March 28, 2008
Avian Influenza News
Chip
launched to detect bird flu
A portable chip to detect influenza viruses, including bird flu
in humans, has been developed by Europe 's top semiconductor maker,
STMicroelectronics.
Chickens
not behind H5N1 outbreaks in Asia
ROME - Ducks, people and rice paddies - not chickens -are the
factors leading to outbreaks of the H5N1 strain of highly pathogenic
avian influenza in Thailand and Viet Nam, and are probably behind
outbreak persistence in other countries of the region such as
Cambodia and Lao PDR.
Industry News
Pilgrim's
Pride names new COO, restructures management (free registration
required)
Pittsburg, Texas-based Pilgrim's Pride Corp. on Wednesday named
Robert A. Wright chief operating officer.
Poultry News
Americans
grilling poultry meat to become healthier
Americans are among other nations that are adopting a healthier
way of eating. As such, a study has recently shown that grilling
meat products is becoming popular.
PSA
says Bush budget would close two labs, damage poultry research
(free registration required)
President George W. Bush's proposed fiscal year 2009 federal budget
would eliminate two U.S. Department of Agriculture laboratories
that play a vital role in poultry and biomedical research and
provide invaluable services to poultry and related industries,
according to the Poultry Science Association.
Flies
and Salmonella: dangerous duo in poultry houses
Flies may be more than a mere nuisance in poultry houses. They
may also spread food poisoning bacteria such as Salmonella enteritidis
to chickens and their eggs, the USDA ARS reports.
Air
chilling poultry carcasses, the new trend
It has been reported that air-chilling is a new label to look
out for when purchasing chicken meat. According to some producers,
this method has many advantages!
Intensive
Poultry Production is Better for Global Warming
In contrast to the assertions of some environmentalists, British
scientists have proven that intensive, indoor poultry production
has a much smaller impact on global warming than organic or free-range
production. Additionally, poultry production proves to be more
environmentally efficient than any other source of meat production.
See the article from "World Poultry" magazine.
News
from AEB
March 14, 2008
News from around the Southeast
Poultry
farmers win lawsuit
OKLAHOMA CITY -A jury awarded $21 million to poultry farmers in
a class-action suit filed against O. K. Industries Inc. and its
poultry processing subsidiary, O. K. Foods Inc., according to the
Arkansas Democrat Gazette. More than 300 farmers charged the company
violated the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921 by unfairly wielding
its buying influence to the detriment of their incomes.
Poultry
dangers overstated, expert says
TULSA — Federal Judge Gregory K. Frizzell lectured participants
in a hearing Friday on the rule of law facing the state in its request
for an injunction barring spread of poultry waste in the Illinois
River watershed.
Avian Influenza News
Scientists
discover new key to flu transmission
CHICAGO - Flu viruses must be able to pick a very specific type
of lock before entering human respiratory cells, U.S. researchers
said on Sunday, offering a new understanding of how flu viruses
work.
Industry News
Pilgrim's
Pride exits turkey business (free registration required)
Pittsburg, Texas-based chicken company Pilgrim's Pride Corp. on
Monday announced the sale of its turkey production facility and
distribution center in New Oxford, Pa., to New Oxford Foods LLC,
a subsidiary of Hain Pure Protein Corp., Melville, N.Y.
Poultry News
Rare
chicken egg to be sold on eBay
It has always been said that a chicken egg was nature's most perfect
food. However, the most unusual, rare egg has recently been discovered.
So rare that it will soon be up for sale on eBay!
March 7, 2008
News from around the Southeast
Tyson
to close plant, discontinue product line (free registration required)
Springdale, Ark.-based Tyson Foods Inc. on Friday announced that
it will close one of its three plants in Wilkesboro, N.C., and
discontinue one of its product lines. The closure will result
in the loss of about 400 jobs.
Science
key to Oklahoma’s poultry litter case
A key part of Oklahoma’s effort to ban poultry litter in
the Illinois River watershed hinges on a developing, often-doubted
science known as microbial source tracking
Government News
USDA
to focus on poultry handling
The USDA will implement a series of interim actions to verify
and analyse humane handling activities in all federally inspected
establishments, and will focus efforts on plants that handle animals
most prone to stress.
Industry News
Judge
Rules Poultry Are Not 'Livestock'
A San Francisco judge has ruled that chickens are not "livestock,"
and, as a result, are not subject to the Humane Methods of Slaughter
Act, according to court filings.
Vet
shortage threatens food system
A shortage of veterinarians who treat farm animals is stressing
the nation's food inspection system, prompting the federal government
to offer bonuses and moving expenses to fill hundreds of vacancies.
University News
Texas
A&M names new poultry science department head (free registration
required)
Texas A&M University has appointed Dr. John Carey head of
the College Station, Texas-based university's poultry science
department.
February 29, 2008
Poultry News
Mining
Manure for Phosphorus
Underground phosphorus deposits around the world are mined for
use as a much-valued fertilizer. Now Agricultural Research Service
(ARS) soil scientists Ariel Szogi, Matias Vanotti and Patrick
Hunt have found a way to “mine” the phosphorus in
poultry manure.
Poultry
officials meet to discuss Salmonella sampling
ATLANTA --More than 100 poultry industry leaders met in Atlanta
on Feb. 19 for a meeting organized by the U.S. Poultry & Egg
Association to discuss the recent Food Safety and Inspection Service
Federal Register notice on the Salmonella Verification Sampling
Program.
Salmonella
notice comment period set to close despite industry protests (free
registration required)
The comment period for USDA's proposed salmonella initiative is
set to close today, despite extension requests from industry members
and trade associations.
Vaccination
of poultry - All you ever wanted to know
As in human medicine, in the last 50-60 years, there has been
tremendous progress in the development of vaccines to protect
chickens against both viral and bacterial diseases.
News
from AEB
February 25, 2008
News from around the Southeast
Tyson
fires workers involved in chicken abuse (free registration required)
Tyson Foods has fired a number of workers at chicken processing
plants in Cumming, Ga., and Union City, Tenn., following a federal
investigation of animal cruelty charges, the company said.
Poultry
Growers, Companies Say Lawsuit Could Hurt Livelihoods
The outcome of a court hearing set to begin this week threatens
to drastically change the way poultry farmers and companies conduct
business in Northwest Arkansas. And it could hurt the area's already
struggling economy.
N.C.
backs off poultry scrutiny
North Carolina bolstered its workplace safety program after a
chicken plant fire killed 25 workers in Hamlet in 1991. But the
state's focus on keeping poultry workers safe has waned since
the mid-1990s, an Observer investigation has found.
Congress
to investigate poultry worker safety (free registration required)
Lawmakers in both the House and Senate plan to investigate worker
safety in the poultry industry in the wake of a Charlotte Observer
series on safety at poultry giant House of Raeford Farms.
Avian Influenza News
CAST releases
two new publications on AI vaccination
CAST has released new publications, a Special Publication and
a Commentary focusing on H5N1 High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza
that discuss the science and the art of controling AI
Industry News
U.S.
poultry exports set record in '07 (free registration required)
Exports of U.S. poultry, eggs and related products surpassed $4
billion for the first time in 2007, according to the USA Poultry
& Egg Export Council.
Poultry News
Probiotics
to fight Salmonella in poultry
Salmonella in poultry can be reduced by using probiotics. This
development offers a way that makes it easy on poultry growers
and enhances food safety.
February 15, 2008
News From Around the Southeast
Poultry
industry defends poultry-waste spreading
TULSA, OKLA. Arkansas-based poultry companies told a federal judge
that attempts by the state of Oklahoma to stop the spreading of
poultry waste in the Illinois River watershed uses unreliable
evidence and could force area farmers out of business.
DeKalb
poultry farmers look for help
As the price of natural gas continues to rise, DeKalb County poultry
farmers continue to feel the pinch. Now, they want the state to
help.
Industry News
Aviagen’s
Ross EPI now largest single stage PS hatchery
Feb. 13, 2008, Netherlands - To accommodate its plans for further
expansion, Parent Stock hatchery Ross EPI, part of the Aviagen
Group, has completed a comprehensive refurbishment of its Dutch
hatchery operations, working with single stage hatchery specialists
Pas Reform. Situated in Roermond, Ross EPI’s Dutch hatchery
has been refurbished with the latest in single stage equipment
and technologies. The new installation includes a full single
stage Smart incubation system, comprising SmartSet™ setters
and SmartHatch™ hatchers, combined with a SmartDrive™
incubator control system, to accommodate the management of individual
conditions per egg type and SmartCenter™, Pas Reform’s
powerful hatchery management information system.
Tyson
to buy Brazilian poultry operations
In March, Tyson Foods Inc. will be finalising 100% acquisition
of the privately held Pena Branca's poultry operations, confirmed
the Brazilian chicken company's director.
Other Organizations' News
Chicken
Industry Emphasizes Worker Safety
The chicken industry is playing a responsible leadership role
in improving worker safety in its workplaces and reducing the
incidence of injuries and health problems such as conditions associated
with repetitive motion.
Poultry News
New
discovery, scientists take fresh look at poultry disease
Poultry scientists are taking a fresh look at the devastating
poultry bacterial disease, necrotic enteritis, following a world-first
discovery.
February 8, 2008
Avian Influenza News
New
vaccine against H5N1 bird flu
A vaccine against the H5N1 bird flu virus has been tested by researchers
at the University of Pittsburgh’s Center for Vaccine Research.
The vaccine has shown promising results.
Government News
USDA
to name poultry plants with Salmonella problems
Feb 6, 2008 (CIDRAP News) – The US Department of Agriculture
(USDA) says it is preparing to begin publishing the names of poultry
and meat plants that have trouble controlling Salmonella, as the
agency extends a set of policy changes designed to reduce the
prevalence of the pathogen in meat.
USDA budget proposes new fees for processing plants (free registration
required)
The Agriculture Department plans to ask lawmakers to approve $96
million in new fees charged to federally inspected meat and poultry
processing plants, the agency said in 2009 budget documents
Poultry News
USPOULTRY
honors poultry scientist (free registration required)
Wallace Morgan was recently awarded the U.S. Poultry & Egg
Association's Lamplighter Award.
Avian
Origins: New Analysis Confirms Ancient Beginnings
ScienceDaily (Feb. 5, 2008) — Did modern birds originate
around the time of the dinosaurs' demise, or have they been around
far longer?
Poultry
industry has global opportunities
ATLANTA — Trends indicate continuing growth in demand worldwide
for poultry products, yet the U.S. industry also faces strong
challenges domestically related to the cost of feed, environmental
issues, and consumer demands, according to a research analyst
who specializes in agribusiness.
February 1, 2008
There are none for this week
January 25, 2008
News from around the Southeast
Poultry-litter
runoff may pose a future water problem
State figures show that fields in Wilkes and Surry counties, typically
fertilized with poultry waste, have high levels of phosphorus
and copper.
Avian Influenza News
Don't
rely on drugs to delay flu pandemic
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Vaccines and drugs will not be enough to
slow or prevent a pandemic of influenza, according to a U.S. government
report released on Tuesday.
WHO
launches bird flu virus tracker after facing protests over transparency
A new World Health Organization system designed to allow countries
to track the H5N1 influenza viruses they have provided to international
laboratories was launched Tuesday.
Government News
Broiler
production, average liveweight up: USDA
The amount of chicks placed in the fourth quarter of 2007 increased
about 4 percent over the prior year, according to the Department
of Agriculture's Livestock, Dairy & Poultry Outlook.
Industry News
Blame
it on the grain: Analyst drops poultry processor earnings forecasts
(free registration required)
Shares of three major poultry processors took a ride yesterday
after a J.P. Morgan equity analyst cut his first quarter and full
year earnings forecasts
Poultry News
Atlanta
Celebrates Long-term Convention Success
ATLANTA, US – In the past five years, the International
Poultry Expo (IPE) has brought nearly 94,000 attendees and $100
million in economic impact to Atlanta, Georgia in the USA.
January 18, 2008
There are none for this week
January 11, 2008
Avian Influenza News
MIT
finds key to avian flu in humans
CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--MIT researchers have uncovered a critical difference
between flu viruses that infect birds and humans, a discovery that
could help scientists monitor the evolution of avian flu strains
and aid in the development of vaccines against a deadly flu pandemic.
New
Swine Flu Has Avian Flu Genes
Researchers have identified a new strain of swine influenza—H2N3—which
belongs to the group of H2 influenza viruses that last infected
humans during the 1957 pandemic. This new strain has a molecular
twist: It is composed of avian and swine influenza genes.
Government News
U.S.D.A.
to host poultry improvement plan meeting
WASHINGTON ? The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal
and Plant Health Inspection Service will hold a meeting of the
general conference committee of the national poultry improvement
plan (N.P.I.P.) from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Jan. 23, 2008. The
meeting will take place at the Georgia World Congress Center,
Room C-206, 285 Andrew Young International Boulevard, N.W., Atlanta,
Ga. The general conference committee serves as the liaison between
the poultry industry and the U.S.D.A. in matters pertaining to
poultry health. In addition, the committee assists the U.S.D.A.
in planning, organizing and conducting the N.P.I.P. biennial conference.
USDA
Poultry Slaughter: Ready-to-Cook Weight Up 3% From Last Year
Poultry certified wholesome during November 2007 (ready-to-cook
weight) totaled 3.57 billion pounds, up 3 percent from the amount
certified in November 2006. The October 2007 revised certified
total at 4.00 billion pounds, was up 6 percent from October 2006.
The October revision represented an increase of 7.96 million pounds
from last month's preliminary pounds certified.
Industry News
Leaders
in poultry – Cobb Vantress and Hendrix Genetics –
form alliance
In a press release today, Cobb-Vantress and Hendrix Genetics have
announced that they will form an alliance to strengthen Cobb’s
leading position in the broiler breeding industry and Hendrix’
leading positions in egglayer, turkey and swine genetics and to
enable the two to explore other joint venture opportunities.
Poultry News
US:
Maryland poultry farms to be policed
Maryland State Administration is proposing regulations that would
for the first time allow the state's environmental agency to police
pollution from the Eastern Shore's huge poultry industry.
U.S.
Department of Commerce Secretary to Speak at IPE / IFE 2008
ATLANTA - The 2008 International Poultry Expo and International
Feed Expo will feature a presentation from U.S. Department of
Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez.
Poultry
Groups Welcome Release From Needless, Burdensome Paperwork Requirements
on Family Farmers and First Responders
WASHINGTON, Dec. 21 -- This is a joint statement by the National
Chicken Council, National Turkey Federation, and U.S. Poultry
& Egg Association on today's announcement from the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency.
December 21, 2007
Government News
USDA
Wants Chicken Farmers In Ark., Elsewhere To Take Precautions
The U.S. Department of Agriculture wants not only big poultry producers
like Tyson Foods but also the small farmers and hobbyists to guard
against the spread of disease among flocks.
U.S.D.A.
and partners racking up N.A.I.S. success
WASHINGTON ? As part of the National Animal Identification System’s
registration campaign, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection
Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture has 429,600 premises
registered nationwide. During the month of December, Nebraska
became the tenth state to register at least 50% of its total estimated
production agriculture premises under this system.
Industry News
Lonnie
Pilgrim to interim president at Pilgrim's Pride
DALLAS — The board of directors of Pilgrim's Pride Corp.
elected chairman Lonnie Ken Pilgrim as interim president following
the death of chief executive O.B. Goolsby Jr. earlier this week
Pilgrim's
Pride Corporation Mourns Death of President and Chief Executive
Officer O.B. Goolsby Jr.
PITTSBURG, Texas, Dec. 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Pilgrim's
Pride Corporation announced that O.B. Goolsby Jr., president and
chief executive officer, today passed away after suffering a massive
stroke last Saturday while on a hunting trip in south Texas. Mr.
Goolsby was 60 years old.
Poultry News
FSIS
administrator to address IPE attendees (free registration required)
At this year's International Poultry Expo, USDA's Food Safety
and Inspection Service Administrator Alfred Alamanza will address
attendees in a presentation presented by POULTRY magazine.
December 14, 2007
**None submitted**
December 7, 2007
Government News
USDA
Offers Food Safety Tips For Mailing Food Gifts This Holiday Season
WASHINGTON, Dec. 6, 2007 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture
(USDA) understands that many Americans enjoy cooking foods that
are family favorites and mailing these items to family and friends.
Others choose to order food from catalogs, over the Internet or
by phone. So the gift is in the mail, but is it safe?
Meeting News
IPE
educational sessions to feature FSIS administrator, chefs and
more (free registration required)
At the 2008 International Poultry Expo in Atlanta, POULTRY magazine,
along with its sister publications Plate magazine and CarneTec.com,
will present a variety of educational seminars on topics from
food safety to menu trends.
December 2, 2007
News from Around the Southeast
Proposal
to burn manure may return
If Maryland moves forward with a chicken manure-burning electric
power plant, a British company could revive its plans to build
the facility on the Eastern Shore.
Tyson
Ordered to Change Poultry Labels
The Agriculture Department has told Tyson Foods it may no longer
use a “raised without antibiotics” label to some of
its fresh poultry products. USDA told Tyson it made a mistake
when it approved the company’s use of the label earlier
this year.
Poultry
officials discuss water conservation
ATHENS -- An official of the U.S. Poultry and Egg Association
said water conservation in the poultry industry has taken on a
new importance because of the drought.
Avian Influenza News
BirdFlu2008:
Avian Influenza and Human Health conference, UK
Registration for the first international conference on avian influenza
- BirdFlu2008: Avian Influenza and Human Health - at Oxford (UK)
is now open.
Study
says wild birds unlikely to bring H5N1 to Americas
(CIDRAP News) – An analysis of influenza viruses collected
from North American migratory birds over a 6-year period suggests
that wild birds rarely carry avian flu viruses between Eurasia
and North America, implying that the risk of the deadly H5N1 virus
reaching the Americas by that route is probably low.
Industry News
Food
Outlook Global Market Analysis - Poultry Meat
By FAO. Rebounding demand together with tight supplies and rising
production costs sustain meat prices in 2007
Poultry News
FACT
SHEET: Terms & Labels
Turkey Terms and Labels Describing Various Production Methods
Poultry
groups sign workplace-safety agreement with OSHA (free registration
required)
Under terms of an agreement signed Thursday, companies in the
chicken and turkey industries will work together with the U.S.
Labor Department's Occupational Safety & Health Administration
to implement a new alliance on worker safety, especially concerning
machinery hazards, the National Chicken Council and National Turkey
Federation jointly announced.
NTF
Chairman Celebrates 60th Anniversary of Presenting the U.S. President
with the National Thanksgiving Turkey
President George W. Bush today “pardoned” the National
Thanksgiving Turkey in a White House Ceremony, as he and National
Turkey Federation (NTF) Chairman Ted Seger celebrated the 60th
anniversary of the first modern National Thanksgiving Turkey presentation
News
from American Egg Board
USPOULTRY
names new institute VP (free registration required)
The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association has named Paul Pressley
vice president of the Poultry & Egg Institute.
November 9, 2007
News from Around the Southeast
Over
200 positive for TB at US poultry plant
It has been reported that approx. 28% of the 765 employees screened
for tuberculosis at Wayne Farms LLC's poultry processing facilities
in Decatur, Alabama, have tested positive.
Avian Influenza News
Avian
Influenza Vaccinations: A Commentary Focusing on H5N1 High Pathogenicity
Avian Influenza
(CAST Commentary), that discuss the science of avian influenza
vaccination and the art of controlling avian influenza. A Special
Report (Avian Influenza Vaccines: Focusing on H5N1 High Pathogenicity
Avian Influenza (HPAI), with a Comprehensive Bibliography) also
offers an analysis of previous AI vaccine campaigns. Link can
be found at http://www.cast-science.org/ [Paid subscription for
the special report]
Poultry News
San
Antonio To Host Next National Chicken Cooking Contest; New Structure
Announced
San Antonio, Texas, will be the site of the 48th National Chicken
Cooking Contest (NCCC), newly revised by the National Chicken
Council, sponsor of the Contest, to allow more contestants to
win cash prizes for their favorite chicken recipes. The Cook-Off
will take place on May 2, 2009 at the Center for Foods of the
Americas, a branch of the Culinary Institute of America located
in San Antonio.
USPOULTRY
names new president (free registration required)
The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association board of directors has
selected John Starkey to become the association's new president,
effective Dec. 1.
University News
CORRECTION-
The article pertaining to the late Dr Thaxton mistakenly uses
the first name of John instead of James
Mississippi
State University names new head of poultry program (free registration
required)
Mississippi State University announced that Michael T. Kidd has
assumed duties as head of the school's department of poultry science.
November 2, 2007
Government News
FSIS
Final Rule Allows Chile to Export Poultry and Poultry Products
to the U.S.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 30, 2007 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's
Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) today announced that
the country of Chile will be allowed to export poultry and poultry
products, processed in certified establishments within Chile,
to the United States effective December 3, 2007.
Poultry News
NCC
Sees Little Impact from Rule Allowing Chile To Export Poultry
And Poultry Products To The United States
The U.S. chicken industry expects no more than minimal impact
from the action of the U.S. government in allowing Chile to ship
poultry and poultry products to the United States. USDA estimates
that Chilean exports to the U.S. will amount to no more than 12,000
metric tons of boneless breast meat, which is less than one percent
of U.S. production of boneless breast meat. Whether Chile will
actually be able to sell even that much in this country remains
to be seen, the National Chicken Council said.
Choose
Chicken for a Weight Control Diet
The National Chicken Council continues to support the advice given
by the U.S. government, doctors, nutritionists and dietitians
for many years: chicken, turkey, fish, and lean meat can anchor
a diet low in fat to control body weight and maintain good health.
October 26, 2007
News from Around the Southeast
Poultry
industry faces drought challenge
Top executives of the Georgia Poultry Federation met privately
Wednesday with representatives of the Georgia Environmental Protection
Division to discuss with the city of Gainesville the possible
impact of a 10 percent reduction in water use announced Tuesday
by Gov. Sonny Perdue.
Russia
has local firms on banned poultry list
Russia has said "nyet" to American chicken from 22 U.S.
producers and wholesalers, including two in Montgomery. But the
local economy probably won't feel any impact.
Industry News
Poultry
industry safety record best ever: report (free registration required)
The rate at which injuries and illnesses occur among poultry processing
workers in the United States has reached its lowest level ever
and is below the rate found in food manufacturing in general,
according to newly published data from the U.S. Department of
Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Other Organizations' News
Poultry
Industry Safety Record Is Best Ever, According to Federal Report
The rate at which injuries and illnesses occur among poultry
processing workers in the U.S. has reached its lowest level ever
and is below the rate found in food manufacturing in general and
not far below manufacturing as a whole, according to data just
published by the U.S. Department of Labor´s Bureau of Labor
Statistics.
USPOULTRY
announces new educational initiative (free registration required)
The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association has formed The Poultry
& Egg Institute, a new initiative within the association.
University News
Admired
professor dies of cancer
John Paul Thaxton Jr., a professor of poultry science at Mississippi
State, died Wednesday at his home after losing a battle to cancer.
October 19, 2007
News From Around the Southeast
Tuberculosis
scare at local poultry plant
A number of people who work at the Wayne Farms Chicken Plant in
Decatur have been undergoing testing for tuberculosis. So what
are the results of those tests?
Avian Influenza News
Structure
Of Influenza B Virus Protein Gives Clues To Next Pandemic
Science Daily — Determining the structure of a protein called
hemagglutinin on the surface of influenza B is giving researchers
at Baylor College of Medicine and Rice University in Houston clues
as to what kinds of mutations could spark the next flu pandemic.
Poultry News
Electricity
from poultry fat for Texas
Renewables Corp. has announced that it has begun supplying fuel
for the nation's first 100% biodiesel powered electricity generating
turbine plant in Conroe, Texas.
Poultry
manure power plant in opetion
Apparently approx. 100 semi-truck loads of turkey manure per day
provides enough fuel to power 40,000 homes in Minnesota at the
nation's first turkey litter fired power plant.
October 12, 2007
News From Around the Southeast
Burn
poultry litter? That's an offal idea
It's often been said that if life hands you a lemon, make lemonade.
A Harrison company has taken the position that if life gives you
poultry litter, make heating fuel. It's an idea that could save
poultry growers a lot of money.
Avian Influenza News
Avian
Flu -- 1918 and Today -- Protein Enhances Lethality Of Virus
Science Daily — Often called the most devastating epidemic
in the recorded history of the world, the 1918 influenza virus
pandemic was responsible for more than 40 million deaths across
the globe. The incredible lethality of the 1918 flu strain is
not well understood, despite having been under intense scrutiny
for many years. Now, a new study published by Cell Press in the
October issue of the journal Cell Host & Microbe unravels
some of the mystery surrounding the devastating 1918 pandemic
and provides key information that will help prepare for future
pandemics.
Influenza:
Insights Into Cell Specificity Of Human Vs. Avian Viruses
Science Daily — Researchers have identified which sites
and cell types within the respiratory tract are targeted by human
versus avian influenza viruses, providing valuable insights into
the pathogenesis of these divergent diseases.
Industry News
Tyson
restructuring management, poultry group head resigns (free registration
required)
Springdale, Ark.-based Tyson Foods Inc. on Wednesday announced
25-year Tyson veteran and Senior Group Vice President of Poultry
and Prepared Foods Bill Lovette has resigned.
Poultry News
THANKSGIVING
WINE WISDOM AT www.EatTurkey.com
National Turkey Federation (NTF) is making Thanksgiving preparation
less complicated with a consumer guide to preparing a perfect
holiday turkey and selecting wines to accompany the meal at its
Web site, www.EatTurkey.com. Whether a “first-timer”
or one who has prepared countless Thanksgiving meals, a little
extra assistance is always welcome.
Ethanol:
Is the boom busting? And what happens to feed costs if it is?
(free registration required)
Two words usually follow "boom" – "town"
or "bust." In the case of the ethanol boom, which has
brought grief to meat and poultry producers and processors in
the form of skyrocketing feed grain prices, an evident bust in
ethanol prices may be good news indeed. Or not.
Polyclonal
antibodies developed in transgenic chickens
Origen Therapeutics in the US has been awarded a $2m (€1.4m)
three-year grant from the National Institute of Standards and
Technology (NIST) to develop human polyclonal antibodies by creating
genetically modified chickens.
October 5, 2007
News from Around the Southeast
Tyson
lifts per-pound pay for poultry
Tyson Foods Inc. has begun to raise per-pound payments for a group
of contract chicken farmers who supply processing plants in Green
Forest and Berryville, company officials said.
Avian Influenza News
Tamiflu
survives sewage treatment
UMEA, Sweden, Oct. 3 (UPI) -- Swedish researchers say oseltamivir
in Tamiflu, used to prevent influenza, is not degraded in sewage
treatment, which might make it less effective.
Government News
USDA
likely to publish salmonella instances online (free registration
required)
Arlington, Va. — USDA will likely publish the salmonella
statuses of poultry plants online, Acting Agriculture Secretary
Chuck Conner told the National Chicken Council annual conference
here Thursday.
Industry News
Tyson
Foods receives POULTRY's Industry Innovator award (free registration
required)
Arlington, Va. — Tyson Foods Inc., the nation's largest
protein processor, was honored by POULTRY magazine here Thursday
for its outstanding commitment to new product development through
combining culinary arts and food science.
Other Organizations' News
Welch
Named Chairman of National Chicken Council; Roberts is Vice Chairman;
Goolsby Named Secretary-Treasurer
Mike Welch, president and chief executive officer of Harrison
Poultry, Bethlehem, Georgia, was installed today as Chairman of
the National Chicken Council, the trade association for the chicken
production and processing industry. Michael Roberts, president
of the Food Products Group of Perdue Farms, Inc., Salisbury, Maryland,
took office as Vice Chairman, and O.B. Goolsby, Jr., president
and chief executive officer of Pilgrim´s Pride Corporation,
Pittsburg, Texas, became Secretary-Treasurer.
New
Members Elected to National Chicken Council Executive Committee
and Board of Directors
New elected members of the National Chicken Council’s Executive
Committee and Board of Directors were announced at the trade association’s
Annual Conference here today.
National
Turkey Federation Web site honored (free registration required)
The National Turkey Federation (NTF) was recognized by the Web
Marketing Association in the 2007 International Web Award competition
for the creation and development of its Web site, EatTurkey.com.
September 28, 2007
News from Around the Southeast
Pilgrim's
Pride poultry growers squeezed
Many poultry growers are pushing for an increase in the amount
they are paid from poultry giant Pilgrim's Pride Corp.
Avian Influenza News
Detecting
Bird Flu: New Lab-on-chip Identifies H5N1 In Thirty Minutes
Science Daily — Researchers have successfully developed
a miniaturized device that can be used to detect the highly pathogenic
avian flu (H5N1) virus.
Government News
FSIS
releases directive on post-mortem livestock inspection (free registration
required)
The Food and Safety Inspection Service has released a new directive
on post-mortem livestock inspection.
Poultry News
Checking
Poultry Genes For Disease
US - Research funded by the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association
studied the functional genomic and DNA microarray approach to
identify key innate immunity genes as a novel selection method
to identify chickens with increased resistance to disease.
September 17, 2007
Government News
U.S.D.A.
launches food safety web site (free registration required)
WASHINGTON The Agricultural Research Service (A.R.S.) of the U.S.
Department of Agriculture has launched a web portal featuring
predictive microbiology modeling software designed to assist food
processors in their food safety decision-making process.
Other Organizations' News
NCC
Comment on Immigration Enforcement Announcement
"The nation's chicken companies are committed to full compliance
with applicable federal employment laws, and they work hard to
verify an applicant’s eligibility to work. Companies must
also be careful to avoid unlawful discrimination. The regulation
mentioned today was published in draft form over a year ago and
therefore comes as no surprise. Companies will continue to fulfill
their obligations under the law."
News
from AEB
September 14, 2007
News From Around the Southeast
Poultry
Plant May Close Permanently
TIFTON, Ga. (AP) -- A controversial plant that converts waste from
poultry processors has been ordered to shut down days after a massive
grease fire earlier this week.
Poultry News
Ample
supply of turkeys this Thanksgiving
U.S.
Poultry : Broiler production is expected to grow by an average
of 1.6% annually from 2007to2016
Lower chicken prices in the first half of 2006 led to a decline
in production relative to a year ago for the final two quarters
of 2006, a rarity for the industry. Though output prices have
recovered, producers are showing caution in the face of higher
feed costs, limiting production growth in 2007. Broiler production
is expected to grow by an average of 1.6% annually from 2007 to
2016, relative to 3.1% growth from 1997 to 2006.
USDA reduces forecast of corn use for ethanol (free registration required)
USDA cut its forecast of how much U.S. corn will be used for
ethanol production in the marketing year that began Sept. 1, 2007
to 3.3 billion bushels from last month's forecast of 3.4 billion
bushels.
Bacteria
Inside Red Mites Could Be Targeted To Control Poultry Pests
Science Daily — Bacteria which live symbiotically inside
the blood-sucking pests called red poultry mites could be a new
and effective target to prevent the spread of Salmonella and similar
pathogens in chickens, turkeys and other table birds, according
to scientists.*
September 10, 2007
Avian Influenza News
Scientists
Not Sure Whether Wild Birds Are Carrying Avian Influenza Virus
Researchers say studies do not confirm whether wild birds are
carriers of the H5N1 bird flu virus. VOA's Luis Ramirez reports
from Bangkok, where experts are gathering this week to figure
out better ways to track how the disease is spreading.
Government News
KNIGHT
ANNOUNCES CINDY SMITH AS ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ANIMAL AND PLANT
HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE
WASHINGTON, Sept. 5, 2007—Bruce Knight, undersecretary
for marketing and regulatory programs, today announced the appointment
of Cindy J. Smith as administrator of the Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service.
Industry News
Tyson
Foods named POULTRY magazine's 2007 Industry Innovator Award winner
(free registration required)
Tyson Foods Inc. has been selected to receive POULTRY magazine's
2007 Industry Innovator Award, which honors excellence in the
U.S. poultry industry in the areas of innovation, business success,
leadership and industry contributions.
Poultry News
Is
the US poultry industry coping in heat wave?
Extremely high temperatures have embraced much of the US, particularly
in the south. These searing temperatures are proving to have serious
consequences. How is the country's poultry industry managing?
Next
in biofuels: Poultry power
Poultry poop is a serious ecological problem in Virginia. So is
the burning of fossil fuels.
August 31, 2007
Avian Influenza News
The
North American plan for avian and pandemic influenza
The Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America has published
a new pandemic planning document, ‘The North American plan
for avian and pandemic influenza.
Government News
New
Deputy Administrator of USDA Poultry Programs.
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural
Marketing Service (AMS) today announced the selection of Rex A.
Barnes as the new Deputy Administrator of AMS’ Poultry Programs.
Poultry News
5
ways to avoid foodborne illness at your Labor Day barbecue
August 23, 2007
News From Around the Southeast
Poultry
Profits Haven't Reached Growers
Tyson Foods' top performing breeder operations in Hempstead County
can barely make ends meet in the face of inflationary pressures
that have stripped the businesses of positive cash flow.
Poultry litter turned into bio-oil
BLACKSBURG, Va., Aug. 20 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists are developing
portable pyrolysis units that can convert poultry litter into
bio-oil in a system that addresses biosecurity issues.
Hot weather a poultry concern
BALDWIN - When Tom Hensley's chickens get hot in a heat wave
like the one we're sweltering thru now, he uses computers and
hydrating cool-cell technology to help save his investment.
Fed up of the wet weather? Spare a thought for Mississippi poultry
workers enduring 100F
Poultry flocks, livestock, crops and workers are currently struggling
through the hottest days of the Mississippi summer and yesterday
saw temperatures top 100F (38C).
Government News
U.S.D.A. proposes changes to poultry contract regulations
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s
Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA)
proposed changes to regulations governing poultry contracts. The proposed amendments
require poultry companies deliver a copy of an offered contract to growers in a timely manner.
F.S.I.S. launches 'askFSIS'
WASHINGTON — The Food Safety and Inspection Service has
launched askFSIS, a new feature of its web site designed to answer
technical and policy questions regarding inspection and public health regulations
24 hours a day. The new addition to the agency’s web site
is designed to inform a business audience rather than directly focusing on consumers’ concerns.
Poultry News
Poultry litter turned into bio-oil
BLACKSBURG, Va., Aug. 20 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists are developing
portable pyrolysis units that can convert poultry litter into
bio-oil in a system that addresses biosecurity issues.
August 17, 2007
News From Around the Southeast
Poultry
demonstration facility making progress
Equipment is arriving and being installed in two new commercial-sized
broiler houses at a poultry demonstration facility at the Louisiana
State University AgCenter Hill Farm Research Station at Homer,
La., which is moving closer to completion.
Poultry association meeting focused on food safety
Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle told poultry industry officials on Wednesday
that the state of Georgia places a high priority on maintaining
food safety
Poultry plant plans to go automated
Equity Group Eufaula Division is planning to go automated, and
it's asking the Barbour County Commission for help.
Growers
scratching out a living
BERRYVILLE — More than a hundred Northwest Arkansas poultry
farmers are lobbying Tyson Foods Inc. for contractual agreements
that give them more money, a response to what they call years
of inaction by the meat giant amid skyrocketing business costs.
Waste
violations may lead to fines for poultry breeder
A Pike County poultry breeder farm has been quarantined and the
owner faces possible fines from the Alabama Department of Environment
Management stemming from waste violations.
Avian Influenza News
Preparing
for Pandemic Influenza With Emergency Kit
North Georgia health officials want residents to prepare for
a possible pandemic flu by packing an emergency kit.
Emergency preparedness director Ron Hernandez says if an illness
such as the avian flu struck, it would affect people worldwide.
Hernandez: "Many public services and stores will be closed
and you will not be able to get out to buy anything nor will
supply be moving back to re-supply stores because of the rate
of illness."
Hernandez says important items for your kit include canned food,
bottled water, medications and of course a manual can opener.
Here's a complete listing of items you might need:
• Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, vegetables, and soups
• Protein or fruit bars
• Dry cereal or granola
• Peanut butter or nuts
• Dried fruit
• Crackers
• Canned juices
• Bottled water
• Baby food and formula
• Pet food
• Other nonperishable foods
• Prescribed medical supplies
• Cleansing agent/soap
• Medicines for fever
• Thermometer
• Anti-diarrheal medication
• Vitamins
• Fluids with electrolytes
• Flashlight
• Batteries
• Portable radio
• Manual can opener
• Garbage bags
• Toilet tissue and disposable diapers
• Personal protective equipment
Scientists
Target Future Pandemic Strains Of H5N1 Avian Influenza
Science Daily — Preparing vaccines and therapeutics that
target a future mutant strain of H5N1 influenza virus sounds
like science fiction, but it may be possible, according to a
team of scientists at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious
Diseases (NIAID), a component of the National Institutes of Health
(NIH), and a collaborator at Emory University School of Medicine.
Success hinges on anticipating and predicting the crucial mutations
that would help the virus spread easily from person to person.
Poultry News
Medicinal
plants to treat poultry diseases
Farmers are opening up to the idea of using herbs to treat poultry
diseases, and many poultry farmers know just how to do this.
The new US trend: the cage-free egg
Apparently, the latest trend in the US food world is the cage-free
egg.
August 10, 2007
News From Around the Southeast
Hot
enough to roast turkeys
With weather reaching proverbial extremes of heat for the third
day in a row, popular idioms were frequently tossed around: hotter
than hell, sweating like a pig, frying eggs on the sidewalk.
Avian Influenza News
Cinnamon
helps fight against bird flu
Technology has been created whereby cinnamon extract is used as
an air disinfectant against bird flu in airports, or as a daily
supplement that protects people against the common flu.
Organizations' News
News
from the AEB
August 4, 2007
Avian Influenza News
USDA
develops teaching resource "understanding avian influenza"
Educators nationwide now have an additional information resource
for teaching high school biology students about avian influenza,
specifically highly pathogenic H5N1. The Understanding Avian Influenza
lesson plan and instructor's guide were offered by the U.S. Department
of Agriculture's Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension
Service May 22. The lesson explains to students the many reasons
why they should know about the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza
virus that currently is spreading overseas and what it would mean
if it is detected in the United States.
Scientist doubts efforts to detect avian flu in U.S
ORONO, Maine - A potential avian flu pandemic may have slipped
from the headlines, but the threat is still very real. And one
leading expert worries that U.S. efforts to detect the deadly avian flu strain
may be subpar.
Government News
The
USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service has scheduled a Public
Meeting for August 7, 2007
Food Safety Inspection at Poultry Processing Facilities - The
USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service has scheduled a Public
Meeting for
August 7, 2007 in Arlington Virginia " ... to discuss
public health based inspection in poultry slaughter to address
Campylobacter, Salmonella,
and other issues of public health
concern. FSIS is seeking public input on the ideas, concepts,
data, and analyses it will use to form the basis of
a technical
plan. The public meeting will afford FSIS and its stakeholders
an opportunity to discuss the rationale and process for the
Agency's
enhanced approach, as well as the background leading up to its
current thinking on the concept ..."
Industry News
Tyson launches Web site to promote chicken raised without antibiotics
(free registration required)
PURAC America Inc Springdale, Ark.-based Tyson Foods Inc. has
launched a new interactive Web site to promote the company's
new line of 100 percent All Natural Fresh Chicken Raised Without Antibiotics
Other Organizations' News
USPOULTRY VP retires (free registration required)
The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association has announced that Larry
Brown, vice president of education programs, will retire in September
after 30 years with the Tucker, Ga.-based association.
Poultry News
More farms find unlikely power source: manure (free registration
required)
An increasing number of U.S. farms are converting manure into
electricity and reducing the smell in the process.
Local farmers invent furnace that burns hay to heat poultry
houses
DIAMOND, Mo. — Six large chicken houses south of Diamond
are being heated by burning hay bales.
July 27, 2007
News From Around the Southeast
Georgia Poultry Laboratory Network get new executive director
OAKWOOD - Dr. Louise Dufour-Zavala has been named Executive Director
of the Georgia Poultry Laboratory Network.
Avian Influenza News
How Would The Avian Influenza Virus Be Transmitted In Human Households?
Science Daily — Recent outbreaks of emerging diseases such
as SARS and H5N1 avian influenza have underlined the fact that
animal pathogens may acquire the ability to spread efficiently in humans
-- but as yet have not.
Researchers warn H5N1 reassortment can occur beyond winter months
Jul 25, 2007 (CIDRAP News) – World health experts have
been working under a general assumption that a feared reassortment
between human and avian influenza viruses—a scenario that could
spark a pandemic—might only occur during a short winter
interval, but researchers who recently examined virus circulation patterns warn that time
frames for coinfection are wider and sometimes unpredictable.
Government News
Court Upholds Air Emissions Agreements
WASHINGTON,DC - The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) has
welcomed a federal court decision to dismiss challenges to the
validity of air emissions agreements between the Environmental Protection
Agency and livestock and poultry operations.
EPA Extends Clean Water Deadlines for Animal Feeding Operations
US - To respond properly to citizen comment on a federal court
order, EPA today announced a final rule extending certain compliance
deadlines from July 31, 2007 to Feb. 27, 2009 for concentrated animal
feeding operations (CAFOs).
FSIS to discuss possible changes to slaughterhouse inspections
(free registration required)
Among other topics, USDA's Food Safety Inspection Service will
discuss potential changes to how it inspects slaughter plants
at a public meeting on Aug. 7 in Arlington, Va.
Industry News
Pilgrim's Pride names new chairman
Pilgrim's Pride Corp. on Thursday announced that Lonnie Ken Pilgrim
was elected chairman of the Pittsburg, Texas-based poultry
processor, succeeding his father, Lonnie Bo Pilgrim, who was named senior
chairman and remains on the company's board.
Anti-antibiotics (free registration required)
When the National Chicken Council gathers at Incline Village
in Nevada from July 15-17 for the organization’s annual
Marketing Conference, the announcement last month by Tyson Foods that it will phase out
use of antibiotics in poultry production will likely dominate
many a workshop and hallway discussion.
Poultry News
First-of-its-kind IBDV test in poultry
Ohio State University's Center for Diagnostic Assays (CDA) has
developed a test for the detection of very virulent infectious
bursal disease virus (vvIBDV) in poultry flocks.
June 29, 2007
Avian Influenza News
Experts
meet on bird flu threat
Scientists from around the globe are meeting in Aviemore to
consider the latest ways of combating the threat of avian flu.
Industry News
Tyson
launches renewable fuels joint venture (free registration required)
Springdale, Ark.-based Tyson Foods Inc. on Monday announced
it will form a joint
Poultry News
European Union tightens up food safety
EUROPE: Almost half of the rapid-alert system notifications
in Europe concern imports rejected at EU border.
Campylobacter cases in poultry are beginning to fall
According to experts within the poultry industry, measures
introduced in 2006 to reduce the level of campylobacter infection
on chicken farms and processing plants may be starting to have
an impact.
Safe food practices keep Fourth fun
Tips for keeping the Fourth illness free.
June 22, 2007
Alabama and Surrounding States News
New
vent system could help poultry farmers' bottom line
ATHENS - Scientists at the University of Georgia say they have
developed a new ventilation system for poultry houses that should
save poultry farmers a good bit of money.
Avian Influenza News
New
pocket geography may point toward better avian flu drugs
Amid heightened concern over a possible epidemic of bird flu in
humans, scientists in the United States and Taiwan are reporting
critical new insights into the architecture of a key enzyme in
the H5N1 avian influenza virus that enables the virus to spread.
Analysis:
Bird flu fears reignited
TORONTO, June 19 (UPI) -- While the threat of a bird flu pandemic
continues to hang over the world, authorities in the United Kingdom
now believe a second strain of avian flu -- previously considered
of little human risk -- does indeed pose a real danger to people.
Government News
USDA
gives the boot to certain organic ingredients (free registration
required)
As a result of a new USDA rule, organic products containing certain
non-organic minor ingredients are in non-compliance with organic
certification — at least for now.
Industry News
With
Avian Flu Behind Brazil's Chicken Exports Grow 85%
Brazil exported around US$ 400 million in chicken meat during
the month of May, an increase of 84.9% over the same month last
year, according to information disclosed in São Paulo yesterday,
June 18, by the Brazilian Poultry Exporters Association (Abef).
Tyson
fresh chicken goes antibiotic free
SPRINGDALE, ARK. — Tyson Foods announced many of its fresh
chicken products will be marketed under the Tyson brand and prominently
feature the phrase "chicken raised without antibiotics"
on the label.
Poultry News
Chicken
litter could be 'green'
One day, the truckloads of chicken manure that Donald Johnson
spreads on his pasture could instead be turning on the lights
in Iredell County.
June 15, 2007
Industry News
Aviagen
supports future research for the poultry industry
Aviagen's sponsored PhD students recently participated in a seminar
in Edinburgh where they updated Aviagen’s research, veterinary
and technical teams on their research plans and progress.
Poultry News
NCC
Urges Congress to Restore Balance In Food-Fuel Equation
WASHINGTON -- May 17, 2007 -- Congress should restore the balance
between food and fuel in the nation&squo;s energy policy,
according to Bill Roenigk, senior vice president and chief economist
of the National Chicken Council, commenting on the Iowa State
University on biofuels released here today:
News
from AEB
Chicken
of the Sea: Poultry may have reached Americas via Polynesia
Thor Heyerdahl got it backwards. More than 40 years ago, the late
explorer proposed that the Inca or their predecessors voyaged
from South America to Polynesia by raft. On the contrary, a new
study indicates that Polynesian seafarers reached what's now Chile
by about 620 years ago. That conclusion hinges on the first evidence
of when chickens arrived in the Americas.
June 8, 2007
Avian Influenza News
FDA
Finalizes Guidance for Pandemic and Seasonal Influenza Vaccines
ROCKVILLE, MD -- June 1, 2007 -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) today issued final recommendations to increase the supply
of safe and effective influenza vaccines for both seasonal and
pandemic use.
Human
antibodies protect mice from avian flu
VietNamNet Bridge - An international team of scientists have used
antibodies derived from immune cells from recent human survivors
of H5N1 avian influenza to successfully treat H5N1-infected mice
and perhaps lay the building blocks for a potential cure for the
virus.
USDA
releases avian influenza education materials (free registration
required)
USDA has introduced Understanding Avian Influenza, a lesson plan
for use in schools around the country aimed at helping American
young people understand highly pathogenic AI.
Government News
National
Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods to Hold
Public Meetings
WASHINGTON, May 30, 2007 - The Food Safety and Inspection Service
(FSIS) announced today that the National Advisory Committee on
Microbiological Criteria for Foods (NACMCF) will hold public meetings
June 4 - 8, 2007.
Ethanol
Reshapes the Corn Market
The expanding U.S. ethanol sector is stimulating demand for corn,
but alternatives to corn may dampen that demand.
Industry News
Grills
sizzled over Memorial Day weekend
UNITED STATES: Hamburgers and hot dogs topped list of most popular
grilling items
Other Organizations' News
NCC
Urges Congress to Restore Balance In Food-Fuel Equation
WASHINGTON -- May 17, 2007 -- Congress should restore the balance
between food and fuel in the nation&squo;s energy policy,
according to Bill Roenigk, senior vice president and chief economist
of the National Chicken Council, commenting on the Iowa State
University on biofuels released here today:
News
from AEB
Poultry News
Homeland
security rules coming down hard on poultry farms
Yet another unintended consequence has emerged from federal homeland
security regulations, and this one threatens the daily well being
of the huge Delmarva Peninsula poultry industry.
Polynesians
linked to poultry population
Prehistoric Polynesians, not European voyagers, may have brought
chickens to the Americas, according to new research from The University
of Auckland’s Department of Anthropology which has been
published in the June 4 edition of journal, Proceedings of the
National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).
Eastern
Shore on short list for poultry litter fueled plant
SALISBURY — The company that next month will launch the
country’s first poultry-waste-fueled power plant has said
the Lower Shore would be an excellent location for its next plant.
May 25, 2007
Alabama and Surrounding State News
Georgia
poultry official opposes immigration plan
UNDATED - The president of the South Georgia based United Poultry
Growers Association says poultry farms would be forced out of
business if Congress passes the current version of the immigration
reform bill.
Avian Influenza News
Countries
succeeding against avian influenza: OIE
FRANCE: Today, most countries overcome avian influenza outbreaks
when they occur.
May 18, 2007
Avian Influenza News
Avian
Flu High On World Health Assembly Agenda
The issue of sharing research data on avian influenza is shaping
up to be the most controversial and potentially damaging item
on this year's agenda of the World Health Assembly. The annual
assembly of 193 governments, which opens in Geneva on Monday,
