Parasites in Pools Are on the Rise.

Parasites in Pools Are on the Rise. A parasite called cryptosporidium, or crypto, may contaminate pools and water parks and is spread by contact with the feces of an infected person The number of outbreaks of a diarrhea-causing infection has doubled from 16 to 32 cases in the U.S. in just two years, from 2014 to 2016, records from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show Experts say hyperchlorination is required in pools contaminated by crypto, but chlorine poisoning from the liquid or gas form may cause other potentially toxic side effects. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC’s) Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR)1 noted that when they sought medical attention, the diarrhea sufferers learned the pool water they ingested contained parasites and that the parasites, known as cryptosporidium, or crypto, now resided in them. Crypto is the most common cause of such diarrhea outbreaks, made worse because the parasite can survive for as long as 10 days even in chlorinated water and is “notoriously difficult to kill.” It hasn’t been just in the last handful of years that this problem seems to be multiplying. The CDC reports that the parasite is found in every region of the U.S. and throughout the world. Swallowing a single mouthful of water is all it takes for someone to find themselves knotted up with stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and profuse, watery diarrhea that can last up to two to three weeks, during which, not surprisingly, dehydration is common. Reports also shows that crypto can spread when people come into contact with the feces of an infected person, the CDC asserts that it can also come from an animal, and that millions of cryptosporidium parasites can be released in a single bowel movement. This shows that not just pools, but hot tubs, spas and other water venues can also pose a problem. more

Fish oils & bleeding risk: Extensive review supports safety of supplements

Fish oils & bleeding risk: Extensive review supports safety of supplements: Concerns that fish oil supplements may increase the risk of bleeding – a potential concern for people undergoing surgery – are unfounded, according to a systematic review the scientific literature.

N1.8bn needed to pay farmers’ compensation for army worm invasion.

N1.8bn needed to pay farmers’ compensation for army worm invasion.HE Federal Government has revealed that N2.98 billion will be needed to fight army worms’ invasion on 700, 000 hectares of farmland in the country. This was stated by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, while presenting the situation of the pest on farms at a meeting with the 36 States Commissioners of Agriculture and including the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, described the challenge as major national catastrophe, which has affected crops such as maize, cocoa, rice and cotton, and others. more

How data is driving farming revolution.

How data is driving farming revolution. Radical changes in arable farming already taking place also indicate that by 2025 growers are likely to be using digital advice tools, companies will sell complete crop packages, and data will be driving the sector. read. Bayer's global head of digital farming Tobias Menne haa added his voice to the data revolution he expressed his view that embracing totally different technology than that is in use today, and big business will need to partner with people will make it happen. He said that the agrichemicals giant, which is acquiring Monsanto, was always looking for new sources of data, as well as working with start-ups generating such statistics. more

How to grow watermelon with hydroponics system.

How to grow watermelon with hydroponics system. The global hydroponic trends has enveloped the cultivation of melons and cantaloupes and this new trend is showing promising results in many parts of the world. Though you might think that the size of melons would make them hard to grow hydroponically, they grow quite well in coir substrate in greenhouses and poly houses. The biggest concern with growing melons hydroponically is making sure that they have a controllable growing medium, adequate light and good high wire support for their increasing weight. learn

Bird flu back in Abuja, 7 states - FG alerts.

Bird flu back in Abuja, 7 states - FG alerts.The Federal Government yesterday alerted the public on the outbreak of Avian Influenza (bird flu) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and seven states. Gideon Mshelbwala, the Director of Veterinary and Pest Control Services, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, issued the alert at a meeting with state Commissioners of Agriculture in Abuja. Mr. Mshelbwala listed the states affected by the outbreak to include Bauchi, Kano, Katsina, Nasarawa, Plateau, FCT and Kaduna, which reported a case in May 30. He said the disease had spread across 26 states of the federation and the FCT since it started in 2008, affecting 800 farms in no fewer than 123 local government areas.more

Dangote to Spend U.S.$1 Billion On Rice Cultivation.

Dangote to Spend U.S.$1 Billion On Rice Cultivation.The Dangote Group shone at the just concluded 2017 Gateway Trade fair which was held in Abeokuta, emerging as the second most patronised exhibitor, just as the Group disclosed that it was investing N10 billion dollars in rice cultivation in five states to boost food self-sufficiency. To mark its Day at the Fair, a subsidiary of the Group, Dangote Cement, gave out several tools and implements to the block makers in Ogun State in appreciation of their patronages. Tools such as wheel barrowers, shovels, umbrellas and hand gloves were donated to block makers who assembled from different areas of the state.more