Prevention/Treatment
Harrisvaccines gets $1.114 million to develop FMD vaccine
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate has awarded Harrisvaccines, Ames, Iowa, a $1.114 million contract to develop an RNA Particle (RP) vaccine in an effort to protect the United States from foot-and-mouth disease (FMD).
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Waxman bill wants antibiotic transparency
Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., announced this week that he will introduce legislation to increase information on the amount and use of antibiotics in animals raised for human consumption. He is calling it the “Delivering Antibiotic Transparency in Animals Act” or DATA Act.
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Producers and workers shouldn’t overlook flu shots
With flu season again upon us, the National Pork Board’s pork checkoff reminds pork producers, farm personnel and others who have contact with pigs to get their seasonal flu vaccination as soon as possible to help protect human and pig health.
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Harrisvaccines receives H3N2 swine influenza vaccine license
The vaccine is the first to be licensed by the USDA Center for Veterinary Biologics (CVB) that utilizes RNA Particle Technology. This groundbreaking platform allows for the manufacture of vaccines without ever isolating a live virus from infected animals.
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Beware the fair (and petting zoos)
A new article in Zoonoses and Public Health highlights illnesses caused by petting zoos and the like. Veterinarians can play an important role in their communities when children come in contact with farm animals at fairs, petting zoos and even in the classroom.
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NAHMS Swine 2012 Study enters phase II
USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) has completed phase I of the National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS) focused on swine. It is now entering phase II, and organizers need pork producers’ help.
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Take steps now to reduce influenza risk
With human cases of H3N2 influenza virus, reportedly contracted from pigs at fairs this summer, pork producers are turning their attention to prevention measures among employees and in their herds.
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BIVI accepting 2013 PRRS Research Proposals
For the last 10 years, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. (BIVI) has contributed $75,000 annually through its Advancement in PRRS Research Awards to fund three selected research programs. The company is soliciting research proposals for 2013.
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NBAF: The reviews are done and it’s time to act
U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan., makes no bones about it. The time is now to continue with funding and the construction of the new National Bio and Agro Defense Facility (NBAF) in Manhattan, Kan. Roberts points to a trip to Russia and a mock foot-and-mouth disease exercise as demonstrating the urgent need for a biosafety level 4 laboratory to replace the aging Plum Island, N.Y., facility.
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Study sheds light on 2009 H1N1 influenza infections
University of Florida infectious disease experts have released a study revealing that several pigs exhibited at U.S. state fair competitions in 2009 were infected with influenza virus, despite their healthy appearance.
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More H3N2 influenza cases surface
As of the end of last week 159 people in nine states had been identified with H3N2 influenza virus infections this year. Most of the recent cases have occurred after contact with pigs at county or state fairs.
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