VIRKON® S AND BIRD FLU.

The spread of avian influenza can be curbed using strict bio security measures,these will include cleaning,washing and regular disinfection of farm site.There are various chemicals that have virucidal potency that can be used to disinfect and decontaminate farm premises. One of such is virkon s,proven to be very effective against bird flu,along side other pathogens. The use of virkon s can not be overemphasized because of the tremendous success it has achieved in farms,hospitals food industry etc.There are various applications for the virkon s in various sectors,but we will focus on its uses in the farm. Virkon S a virucidal disinfectant is used in the following ways; 1) foot dip 2)aerial disinfection of buildings in the farm,cages,animal housing e.t.c.3) treatment of water source The benefits of using virkon s are as following; its potent against various pathogens such as virus,bacteria and fungi ,thus making it suitable as a bio-security tool and also in cases of emergency disease control .It serves multipurpose function and its easy to transport .Its of value in the food industry as it has been proven to eliminate the salmonella super strain,the rate at which virkon s kills pathogen is 10 times faster than similar agents. Virkon S used for aerial disinfection;the virkon s is prepared at a dilution rate of 1:200/10sqm floor space,the solution is placed in knap sac and spray nozzle is set to fine droplet and solution is applied to desired areas.The major advantage is that the solution can be used in presence of animals in cages ,pens and other shelter type. The virkon s can also be applied to birds in deep litter ; this is achieved by sprinkling some quantity of the powder an the litter and its turned to make it fresh and clean,this will also eliminate odor from the poultry house. THINK VIRKON S!!! BIO SECURE YOUR FARMS!!!

EGGS AND THE BIRD FLU VIRUS.

Eggs can also carry the bird flu virus on the shell and within the albumen and yolk.The eggs can be protected by following simple bio security protocol of cleaning dirt off the egg shells,these cloth can be damped with a diluted soapy water,these are then air dried. Eggs should also be stored in washed,disinfected crates.Paper crates are a sure route of contamination and infection, this occurs because the paper crates cannot be washed or disinfected. Plastic crates should be washed,disinfected and air dried before they are used to store eggs.The crates should be washed ,disinfected,air dried before every use to prevent transfer of pathogens. Plastic crates are a sure way to ensure food safety, these eggs should be properly cooked.

AGRICULTURAL INSURANCE!!!

Agric Insurance policies are to facilitate better production by protecting the farmer's capital/investment and also use it as a tool for economic growth. Agric insurance is important for the growth and development of the agricultural sector in any economy. The essence of agric insurance is to protect farmers from losses resulting from hazards such as flood,fire,pest,disease and emergency control measures such as in case of outbreaks of African swine fever,bird flu e.t.c Agric insurance is also relevant in abattoir operations,with particular reference to condemnation of carcasses,organs in disease conditions and transportation accident. The benefits of insurance are enormous,aside the monetary compensation, there is access to professionals who over- see the project,certified animals are procured to start the project,data of farmers & operations are generated,it also encourages proper record keeping and disease control measures. When agric/animal husbandry projects are insured,there will be proper management ,food safety will be enhanced and wholesome products will be in our market.The fear of running at a loss is the reason why producers cut corners,avoid the necessary management protocol such as vaccination,reporting outbreaks,processing dead animals, and using unconventional feeding practices and unauthorized drugs in production to attain market weight early. The agric insurance sector though a growing industry,still has a lot to do to convince farmers to insure their businesses. A large percentage of farmers dont access this opportunity to their detriment and to the loss of the economy on a larger scale.The farmers /producers need financial bodies to work with them,to give soft landing in case of loss and to pay commensurate compensations in cases of emergency control of diseases. The farmers cant access certain loans because they are not insured; premium are not fixed and certain diseases are not included in the policies. The time to bring the farmers on board the insurance train is now; banks/ insurance companies, the farmers/food processors await your call of pocket-friendly premiums ,better pay-out policy,wider range of hazard coverage and reduced interest on loans. AGRIC INSURANCE; FOR BETTER PRODUCTIVITY, FOOD SAFETY AND ENHANCED HUMAN HEALTH.

BIRD FLU AND COMPENSATION.

The bird flu virus has left a devastating trail in many countries,with resultant huge economic losses and scarcity of poultry products especially eggs. The virus has put so many producers out of business and many more on the brink of financial collapse,the poultry farmers that are worst hit are those without insurance or any type of risk management plan and those that dont qualify for compensation. The risk management tool /insurance is a personal issue on the path of the farmers,many dont take out polices on their investment basically because they lack wisdom,and understanding on the issue.Any farmer that is insured has so many benefits,and links/opportunities to grow bigger. In cases of disease outbreaks, not only do they get pay-outs; they have opportunities to start over without any delay.Many insurance companies have products that cover farmers,their equipment and operation. Be a wise farmer, insure your farm. Compensation in cases of bird flu is a global concern,with more and more countries bring out guidelines on methods of collection and also many countries have made the compensation plan public to encourage farmers to disclose the status of their farms. In Nigeria,there is a compensation plan and guidelines to benefit from the scheme. A farmer that has an incidence on the farm and does not report cant lay claim to any payment. A farmer that has a case of high mortality ,with obvious signs of the bird flu virus and decides to procure a solution without reporting will forfeit any claim to any compensation on birds before the case became a public knowledge. When there is a case of bird flu on your farm, you report to a state veterinary officer,who will report to the state AVIAN INFLUENZA DESK OFFICER,and the farm is visited immediately,samples taken from farm and sent to the NVRI in Jos where a virus is confirmed. The population on the farm as at time of visit is recorded and sent along with sample,this is recorded in the compensation scheme form and its on this data that the payment is made. Early reporting is key to procure meaningful compensation. When the virus is confirmed,the farm is depopulated and disinfected.The process of disinfection is continuous,starting at every week,then followed by every month and the farm facility is not used for 6 months. A quarantine sign is put up on the farm to ensure there are no movement within 3km radius of the farm. Many potent disinfectants are available for this purpose,use proven disinfectants and wear protective clothing.

AMAZING WORLD OF CAMEL!!!.

Camels are social animals who roam the deserts in search of food and water with up to 30 other individuals. camels are very peaceful animals who rarely exhibit aggression. Contrary to popular misconception, camels do not store water in their humps. The humps are actually reservoirs for fatty tissue. Concentrating fat in their humps minimizes insulation throughout the rest of the body, thus allowing camels to survive in such extreme hot regions. Asian camels have two humps whereas Arabian camels only have one. Camels have two rows of thick eyelashes to protect their eyes from the desert dust. They are also able to close their nostrils and lips to keep out the dust. Camels’ ears are small and hairy. However their sense of hearing is also extremely strong. Camels can drink up to seven litres of water in a day. Amazing world of camels!!!

COMMON DISINFECTANTS USED IN FARMS..

FOOD SAFETY AND BIRD FLU VIRUS.

The bird flu virus is inactivated by heat,hence cooking at high temperature of 70°c will destroy the virus.This fact is of importance when handling and cooking poultry. Several cases of H5N1 in humans have occurred from consumption of improperly cooked or raw poultry products. Freezing,blast-freezing and refrigeration of poultry products does not deactivate the bird flu virus,so ensure that you cook thawed poultry properly at high temperature and make sure the fluid from the poultry does not mix with foods that will be consumed raw. 

 Chicken should be cooked thoroughly with no pink parts, eggs should also be properly cooked. All poultry and poultry products should be thoroughly cooked. Hands should be washed immediately after you handle poultry and poultry products,the bird flu virus can be inactivated in acidic pH ,thus washing with soap is very effective to curb the spread of the virus. Water can be disinfected to ensure its safety,the addition of chlorine to water at normal purification levels >3 is effective to kill the bird flu virus.People in areas where the bird flu virus has been identified should ensure thorough cooking of such products and prevent cross contamination with other foods,utensil and cooking agents should be washed with soap and hot water. 

 The bird flu virus can survive at low temperatures for at least a month,hence common food preservation such as freezing,refrigerating cant inactivate the virus, hence cook poultry properly. In 2007 ;German officials found the H5N1 virus in frozen duck sample at a poultry slaughter house,which confirms that freezing cant inactivate the virus. Eggs may contain the virus on the shell and within the eggs,eggs should not be consumed raw,or partially cooked,no runny yolks either.

Cooking at high temperature for long periods is a sure way to ensure food safety. In man infection with the H5N1 virus has been linked to home slaughter of poultry,handling and cooking of diseased poultry,hence proper hygiene is essential. The key is thorough washing of hands,cooking utensils and cleaning and disinfecting cooking surfaces.Cross contamination should be prevented by cooking poultry separately. Wash,clean and disinfect.