NEWCASTLE OUTBREAK IN ROMANIA.

Romania has reported an outbreak of Newcastle disease for the first time since 2007. Where over 500 birds died in a flock of laying hens in Bucov, Prahova. Another 1070 birds were destroyed to prevent the outbreak from spreading. Romania's report to the World Organisation for Animal health described the affected farm as 'non-commercial, and said the birds were aged seven and a half months. They were vaccinated at 1 and 3 weeks old with a live attenuated vaccine, administered orally. The country has culled all affected birds and has initiated a surveillance to facilitate tracing and tracking of birds and also institute control measures in cases of outbreak. story courtesy; poultry site.

Natural flavoring for reduced sodium meat products

Natural flavoring for reduced sodium meat products

ADM feeds food sector with salt reduction technology

ADM feeds food sector with salt reduction technology

Canada packs a punch with innovative packaging

Canada packs a punch with innovative packaging

HENDRA VIRUS, HORSES AND HORSE OWNERS.

The Hendra virus is a virus that mainly infects fruit bats also called flying foxes which can be passed on to horses, people and other animals. The virus is a deadly zoonoses. Hendra virus is very fragile. It is easily killed by heat, soap or detergents and by desiccation (drying out). It may survive in the environment from several hours to several days depending on environmental conditions. Survival is longer in cool moist conditions where the pH is close to neutral. Horses can shed Hendra virus before they show any sign of illness. All horse handlers should protect themselves by routinely using good hygiene practices whenever handling horses.Always cover any cuts exposed skin before handling your horse. Always wash your hands with soap and water, particularly after handling your horse's mouth or nose. Do not smoke, eat or touch your eyes, nose or mouth until you have washed your hands, every time you put a bridle on or take it off you are likely to contact the horse's saliva. The Hendra virus should be suspected whenever a horse's health deteriorates rapidly. The symptoms in horses include a sudden fever with a respiratory or neurological illness and rapid death, laboured breathing ,frothy and/or blood stained nasal discharge ,a temperature above 40 degreesC. The neurological changes are tilting of the head, loss of vision, abnormal muscle twitching, weakness and loss of balance. Some horses show colic symptoms. What to do when horses have been confirmed to have the virus; 1)quarantine. 2) protective clothing .Everyone handling a sick horse must wear full protective clothing. Protective clothing must be fitted correctly. Put on protective clothing before approaching the horse.After handling the horse, remove and dispose of protective clothing carefully into waste bags, making sure there is no contact with your face, particularly your eyes, mouth and nose.Carefully remove any clothing contaminated with the horse's body fluids. Wash your hands thoroughly after removing the protective clothing and horse owners should always have a protective clothing for safety. Vaccination of horses is very important.

SIGNS OF BIRD FLU IN MAN.

The bird flu virus has been know to affect man and causing death in some of those affected.The major means of infection is close contact with affected poultry such as handling and processing .The issue of bio security on farms can not be over emphasized, the use of foot dips,tyre dips and hand washing with stipulated disinfectants are essential for safety.The procurement of healthy birds from reliable sources is also vital in the biosecurity protocol. The incubation period is usually 3-7 days after contact with infected poultry. Signs include;A sudden high temperature of 38C or above,a dry, chesty cough, headache, tiredness,inappetence, sore throat, runny nose, muscle and joint pain, stomach upset, diarrhoea and sore throat. The other signs include pneumonia, respiratory distress which is followed by multiple organ failure resulting in death. Prevention; 1) wash hands after handling poultry. 2) avoid contact with wild birds. read more

JAPAN BANS POULTRY IMPORTS FROM FRANCE.

Japan, the largest importer of French foie gras, bans poultry imports after bird flu outbreak in Dordogne;China, South Korea, Thailand, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia have banned French poultry imports and several other countries are considering doing so, according to Loïc Evain of the French agriculture ministry. Containment and protection measures are in force within a six-mile radius of the three farms affected near the village of Biras, between Périgueux and Brantôme. Entire flocks have been culled. About 1,000 geese and 14,000 ducks were electrocuted earlier this week in special trucks so the dead birds can be removed with minimum contamination. The farms are still being disinfected. story credit; Telegraph