BOAR STUD FARM AND ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION.

Artificial insemination cooperative Cobiporc opened a large and efficient new boar stud for 300 male animals working on the principle that With modern knowledge and techniques, it is possible to keep diseases out. The new stud, developed and owned by French cooperative Cobiporc and taken into use in February 2015, houses in total 300 boars and is ready for the future. Cobiporc is an artificial insemination (AI) cooperative headquartered in the heart of Brittany, France. The cooperative has 1,800 pork producing customers in Brittany and its neighbouring regions of Lower Normandy and Pays de la Loire. The organisation holds about 60% of the total AI market in the west of France, and about 40% in the whole of France. Its genetics are 80% Piétrain or Duroc-Piétrain, animals with a generally low fat rate. The new boar stud replaces three other sites, which together had about 350 boars. The farm is U-shaped. On the left and on the right side are the boar quarters, with 15 rooms of 20 pens, one pen per boar of 2x3 metres, equipped with solid feeding systems, central ventilation and geothermal heating. In the middle, centrally located, is the collection area – with an adjacent laboratory. Bio security Several elements can be a source of contamination – air, animals, people and equipment – and for each a large protocol has been set up in order to avoid it.A modern filtration system has been applied to filter all incoming air. Particles of very small size will be caught so that the particles cannot enter the farm. "We filter out 99.5% of everything that comes in," explains Trelhu. Inside the farm building there is an under pressure, so automatically all air is drawn in through the filters. Interestingly, a good air quality inside the building contributes to a better hygiene and health status of the boar stud. One of the aspects of better air quality starts underneath the pig house – in the manure pens, as the goal is to get urine and faeces out as quickly and efficiently as possible. Inside the barns this happens by manually moving about 2 kg of daily faeces per boar into a separate hole in the corner of each pen. Underneath the pen, the slurry pit has two slopes. Across the breadth of the room, slopes of the slurry pit rises by 10% to either side from the middle; across the length of the room the slurry pit slopes up by 1.5% all the way up to the end. This ensures all urine to flow gently towards a central collection point underneath the farm. At the same time, underneath the floor, there is also an automatic scraping device, supplied by French pig cooperative Cooperl, that will push any faeces of the boars once a day in the opposite direction of the urine – up the slope of 1.5%. This way a daily separation of solid and liquid manure is ensured. The solid manure can be used as fertilizer, the liquid manure can directly be applied on the land, and the air inside the pig house is relatively clean. The pigs are being continuously tested for their health quality. Upon entrance, they go into a seven-week quarantine and all their blood values are tested. In addition, every week one-fifth of all the boars get their blood tested as well, this means that in about three months the Cobiporc team has checked the entire boar population for diseases – this includes Aujeszky's Disease (pseudorabies), brucellosis, PRRS and swine influenza. People are required to shower upon entrance and wear specific clothes for this farm. There is a different shower sluice for the laboratory staff and the boar caretakers. Not only inside is biosecurity a hot issue – outside the boar stud the biosecurity protocol goes further. After quality control checking (more about that later), the packed semen is picked up by the same dedicated van, which does nothing else but bring the semen from this facility to the central distribution building of Cobiporc near Rennes, the capital of Brittany, about 30 km down the road. In this place, all semen from all other stations are also combined, after which the right packaging can follow and further distribution to pig breeders follows. The van is the only transport vehicle that is allowed to enter the boar stud's. (story from materials from pig progress.)

How to improve health status of poultry and pigs using natural methods.

Biosecurity, in-feed solutions aid in the reduced use of antibiotics in animal agriculture. Experts agree that the responsible use of antibiotics in animal production must be promoted worldwide and other methods should be employed to minimize the incidence of diseases that require antibiotic treatment. There are ways poultry and pig producers can reduce antibiotic use on their farm by focusing on practical ways to support immunity and improve biosecurity. Read more

Avian Influenza: Effective Biosecurity is Critical to Prevention.

 

Avian Influenza: Effective Biosecurity is Critical to Prevention.Avian influenza (AI) is a very important infectious disease of both poultry and other birds caused by influenza type A viruses. Although multiple viral strains exist, the disease appears in two forms, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI). 

 The distinction between pathogenicity of a particular avian influenza virus is based upon its potential to result in severe disease in poultry and the presence of specific genetic attributes that contribute to this virulence. 

 In both poultry and wild birds, LPAI may present either sub clinically or as mild respiratory disease. This form of the disease in poultry might be observed as sneezing, coughing, and nasal or ocular discharge with a negative impact on productivity despite mortality remaining low. 

 As a natural reservoir for avian influenza, wild birds in many cases may not exhibit any clinical signs, even in the event of HPAI infection. Poultry may experience mortality rates approaching 100% during a HPAI outbreak and exhibit clinical signs such as lethargy, severe respiratory distress leading to cyanosis, edema and hemorrhage in tissues of the head, legs, internal organs, muscles, neurologic deficits, and diarrhea.

 Avian influenza viruses have a predilection for the intestinal and respiratory tracts of the bird, therefore oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs are common diagnostic samples submitted to detect this pathogen.Get the guide.

ALGAE; AN ALTERNATIVE TO ANTIBIOTICS.

The fight to reduce antibiotic use in farm animals because of its impact on human health is still raging on and the ban of antibiotics use in some countries have spurred research on alternatives. Additives and certain supplements have been incorporated into production all with various results.The use of prebiotics and probiotics have also been incorporated to achieve a desired healthy status coupled with growth and development. The latest series of research involves use of seaweeds and water hyacinth,the benefits and methods of incorporation have been discussed in earlier posts.There is a new angle to the use of algae(sea weeds) in production and as a biosecurity protocol.A pig farm is limiting its antibiotic use by incorporating seaweed to feed and also a means of biosecurity; Benoît and Olivier Balusson, owners of a farrow-to-finish farm in Britanny, France, have embarked on an exciting mission:how to decrease antibiotics as much as possible? The farm applies a range of strategies, some of which involve algae. Benoît and Olivier Balusson farm 1,900 sows in Britanny, an area of France which has around 80% of the country’s pigs. The farrow-to-finish unit is weaning just short of 30 pigs/sow/year which is commendable for such a large unit. Antibiotics are a big thing for Balusson farm – the farm aims to use as few as possible. Currently only 2 antibiotics can be used on the Balusson farm. Amoxycillin is sometimes injected in piglets before weaning to manage arthritis. Also, trimethoprim/ sulfamethoxazole can be added to the drinking water to control streptococci, if necessary. Ideally, however, antibiotic usage should be reduced further. In order to achieve that, an overarching strategy is being applied. This starts with creating the right conditions for a healthy environment, i.e. having high quality buildings with well-insulated rooms, decent building materials, healthy water as well as the availability of alternative health strategies, like e.g. vaccination. This is where the Balusson farm takes a different approach than most, as seaweed (algae) often form a key element in both their feed additives as well as hygiene products. Algae form the basis for instance for a mycotoxin binder – associating algae with clay and with other adsorbent materials, the company’s MT.x+ was created. For the Balusson farm, mycotoxin contamination is a widespread problem in cereals, so the binder is routinely added to the rations. In addition, algae-derived products also play a central role in piglet feed around weaning. At Balusson farm, this takes place at 21 days of age (on average at 6 kg). To reduce the effects of stress and to boost immunity levels, the farm provides Searup for 3 to 5 days in the weaner feed. The product, combines the action of immunomodulating Marine Sulfated Polysaccharides (MSP), vitamins and amino acids. According to the company’s website, immunomodulating MSP contribute to a better immune response thanks to the activation of specific receptors of the innate immune system. MSPs also have another function as they are observed to stimulate the secretion of protective mucin in the intestine. This forms the basis of the product Ecopiglet, which combines algae with micronised clays, all intended to reduce digestive problems. At the Balusson farm, the product is sprinkled on the heat pads from day 5. Algae also have a role to play in enhancing the farm’s hygiene status. When algae extracts are mixed with selected minerals and oils, as well as with montmorillonite, a powerful and dried and micronised clay, a very hygroscopic powder is created (marketed as Mistral). It is used in various moments on the farm. Newborn piglets get dunked in a tub of the powder at birth, to help them dry off quicker. This way they suckle faster.At weaning, when the piglets are mixed, the strategy has a role to play as the product’s aroma is perceived to be pleasant. Dusting piglets with it masks the piglets’ own smell and so reduces fighting and hence stress. After insemination, the powder is applied around the vulva to ensure optimal hygiene.Hygiene is certainly not compromised by Balusson’s take on castration – the farm doesn’t castrate. This has resulted in better production efficiency. culled from pigprogress.

MORE BIRD FLU OUTBREAKS IN FRANCE!!!

FRANCE - Following the detection of three avian influenza outbreaks in Dordogne, three more outbreaks have been confirmed in Landes and Dordogne. The new outbreaks were detected after increased surveillance was put into place across France, including active surveillance of clinical signs of avian influenza in sensitive species. Abnormal mortality levels detected by farmers have also led to systematic sampling. The confirmed outbreaks, which took place in guinea fowl and ducks in Landes and ducks in Dordogne, a press release from the French agriculture ministry said that other outbreaks were suspected. Protection zones, surveillance, biosecurity and stamping out of the disease on the affected farms have been used to try and prevent the virus spreading. The issue of biosecurity with active surveillance is key to curb the spread of the virus and the issue of early reporting when there is a high number of mortality with a short period ,is also very important. story credit; poultry site.

Avian influenza questions up-most on producers mind.

Avian influenza has spread all over the world with outbreaks reported in many countries and human deaths in others, suggesting that it will challenge poultry production on every continent for along time. Producers are worried about trend and wonder if the incidence is a sign that the virus is a global potential threat that cannot be tamed. Producers are concerned that avian influenza posses a greater threat to the global poultry industry than it was a decade ago?. The largest factor that could make avian influenza more severe is the rapidly growing global poultry population. Population and income growth around the world is dictating larger flocks and bigger operations, but the level of biosecurity isn’t increasing at the same rate, especially in smaller,operations in the developing world. Producers are also wondering about the risk implication of having more birds,a larger operation.? The size of farm or number of birds does not increase or decrease risk,what matters is the biosecurity level of farm and compliance level of farm hands. The most common question is the method to keep free-range and pasture chicken free from avian influenza virus?. The quest to go cage-free and have free range birds is a major foci of bird flu virus as many outbreaks started from free range birds and spread to commercial farms. see The continuous risk of raising free range birds can only be minimized with proper surveillance and monitoring of health status of birds. Education and training on proper management technique will go a long way to reduce risk of exposure and consequently spread of virus.

Medium-chain fatty acids: Protecting pigs from pathogens.

Global movement of feed ingredients calls for an in-feed disease mitigation strategy.

Feed and feed ingredients have the potential to harbor devastating bacteria and viruses like porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) virus, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) and African swine fever (ASF).


The bacteria and viruses can be transmitted in feed – eventually making their way through the pig’s digestive system and replicating, causing infection.

 The global movement of feed ingredients and commodities increases the risk of introducing disease through ingredients when sourced from areas of active disease pressures.


The risk of global disease transmission reinforces the need for an in-feed mitigation strategy to help guard against disease threats.

 Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs)  have proven to be a useful biosecurity tool, essentially acting as security guards to protect pigs from bacteria and viruses.

The coconut oil  contains a (medium chain fatty acid}begin working in feed, before pigs consume it, to reduce the feed’s pathogen load. After feed consumption, it continues to work inside the animal to weaken pathogens in the digestive tract. Learn how coconut oil in your pig diet can act as a biosecurity tool .

The coconut oil kills bacteria in feed before the pig consumes it and also prevents the replication of bacteria inside the pig.

This is how it kills bacteria:1)Degrade the bacterial cell membrane.

 2)Dissociate into the bacterial cell, causing the pH inside the cell to drop.

 3)Block DNA replication of bacterial cells. In case of viruses with envelopes this is how coconut oil protects the pigs.

The rise of Avian Influenza.

 

So far, 2022 has been a deadly year for the world’s birds. Avian influenza continues to rise, and this is hot on the heels of two years that the U.S. CDC says saw more outbreaks than the previous four years combined. Each outbreak of avian influenza can have huge ramifications for animal and human welfare. And, of course, a devastating impact on the economy and global food security. 

Just a single outbreak in the Netherlands in 2003 cost an estimated 150 million euros and the culling of some 30 million birds. Right now, other countries – like the UK – are facing similar losses. A look at the current spread of avian influenza and the evolving discussion on vaccination. 

  Biosecurity and hygiene is currently the first line of defense against avian influenza in most countries. While this can limit exposure, this is not fool proof as outbreaks grow in size and scope each year. The U.S. CDC has reported that globally “there were more outbreaks reported in 2020-2021 than in the previous four years combined.” What’s more, viruses are cropping up in countries that have been clear of avian influenza for many years – like Canada. 

The CDC reports that, in December 2021, HPAI A (H5N1) viruses were detected in birds in Newfoundland. This is the first identification of this virus in the Americas since June 2015. Vaccines have been considered as a potential control measure against avian influenza, but these are often not widely available or used in many markets. There has been some recent discussion about re-evaluating vaccination though. 

 According to Julien Denormandie the French agriculture minister,There is “no other solution in the long term than to have vaccination.”  Vaccines are often not used due to concerns about trade disruptions. 

In the past, export bans have been enforced on countries with vaccination policies. This is due to concerns such as not being able to differentiate vaccinated animals from infected animals, which occurs if a vaccine is not a 'DIVA vaccine'. DIVA vaccines and diagnostics :DIVA stands for Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals. For Avian influenza, this can be achieved by using a vaccine based on a different strain (e.g. H5N2) than the current field strain (e.g. H5N1) and using a serological test that can differentiate between vaccine-induced antibodies (e.g. against N2) and antibodies against the field virus (N1).

  Current thoughts on whether there may be scope for vaccination in the future:

 The loss of millions of birds is a significant welfare issue that requires considering all avenues of prevention. 

 The Poultry Veterinary Study Group of the EU published a paper in October calling for an ‘open-minded evaluation’ of vaccines, saying it would ‘offer better protection to poultry'. 

 The French minister of agriculture sees vaccination as a long-term, viable solution in the face of rising losses. Though it may be too late to mitigate the impact of the current outbreaks, vaccination could become a future prevention measure alongside alongside biosecurity and other tools. 

 The info graphic below shows the impact of Avian Influenza in 2021.

Ireland needs to be ‘proactive’ in preventing bird flu outbreaks.

Ireland needs to be ‘proactive’ in preventing bird flu outbreaks.Ireland needs to take a proactive approach to preventing bird flu outbreaks, according to the Chairman of the IFA Poultry Committee Nigel Renaghan. His comments come after a prevention zone was put in place in England on Tuesday, December 6, and is set to remain in place for the next 30 days. Under the new measures in England, keepers of poultry and other captive birds are now required to keep their birds indoors, or take appropriate steps to keep them separate from wild birds. Renaghan believes similar measures must be put in place to protect the poultry sector in Ireland. “This is the critical period, if we put in place measures for 30 days and hold off the disease, we can then sit down and reassess the situation,” he said.As the Chairman of the IFA Poultry Committee has previously said, organic and free range birds are most at risk of contracting the disease due to being outside. He believes that these birds should be housed in-doors to prevent contact with wild birds, while all poultry keepers should pay special attention to their bio-security measures. “Preventative measures must be put in place to protect poultry producers, as an outbreak of the disease in Ireland could inhibit the ability to export,” he said.In the first week of December, 44 outbreaks of the disease were reported in seven EU Member States to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). Outbreaks were reported in France, Poland, the Netherlands, Romania, Germany, Austria and Finland in a mixture of wild birds and commercial poultry flocks. In total 44,292 birds died or had to be destroyed due to the disease, while both protection and surveillance zones were set up around large poultry farms that were infected by the highly pathogenic disease. Under the preventive measures put in place in England all domestic chickens, hens, turkeys and ducks should be housed immediately, according to the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). As well as this all bird keepers must now take extra biosecurity steps, such as minimizing direct and indirect contact between poultry and wild birds.Bird keepers are also advised to take all reasonable precautions to avoid the transfer of contamination between premises, including cleansing and disinfection of equipment, vehicles and footwear.more

BIO SECURITY TIPS TO KEEP HORSES SAFE.

Bio security measures are simple but effective protocols that must be practices to keep infectious agents out of farm facility and also to control spread of diseases in cases of outbreaks. These protocols are simple and easy to comply with, each facility will need a programme tailored to their needs/function.The bio security measures can only be effective if the horses have been vaccination and given other required medication. Bio security can be discussed broadly on these levels,which are further sub divided to mini levels. Bio security is based on 1) isolation. 2) clean,wash and disinfection .3) waste disposal. Isolation basically deals with restriction of visitors to stalls, keep your horses away from strange horses, make your barns/stables rodent proof e.t.c Cleaning,washing and disinfection of tools,implements, stalls,walls, carriages,floors e.t.c.The proper disposal of waste is vital to the success of any bio security protocol. Horses need care everyday so dont wait until there is an incidence, because it will be too late. check out more http://www.thehorse.com/articles/32882/10-biosecurity-tips-from-top-equine-health-experts?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=in-depth&utm_campaign=09-18-2015

Avian Flu Found in Hong Kong Wild Bird.

An outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza has been discovered in Hong Kong's Diamond Hill area.The virus was found in a dead Great Egret, as part of an intensive surveillance effort. Laboratory tests confirmed the bird was infected with the H5N6 strain of the virus.The dead bird was found and collected from a non-public area near Spring Hill in the Nan Lian Garden, Diamond Hill, Wong Tai Sin, last Thursday (December 31). The great egret is a common resident of Hong Kong and some are winter visitors. The spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said cleaning and disinfection have been stepped up at the venue, adding that there are no poultry farms within 3 kilometres of where the dead bird was found. In view of the case, the AFCD has phoned poultry farmers to remind them to strengthen precautionary and biosecurity measures against avian influenza. Letters have been issued to farmers, pet bird shop owners and licence holders of pet poultry and racing pigeons reminding them that proper precautions must be taken. The spokesman said the department would conduct frequent inspections of poultry farms and the wholesale market to ensure that proper precautions against avian influenza have been implemented. The department will continue its wild bird monitoring and surveillance."People should avoid contact with wild birds and live poultry and their droppings. They should clean their hands thoroughly after coming into contact with them. story source; poultry site.

Meat inspection and food safety concerns: open data kit (ODK)that Uganda is using to improve livestock disease surveillance and reporting.

 

Open Data Kit to improve livestock disease surveillance and reporting in Uganda.Surveillance of livestock diseases is key to reduce their harm to livelihoods, development and even humans. Meat inspectors in Uganda are using the Open Data kit (ODK) tool to improve animal disease surveillance and reporting, and sharing their experiences and knowledge with peers. The tool was rolled out at a training workshop held in October 2021 at the Makerere University College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB). 

 The workshop aimed to boost, retool and equip inspectors in routine meat inspection procedures, hands-on skills in meat hygiene and food safety procedures, and knowledge of meat inspection regulations and standards. 

  Ensuring wholesome beef.

 How ODK works .

ODK is an open-source mobile data collection platform that enables users to fill out forms offline and send data to a server when a connection is found. 

 why reforms are necessary.

Once on the server, the data can be viewed, downloaded and acted upon. In the first six weeks following the training, the meat inspectors had uploaded more than 300 reports to the ILRI server.

 Collected data can be used to determine prevalence of diseases, locations and age-group of animals affected, and inform response. 

 Speaking at the review meeting, Annie Cook, a senior scientist at ILRI, commended the inspectors for their interest in improving the reporting of data on disease surveillance at the points of slaughter, saying: 'As pioneers at using the ODK tool in the meat inspection sector, your feedback and input is important in refining the tool so that it is useful and can be used in the future.' 

 Reporting their experiences, the meat inspectors noted that the tool was user-friendly and most did not have major challenges in uploading data. 

 

Biosecurity threats on the farm.

Bio security threats could be internal or external causes,take a look at the table and learn which threats your farm is vulnerable to and how to be safe. Read more

Avian influenza viruses can persist in footbaths and manure.

Avian influenza viruses can persist in footbaths and manure.Growers shouldn’t assume the disinfectants they use in footbaths are effective against avian influenza (AI), indicates a study from the University of California–Davis. Researchers conducted a survey about biosecurity practices in California and then used the information to design experiments to test the effectiveness of footbath disinfectants against AI. They also evaluated the longevity of AI viruses under different conditions. “Surprisingly,” they say, quaternary ammonia and quaternary ammonia plus glutaraldehyde-based footbaths did not eliminate highly pathogenic H5N8 or low-pathogenic H6N2 particles on boots. However, a chlorine-based granulated disinfectant was able to destroy the virus, say Rüdiger Hauck* and colleagues. To evaluate the longevity of AI viruses in litter and feces, they seeded different bedding samples from commercial layer, broiler and turkey production units with the same two AI viruses. Live H5N8 particles in layer feces remained for at least 96 hours, compared to less than 60 hours in broiler and turkey bedding. However, H6N2 low-pathogenic viruses persisted less than 24 hours in all the different substrates. This knowledge may help producers determine effective litter treatments to destroy AI viruses in the bedding material.

AVIAN INFLUENZA IN THE U.S.

The most dangerous characteristic of avian influenza is its ability to mutate quickly from a low-pathogenic disease of the respiratory tract to a high-pathogenic disease with mortality rates up to 100%, explained David Swayne, DVM, PhD, research veterinarian with the USDA. Once these low-pathogenic strains enter a commercial poultry flock, the virus circulates throughout the flock and has the potential to mutate into the high-pathogenic H5 and H7 strains, which spread rapidly resulting in high mortality levels. As early as 1987, low-pathogenic forms of avian influenza (AI) were identified in flocks of wild birds in the US that experienced very little infection or mortality. Even though low-pathogenic strains of AI are not known for high mortality, co-infections with other respiratory diseases including infectious bronchitis and infectious bursal disease can increase production losses and mortality levels. In early 2015, highly pathogenic H5 strains of AI spread quickly between flocks and poultry farms across the US resulting in the destruction of approximately 48 million chickens and turkeys. Low-pathogenic AI was also reported in turkey flocks in Indiana in January 2016 and in Missouri in April 2016. “The AI virus can be spread through various paths including clothing, vehicles, dust and windblown particles,” Swayne said. “The exact pathway of infection may never identified.” Poultry producers quickly learned the importance of biosecurity during the 2015 outbreaks and began implementing strict protocols in an effort to help slow the spread of the disease. Education is the key to early detection of an AI infection. It is critical that everyone involved in poultry production — from the farm workers and veterinarians to the testing labs — is educated and trained to identify the signs of AI. “The AI outbreak in Indiana [in early 2016] began in ducks and birds of prey as a low-pathogenic strain,” Swayne explained. “Once it entered the commercial operation, it began circulating and mutated into a highly pathogenic H7 strain.” Increased surveillance on the part of poultry producers and veterinarians helped identify the 2016 Indiana outbreak before it became widespread, he added. The Missouri outbreak in late April was still being investigated at the time of this report. Vaccination programs for AI remain a hot topic for poultry producers worldwide. Swayne said because the US can’t live with highly pathogenic AI, the best solution for control is complete eradication of the disease or a “stamping-out” program involving humane euthanasia and ecologically sound disposal. In other countries with poor infrastructure and limited diagnostic and testing programs, vaccination for AI is often the only viable option for poultry production. Culled from poultry health today.

How to establish and maintain a mange-free pig populations.

How to establish and maintain a mange-free pig populations.The establishment and maintenance of mange-free herds is achieved by three important facts:
1) Piglets are born free of mites.

2) Mites are highly host-specific and do not survive long away from their host.

3)Modern treatments are very effective.

 Mange-free herds can also be established with cesarean piglets, by depopulation and repopulation from mange-free stock, by segregated rearing of treated pigs or by eradication using ivermectins and other products.

 Biosecurity measures that focus on careful scrutiny of incoming stock and sourcing stock from a minimal number of herds are usually adequate to prevent re-introduction of the parasite.


 Mange control involves identification of animals with chronic mange so that they can receive systematic and regular treatment to protect the younger animals in the herd.All control programmes must target the breeding herd.

AGRIBUSINESS: How to choose the right bedding for broilers.

AGRIBUSINESS: How to choose the right bedding for broilers. It’s crucial for a broiler producer to get floor management right. This will improve the birds’ physical environment, reduce disease and result in better quality broilers. #poultry Floor management is one of the pillars of successful broiler production, as important as biosecurity, climate control and general animal welfare. Yet this essential aspect is all too often overlooked.

HOW TO MANAGE A SICK HORSE ON THE FARM.

The simple rule of isolating sick animals on farm will help prevent spread of infectious agents.The method of isolation include the following; 1) house horse in a seperate stall. 2) use dedicated feeder,waterer,tools for the sick horse. 3) cordon off the area from healthy horses. 4)Attend to sick horse last,where possible dedicate a worker to tend to that horse. 5)Wash your hands see more here http://www.thehorse.com/articles/27906/biosecurity-for-hospitals-and-horse-farms?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=in-depth&utm_campaign=09-18-2015

Congo virus.

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is caused by a virus belonging to a group called Nairovirus. The virus infects wild as well as domestic animals like sheep and cattle through tick bites. Humans are infected when they come in direct contact with blood or tissues from infected animals or bites of infected ticks. The disease is also described in Congo, hence it was named Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever. The disease is more common in Africa, Asia, East Europe and the Middle East. A recent outbreak has been Pakistan. Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a viral disease that spreads through tick bite, crushing of infected tick could also result in infection. Infection may also occur if people breathe in the virus passed out in the infected animal’s excreta. Thus, people who work in close contact with livestock such as those working in ,farms, abattoirs and veterinary hospitals are at a higher risk of acquiring the disease. Preventive measures and early diagnosis can save lives! Less than half the people who contract this virus die, and that too due to improper treatment. When a human is affected, the infection spreads to other people if they come in contact with the patient’s infected blood or body fluids. Infection could also spread in hospitals during injections and surgical procedures. Hospital staff that treat patients with CCHF are at a higher risk for developing the infection. Symptoms may vary person to person but certain pointers are indications of infection;· flu-like symptoms appear first, which may end in a week’s time. Signs of hemorrhagic fever follow and if not treated ,there is confusion, aggression, mood swings, fever, red eyes, flushed face, joint pain,epistasis vomiting and black/tarry stools. This is followed by a swollen liver which causes pain in the upper abdomen, kidney failure, breathing problems, low blood pressure, rapid heart rate and eventually a shock . Prevention is by elimination of ticks,proper biosecurity and personal hygiene. Kill ticks by spraying your animals with antitick preparation and use a protective spray on your clothes and clothing and materials as well. Isolation of patients with the virus, maintain minimal and protected contact. Wear gloves and masks when with patients and hand hygiene is important. The syringes and needles used must be disposed properly. Abattoir workers, hunters, farm-hands and help and all who handle raw meat during slaughtering, processing and supply are at risk and should be properly kitted and observe strict bio security· Minimize insect bites, pests and rodents in the house ,farms,hospitals,abattoirs and other beef processing outfits.

AVIAN INFLUENZA SURVEILLANCE EFFORTS.

The governments of Canada and British Columbia are investing CAD$ 300,000 (€200,000) to strengthen the surveillance, early detection, and response measures to avian flu. The funding will be used to enhance the resources at the Ministry of Agriculture's Animal Health Centre in Abbotsford, British Colombia with specialized equipment to diagnose samples collected in the Ministry's avian flu surveillance efforts. The Ministry of Agriculture will also be targeting owners of small poultry flocks by hosting workshops in different regions focusing on poultry health, and the sharing of information and resources such as the Small Flock Poultry Health Manual. Funds will also be used to support a rapid response to any future outbreaks by having mobile equipment to help any infected poultry premises with the humane depopulation of infected bird populations within the province at all times and to train more people in the use. Education about the virus and biosecurity procedures are paramount to prevention and spread of the bird flu virus.The basic clean, wash and disinfection on farms , better management practices and restriction of visitors to farms play vital roles to stem spread of diseases. Early detection/diagnosis is key to prevent incidence in other farms and wide spread infection over a wide radius range to prevent economic losses. Ministry of Agriculture staff began a pilot surveillance project that collected sediment samples at ponds and wetlands used by wild waterfowl following the December 2014 avian flu outbreak in the Fraser Valley. A research group has worked at developing cutting edge technological advances to be able to test the samples collected from the pilot project for the presence of avian flu strains. Funds will be used to transfer this new technology to the Animal Health Centre. As the pilot project evolves into ongoing surveillance, the ability to diagnose the samples quickly at the Animal Health Centre will greatly enhance early detection efforts. Source; portions of story from world poultry.