Health links are key to preventing future pandemics.

Health links are key to preventing future pandemics.The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated that zoonotic diseases – infections that pass from animals to humans – can present tremendous threats to global health. More than 70% of emerging and reemerging pathogens originate from animals. 

That probably includes the SARS CoV-2 virus, which scientists widely believe originated in bats. There are still questions about specifically where the SARS-CoV-2 virus emerged. But experts across the globe agree that communities can take steps to reduce the risk of future spillovers. 

A key is for veterinarians, doctors and scientists to work together, recognizing how closely connected human health is with that of animals and of the habitats that we share – an approach known as One Health. 

 To prevent new pandemics, scientists need to identify specific locations where viruses are most likely to make the jump from animals to humans. In turn, this requires understanding how human behaviors – from deforestation to fossil fuel combustion to conflict to cultural activities – contribute to spillover risks.

Importance of One Health for COVID-19 and Future Pandemics

Importance of One Health for COVID-19 and Future Pandemics. More than 400 animals from 29 countries have been reported infected with COVID-19, including nearly 300 animals in the United States, as well as thousands of mink. 

 One Health Day, a global campaign that highlights the need for a One Health approach to address shared health threats by recognizing the interconnection between people, animals, and our environment. 

This approach is more important than ever as we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. The virus that causes COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, is a zoonotic virus, which means it can spread between people and animals.

 As more animals are reported infected with the COVID-19 virus, it becomes increasingly clear that a One Health approach is crucial to address new disease threats that affect both people and animals.

Namibia now a net importer of controlled meat products

Namibia now a net importer of controlled meat products.Due to decreasing beef production during 2021 as well as an increase in pork imports, Namibia became a net importer of controlled meat and meat products in 2021. 

A net importer means the country imports more than it exports. Commenting on the monthly trade statistics for the third quarter of 2021, the Meat Board of Namibia pinned it on ongoing re-stocking activity as a result of the drought aftermath that created this unusual trade position.

 “An expected rebound in the cattle sector and better prospects in the sheep sector in the absence of quantitative restrictions is likely to reverse the current scenario,” reads the report. 

 “Exports of beef products increased substantially during the third quarter of 2021 on account of a doubling of the quarterly performance by export abattoirs in comparison to the year 2020.

Flood-mapping tool could change how agricultural planning works

A new flood-mapping tool, containing data from 1985 to now, could be what the Global South needs for agricultural planning that protects food security .

The new data source is the first comprehensive source of flooding information globally. 

  This will be particularly relevant for the Global South, where agricultural output and food security are directly connected to rainfall levels.

 According to one study, tropical rainfall will be drastically impacted by climate change – leading to new levels of flood risk, disaster possibility and food insecurity for people in those regions.

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Jack Ma, known as the founder of Ali Baba, and business partner David Yu visited the Netherlands this Monday for research purposes within the horticulture sector. 

The organizers of the reception, Pierre Bell and Jiayan Cai of the Flexibell Systems Group, speak of a successful visit and thank the receiving companies: World Horti Center, Growers United, Rijk Zwaan, Anthura, and Dutch Sino Business Promotions, as well as the translator Liu Mao (manager China) of Van der Knaap. 

 Jack Ma visited the company's latest automated packaging production line and asked about its daily and annual packaging volume, as well as some industry-related information. 

Jack Ma said that its vegetable outputs were amazing and mentioned that China aims to have the same logistics system in the future.

Recycled plastic films for greenhouse coverings.

Agriplast is a company that produces plastic films for the Italian agricultural and horticultural industry. They are currently using 7 and 5 layer blown film systems and the entire chain is controlled by IT systems. 

 Recently, Agriplast introduced a product line for the agriculture and packaging sectors that is P.S.V. (Second Life Plastics) certified and thus contains recycled raw materials or plastic films containing hollow glass beads to optimize light and heat conditions in green houses.

Horticulture recyclability: what are the eco-friendly alternatives?

Eco-conscious customers demand a reduction in plastics and an increase in sustainable packaging that does not damage the environment. 

After all, horticulture in itself is the preservation and beautification of the environment, so why damage it through lazy packaging? 

 There are a lot of products that are available across the industry to help you keep on top of your recycling game. Eco-friendly plant pots Plant pots can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, stone, metal, and terracotta. 

Terracotta pots are excellent because the manufacturing process does not include any harmful chemicals, and they are porous, which allows for air and water to easily move through to prevent root rot and soil disease. 

 Biodegradable and recyclable labels and tags

 A large portion of Dura-ID's horticultural stock labels has been recyclable since they started producing them, including the main two materials that they use across a large variety of sectors: polyplas and laserplas. Polyplas are horticultural stock labels for thermal printing, while laserplas are used in laser printing. 

The self-tie tags provide an easy identification procedure, even if you are wearing thick gardening #Agribusiness #Agriculture #horticulture #greenhouse #change #circularity.