This movie requires Flash Player 9
NEWS
Intestinal Barrier Function as Indicator of Welfare
This study by Henrik Sundh, Bjorn Olav Kvamme, Frode Fridell, Rolf Erik Olsen, Tim Ellis, Geir Lasse Taranger and Kristina Sundell suggests that the intestinal barrier function of Atlantic salmon post smolts is reduced by common sea cages environments. It may also be used as a physiological indicator of welfare. Fish farmed under high intensity aquaculture conditions are subjected to unnatural environments that may cause stress. Therefore awareness of how to maintain good health and welfare of farmed fish is important. For Atlantic salmon held in sea cages, water flow, dissolved oxygen (DO) levels and temperature will fluctuate over time and the fish can at times be exposed to detrimentally low DO levels and high temperatures. This experimental study investigates primary and secondary stress responses of Atlantic salmon [...]
Read full story
European move to Ban Prophylactic Medicine could Compromise Animal Welfare
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) is deeply concerned by a European Parliament resolution calling on the Commission to legislate against the prophylactic use of antibiotics (antimicrobials) in livestock farming. The move is part of a larger motion drawing attention to the problem of antimicrobial resistance and calling for measures across Europe to reduce the increase in resistance. It was passed by MEPs on 27 October 2011. Commenting, Carl Padgett, President of the BVA, said: “There is a huge amount to be welcomed in this resolution, which calls for greater surveillance, increased use and understanding of data, and a responsible approach to the use of antimicrobials across Europe. “However, the call for a ban on the prophylactic use of antibiotics in livestock farming could have a detrimental impact on [...]
Read full story
ECDC Risk Assessment on West Nile Virus Infection in the European Union
ECDC has published a rapid risk assessment on the epidemiological situation of West Nile virus infection in the European Union. In the ongoing 2011 West Nile virus transmission season, cases have been reported from newly affected geographical areas. 86 human cases of West Nile fever have been reported in the EU, with 74 cases in Greece, eight in Romania, and four cases in Italy. In the neighbouring countries, 125 cases have been declared. West Nile virus transmission is now established in several European countries and its further spread is expected in the coming years. Multi-sectoral collaboration and intensified surveillance made it possible to detect West Nile virus in new areas and identify WNV lineage 1 and lineage 2, which are now both circulating in Europe. EU Member States [...]
Read full story
Influenza and other Emerging Zoonotic Diseases at the Human-Animal Interface
Given the complexity of zoonotic disease emergence in an increasingly globalized world, effective strategies for reducing future threats must be identified. Lessons learned from past experiences controlling diseases such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), and pandemic (H1N1) 2009, indicate that new paradigms are needed for early detection, prevention, and control to reduce persistent global threats from influenza and other emerging zoonotic diseases. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), and the World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe) organised a joint scientific consultation in Verona, Italy (27-29 April 2010) entitled “FAO-OIE-WHO Joint Scientific Consultation on Influenza and Other Emerging Zoonotic Diseases at the Human-Animal Interface”. [...]
Read full storyEVENTS
International Symposium on Alternatives to Antibiotics
An international symposium on Alternatives to Antibiotics, Challenges and Solutions in Animal Production is being organised by the International Alliance for Biological Standardization (IABS), the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for September, 2012. Antibiotics are essential tools for animal and human health and concerns over antibiotic resistance and their prudent use in animals have garnered global interest. Yet insufficient attention has been given to the scientific breakthroughs and novel technologies that provide alternatives to antibiotics. The objectives of this symposium is to highlight promising research results and novel technologies that provide alternatives to antibiotics, assess challenges associated with their commercialization and use, and provide actionable strategies to support their development. The symposium will focus on the latest scientific breakthroughs and [...]
Read full story
6th Annual Meeting for EPIZONE – “Viruses on the Move”
EPIZONE, the European Research Group for Epizootic Disease Diagnosis and Control, invites scientists and stakeholders to participate in the 6th Annual Meeting EPIZONE “Viruses on the move”. The theme of the 6th Annual Meeting reflects the ever changing virus landscape. This poses continuing and new threats to animal and human health and food security and provides challenges for control of animal diseases. The meeting will address the latest developments aimed at monitoring and understanding the evolution, emergence, transmission and spread of epizootic viruses. Focus will remain on EPIZONE themes aimed at improved disease control through integration and collaboration of research in diagnosis, intervention strategies, risk assessment, surveillance and epidemiology. A stimulating scientific programme will be provided by invited speakers and selected poster and oral presentations covering recent research [...]
Read full story
CEDFAS Dissemination Event
The initiative, Combating Endemic Diseases of Farmed Animals for Sustainability (CEDFAS), has deployed cutting edge science to deal with the diseases causing the most harm to farmed animals in the UK. Launched in 2006, 10 projects were awarded to scientists from 15 institutions across the UK. World-leading scientists working to address the food security challenge will be speaking so it is an opportunity to hear about the outcomes and potential impacts of an £11.5M BBSRC, Scottish Government and Defra funded animal disease initiative, to apply the UK’s animal science research for the benefit of the economy and society. View the Invitation for more information.
Read full story
Course: Animal Welfare at the Time of Killing in Slaughterhouses
The course will allow participants to improve their knowledge and/or practical skills on: – the new EU legislation on the protection of animals at the time of killing in slaughterhouses and OIE standards; – the basic procedures for monitoring, controlling and supporting the implementation of AW requirements and conditions in slaughterhouses, against EU legislative requirements; – the assessment of Animal Welfare risks at slaughterhouses. [Source: European Commission - DG SANCO]
Read full story