the insurance companies to the livestock industry with strict compliance will boost standard and level of production. The identification project should be extended to pets as well, this will enhance proper planning for effective vet care against Zoonotic diseases especially rabies. 

Identification will let us know where pets are ,and what types we are dealing with ,the insurance collaboration will be of immense benefit to the pet owners. Identification, monitoring , tracing and tracking in animals and pets will go a long way to ensure a better level of production. The role of vets in nation building cannot be overemphasized and a collaboration between vets and human medics will go a long way to ensure the one health one world initiative. 

The world has a lot to learn from the vets, according to GILBERT S. KAHN,DEAN OF VET MEDICINE,SCHOOL OF VET MED,UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA,AS REPORTED BY JOAN HENDRICKS IN THE HUFF POST. HE SAID "Most people think that veterinarians are doctors who treat cats and dogs, provide compassionate, expert care but also charge amply for their services. This narrow view means that a vet's work is underestimated and, often, not respected. 

In reality their role

is substantially broader and yet their leadership potential is generally overlooked. While many vets are caregivers for our domestic animals -- and it's very important work -- a larger mission is to focus on minimizing the transmission of infectious disease and help tackle world hunger issues. 

 Vets are trained as rigorously as doctors of human medicine; four years of college, four of vet school and additional internships and residencies if they become specialists. Uniquely trained in comparative biology, veterinarians are the only members of the clinical profession -- including physicians -- who see many different species, and understand medicine fundamentally such that all species benefit. 

 Veterinarians approach medicine with a global perspective and support public health, enormously impacting people's well-being. They also play an integral role in food safety and food production. Since people share many of the same diseases and biology as animals, veterinarians have a large role in preventing and controlling diseases, as well as providing research that helps treat diseases like cancer, neurological disorders and immune diseases. In fact, veterinary medicine is the profession that stands between all of humanity and plague and famine.  

For instance, many of the infectious diseases (e.g. avian flu, swine flu, AIDS, West Nile Virus, Lyme disease) that spread in humans come from animals originally. The CDC estimates that number to be 75%. 

Preventing new diseases in humans, as well as potential plagues, is crucial, and well-trained animal care professionals play a vital role. In Pennsylvania, veterinarians developed surveillance technology that provides the ability to stem an outbreak of avian influenza. 

Within one month, a potentially devastating outbreak was stopped at a cost of $400,000 while a similar outbreak in Virginia at the same time cost the state over $100 million. Undoubtedly, it is safer, cheaper, healthier and more effective to identify a disease before it appears in people. 

Beyond infectious diseases, many veterinarians transcend the animal world by applying the knowledge they have gained through their research to develop better treatments for animals and people. For example, Dr. Ralph Brinster became in 2011 the only veterinarian ever to win the National Medal of Science. He developed a reliable in-vitro culture system for early mouse embryos. 

Now the system is used in embryo manipulations such as human in-vitro fertilization, mammalian cloning, and embryonic stem cell therapy. And vets are leading the way in critical advances in gene therapies -- including cures for two forms of blindness in animals and humans, one of which is now in human trials. 

The American Academy of Neurology cites more than 12 neurological diseases or disorders that animal research has helped cure, treat, prevent, or further understand. Clearly, human and animal health are more connected than most people realize, and doctors can learn much from the breakthrough work of veterinarians. Famine Not only are we concerned about diseases of epidemic proportions but as our world population grows, we also are increasingly faced with issues related to famine. 

HUNGER is the world's number one public health threat -- killing more people than AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria combined, according to James T. Morris, Executive Director of the U.N. World Food Program.

 Food availability, safety and production are key areas of research and service for veterinarians. Our food sources need to be safe, healthy and plentiful. 

Veterinarians, for instance, have developed a food safety system whereby poultry eggs can be tested for SALMONELLA 10 times more swiftly, saving millions of dollars and ensuring public safety and by gathering information from dairy farms, vets can examine this data and advise farmers on how to modify their feed formulations and additives and change milking schedules. 

Not only does this tremendously increase animal well-being, it also positively impacts the economics. Eating "local food" is a direct result. And beyond eating local, this knowledge has global implications and can be shared with developing countries who demand a higher quality of food and more animal protein, such as meat, milk, and eggs.

 While the number of dairy cows in the U.S. has decreased, milk production has grown. This isn't the case in developing countries -- the number of cows continues to grow while milk production doesn't. Our knowledge related to increasing yield per animal for dairy cows can help feed developing countries.

BATS @ RABIES!!!!

WORLD RABIES DAY.!!!

ONE WORLD,ONE HEALTH AND ONE MEDICINE. 

 The world rabies day on 28/9/15.# responsible pet owner # dog lovers; visit your vet!!!

PEACOCK.!!!

Peacocks are lovely and a beauty to behold every time.They are to be handled with utmost care and fed a balanced ration. Wry neck is a common feature when ration is not balanced.A major disadvantage of feeding medicated feed is the inability of the birds to take up thiamine.The major nutrients lacking when the wry neck occurs are vitamin E and selenium,these can be crushed and mixed with feed to correct the deficit.The bird will have to be hand fed , and plenty of water should also be provided. Wry neck is not only caused by nutritional defects; it could also be observed in certain bacterial and viral infection,thus other signs and test are used to confirm the diagnosis.

Pets say @ funny stories.

woof! woof!! woof!!! vet time. VET time!! pet says its time for annual rabies shot. join the train @ world rabies day !!! Stand to be counted # responsible pet owner # animal-lover # pet lover.

Monkeys and holidays!!!

http://www.cairnspost.com.au/lifestyle/cairns-doctor-warns-tourists-of-rabies-risk-from-monkey-bite/story-fnpqql4s-1227425943369

RABIES AND THE MONKEY FACTOR.!!!

 

 Monkeys are playful creatures ,that many people keep as pets.The monkeys have found homes in several zoos, animal farms,circus and road shows,adding zest to the fun train. 

Monkeys have been domesticated over a period of years and have gradually made their way into man's life because of their fun gestures and intelligent disposition. Monkeys as sweet as they look and behave; they poise certain health risks to man. 

Monkeys have been linked to certain viruses and bacteria that are of importance to man among st them are ; rabies virus, herpes virus, Ebola virus ,monkeys are also know to be affected by other diseases in man such as tuberculosis, and amoebiasis. 

 Monkeys transfer pathogens to man through bites, salivary secretions,nasal secretions and fecal contamination. Monkeys generally have unsanitary habits,thus whatever pathogen they harbor in blood, feces and intestines they usually pass it to members of the family,thus monkeys are to be handled with care. Monkeys are know to have mood swings, playing at a time and the next moment scratching and biting ,this is the reason its not advisable to handle or give strange monkeys food. 

Monkeys that are gotten from the wild and domesticated pose the highest threat,hence precautions must be taken when importing /buying monkeys. 

 When bitten or scratched by a monkey the following steps must be followed; 1) wash the area with soap and water. 

2) wash under running water for 10-15 minutes. 

3) Apply disinfectant to site.

 4)seek medical attention immediately; rabies post exposure treatment and tetanus treatment are essential.

 Stay safe!!! avoid stray monkeys and dont pet or cuddle any monkey. 

when buying a monkey, verify source and ensure its vaccinated against rabies.

RABIES!!! VACCINATE YOUR PETS.

RABIES!!! WHAT THE PETS SAY.

HI, animal lovers; love us ??? Vaccinate us against rabies. Keep us away from wild animals. Make sure my house is not accessible to foxes,skunks and feral cats. LOVE US!!!! VACCINATE US AND KEEP US SAFE. LETS REMAIN PETS NOT PESTS.☺☺☺☺

Signs of rabies in man.

A young boy was bitten by a stray dog, and in a desperate bid to save his son, a father did the unthinkable. A 41-year-old Jiang X desperate to save his son used his mouth to suck and spit out the blood from the wound multiple times. His son was timely injected with a rabies vaccine while Jiang X abstained and was not injected with rabies vaccine. The man refused treatment, this is the sad twist to the story. His heroic feat would have made the records, if only he had not refused treatment. This goes to show the potential hazard of touching a bleeding site when bitten by a dog. The site should be washed with soap and water,then add an antiseptic/ disinfectant to wipe area before heading to the hospital. If you help a victim make sure you wash and sanitize your hands, and if you have a cut or bruise on your hand is better to stay away from bite wounds to avoid infecting your wound. Two days later Jiang X felt unwell and was diagnosed with rabies by the hospital and Jiang X died despite medical care. Another case is a scratch from a neighbor's dog, Mary thought nothing of it and did not mention to anyone. Mary, an undergraduate lives in a compound with a dog with no vaccination history. The dog just scratched playfully, or so she thought. She later fell ill after a week and it progressed with nervous signs resulting in her death. It was when the nervous signs set in that the dog- rabies factor was linked as the owner of the dog witnessed the scratch. when bitten, scratched or cut when playing with a dog or attacked; wash area with large quantities of water and soap and disinfect area to inactivate virus and head to the hospital for post exposure treatment. washing the area greatly reduces the viral load and increases the prognosis of the case. Water+ soap.....with plenty of water = disinfectant to inactivate virus.

HOW RABIES KILLS

' Rabies claims the life of one person every 10 minutes,This is a sad story of how a bat snuffed out the life of Zach Jones. A bird had flown into his room and he got bitten without knowing it, He had the window screens down . He'd woken to find a bat fluttering around his face and a friend who was around just dropped a towel over the bat and threw it out of the window – luckily she didn't come into contact with it at the time or we may have lost her as well. At the time they had no idea that rabies could occur in bats and so we thought nothing more of it.Read what led to his death. Zach was very athletic and loved sport. He was a swimmer and played football regularly. He was very healthy and careful about what medications he put into his body. Looking back, he showed some minor symptoms early on – he had a slight cough and a runny nose – but I put that down to springtime allergies. On May 4 though, he displayed some rabies symptoms. He came home from school and said: "Mom, there's something very wrong with my mind, I can't explain it." He told us that he'd been coming home on the bus and that he'd felt very frightened by the loud noises it was making. He seemed very agitated but the really classic symptom he showed was what we now know as hydrophobia – he tried to drink but he couldn't swallow. He said if he drank the water, he wouldn't be able to breathe. He went to bed that night and at 2.30am he woke up and came to tell me again that there was something very wrong. I switched on the light in the kitchen and he cowered away from it. He said he'd been awake all night and he'd been hallucinating. We took him to the emergency room at around 4am. We had no idea what could be wrong. Zach was transferred to the children's hospital in Houston, where they did some tests. Because he was a teenager they decided he must have taken drugs, but we knew Zach was a good kid and we knew he was not the type to do that. He was then transferred to a mental facility, where they then told us that he was not a mental patient but a medical patient and he did not belong there, so it was back to the hospital. That is why, to this day, I always a led to his death.dvise people to get a second opinion. Unfortunately medical staff are not always right. Early the next morning, the same neighbour of mine who had thrown the bat out of Zach's room came to the hospital. She had suddenly remembered the bat and wondered if it had any significance. The doctor said there was very little chance it had any relevance, but I asked if they could do a rabies test and, two days later, it came back positive. A few days afterwards, on May 12, we lost our son Zach. We know there are many others whose lives have been saved because of Zach. In my husband Larry's family alone, eight members including cousins and nieces have been bitten by bats since Zach died, and because of his story they all knew to get vaccinated. It's so important to educate others about rabies because people, including health officials, don't know that it still exists where we live. Aside from this a lot of doctors tend to play down the threat and try to say the risk is low, and then because of that people do not get vaccinated. The sad thing is that it is completely preventable if people know the facts and get the right medical advice. Larry and I are trying to raise awareness about this in our community. We've set up the Zach Jones Memorial Fund and we have annual fundraisers. The community donates items to be sold for auction, and we also do a golf tournament. Last year we raised $85,000 and we want to use this money to educate people about the dangers of contracting this disease. At the moment we're funding the Texas State Health Department's poster competition about rabies which will help people, especially school children, to be more informed. We have also set up a scholarship in Zach's name to enable kids in the area to go to college. Doing this makes us feel better about what has happened. If we knew then what we know now, Zach would still be alive, but if we can save even one more life by doing this, it makes the pain of losing him a little easier to bear. Rabies is fatal but preventable, vaccinate your pets. stay away from wild animals//stray animals. Bat-proof your homes.

RABIES# STEPS TO FOLLOW WHEN BITTEN.

When bitten by an animal,that vaccination status is not reported follow these steps;As rabies is a fatal disease, it is often best to start the series of shots until further information is available. The animal should be isolated and observed for 10 days. Wild animals that can be captured can be killed and tested for the virus. If the animal can't be found, it is best to consult with the local health department. Post exposure prophylaxis (protective treatment) for rabies requires the following information: Bite: Did a bite occur, and where is the location of the bite? Non-bite incident: Did the saliva touch an open would or a mucous membrane? Bats: Any contact with a bat that leads to a potential scratch, bite, or mucous membrane exposure to saliva needs to be evaluated. If prolonged exposure to a bat is discovered (sleeping in a room where a bat is found), post exposure prophylaxis needs to be considered. When bitten, wash bite site with soap and water and visit the hospital to start post exposure treatment. The first is a rabies immune globulin that helps to prevent the virus from infecting the individual, Part of this immunization is given near the animal bite.This is followed by five injections over the next two weeks. These are rabies vaccines to help the body fight the virus given at day 0, 3 7,14 and 28.

RABIES !!! THE BAT CONNECTION.

Rabies is a very serious disease caused by a virus. Rabies is mainly a disease of animals but humans can get rabies if bitten or scratched by an infected animal. The virus infects the brain, causing an animal to exhibit unusual, often aggressive, behavior. The rabies virus is present in the saliva of the infected animal and is spread when the saliva gets into a bite or scratch. Wild animals like bats are the most common source of transmission of rabies to humans ; Skunks, raccoons, dogs, cats, coyotes and foxes are other examples of animals that can transmit the disease. When traveling, it is always prudent to avoid approaching any wild or domestic animal. Avoid contact with wild and unfamiliar domestic animals .Wild animals should not be kept as pets and should never be handled by people who are not properly trained and vaccinated. Dogs, cats or ferrets that have received rabies vaccination are unlikely to be infected with rabies. Bites from wild animals are considered to carry a risk of rabies unless proven otherwise by testing. Bats causes rabies anyone who is bitten or scratched by a bat should receive post-exposure prophylaxis, unless the bat can be tested and its negative for rabies. However, under certain circumstances, bats can bite and transmit rabies without the victim being aware of the bite.Bats should never be kept as pets and should not be picked up or handled by anyone, except those who are trained and have received rabies vaccination. When someone contracts rabies, there are no symptoms initially ,Sometimes it is weeks to even months after a bite when symptoms begin. The first symptoms of rabies may be very similar to those of the flu, including general weakness or discomfort, fever or headache. These symptoms may last for days. There may be also discomfort or a prickling or itching sensation at the site of bite. Additional symptoms are anxiety, confusion, agitation, seizures, abnormal behavior, hallucinations and insomnia. Human rabies almost always results in death. Rabies infection can be prevented, even after a bite or a scratch from an infected animal occurs. Wounds should be washed with soap and lots of water and may be rinsed with an antiseptic. This will reduce the risk of the rabies virus entering the body. A series of injections, including rabies vaccine and human rabies immune globulin, can prevent rabies, even if the virus enters the body. This preventive strategy is called post-exposure prophylaxis. Rabies immune globulin contains antibodies against the rabies virus and provides immediate protection against rabies infection, whereas the rabies vaccine provides protection within approximately two weeks. Certain information is needed to determine if post-exposure rabies prophylaxis is needed. This includes: whether the person was bitten or scratched, and the location of the wounds and the type of animal involved.Whether the exposure was provoked or unprovoked (animals infected with rabies are more likely to attack, even when not provoked). The vaccination status of the animal against rabies and the presence of rabies in that animal species in the region and the availability of the animal for testing or observation. The post-exposure prophylaxis consists of a regimen of one dose of immune globulin and four doses of rabies vaccine. Rabies immune globulin and the first dose of rabies vaccine should be given by the health care provider as soon as possible after exposure. Additional doses of the rabies vaccine should be given on days 3, 7 and 14 after the first vaccination.

RABIES !!!

RABIES ,a neglected zoonosis. What is Rabies?. This is a viral disease causing encephalitis in warm blooded animals.IT is zoonotic, meaning it is transmitted from animals to man. Rabies in man is a result of close contact with a rabid animal such as dogs,cats, bats, foxes, raccoons e.t.c. The rabies virus is in the saliva and urine of infected animals. 

The virus can be transmitted through bites of rabid animals, scratches, contamination of wounds with infected saliva, or mucosa contamination. 95% of human deaths occur in Africa and Asia, where 1/2 of those bitten are children under 10 years of age.

 The control of human rabies is linked to the eradication of rabies in animals. The prevalence of rabies is high in developing countries, poor underdeveloped countries because they dont seek medical care when bitten by rabid animals. 

The risk is also high in all these countries because of high population of stray dogs, increase contact of man with wild animals as man encroaches into the habitats of these reservoirs of the virus in the wild. In Nigeria, the reservoir hosts are dogs, cats , monkeys and to have a rabies free country , we advocate vaccination of our pets, and pre exposure vaccination for health workers @ risk such as vet, animal health professionals, animal handlers e.t.c. 

 What do you do when bitten by a rabid dog? 1) wash site of bite with soap and water, continuously for 10 to 15 mins, Wash under running water. 2) Pour antiseptic such as dettol or alcohol based solutions such as after shave lotion on site, to kill the virus @ site of bite. 3) Go to the clinic, and get the post exposure shots of the anti rabies vaccine. 4) Report the case to animal health agency nearest to you. 

A report is important to the vet hospital nearest to you, so that other steps as regards the dog can be taken, the dog must be quarantined for at least 10 days to ascertain if dog is truly rabid. The treatment protocol depends on certain factors such as, 1) has the victim been exposed to pre exposure vaccination.2) what is the status of the dog. Most people dont take pre exposure vaccination against rabies, so the bite site must be infiltrated with a RABIES IMMUNOGLOBULIN, before the anti rabies vaccination commences. 

 Treatment protocol. (NO prior vaccination) 1) wash site of bite, and in filtrate wound with the rabies immunoglobulin vaccine. 2) The anti rabies vaccine is administered on day 0, 3, 7, 14 and 28 days. 

 When a person has had pre exposure vaccination of the anti rabies vaccine, do the following. 1) wash site of bite but dont infiltrate wound site with the rabies immunoglobulin. 2) the antirabies vaccination is given on day 0 and 3 , just 2 shots of the vaccine.

 Day 0 signifies the day you start the vaccine administration, which should be the day of bite, as delay can be fatal. Rabies though deadly can be prevented, vaccinate your pets today. .

Rabies!!!

http://delawarestatenews.net/news/veterinarian-says-kitten-treated-in-townsend-had-rabies/

PERSONAL HYGIENE ; A KEY TO DISEASE PREVENTION IN FARMS.

Bio security is a set of protocols that are simple but specific that positively influence animal health,public health and ensure food safety. Personal hygiene is a key player in biosecurity.

 Personal hygiene plays a vital role in disease prevention. The use of protective clothing and shoes is a major way to stay safe and keep flock clean.

 The protective clothing could be disposable or reusable and the level protection required will depend on the case at hand. The normal protective clothing for every day farm use include, the overalls,gloves and boots.

The level of protection becomes more sophisticated in outbreak cases, where disposable protective clothing are worn.

There is also the use of nose guards/respirators, gloves and boots. The use of protective clothing and boots is coupled with hand washing and disinfection. The clothes and boots are to be washed and disinfected after every use.


 HAND WASHING: this can be done with soap hand sanitizers and disinfectants.The wash bowls should be placed at key points in the farm,and washing should be done before you enter farm and handle birds.

 Alcohol swipes also come in handy after washing, these can be used to ensure the hands are clean and germ free.

Foot dip.and vats filled with disinfectant are placed at entry of farms ,the disinfectants should be changed at regular intervals changed at regular intervals.

MONEY_MAKING IN VET PRACTICE.# VETPRENEUR.

Working with animals is a whole new ball game and exciting money making opportunities. Animal lovers have a wide array to choose from and make a business out of their passion. 

 This post is to highlight opportunities in the animal health industry and how to link customers to producers. The categories include drugs and accessories,production,seminars,books and equipment. 

We will also look at production and packaging. interested??? join our team,subscribe to our newsletter for profitable vet tips. Get information on your phone,its fast and easy.Text vet to 35818 to sign up.

ATOVI AND EGG SIZE.

Chicken raised with atovi premix lay for longer periods,eggs are big with thick shells and best of all no antibiotics.The immune system is enhanced so they dont succumb to bacteria,viruses or fungi infection.The feed is properly metabolized and absorbed resulting in proper utilization of feed with no undigested protein in feces resulting in odorless waste.The result is less consumption of feed with rapid growth of birds , and attainment of market weight faster. Eggs are essential for growth and development especially in children,buy eggs that give nutrients and add value. USE ATOVI PREMIX.

BIO SECURITY: SIMPLE BUT SPECIFIC PROTOCOL TO PREVENT DISEASES.

 BIOSECURITY.  Following simple but specific protocols everyday to positively influence animal health, food safety and public health.  What are the basic protocols in biosecurity?  Biosecurity basically entails, prevention of pathogens from entering premises to ensure there is no disease incidence, and curtail spread of diseases in cases of outbreaks.  Pathogens are disease causing microorganisms that usually have devastating effect on animals, resulting in decreased production and death in severe cases.  Pathogens can be bacteria, viruses, fungi and prion.  Pathogens .  The animal kingdom is riddled with several pathogens that wreck havoc on these animals irrespective of specie.  These pathogens are also of importance to man, especially when these cause zoonotic diseases.  Zoonotic diseases are spread from animals to man, and sometimes there is a reverse zoonoses where man actually spreads the disease to their animals.  Route of transmission.  The basic routes are:  Direct contact.  Aerosol.  Oral.  Fomites.  Vector borne  Zoonoses.  Reproduction.  Environmental contamination.  Mode of transmission.  Direct contact ;disease spread by contact with open wounds, mucous membrane of an infected animal or its secretions/tissue fluids. Disease can also spread through contact with reproductive fluid(blood, urine and saliva) during breeding, or from mother to offspring.  Aerosol; droplets containing the pathogenic agent travel in air and are inhaled as respiratory droplets by animals  Oral; ingestion of the pathogenic agent from contaminated feed ,chewing/licking contaminated objects in environment and water.  Fomites; spread of the pathogen through contact with inanimate objects contaminated by infected animals. Man can act as fomites by transferring these pathogens in through soiled boots, gloves or tools.  Vector; some insects transfer these pathogens from one animal to another through bites.  Zoonoses; these pathogens are transferred from animals to man.  Environmental contamination is key in transmission as some of these pathogens remain infective in the environment for specific periods, thus establishing a foci of infection the area .  Biosecurity procedures  These are simple ,everyday practices to prevent entry of diseases and spread of diseases.  The protocol must be tailored to your farm setting, the type of pathogens affecting your type of animals and public health implication.  The basic biosecurity plan can be broadly divided into 1) isolation,2) cleaning and disinfection 3) waste disposal.  The chemicals to be used will depend on the targeted pathogen,to ensure we get result.  Steps in biosecurity. Isolation.  Isolation; this refers to keeping these pathogens out by following these steps 1)wearing personal protective equipments which could be disposable or reusable. These include boots, gloves, outer wear and masks/nose guards.  Provision of clean, sterilized clothes.  Prevent entry into animal housing.  Quarantine new animals to farm for at least a month.  Creation of a safe zone in the premises, where there visitors such as veterinarians can change to protective clothing before they have access to animal housing.  Isolate sick animals .  Screen farm premises to prevent entry of wild animals, birds, rodents and reptiles.  Cleaning, washing and disinfection.  Cleaning ,washing and disinfection; cleaning refers to removing debris, dirt and waste from animal housing prior to washing with soap/detergent and then disinfecting the premises.  This procedure also done for tools and implements. Egg trays, feeders/drinkers are also cleaned, washed and disinfected.  Foot bath/tyre dips are also classed here; where there is a provision of a foot dip with disinfectants at the entrance of the animal housing, while the tyres of vehicles coming to the facility are sprayed with disinfectant.  Hand washing points must be on the premises; when you come in you wash hands and sanitize hands.  Water sources such as tanks, containers are washed and sanitized  Waste disposal. Waste disposal/handling is a major route of spread of diseases, thus biosecurity practices must include proper management. Waste should be packed at regular intervals and treated with appropriate chemicals/disinfectants before disposal. This is to ensure that what ever pathogen is in the waste does not persist in the environment. When waste is to be used as manure, these should be bagged and stored neatly, and the area constantly cleaned. Composting the waste in a secluded section on farm is the best practice.  Disinfectants  The disinfectant to be used in animal facility must be non corrosive, non irritating, does not taint equipment, non toxic, have wide spectrum of use and easy to use.  There are basically 9groups that are of benefit; aldehyde group, quaternary ammonium, oxidizing agents , alcohol, hypochlorites,phenols,iodophors, chlorhexidene and peroxide.  The disinfectant of choice will depend on the pathogen in question and nature of case.  Thank you.

HOW TO START RAISING SNAILS FOR PROFIT.

Snail farming also referred to as heliculture is a lucrative business with high export potential.Snails are small,hardy and easy to manage.They can be raised on small or large scale using various means of housing.The snail business is easy to set up, with simple management. Snail farming is not capital intensive and the feed are readily available and cheap. Snails are not a nuisance to the environment because there is no noise from the pens, and effluents are odorless. 

 The snail is divided into 3 parts; the shell, muscular foot and the visceral mass. The shell is the most visible part which makes up 30-40% of the whole body.The shell is a means of identifying various species, and it has ornamental values.The shell increases with body size,thus its also a means of determining the age of the snails. The muscular part also referred to as foot is the edible part, and makes up 45% of the body weight.Its also the means by which the snails move. The visceral mass houses the internal organs and the reproductive organs. The snails are hermaphrodites, but they still require another snail to lay eggs. 

 Snails can be housed in various enclosures depending on size of stock; old tyres with wire netting,drums,wooden cages, cemented high/low fenced pens or natural gardens .The housing must be intact with no openings for rodents,ants and mosquitoes.The housing must provide shade,to prevent heating up the snails resulting in death. Snails feed on greens,tubers and fruits. Snails can feed on leaves of pawpaw,cassava,fruits of mango,banana,orange.They can also be fed well ground broiler ration,chick mash or layer ration.

The feed must be balanced with adequate components of carbohydrate,fish meal and calcium supplements. Water is very important in snail diet and it must be readily available. The housing of the snail must be covered with loamy soil which must be kept moist to allow the snails to burrow and lay eggs.

The snails/ hatchlings that are to be the foundation stock must be carefully chosen, they should be of good weight (300-350g),with no cracks on shell and no nodules.The snails must be well stocked to prevent cannibalism,death and poor growth. 

 A stocking density of the snails should be 40-50 hatchlings/m2, 30- 40 growers/m2 and 12-15 adults/m2. The sexual maturity of the snail is 5-6 months, upon maturity they lay eggs in presence of other snails and the eggs are buried deep in the sand to protect them. The snails a clutch of 80-100 eggs .Snails can lay up to 300 eggs in a year.

The incubation period is about 18-30 days and the hatchlings come out of soil a day after hatching.If the soil is hard,the hatchlings will not be able to come out,hence wetting of the soil is important.

 HEALTH BENEFITS OF SNAILS. 1) It has low fat and cholesterol content. 2)It is rich in iron,thus recommended for anemic patients. 3)Its a good source of protein. 4)The meat is juicy and tender suitable for young and old.

ATOVI AND DOG BREEDING.

Atovi, a premix used to enhance growth of animals and also useful to grow food crops.The use of atovi has resulted in production of odorless waste because the feed is completely metabolized,hence no undigested protein in feces and also the volume is reduced. Atovi use greatly reduces the cost of feed,as more of nutrients are metabolized the animal needs less feed.The use of medicated feed is unnecessary because the atovi powder energizes the cells of the animal by enhancing the mitochondrial pump,thus making the cells very efficient.The cells now rejuvenated and automatically regenerate and restore sickly or deteriorated cells.The rejuvenated cells enhance immune system,and antibodies hence the body is able to fight off any infection. Dogs fed with atovi premix,have large litter sizes,high birth weight and high survival rate. The use in dogs have increased litter size,weight and performance of dogs.Dogs with unthrifty conditions,lameness,skin conditions,weight loss and inappetence have recovered after incorporating in feed. The use for dogs in shows has also been established as more and more breeder and dog lovers are using this,look at how Atovi Powder changed this dog;

Farmers ' bazaar .Morrison # germicide# lysol.

Officials of Morrison industries at farmer's bazaar explaining the uses and benefits of their products; morrigad and lysol.

DIVERSAY SOLUTIONS LTD @ THE FARMER'S BAZAAR.

BIO SECURITY still the only way to keep your animals safe. Diversay show cased their bio security products such as; Biokleen, Citramax,Neodine,Tetrasan,Terminator111 and viracid-s.

FARMER'S BAZAAR............LAPO MICRO FINANCE BANK.

The farmer's bazaar was graced by the Lapo micro finance bank.The officials show cased their products and explained how to access the agric loan and expand your agric business.

Lapo---- microfinance bank.

LAPO-MICROFINANCE BANK; lifting the poor out of poverty, and improving lives.If you are thinking of starting a business? think LAPO-MFB. Do you want to expand an existing business? think lapo. LAPO Microfinance Bank is a pro-poor financial institution committed to the social and economic empowerment of low-income households through provision of access to responsive financial services on a sustainable basis. The Institution was established in the late 1980s as a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) by Godwin Ehigiamusoe in response to the effects of the implementation of the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) in 1986. In 2010, LAPO MfB obtained the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to operate as a state microfinance bank and in 2012, it got an approval as a national microfinance bank. Over the years, LAPO MfB has emerged as a leading institution delivering a range of financial services to over a million people in Nigeria. The LAPO MfB core values that are: Integrity Innovativeness Simplicity Excellence Customer- is king.

FINANCING AGRICULTURAL VENTURES.

To secure an agric loan from a microfinance bank is easy and readily available; see the process Facility range: N50,000 (minimum) to N500,000 (maximum) Methodology: Individual, group and corporate Duration: 1-12 months Grace period: 30-60 days Prospective clients must be practicing farmers with verifiable evidence of existing farm investments. Benefits: No collateral Provides capital for farming activities Flexible repayment structure Low interest rates