How to curtail pig-to-person spread of influenza virus at fairs .

How to curtail pig-to-person spread of influenza virus at fairs. The spread of influenza among pigs is common at fairs and other gatherings, and protective measures including cutting the length of time pigs and people congregate make good sense for both the animals and humans. Researchers say that protective measures can cut risk of animal and human infections.The research appears in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases, a publication of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Although most of these infections caused mild, manageable illness, new flu viruses jumping from pigs to people raises the risk of a flu pandemic,but the good news is that there are ways to curtail the spread of disease without eliminating swine fairs totally. The H3N2 virus implicated in these pig-to-human transmissions didn't originate in swine. In fact, people passed the virus to the pigs. The ease with which viruses can pass between pigs and people and evolve into new, more concerning viruses illustrates the importance of continued monitoring of swine to detect viruses that can threaten animals and man. The human infections that arise from exposure at the fair are often in the exhibitors, because they have prolonged exposure to the animals. The measures to curb the spread of disease transmission include: 1)Vaccinating pigs against flu. 2)Designing the intake process for animals when they arrive at the fairgrounds so that they aren't all touching the same surfaces with their snouts. 3)Posting guidance for hand-washing and supplying hand sanitizer near animal exhibits. 4)Posting signs warning against eating and drinking around animal exhibits. 5) Encouraging those at higher risk of flu complications to forego visits to the animal fairs. People who fall into this category are babies, young children, adults over 65 and those with illnesses that weaken the immune system.

Anti-cancer properties of soybeans.

Anti-cancer properties of soybeans. The proteins found in soybeans could inhibit the growth of colon, liver and lung cancers according to new research.Soybean meal is a bi-product of oil extraction from soybean seeds and used to feed livestock. It is rich in protein, which usually makes up around 40% of the nutritional components of the seeds and also contain high oleic acid.#soybeans. The study showed the role soybeans could have in the prevention of cancer. Using a variety of soybean lines which were high in oleic acid and protein, the researchers to monitored the bioactivity between the peptides derived from the meals of soybean and various types of human cancer cells. The study showed that peptides derived from soybean meal significantly inhibited cell growth by 73% for colon cancer, 70% for liver cancer and 68% for lung cancer cells using human cell lines. #cancer #soybeans.

Soybean meal positively affects pigs with PRRSV.

Soybean meal positively affects pigs with PRRSV. Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is the most widespread disease in the swine industry. In sows, PRRSV causes reproductive problems during gestation, including abnormal litters or abortions. Growing pigs with the disease will have respiratory problems and poor growth. Increased soybean meal concentrations in the diet may help alleviate the effects of PRRSV in infected weanling pigs. PRRSV infected pigs fed high soybean meal concentrations had a more efficient virus elimination compared to PRRSV infected pigs fed the low soybean meal diet. Soybean meal is the primary protein source fed to swine. It also contains isoflavones, compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. Soybean meal positively affects pigs with PRRSV.

How pelleting, extrusion increase digestible, metabolizable energy in diets for pigs.

Pelleting, extrusion increase digestible, metabolizable energy in diets for pigs,because the benefits of extrusion and pelleting are greater in high-fiber diets than in low-fiber diets.Scientists at the University of Illinois using co-products from the ethanol and human food industries are helping shed light on ways processing high-fiber animal feed ingredients can enhance pigs' utilization of the nutrients and energy they contain. See

Organic farming can make an important contribution to world nutrition.

Organic farming can make an important contribution to world nutrition. A global conversion to organic farming can contribute to a profoundly sustainable food system, provided that it is combined with further measures, specifically with a one-third reduction of animal-based products in the human diet, less concentrated feed and less food waste, shows new research.

Mushrooms are full of antioxidants that may have antiaging potential.

Mushrooms are full of antioxidants that may have antiaging potential.Mushrooms may contain unusually high amounts of two antioxidants that some scientists suggest could help fight aging and bolster health, according to a team of researchers.In a study, researchers found that mushrooms have high amounts of the ergothioneine and glutathione, both important antioxidants.

International Pineapple Trade and Best Practices.

International Pineapple Trade and Best Practices.Pineapples destined for long distance trade should be packed in such a way that the product itself is protected. Likewise, the materials used inside the package should all be clean, sanitized, and of such quality that they avoid any external or internal damage to the produce. Furthermore, the use of materials, particularly of paper or stamps bearing trade specifications is allowed, provided the printing or labelling has been done with non-toxic ink or glue. Finally, the pineapples and other produce should be packed within each container in compliance with the Recommended International Code of Practice for Packaging and Transport of Tropical Fresh Fruit and Vegetables. Global Gap has a mandatory food traceability system incorporated and it is not just a system for good farming practices. Global Gap makes it mandatory to keep records of all applications to the crops and to properly labeled parcels and lots. This way, when a fruit arrives at the pack house, it can be traced directly to where it came from and determine what applications it received. In addition, each production lot at the pack house is managed, boxed, and labeled with a precise traceability number. If there are any issues with particular shipment, the pack house can trace it all the way back to its lot of origin.