MSD AH to showcase science-driven solutions at IPVS

//30 May 2012
MSD Animal Health’s commitment to developing, science-driven solutions for healthy livestock will be clearly evident at the 22nd International Pig Veterinary Society (IPVS) congress in Jeju, South Korea, 10-13 June.
During the three-day conference, MSD Animal Health researchers and swine-health specialists will make 18 presentations on a wide range of swine-production topics, including reproductive management, parasite control and effective strategies for managing porcine circovirus and PRRS.

As an Industry Partner, the highest level of congress sponsorship, MSD Animal Health will also host a satellite symposium on Tuesday, 12 June at 17.00, to present studies with Zuprevo (tildipirosin), a new injectable antimicrobial for swine respiratory disease, and three of the company’s field-proven vaccines — CircumventPCV, Porcilis PCV and Porcilis PRRS. The event is open to all registered attendees of the IPVS congress. Additional information will be available at the MSD Animal Health exhibit.

For more information, veterinarians should contact their local MSD Animal Health representative or visit msd-animal-health.com

MSD AH to showcase science-driven solutions at IPVS

//30 May 2012
MSD Animal Health’s commitment to developing, science-driven solutions for healthy livestock will be clearly evident at the 22nd International Pig Veterinary Society (IPVS) congress in Jeju, South Korea, 10-13 June.
During the three-day conference, MSD Animal Health researchers and swine-health specialists will make 18 presentations on a wide range of swine-production topics, including reproductive management, parasite control and effective strategies for managing porcine circovirus and PRRS.

As an Industry Partner, the highest level of congress sponsorship, MSD Animal Health will also host a satellite symposium on Tuesday, 12 June at 17.00, to present studies with Zuprevo (tildipirosin), a new injectable antimicrobial for swine respiratory disease, and three of the company’s field-proven vaccines — CircumventPCV, Porcilis PCV and Porcilis PRRS. The event is open to all registered attendees of the IPVS congress. Additional information will be available at the MSD Animal Health exhibit.

For more information, veterinarians should contact their local MSD Animal Health representative or visit msd-animal-health.com

Colombia reports two swine deaths by Anthrax

//30 May 2012
Colombia has reported to the OIE an anthrax outbreak in the north of the country, in the La Guajira province in the town of Manaure on the Caribbean coast.
Laboratory analysis undertaken by the National Veterinary Diagnostic Lab in Bogata confirmed positive results for the Bacillus anthracis pathogen in sheep and goats from the ingenous community to whom the affected population belongs. Among the goats and sheep, six pigs are present, two of which have died. The OIE report mentions among the stricken a person with skin lesions.

The epidemic is ongoing and normal control measures are being followed: quarantine, control of movement within the country, and vaccination of the susceptible species. The community has been further instructed on the disposal protocol, and warned against eating or handling the dead animals.

MSD AH product gets approval in Europe

//31 May 2012
MSD Animal Health (known as Merck Animal Health in the USA and Canada) recently obtained regulatory approval in 21 European countries for Cobactan LA 7.5% (cefquinome) - a new-generation, injectable antimicrobial for the treatment of swine respiratory disease (SRD).
“Cobactan LA 7.5% is a long-acting version of our highly effective Cobactan 2.5%,” said Raul Berro, DVM, global marketing director swine at MSD Animal Health. “Its longer duration of action means greater compliance for swine producers with fewer injections and less stress to the animals, without sacrificing performance.”

The long-acting antibiotic formulation is effective against three major SRD pathogens in growing and finishing pigs — Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, Haemophilus parasuis and Pasteurella multocida.

Considered the most important threat to the swine industry worldwide, SRD causes increased mortality, decreased weight gain and increased feed consumption. Recent research data show SRD is responsible for up to 44.2 percent of nursery deaths and 61.1 percent of grow/finish deaths.

Berro explained that Cobactan LA 7.5% requires only two intramuscular injections 48 hours apart, compared to Cobactan 2.5%, which requires three daily injections. The recommended dose rate is 1 mL (3 mg cefquinome) per 25 kg bodyweight. The product is available in 50-ml, 100-ml and 250-ml glass vials.

“Cobactan LA 7.5% also has a short withdrawal period of seven days,” Berro added. “This makes the injectable product also safe to use throughout the finishing period for the treatment of SRD.”

The use of Cobactan LA 7.5% should be according to established responsible use guidelines and strictly according to the label instructions where specific restrictions apply to this class of antibiotics.

The development of Cobactan LA 7.5% is the latest product in the field-proven line of COBACTAN products for swine, cattle and horses. Since its introduction in 1994, Cobactan has proven to be an effective, fast-acting antimicrobial.

For more information: MSD AH

Largest pig complex in Russia to be constructed

//31 May 2012
Agro-industrial holding Bio-tone has announced plans to begin construction of a large pork production complex in September in Russia with the total investment amount of 18 billion roubles (US$ 510 million).
The new complex will produce 96 thousands tonnes of pork per year. The pig houses will be designed for 480 thousands pigs of simultaneous keeping. The new complex will be the largest in Russia.
The preliminary date of the project implementation is the middle of 2017. The complex will be constructed in the Samara region in the south-east of the European part of Russia.

It will be constructed with the support of the Russian Agricultural Bank (RAB) and the Government of the Samara Region. The complex will have a closed production cycle and only the most modern and advanced equipment, according to representatives of the project.

"The company will bring together all parts of the production cycle: feed mill, eight modules for pig growing and fattening, as well as facilities for the primary processing of products. The pig houses will be designed for the 480,000 animals. It will be the nation's largest high-tech pig-breeding complex," representatives of the company Bio-tone stated.

The complex will be built withstrong support from the state. The Agricultural Bank will provide investors with the full range its offerings, thus providing loans on the most attractive and concessionary terms.


(By Vladislav Vorotnikov)

Salmonella outbreaks traceable to mail-order chicks

//31 May 2012
The New England Journal of Medicine has published a study linking several US Salmonella outbreaks in the last eight years to a mail-order hatchery, Bloomberg reports.
The US Centers for Disease Control said that at least 316 people across 43 states has fallen ill due to salmonella infections traceable to the baby chicks sent from a mail-order hatchery. The mail-order hatchery industry, which is reporting record sales due to a boom of interest in raising backyard flocks and urban chickens, is becoming an important unwitting transmitter of sick birds.

The hatchery in question, not specifically named in the report, ships about four million birds per year. The hatchery has since taken advice and improved its biosecurity measures.

The added danger of backyard flocks and urban chickens is their increased exposure to wild animals, which could increase the dispersion of an outbreak.

The study in the NEJM studied the Salmonella outbreak that raged from 2004 to 2011, eight years spread across several states, sickening a broad age group (one month to 86 years). The study reports that the median age of those that fell ill, however, was four years.

The article is available at NEJM

Newcastle Disease reported in Italian region

//31 May 2012
The Italian veterinary authorities have reported an outbreak of Newcastle disease in Piemonte in the north of the country.
The outbreak involves pigeons kept in a backyard farm. Out of a total of 24 susceptible birds, eight cases were reported. While one death was recorded, the remaining seven affected birds were destroyed.

According to Chapter 10.9 of the OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code (2011), the notification of this outbreak does not change the Newcastle disease free status of Italy and should not affect trade of poultry and their products since the birds involved in this outbreak do not fall within the OIE definition of poultry.

The source of the outbreak has not been discovered.

Source: OIE

Betagro to build animal feed plant in Thailand

//28 May 2012
Betagro Group is planning to build a new animal feed plant in Lop Buri province of Thailand.
The project is part of Betago’s 3 billion baht (over €75 million) expansion plan of its food processing business this year.
The construction of the feed mill will be completed in the third quarter of this year. The output is split evenly between Betagro and outside customers.



Sales of Betagro Group this year are expected to reach €1.7 billion, up from €1.5 billion last year. Of the total, about 70% will come from the domestic market and the balance exports.


For overseas markets, about 55% of the products are exported to Europe and the remaining 45% to Japan.

Research: Treating poultry diseases without antibiotics

//30 May 2012
Identifying antimicrobial proteins in chickens that kill pathogens is one method being used by US Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists to find alternatives to the use of antibiotics to control infectious poultry diseases.
Each year, poultry diseases such as coccidiosis cause losses of more than $600 million in the United States and $3.2 billion worldwide.

Molecular biologist Hyun Lillehoj, at the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), the USDA's chief intramural scientific research agency, has dedicated her career to discovering how to produce poultry without using drugs. Her research includes enhancing innate immunity through genetics, and examining molecules produced by birds in response to enteric or intestinal pathogens.

Some molecules are host antimicrobial proteins that can kill pathogens, improve immune responses and promote the growth of beneficial gut bacterial populations in poultry, according to Lillehoj, who works in the ARS Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory in Beltsville, Maryland. She and her colleagues have identified one such immune molecule, called NK lysin.

Lillehoj and her colleagues demonstrated for the first time that NK lysin kills chicken coccidia. They also showed that this antimicrobial protein or host defense molecule is effective against other parasites such as Neospora and Cryptosporidia, which infect livestock and humans, respectively. One commercial company is looking at the possibility of developing NK lysin into a product that can be used to kill chicken intestinal parasites.

Lillehoj also is studying enteric bacterial infections caused by Clostridium, a pathogen associated with necrotic enteritis in poultry. She is using a similar molecular technology to develop alternatives to treat this disease.

Working with industry, international partners and other scientists, Lillehoj has discovered other options to antibiotic use in poultry. Phytochemicals derived from peppers, plums, safflower, green tea and other plants have been shown to be effective in enhancing the immune system of chickens. Also, the beneficial effects of probiotics, which are live, nonpathogenic bacteria that promote health and balance of the intestinal tract microbiota, have been demonstrated in past research.

Source: USDA’s Agricultural Research

Boehringer Ingelheim AH expands capacities for pig vaccines

//29 May 2012 Pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim will expand its global animal health vaccines business. With the completion of a series of major investments at the US site in St. Joseph, Missouri, the company will further enhance its position in the development and supply of vaccines against the most important diseases of pigs. With an investment programme from 2009 to 2011 at the site in St. Joseph, Boehringer Ingelheim expanded its capacity for producing viral and bacterial vaccines by 50 percent. With this step Boehringer Ingelheim responds to increasing customer’s demand for efficacious and safe products. A new cGMP (current good manufacturing practice) facility, which was opened in May 2011 at Boehringer Ingelheim’s US production site in St. Joseph is equipped with technology to meet the globally highest regulatory standards. The additional production capacity especially involves the vaccines Ingelvac CircoFLEX and Ingelvac MycoFLEX, both of which continue to experience fast-growing worldwide sales. Ingelvac CircoFLEX is established globally as a choice for PCV2 (Porcine circovirus type 2) vaccination while Ingelvac MycoFLEX has gained market leadership in vaccines against the respiratory pathogen Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae. Ingelvac MycoFLEX®has been launched in January 2012 in Japan and in 2011 became the market leader in several other countries, including USA, Germany, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, The Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Mexico and South Korea. Both products are part of a hugely popular FLEXcombo concept of mixable stand-alone vaccine. A single injection protects the pigs against two of the most prominent and costly pig diseases instead of needing to inject the animals up to four times with other products to achieve similar protection.

April poultry output increased 15%, in Russia

//25 May 2012 Russia’s poultry production rose in April to 280,000 tonnes, an increase of 15%, compared with a year earlier, Bloomberg reports. Russia’s Federal State Statistics Service Rosstat announced: •Pork production rose by 11%: 75,000 tonnes. •Beef output fell 8.7%: 12,800 tonnes. •Production of all meats and byproducts, excluding poultry, gained 5.4 %: 104,000 tonnes. •Production of cattle and poultry in so-called live weight, which includes meat, bones and byproducts, increased 9.1%: 800,000 tons. Source: Bloomberg

NZ: PRRS fears increased due to new pork import standards

//25 May 2012 The High Court in New Zealand is permitting new health standards when it comes to pork meat imports. This has sparked The Pork Industry Board to appeal the High Court’s decision - the board said that there will be a higher risk of bringing Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) into the country. There are concerns of importing infected meat, said NZPork, which have not been addressed. New Zealand imports about 45% of consumed pork meat. “This is not a trade matter,” stated NZPork chairman Ian Cater. “Pig meat imports from countries affected by PRRS have almost doubled since the rules requiring treatment of potentially infected meat were introduced in 2001.” He added, “The pig meat issue is yet a further example of loosening biosecurity controls by knowingly permitting an exotic, highly infectious organism to be released in New Zealand.” New Zealand allows imports from Canada, the EU, Mexico and the US. Source: National Business Review

Russia allocates funds to fight ASF and FMD

//24 May 2012
To fight African Swine Fever(ASF), Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Siberian plague in 2012, the Russian government will allocate 2.6 billion rubles (US$ 870 mln) from the federal budget, the Minister of Agriculture of the Russian Federation Elena Skrynnik said at a recent meeting -‘Preparedness for emergency prevention of an infectious nature.’
About 80% of this amount, or approximately 2 billion (US 670 mln) will be used to fight ASF, as it is the biggest epizootic threat to Russian livestock. At the meeting there was reference made to the considerable work already done by the veterinary authorities to prevent the spread of disease.


"Currently in all regions of Russia registration of pigs at farms is provided, with a public awareness campaign to prevent and eliminate ASF. The regional budgets provides reserve funds in case of a ASF outbreak detection. Also on a regular basis the "hotline" receives information from the public about illness and death of pigs," according to representatives of Rosselkhoznadzor.


The Ministry of Agriculture insists that the regions at risk of ASF should adopt a program to prevent the spread of the disease and attract additional funds from regional budgets. Such programs already exist in the Krasnodar Territory, the most affected by the epidemic, where the program for 2012 provides the financing of 500 million rubles (US$ 16.6 mln), in Udmurtia - 356 million rubles (US$ 11.8 mln), and in the Rostov region - 50 million rubles (US$ 1.7 mln). Relevant programs are currently under discussion in other Russian regions.

The Republic of Tatarstan, meanwhile, is looking to identify and locate the source of ASF.

(By Vladislav Vorotnikov)

CP Indonesia develops its three business lines

//23 May 2012
This year, Charoen Pokphand Indonesia (CP Indonesia) has targeted to produce as much as 3.5 million tonnes of poultry feed. If this target is reached, its poultry feed production will have risen by 40% over last years 2.5 million tonnes.
According to CP Indonesia director Ong Mei San, the positive national economic growth rate helped to boost demand for poultry feed and poultry products.

CP Indonesia’s current average production of day old chicks is on the order of 11 million chicks per week. Related to this, San said that this year CP Indonesia will also increase the production of day old chicks by 20%: ‘We will build 20 to 30 breeding farms in several locations such as Sumatera, Kalimantan, Sulawesi and Papua.’

San added that in the third quarter of 2012, CP Indonesia will build chicken processing plants in Bandung and Medan. Total investment for one plant is about US$20 million.

To develop its feed, day old chick and processing business, CP Indonesia has allocated funds amounting to IDR 1.4 trillion (US$151.1 million). Current market share of these three business lines is poultry feed by 40%, day old chick by 35% and chicken processing products by 70%.

Source: Arief Fachrudin

Vet services cannot eliminate ASF outbreak near Moscow

//17 May 2012
Russian veterinarians have indicated that they are unable to eliminate the infection source for African Swine Fever in the Leninsky district of the Tula region, registered early May.
The management of the Russian Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (Rosselhoznadhor) of the Tula region, Moscow region and the Moscow city reported this.

On May 14, another outbreak of the dangerous virus was reported, this time in Zaoksky district of Tula region. Local media report that one of the wild boars was found dead in the river, which greatly increases the possibility of contamination of other animals with ASF.

Meanwhile, quarantine has been applied in the region. The region’s governor signed an order according to which the pork in the region can be sold only if it was made in industrial enterprises. Private breeders are now unable to sell their products on the market.

Forest visit ban
In addition, regional authorities imposed a complete ban to people visiting forests. "Wild animals are currently in a state of rest. It is very important that no one should disturb them. In this regard, for the coming weeks restrictions will be applied for forest visits," said Vladimir Kusin, inspector for the regional committee for hunting and fishing in Lenin and Kireevsky districts of Tula region.

He said that pig farmers and all other members of the public in local villages agree with these measures. In addition, the inspector said that within the monitoring of the situation, wild boars may be selectively shot. The shooting will begin start from the edges of the region towards the centre of the region.

Kuzin added that on June 5, when the quarantine will be lifted, the results of the monitoring can be discussed.

Related website:
• Rosselkhoznadzor

Russia may ban import of breeding pigs from Denmark

//22 May 2012
Rosselkhoznadzor is considering a complete ban on the import of breeding pigs from Denmark, which currently is one of the main suppliers of such pigs in Russia, according to a recent interview of the press secretary of Rosselkhoznadzo, Alexei Alekseenko.
"We are considering the possibility of restricting the import of breeding pigs from Denmark. The background for this measure is the lack of control of the supply of these animals from the Veterinary Services of European Union,” said the official.

Since 20 March Rosselkhoznadzor, largely for the same reason introduced a temporary ban on the supply of live pigs from the EU, including those from Denmark. At the same time the ability of EU members to import breeding animals under the strengthened veterinary control still remains.

The reason for the ban on the import of breeding pigs from Denmark was due to Customs Union detaining three trucks transporting about 700 breeding pigs from Denmark to the Tambov region of Russia. As it turned out, more than 37 pigs died during transportation and their bodies were removed during transit parking in Poland. And the supplier has not notified the Veterinary Service of the Customs Union about this incident. In addition, Russian veterinary services have still not received the results of diagnostic studies of animal carcasses which are used to exclude high-risk disease.


According to the Russian Ministry of Agriculture, Denmark is one of the main suppliers of breeding pigs in Russia. In 2010/11 about 9800 of Danish breeding pigs were imported, which represents 40.4% of the total import of breeding pigs to Russia. The ban already take place at the beginning of June.

(By Vladislav Vorotnikov)

Related website: Rosselhoznadzor

Fostera PCV: Flexible dosing to prevent PCV2 viremia

//22 May 2012
Now offering a high standard in protocol flexibility, Fostera PCV is the only PCV vaccine that can be incorporated into vaccination programs using either two doses or one to help prevent Porcine Circovirus Type 2 (PCV2) viremia and help control lymphoid depletion.
Any amount of PCV2 viremia may negatively impact production, so the goal of vaccination is to create an environment with the least amount of virus present. A study demonstrated that vaccination of pigs with two doses of Fostera PCV compared to non-vaccinated pigs helped prevent PCV2 viremia and helped provide protection against PCV2 infection in lymphatic tissues:
Reduced viremia by up to 8,000 times post-challenge, resulting in a total of 96.8 percent viremia-free days while in study
All lymphatic tissues in vaccinated pigs were negative for PCV2 infection
"Whether you decide to administer two doses or one of Fostera PCV, both options effectively offer a high standard of consistent performance to help protect pigs against this performance-robbing disease," says Darrell Neuberger, DVM, pork technical services veterinarian for Pfizer Animal Health.

Fostera PCV, which will have a new look featuring a large PCV mark in the upcoming months, can be administered in two ways:
Two 1-mL doses 3 weeks apart starting at 3 weeks of age or older
One 2-mL dose at 3 weeks of age or older
For more info: PfizerPork.com/FosteraPCV

Suguna sets up poultry school to educate sector in India

//21 May 2012
Suguna Group has set up the Seguna Institute for Poultry Management to help educate the sector. Suguna Institute for Poultry Management, under the Suguna Foundation, was established with the aim of providing an environment for the scientific study of poultry farming.
The institute offers feed manufacturing technology, incubation, and hatchery courses as part of its well-structured curriculum.

“Suguna shall provide continuous support to rural entrepreneurs in setting up and running their own farms and also offers 100 per cent placement to students upon completion of any of the diploma or certificate courses,” a press statement said.

The Indian poultry industry employs more than 1,00,000 people, according to Seguna group chairman Mr B. Soundararajan, most of them without formal training in poultry farming, and the institute is set redress this lack.

The institute is set in close proximity to Suguna’s plants mills farms and labs so that the students may gain practical experience in all aspects of the pultry sector.

Metagenomics discovers new poultry viruses

//18 May 2012 USDA scientists discover unknown poultry viruses using metagenomics, a powerful molecular tool, in order to combat viral enteric disease in birds, the Agricultural Research Service annouced. Scientists at the Agriculture Research Service (ARS) Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory in Athens Georgia, have discovered a new virus that could have anitmicrobial applications, using metagenomics. Traditional sequencing characterises genes in a single organism, metagenomics detects the nucleic acid of thousands of organisms in a community. The studty examined the nucleic acid from poultry intestines from several US poultry flocks infected with enteric diseases. The scientists were surprised to discover previously unknown turkey viruses like picobirnavirus, a virus implicated in enteric disease in other agricultural animals, and a calicivirus, a type of virus often associated with human enteric diseases. ARS is the chief intramural scientific research agency of USDA. Decreasingd weight, increased production costs, and mortality is a problem the poultry industry faces each year, costs incurred due to syndromes such as poult enteritis mortality and runting-stunting syndromes, and poult enteritis complex. These diseases appear to be caused by a combination of facrtors, without any single causative agent. The study can be read in detail in the April 2012 Agricultural Research via the ARS

Hong Kong resumes poultry imports after mainland bird flu

//17 May 2012 Hong Kong has resumed the import of the poultry from the previously bird flu stricken province of Liaoning, the Centre for Food Safety of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China announced. A spokesman for the centre said that frozen poultry and egg imports will resume, as the mainland authorities have implemented measures for monitoring and control of the confirmed case of HPAI reported in Dalian city. No further cases of HPAI infection have been reported for the area since late April. The Centre for Food Safety of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region banned the import of poultry products in April fallowing a report of HPAI in April, suspending frozen poultry and egg imports from the province of Liaoning for 21 days. Hong Kong retains different measures for different outbreak scenarios, for both within and outside of province of Guangdong. Source: China Daily

Price of pork in China expected to skyrocket

//18 May 2012 The price of pork in China will see an increase of about 20% in June and July according to predictions. This hike in price will be due to the supply of live pigs plummeting in the months of June and July. The plummet is a result of farmers selling live pigs in haste to avoid losses. This in turn will cause a volatile market. It has been shown in May that the selling price of live pigs is falling. According to the Commerce Department pork prices have continued to drop due to off-season consumption, market supply increases and other factors. Source: China Daily

Canadian processing sector boosted, increased pork purchases

//18 May 2012 Christian Paradis, minister of industry and minister of state (Agriculture), announced an investment of up to CAN$253,603 to Boulangerie Première Moisson to purchase new equipment for the company's deli meat division in Terrebonne, Quebec. "Our Government is working hard to ensure the food processing sector continues to help keep our economy strong," said Minister Paradis. "This investment will not only enhance the competitiveness and sales of Première Moisson, it will also support the local economy through an increase in pork bought from Quebec suppliers." Première Moisson specialises in producing bakery and deli meat products with fresh Canadian ingredients. The new equipment, which includes an electric steam generator and a ham slicer, will enable the company to develop new meat products and use sous-vide cooking to enhance the flavour of its foods. The improvements will also mean greater production capacity and sales for the company, resulting in an increase in its procurement of Canadian pork. "I applaud the Government of Canada's support for the agri-food processing industry," said Première Moisson president Stéphane Fiset. "The interest-free loan we have received will allow us to acquire the innovative equipment we need to continue to grow in a very competitive and evolving market." This repayable contribution is being delivered by the Agricultural Flexibility Fund (AgriFlexibility) through the AgriProcessing Initiative, a five-year, up to $50 million initiative designed to enhance the competitiveness of the agri-processing sector in Canada. It provides support to existing companies for projects that involve the adoption of innovative and new-to company manufacturing technologies and processes that are essential to sustaining and improving the sector's position in today's global marketplace. For more information on this program, visit www.agr.gc.ca/api. Through Canada's EAP, the Government of Canada is helping farmers find new markets, adapt to current economic challenges, and make their businesses more efficient and environmentally sustainable. The Next Phase of the EAP will remain focused on strengthening the economy while working toward returning to balanced budgets and securing Canada's economic future. For more information on Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.

Pulse NeedleFree swine vaccination available in Japan

//18 May 2012 Pulse NeedleFree Systems, a supplier of needle-free injection solutions to the animal health industry, has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with I.P. Tsusho for the Japanese swine market. I.P. Tsusho, an affiliate of Japan’s Ishii Group, provides animal health and husbandry products to Japanese livestock producers. I.P. Tsusho creates an important bridge between leading international suppliers and Japan’s livestock producers. The president of I.P. Tsusho, Masahiro Takeuchi said, “We identify areas where emerging technologies can improve Japanese pork production and we work with leading suppliers to bring those technologies to Japan. Pulse’s expertise and success in other countries makes it a perfect fit for I.P. Tsusho, as we focus on products and services that enhance animal health, animal welfare and protection of the environment.” “Pulse is very pleased to be working with I.P. Tsusho and to offer our best-in-class vaccination technology to pork producers in Japan,” commented Edward Stevens, CEO of Pulse NeedleFree Systems. “Japan is recognised throughout the world for its high quality meat production standards and we are honoured to collaborate with a respected group like I.P. Tsusho to serve this market.” Pulse NeedleFree Systems’ products improve animal health and food safety. By eliminating needles from the livestock vaccination process, Pulse reduces disease transmission between animals, reduces the risk of broken needles entering the food supply and improves efficiency in on-farm production. Related websites: • Pulse NeedleFree Systems • I.P. Tsusho

Vietnam: Low fish prices but high fish feed costs push fish farmers out

//18 May 2012 In Vietnam the price farmers are getting for their fish has been falling, if they can sell it at all, while the fish feed prices remain high. Causing concern for local fish farmers. Currently farmers stand to lose 4,000 dong (0.15 euro) for each kilo of fish sold. The prices of fish feed vary slightly between 12,000 to 13,000 dong (0.45 – 0.49 euro cents) per kilo and, on average, for one kilo of fish, two kilos of feed are needed. Even when they are willing to sell at a loss, not everyone is lucky enough to find a retailer willing to buy their fish. Most fish farmers in Tien Giang provence are currently stuck with their mature fish with no prospective buyer in sight. While waiting for the fish market to recover, they have to mix water-hyacinth and other weeds with fish feed to cut costs. Many fish farmers said the feed suppliers were previously willing to accept late payment plans for their feed but now are switching to “cash on delivery” method - cash first, feed after. This has pushed fish farmers more deeply into hardship since very few fish farmers have enough ready cash to pay for the feed, given the initial high investments costs in the fish farming business. Forcing many out of business.

What influences the risk of sow mortality?

//16 May 2012 Factors increasing the risk of sow mortality in the lactation unit are pale vulva colour, body leanness, and presence of shoulder ulcers. That was the outcome of Danish research into the determining of risk factors for sow mortality. Mortality of sows is a major problem for pig production worldwide. In this study, the team from Aarhus University used hierarchical multivariable logistic analyses to investigate different risk factors for mortality at the sow and herd level in herds with group-housed pregnant sows. Sows used Data included 3,652 pregnant and 1,266 lactating sows from 34 sow herds. A clinical examination for 16 clinical signs was carried out for each sow, and information about 16 herd related factors was obtained by interviews. Farm records were used to obtain information about whether or not sows died suddenly or were euthanised within three months after the clinical examination. Factors increasing the risk of sow mortality in the gestation unit were solid pen floors, presence of vulva bites and unwillingness to stand when approached. The estimated differences between herd variation was small. Thus, the findings for the sow level variables may be generally applicable for sows in herds with group housed systems. Click here for the research that was published in Preventive Veterinary Medicine. Related websites: Aarhus University Preventive Veterinary Medicine

Automation in swine reproduction

//16 May 2012 After the presentation of the GTB prototype in June 2008, this machine realised its first sale in November of the same year, and since then has not ceased seducing professionals. GTB 1000 fits the needs of artificial insemination centres looking for a compact, efficient and fully automated packaging machine. Today, the 100th GTB has been sold. With modern and effective ergonomics, the GTB meets expectations of speed and safety. At World Pork Expo, Iowa State Fairgrounds - Des Moines, IA USA, 6-8 June 2012, IMV Technologies will be glad to present the latest developments of the GTB1000 – at booth 603 VIB. Related website: IMV technologies

BabyMilk for piglets to improve gut health and performance

//16 May 2012 The formulation of BabyMilk has been upgraded to improve gut health and growth performance in piglets. This innovation is the first in a series as the Milkiwean team at Trouw Nutrition Belgium will introduce a new product portfolio in the coming months. Recently Milkiwean launched an upgraded formulation of BabyMilk (with plasma) for newborn piglets. A revised distribution of energy in the raw materials and the addition of Fibosel immunostimulant provide better growth performance and lower mortality, leading to improved profitability for pig farmers. The product was extensively analysed and tested within the context of the focus on improved intestinal health. Fats were replaced by other high-energy ingredients that improve the feed intake. The renewed composition of the BabyMilk ensures a better energy distribution within the raw materials. The revised proportion of sugars, starch and fats results in the improved digestion of the milk, which makes the BabyMilk significantly safer. This leads to an improved feed intake and a smoother transition to solid feed. Next to the renewed composition, the immunostimulant Fibosel was added to the new BabyMilk. Fibosel is a high-quality source of activated beta-glucans, known to stimulate the natural immune system of the piglets. Baby Milk: What: - Milk replacer with plasma for: 1. Supplementation in the farrowing house 2. Feeding of small weaned piglets For: - Supplementation of large litters (> 12 piglets/sow) - Reduction of piglet mortality - Supplementation of light weaned piglets - Higher feed intake before weaning - Better start and growth after weaning

Russia substantially increasesd poultry meat consumption, production

//16 May 2012 Despite the dynamic development of the poultry meat production in Russia, the country is also actively increasing its import. In the first quarter of 2012, poultry shipments increased by 82% in value and by 60% in volume compared to the same period in 2011. Experts say that the cause behind the enormous increase is because of the relatively low volume of poultry imports at the beginning of 2011, as well as the reorientation of Russian consumers, choosing the cheaper poultry meat over the more expensive pork. The total meat production volume rose in three months by only 5%, to 238,600 tonnes. Sales increased by 24.3%, to US$ 949.6 million. The monetary increase in poultry imports can be attributed to the desire of traders to quickly use up their quota for 2012 supplies, experts say. Hence, the volume of import should fall significantly in the second quarter of 2012. A monetary rise in imports, in the exports’ opinion, is mostly due to rising of world prices. In 2012 the quotas on poultry meat import were significantly reduced compared to 2011 levels—from 857 to 330 thousand tonnes. With such measures the federal government wants to support domestic producers. The federal statistical services estimated that the increase of chicken meat imports to Russia has happened due to the increase in consumption. Russian poultry market grew by 18.3% to 842 thousand tonnes in the first quarter of 2012, compare to the same period in 2011. The physical increase amounts to 130 thousand tonnes, reflecting that Russians are eating more poultry now than in the previous year. In addition to increasing production and imports, the Russian poultry industry has also stepped up its delivery of domestic products to foreign markets—doubling to 4.1 thousands tonnes. As noted by analysts, the main markets for Russian poultry have been Hong Kong and Vietnam. Source: Vladislav Vorotnikov

Thailand’s raw chicken return impacts international poultry markets

//15 May 2012 The European Union is to lift its import ban on raw chicken meat from Thailand as and from 01st July 2012. In 2003 the European Commission (EC) suspended imports of fresh chicken meat and other chicken products from Thailand following outbreaks of avain influenza. Thailand has now eradicated the virus and in March 2011 EC inspectors concluded that Thailand can provide sufficient guarantees to comply with EU import requirements for raw chicken meat. Thailand’s return to the EU will have limited impact on the EU’s fresh chicken market as it is protected by the fresh-meat labeling standards. However the impact on the international poultry market may be substantial. Traditionally, Thailand is a strong competitor on import prices in the higher value EU markets. Eventhough existing quotas will remain, import prices are expected to fall as competition between suppliers, such as Brazil and Argentina, increase According to Rabobank, the return of Thailand’s chicken exports will create a new market demand for salted chicken products and that will have some negative impact on sales of processed poultry products to the EU. However, the EU’s decision will have an even greater impact if, as is generally expected, Japan follows suit. If this happens Thailand is expected to regain pre 2003 avian influenza volumn. As a result, the Thai poultry industry could see increased investments while competing exporters such as Brazil and Argentina will need to protect their market positions

Brazil's feed prices put pig farmers on alert

//15 May 2012 Brazil’s animal feed production costs are expected to increase this year by 3-3.5%, according to Ariovaldo Zani, executive VP of Brazil's National Animal Feed Industry Association, Sindirações. Severe weather and crop failures in south Brazil and increased consumption demand are driving up corn and soybean meal costs and putting pig and poultry farmers on alert. Feed costs account for about 60% of Brazilian pig and poultry producers' total production cost. And soybean meal and corn account for about 80% of the feed consumed by pigs and poultry. "The Brazilian animal feed industry depends on the food industry which, in turn, is modulated by domestic and international consumer demand," Brazil's National Animal Feed Industry Association said. According to Brazil's National Animal Feed Industry Association, last year, 66 million tonnes of feed were produced, with 37.8 million tonnes going to poultry farms and 15.4 million tonnes going to pig farms. On poultry farms, 61% of the feed is made up of corn and 25% soybean meal, while pig feed is made up of 68% corn and 16% is soybean meal. For corn, the average productivity in the southern region will be much lower than last season and even less than the average of the last 10 years which will increase the dependence on the winter corn crop. Winter corn areas are expected to increase but it is too early to predict if that will equate into larger production.

Harrisvaccines to receive award

//15 May 2012 Professor and Harrisvaccines Founder and President, D.L. 'Hank' Harris, D.V.M., Ph.D., has been selected to receive the Iowa State University Award for Achievement in Economic Development in Iowa, which recognises faculty and staff members for outstanding ISU-based achievements in advancing the economic development of the state. “I am incredibly honoured to be chosen for this award,” Harris says. “As an Iowa boy, it is very gratifying to have my work – and that of my team – recognised for making a difference in our state.” Upon announcing the award, Iowa State University executive vice president and Provost, Elizabeth Hoffman, said, “Dr. Harris has spent the past five years translating his research on emerging livestock diseases into products that are meeting the needs of Iowa’s $10 billion animal agriculture industry. His Iowa-based company, Harrisvaccines, focuses on improving animal health in the cattle, swine and farmed shrimp industries using advanced molecular science techniques.” In announcing the award, the university cited several factors for the designation: · The company developed and marketed a much-needed swine influenza vaccine shortly after the discovery that the pandemic influenza in people had spread into the pig population. · The innovative vaccine for Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus developed by Harris, and · Harris is uniquely positioned with his appointment at ISU and his entrepreneurial accomplishments in the private sector to quickly translate discoveries into products with substantial economic impact. In addition to his work at Harrisvaccines, Harris serves as a professor in the Department of Microbiology in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and the Department of Veterinary Diagnostics and Production Animal Medicine at Iowa State University. He received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M) degree in 1967 and his Ph.D. in 1970, both from Iowa State University. Harris is also an internationally sought-after speaker on the topic of animal health. Recently he has been asked to present a special pre-conference program on swine dysentery for pork producers at the International Pig Veterinary Society (IPVS) Congress being convened this June in Jeju, Korea. During the conference, he will also present a program on the innovative science of the RNA-based vaccine development platform used exclusively by Harrisvaccines to create vaccines products to aid in the prevention and treatment of some of the industry’s most challenging animal diseases. Related website: www.harrisvaccines.com

Vietnam still under PRRS attack

//15 May 2012 There have been reports of new outbreaks of Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) in the northern provinces of Vietnam. The provinces affected with the outbreak now are Bac Ninh and Lao Cai. Currently the total number of provinces is six - Dien Bien, Yen Bai, Nam Dinh, Phu Tho, Lao Cai and Bac Ninh - according to Hoang Van Nam, head of Animal Health Department. He added that there is a risk that PRRS will continue to spread in the north. Thus far, almost 50% of the 20 000 pigs found to have PRRS in the 6 provinces have been culled. The reason cited as the cause the spread of the disease is the failure of the provinces to rapidly detect the PRRS and properly control the transport and slaughtering of infected pigs. Reports state that there is only 100,000 doses of the vaccine available currently, which is expected to be used up. Diep Kinh Ta, deputy minister, has urged the Animal Health Department to take effective measures to rapidly detect PRRS. The deputy minister also wants localities to manage the transport and slaughtering of pigs in order to halt the transmission of the disease. Source: Vietnam.net

Risk factors for Salmonella on egg production farms in Japan

//15 May 2012 A recent publication has examined the epidemiology of Salmonella prevalence on egg-producing farms in Japan. This article provides statistics including odds ratios associated with a number of management and housing variables. The authors considered a wide range of Salmonella in their research. Since the epidemiology of Group D Salmonella including S. Enteriditis differs from non-Group D serotypes, the conclusions in the trial should be carefully evaluated. Univariate analysis of risk factors on one of the two farming groups considered, showed high odds ratios for induced molting, in-line egg processing and in-line processing. A discordant observation was that farms which disinfected vehicles before entering the facility yielded a high odds ratio. Disinfection of vehicles before entering the farm had a high odds ratio for Salmonella infection which appears counter intuitive. The authors also found that suppression of rodents had no effect on the prevalence of Salmonella and that there was no protective effect from vaccination. The results demonstrate contradiction with accepted knowledge and practice. Most certainly improving biosecurity, providing farm clothing to workers, diligent vaccination and intensive suppression of rodents all contribute to a reduction in the prevalence of SE on US farms. In order to interpret the results obtained from the study in Japan, it will be necessary to carefully evaluate the criteria used and to separate the results relating to Group D Salmonella from other serogroups. Inevitably the opponents of intensive egg production will deliberately take out of context the apparent correlation between prevalence of Salmonella infection and operation of in-line units. This misinterpretation will be applied to discredit large facilities which provide the bulk of US eggs. Source: Egg-cite

Egg shell benefits from calcium source

//15 May 2012 Using the feed material calcium pidolate in layer feed reduces the number of downgraded eggs and is proven to improve bone strength, research from the French National Centre of Veterinary and Animal Studies (CNEVA) has revealed. Registered as PIDOLin PCa, calcium pidolate is derived partly from limestone, which contains supplementary amounts of the amino acids argenine and proline - both key components of collagen, which makes up 95% of the eggshell's membrane. While other sources of calcium are absorbed between 10-30%, depending on the pH of the gut, the calcium from PIDOLin PCa is absorbed in the gut at a constant 95%, because it isn't pH dependent. "Pidolic acid is a precursor of amino acids in intestinal cells. These amino acids (argenine and proline) are fundamental in the binding process of calcium. Argenine accounts for 28% of calcium binding protein. More presence of that binder results in better absorption and transfer of calcium in the blood and the uterus where the egg shell is produced," said Xavier Roulleau, manager of Terafeed, the French company which developed the calcium pidolate molecule. Although a balanced nutritious diet will provide the bird with calcium, as the bird gets older the hen is unable to mobilise enough for shell development and to fully replenish the calcium it has mobilised from the bone. This means it is left with a calcium deficit. "Producing an egg drains calcium reserves from the bone, so later in the laying cycle shell quality gets poorer. By using PIDOLin PCa, the bird is able to put more calcium into reserve," he told Poultry World on a fact-finding trip to France. The feed material could also aid broiler production, as it is proven to strengthen bones and accelerate growth. Source: Poultry World (FWi)

Russia: Eurodon plans large-scale production of duck meat

//14 May 2012
Donstar, a subsidiary of Russian meat producer Eurodon, plans to launch a complex for growing and processing duck meat in the second quarter of 2013.
The facility, to be located in the country’s Rostov region, will have a total investment amounting to five billion rubles (US$ 165 mln) the management of the company recently announced.

The production capacity of the complex at the first stage will be 20,000 tonnes per year, according to a company press release. Director of Donstar, Vadim Vaneev, said the implementation of the project will initiate production of duck meat on a commercial scale in the Russian market. In addition it will revive the lost positions in the poultry industry and reduce the proportion of low-quality imported frozen duck products on the market.

The complex will include an incubator, more than 60 poultry housings, poultry processing plants, feed plant and other industrial facilities.

Earlier it was reported that the group of companies plans to invest 10 billion rubles (US$ 330 mln) in a number of projects for the production of turkeys, ducks and feed in the territory of the Rostov region. As a result, Eurodon expects to produce 36,000 tonnes of turkey meat in live weight in 2012, which is 9% higher than in 2011.

Eurodon was established in 2003, and currently it is the largest agro-industrial holding company in the Russian market producing and processing turkey meat. The company's products under the trademark Indolina have a 45% share of the Russian turkey market.

Source: Vladislav Vorotnikov

USDA projects growth for poultry in 2013

//11 May 2012
The USDA’s initial assessment of US and world crop supply and demand prospects have reported the first calendar-year 2013 projections of US livestock, poultry, and dairy products. Projections reflect economic analysis, normal weather, trends, and judgment.
Total US meat production in 2013 is projected to be above 2012 as higher pork and poultry production more than offsets continued declines in beef production. Lower forecast feed costs and relatively strong, albeit declining hog, broiler, and turkey prices are expected to provide incentives for continued pork and poultry expansion.

Pork production is expected to increase at about the same rate as 2012 as producers increase farrowings modestly, but the number of pigs per litter continues to grow. Broiler and turkey production for 2013 are also forecast higher as producers benefit from lower feed costs; however, increasing production will weigh on broiler and turkey prices, moderating the rate of expansion. Egg production is expected to decline in 2013 as producer returns in 2012 are affected by
sharply lower egg prices.

The complete World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report can be found here.

High cost of feed killing Indian poultry industry

//11 May 2012 The poultry industry in the Indian state Andhra Pradesh is facing a severe crisis due to abnormally high prices of maize and soybeans which are used for poultry feed. The industry is sounding an SOS to the government. If help does not come to it, then the poultry units will have to close down. Over 25,000 small and marginal farmers and over 2 million employees in the state are dependent on the poultry industry. The industry is seeking government intervention to bring down the prices of ingredients that go into making of the feed. Representatives of AP Poultry Federation met Union minister for agriculture Sharad Pawar and chief minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy recently and urged them to take steps to bring down the prices of soybeans, the main feed ingredient for broilers. “The price of soybeans was Rs 18,000 (€259) a tonne till 45 days ago but shot up to Rs 32,000 (€461) suddenly, making it unaffordable for the poultry industry,'' said D Sudhakar, president of AP Poultry Federation. Sudhakar said 11 million tonnes of soybeans and 22 million tonnes of maize were produced in the country last year though 4 million tonnes of soybeans and maize was adequate for the poultry industry. However, a major part of the soybean crop was being exported to Iran, and traders were creating artificial scarcity in the domestic sector, Sudhakar alleged. “According to official information, the government is exporting only 2.5 million tonnes of the 11 million tonnes production every year. Then where is the remaining crop going?'' he wondered and appealed to the government to probe the matter. Sudhakar also urged the government to go into the difference of export and domestic prices of soybeans, saying that soybeans were being exported to Iran for Rs 25,000 a tonne and was being sold in the domestic market at Rs 32,000 a tonne. Share on facebookShare on twitterShare on linkedinShare on liveShare on googleShare on yahoobkmShare on digg|More Sharing ServicesMoreRating: 3/5 stars12345

Philippines urges local poultry producers to hold off strike

//09 May 2012
Philippine poultry and pork producers are planning to strike to show their discontent with the government’s inability to crack down on illegal, smuggled meat imports.
Local poultry and pork producers are claiming that they are being out-priced and out-competed on the market level, and they are threatening to have a ‘meat holiday’: no slaughter and no sale of their meats on the market.

The Philippines’ agriculture secretary Proceso Alcala asked the producers not to go through with their meat holiday, fearing that consumers woud not abide by such a holiday, and still go on purchasing meat. They might not taste the difference, he added, opening the path to more smuggling. If this were to happen the consequences for the local industry would be horrendous, significantly for lower rural household incomes.

Swine producers claim that they lose as much as P3.2 billion (~€57 million)a month due to cheap smuggled pork. The Alliance of Food Processers, whose members buy meat internationally for their raw meat requirements, are dismissive of local producers’ claims, saying instead that the decline has more to do with the quality of local produced meat. The AFP see the local producers threat as tantamount to blackmail.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer

Vietnam animal feed imports fall to US$618m

//08 May 2012
Vietnam has spent in the first four months of this year US$618 million on animal feed imports. This represents a 19.3% reduction in spending compared to last year, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development reports.
The drop is being attributed to thee price decreases in imported fodder, as well as increasingly abundant supplies domestically.

Vietnam uses mainly corn, cereal grains, soy beans and cassava as raw fodder. In addition the harvest this year mostly produced foddering products, given that the price of paddies has also dropped.

Vietnam’s dependence on imported materials has meant that the final products are 10 to 15% higher than in neighbouring Thailand or China.

Feed raw material imports were 8.9 million tonnes last year, at a total cost of US$3.7 billion, representing about 62% of the total demand.

Company update: DSM Q1 2012

//09 May 2012
DSM made a good start to the year, supported by positive momentum in the US, continued progress of high growth economies and a return to more normal trading conditions in Performance Materials compared to Q4 2011. However, the global economic outlook is still uncertain and conditions remain weak in Europe.
Q1 EBITDA from continuing operations €306 million (Q1 2011: €325 million)
Strong results in Life Sciences due to continued growth in Nutrition
Materials Sciences showed strong improvement compared to Q4 2011
Joint venture with POET established to unlock the advanced biofuels opportunity
Recently announced planned tender offer to acquire Kensey Nash to establish DSM Biomedical as new profitable growth platform
Cautiously optimistic outlook, on the way to achieve 2013 targets
DSM's expectations for the year are broadly in line with its previous guidance.

In addition to the already announced restructuring initiatives at DSM Resins, DSM is preparing further cost reduction programs.

In Nutrition, the impact of the substantial strengthening of the Swiss franc in 2011 was mitigated by a €50 million currency hedge gain, a benefit which will not be repeated in 2012. Despite this, DSM anticipates that it will make further progress, with EBITDA expected to be above 2011.

Business conditions in Pharma are likely to remain challenging, although DSM anticipates that it will make further strategic progress. DSM expects to deliver a slightly improved EBITDA despite the 50% deconsolidation of the anti-infectives business.

Trading conditions in Materials Sciences have normalized compared to Q4 2011 but continue to be volatile and the end market outlook is uncertain owing to weak consumer sentiment in some of DSM's key geographies. In addition, increasing input costs remain a risk. Nevertheless, based on current insights, EBITDA is expected to be somewhat higher than in 2011.

In Polymer Intermediates prices and margins continue to be volatile. Results will be impacted in Q2 as a consequence of the end Q1 turnaround and in the second half year by two more planned turnarounds in caprolactam. For Polymer Intermediates another strong year is expected, at a level above the historical average, but EBITDA will be clearly lower than the exceptional result in 2011.

Overall DSM remains cautiously optimistic for the year 2012, on its way to achieve the 2013 targets.

Russia: Outbreaks of ASF continue, even near Moscow

//07 May 2012
Early May, during routine inspections, specialists of the Russian Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance Rosselkhoznadzor, found 13 carcasses of dead wild boars in the Tula. The boars had died from African Swine Fever.
The pigs were found in the hunting area Rudnevsky, in Tula region’s Leninsky district. The carcasses were discovered by Rosselkhoznadzor’s branch for Moscow city, the Moscow and Tula regions.

The African Swine Fever (ASF) infection was confirmed during a study of samples of pathological material in Tula Interregional Veterinary Laboratory. The diagnosis was confirmed by the All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Veterinary Virology and Microbiology.

The total number of pigs in the hunting area is about 99 head, while in the district there are about 613 head. Presumably all will now be destroyed. Currently necessary arrangements are being taken to prevent the spread of the virus. Quarantine was applied in the ​​contamination area.

Sergei Dankvert
Interestingly, just a week before the outbreak, Rosselkhoznadzor head Sergei Dankvert said that veterinary service in Moscow city, the Moscow and Tula regions are failing to implement a necessary control measures to prevent the spread of ASF on their territory.

At that time he said, "First and foremost, it is quite a formal approach from the territorial divisions of veterinary services to control disposal of food waste in the food services and socio-cultural sphere, which today are a major source of ASF virus spread. Another problematic issue is the lack of effective control by departmental veterinary services of the Moscow region for farms, carrying out their agricultural activities in the territory of military units."

According to preliminary data, the source of infection was the feed found by animals found at a local waste deposit

The full report of Rosselkhoznadzor can be found here.

Related website:
• Rosselkhoznadzor

RESEARCH: S. aureus in 16% of state fair pigs in USA

//08 May 2012
Pigs are a potential reservoir for Staphylococcus aureus bacteria in US state fairs, as antibiotic-resistant S. aureus have been found in exhibited pigs at two state fairs. S. aureus was found in almost 16% of the tested pigs.
This was confirmed in a trial carried out by a team of University of Iowa scientists.

The test was set up as fairs and petting zoos have long been associated with outbreaks of zoonotic disease. Since methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was documented in commercial pigs – it was hypothesised that antibiotic-resistant S. aureus may also occur in pigs exhibited at these fairs.

Test
A number of 157 pigs were swabbed at two state fairs in 2008 to 2009. Both nares were sampled and cultures were grown in enrichment broth, then plated onto selective MRSA plates and blood plates.

S. aureus was confirmed using phenotypic and molecular methods.

The presence of S. aureus was confirmed in samples collected from pigs exhibited at USA pig shows. Percentage-wise, 15.9% of the samples were positive for S. aureus.

Of these 25, two isolates (8%) were resistant to methicillin; 23 (92%) were resistant to methycillin, 14 (56%) were resistant to enthromycin and 15 (60%) were resistant to clindamycin.

The results were published in Veterinary Record.

Related website:
• University of Iowa
• Veterinary Record

Bird flu hits Bangladeshi feed producers

//04 May 2012 Animal feed producers in Bangladesh have experienced a fall in sales in the wake of reduced demand in poultry feed after bird flu took a toll on production in recent months. According to Ihtesham Shahjahan, general secretary of Feed Industries Association Bangladesh (FIAB), feed sales during January-March 2012 dropped by 30% to 400,000 tonnes from the same period a year ago. "These are conservative figures. But it would be more," said Shahjahan, also managing director of Quality Feeds Ltd, a leading seller of feed. And the reduced consumption of feed has now started to affect maize growers as the price of the grain, the main ingredient for feed, has fallen due to reduced demand by feed millers. The feed industry is experiencing a lull since the fall in poultry farming due to avian influenza outbreaks at the end of 2011. As well as poultry farms, the disease ravaged a number of breeding farms and thus production of day-old chicks (DOC) of both broilers and layers slumped this year. Average production of broiler DOC, which is used for meat production, fell to 5,000,000 a week in 2012 from nearly 9,000,000 per week last year. Production of layer DOC for egg production also nosedived, said Shamsul Arefin Khaled, director of Nourish Feeds Ltd. "The demand for feeds depends on both supply and demand for the one-day-old chicks. The higher the production of chicks, the higher the demand for feed," said Khaled of Nourish. The firm is also engaged in poultry breeding. This is the second time since 2008 that the feed industry, which caters to poultry and fish farming, has been hit due to bird flu outbreaks in the poultry industry. Currently, around 70 feed companies, including some foreign ones, are operating in Bangladesh to meet the demand for feed at 2,700,000 to 3,000,000 tonnes a year, according to an estimate of the FIAB. According to Shahjahan, it will take a year to recover from the damage and that the demand for feed might drop by 20% to 2,200,000- 2,400,000 tonnes at the end of 2012 because of bird flu.

FAO Food Outlook: Poultry production and trade on the rise

//03 May 2012 The FAO has released its biannual Food Outlook, which reports that poultry meat production in 2012 is forecast to increase by 1.8% from 2011 estimates to 103.5 million tonnes. Poultry meat trade is to increase by 31% to 13 million tonnes. The organisation forecasts that global output in 2012 will be 2%, and that most of this growth will be due to efforts of Asia in general, and China, India, Japan, the Republic of Korea and Turkey in particular. The FAO states that the limit on production growth in 2012 is down to three factors: the current high price of feed, the revival of avian influenza in Asia and ongoing trade disputes. Incidence of avian influenza has escalated of late in Asia with outbreaks in Bhutan, Nepal, India and Bangladesh. The resurgence of avian flu is also making itself felt in terms of trade bans, and policy uncertainties continue to dominate poultry trade. The EU lifted in April an eight-year ban on fresh chicken meat from Thailand, as did Japan on US poultry from North Carolina. Japan concurrently has imposed an import ban on Australian poultry following reports of LPAI on a duck farm in Victoria. Kuwait has installed similar ban on poultry, eggs and chicks from Australian, as well as banning the same from Sri Lanka. Oman has banned poultry imports from India for similar, avian flu bio-security considerations. In January, Saudi Arabia lifted its import ban on poultry from Turkey, a ban in place since the 2005 bird flu epidemic. The Russian Federation imposed import quotas in December on beef, pork and poultry, and revoked an import ban on poultry from the Ukraine in February. South Africa imposed provisional anti-dumping tariffs on Brazilian chicken in March. Brazil and the Russian Federation production outputs are expected to grow by 3% and 6% respectively, amounting to 3 million tonnes and for Russia and 12 million tonnes for Brazil. Production in African countries (Namibia, Ghana, Angola, Benin and Congo ) is being hindered by rising imports and high feed prices. The exception is South Africa, whose import tariffs will help domestic output. The expansion in world poultry trade is expected to take the form of increased delivery to Vietnam, Hong Kong, Indonesia, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Increasing domestic demand is expected to fuel impors to Egypt, Angola, Benin and Ghana. Source: FAO

JSR wins Queen’s Award for International Trade

//03 May 2012 UK pig genetics company, JSR Genetics won the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade as recognition for outstanding export success. This is the second time the Yorkshire based company has received the award, made in honour of the Queen’s birthday and recognises an overall growth in earnings of 117% over a 3 year period. “We are delighted to receive this honour” says Tim Rymer, JSR chairman. “The last decade has been particularly challenging for the UK Pig Industry and international breeding stock sales, not least with two Foot and Mouth outbreaks which effectively stop exports overnight for month’s even years, depending on the destination country. I would like to congratulate the whole JSR team including Dr Grant Walling our Managing Director, Paul Anderson our International Sales Director, and our worldwide partners for their endeavour and support. It is also a real bonus to win this award in a Diamond Jubilee and Olympic year.” JSR’s success is a result of focusing on key pork eating regions of Asia and Eastern Europe, which between them consume over half the world’s pork. Sales to China have driven the growth over the last 3 years with a series of multi-million pound contracts culminating with a Joint Venture Nucleus agreement with HBCOF in Hubei province in 2011. Also in 2011 sales in Russia reached £1.5 million. The Asian and Eastern European regions continue to present huge opportunities as large companies source the best genetics and technology to meet government objectives on pork self sufficiency. JSR has established partnerships and production units across the globe including Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas and is represented in over 30 countries worldwide. The company is developing its service business which now manages 10 Nucleus herds for 3rd party customers from its base in Southburn, East Yorkshire. “Many countries are focused on improving self sufficiency to meet the growing demand for food” comments Dr Walling, JSR Genetics’ managing director. “Our foundations are firmly in science and technology. Our focus is on breeding better animals that make our customers more competitive and ultimately allow them to build sustainable businesses. We can only do this by supporting the animals with the best technical support and complimentary services to ensure they get the very best out of the animals they have.” In China where an FCR (Food Conversion Ratio) of 5:1 is standard – 5 kilos of feed to produce 1 kilo of pork – JSR can reduce this by 50% to 2.5:1 through importation of genetics. Feed represents up to 70% of the cost of production. “We have animals that produce a lot of piglets and convert feed into lean meat very efficiently. This reduces our customers’ costs significantly. Furthermore less land is needed to feed a JSR pig thereby allowing that extra land to be used for alternative uses. This contributes to the JSR pig having a lower carbon footprint”.

FAO Food Outlook: Poultry production and trade on the rise

//03 May 2012 The FAO has released its biannual Food Outlook, which reports that poultry meat production in 2012 is forecast to increase by 1.8% from 2011 estimates to 103.5 million tonnes. Poultry meat trade is to increase by 31% to 13 million tonnes. The organisation forecasts that global output in 2012 will be 2%, and that most of this growth will be due to efforts of Asia in general, and China, India, Japan, the Republic of Korea and Turkey in particular. The FAO states that the limit on production growth in 2012 is down to three factors: the current high price of feed, the revival of avian influenza in Asia and ongoing trade disputes. Incidence of avian influenza has escalated of late in Asia with outbreaks in Bhutan, Nepal, India and Bangladesh. The resurgence of avian flu is also making itself felt in terms of trade bans, and policy uncertainties continue to dominate poultry trade. The EU lifted in April an eight-year ban on fresh chicken meat from Thailand, as did Japan on US poultry from North Carolina. Japan concurrently has imposed an import ban on Australian poultry following reports of LPAI on a duck farm in Victoria. Kuwait has installed similar ban on poultry, eggs and chicks from Australian, as well as banning the same from Sri Lanka. Oman has banned poultry imports from India for similar, avian flu bio-security considerations. In January, Saudi Arabia lifted its import ban on poultry from Turkey, a ban in place since the 2005 bird flu epidemic. The Russian Federation imposed import quotas in December on beef, pork and poultry, and revoked an import ban on poultry from the Ukraine in February. South Africa imposed provisional anti-dumping tariffs on Brazilian chicken in March. Brazil and the Russian Federation production outputs are expected to grow by 3% and 6% respectively, amounting to 3 million tonnes and for Russia and 12 million tonnes for Brazil. Production in African countries (Namibia, Ghana, Angola, Benin and Congo ) is being hindered by rising imports and high feed prices. The exception is South Africa, whose import tariffs will help domestic output. The expansion in world poultry trade is expected to take the form of increased delivery to Vietnam, Hong Kong, Indonesia, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Increasing domestic demand is expected to fuel impors to Egypt, Angola, Benin and Ghana. Source: FAO

Indonesian boy dies from bird flu

//02 May 2012
A two-year old Indonesian boy has died from bird flu in a state hospital in Riau, the Health Ministry has confirmed.
A ministry team investigating the boy’s neighbourhood found that he may have had contact with quails’ eggs because his parents sold them, the ministry’s directorate general for disease control and environmental health said in a press statement.

Director general Dr. Tjandra Yoga Aditama has reported this latest case to the World Health Organization. The total number of bird flu cases since 2005 now stands at 189, with 157 fatalities including this latest case.

Source: The Jakarta Post

Russia and Thailand meet to promote poultry cooperation

//02 May 2012
The first meeting of the Subcommission on Agricultural Cooperation under the Thai-Russian Joint Commission for Bilateral cooperation was held recently with the Ministers of Agriculture for both countries outlining their strategies.
The meeting, held in Bangkok, was meant to boost mutual agriculutural cooperation between the two nations.

The two countries have held sessions on numerous issues such as food safety, information exchange on rules and regulations, and inspection of poultry meat.

In particular, concerning inspections, Thailand and Russia have agreed on the condition that Thai factories wishing to export to Russia must be inspected by Russian authorities and certified before export.

Source: Pattaya Mail

Pfizer Animal Health honors high standards of pig care

//27 Apr 2012
Pfizer Animal Health recognises five pork caregivers who consistently display high standards of pig care to help ensure the health and safety of America's pork supply.
"We are honoured to recognise their vigilant care of pigs and their dedication to making positive contributions to on-farm processes and practices," says Benjamin Church, senior marketing communications manager, Pfizer Animal Health. "These pork caregivers are dedicated to the care of individual pigs to help ensure a high standard of herd health management."

The Fostera PCV Honouring Pork Caregivers award acknowledges the commitment of caregivers - including those working in the barn, service managers, production managers and others - to industry best practices. Pfizer Animal Health shares this commitment to best practices and continuous quality improvement, which guided the development of Fostera PCV, the only single-dose vaccine that helps prevent PCV2 viremia.

Nearly 50 pork professionals from production systems across the country were nominated by their veterinarians, peers or managers over a two-month period. A panel of independent judges had the unenviable task of choosing the best from among the best. Each of the five winners and their guests received a trip to New York City April 18-21, 2012, where they were recognised at the Fostera PCV High Standards luncheon.

Each winner also received a $1,000 cash prize and is featured in communications about the award.

Winners include:
Rick Boomgaarden of Cheyenne, Wyo., a production supervisor for CHAMP, LLC, has served the pork industry for 17 years. Boomgaarden strives for 100 percent excellence in management through positive reinforcement. Checklists are used in every area and internal audits are conducted on the farms. "Our team knows the first two days in the farrowing house are critical," he says. "Managers and employees are organized and focused on the animals' needs."
Rosalio "Leo" Fonseca of Alpha, Minn., a weaned pig specialist for New Fashion Pork, has served the pork industry for 15 years. Fonseca's advice for success in the barn is, "Pay close attention to the pigs' needs every day. Make sure the pigs have adequate water, feed, ventilation and that the building temperature is appropriate."
Judy Hinck of Belleville, Ill., a farrowing manager for CD Bell, has served the pork industry for 26 years. Hinck's passion for animals shows in her work every day. Hinck says, "Every sow is checked at least once a day to make sure the animal is comfortable and has what it needs."
Becky Matli of Raymond, Ill., a midwife for Borgic Farms, Inc., has served the pork industry for 25 years. In order to be successful, she says, "Be prepared so you are ready for farrowing each day. Have everything ready and in place - records, warming box, heat lamp and other supplies - so the piglet has the best chance for a healthy start."
Shane Meyer of Diller, Neb., a sow herd production supervisor for Plymouth Ag Group, has served the pork industry for 18 years. He notes, "The most successful operations hire and retain good people who are dedicated to keeping a herd healthy by keeping the barns clean, checking each animal every day, keeping good records and watching every small detail."

Indonesia: Mad cow case will trigger poultry feed prices

//02 May 2012
Because of the discovery of a mad cow on 24 April 2012 in California, USA, the Indonesian government recently issued a policy of termination of the import of meat, offal and meat bone meal (MBM) from the United States.
Estimated that the policy will trigger a rise in poultry feed prices. So far the US is the largest supplier of MBM to Indonesia.

According to the chairman of Indonesian Feed Mill Association, Sudirman FX, recent months MBM prices continued to rise worldwide. Before the case of mad cow, MBM prices have risen from US$550 per ton to $650 per ton. “Because of the case of mad cow, it is feared MBM prices will increase again,” he said.

Sudirman said, current needs of MBM in Indonesia are 400,000 tonnes. Of the needs, about 165,000 tonnes were from the United States.

“There are three countries that supply MBM to Indonesia. The United States, Australia and New Zealand. Because of the case of mad cow, the feed mills now multiply the MBM imported from Australia and New Zealand,” he siad.

Before the occurrence of the case of mad cow, last week, because of rising raw material prices such as soybean meal and MBM, feed mills in Indonesia have planned to raise the price of poultry feed around IDR 600 per kg (€49.55/tonne). With the planned increase in the price, the price of poultry feed would to IDR 5,600 per kg (€462.50).

Sudirman added that the plan to increase the price of IDR 600 per kg was not considered the price of corn. “If there is a problem in the supply of corn and corn prices rise, the price of poultry feed will rise again,” he said.

More corn import needed
Relating to the supply of corn, Indonesian Feed Mill Association has asked for government permission to import corn.

Sudirman said that if not immediately importing corn, in May 2012 feed mills would experience a shortage of about 250,000 tonnes.

“The demand for corn for the feed mills in May 2012 was estimated at 560,000 tonnes. Whereas local corn supply is only about 310,000 tonnes,” he said.
Source: Arief Faruchdin

Company results: Merial posts lower sales in Q1 of 2012

//01 May 2012 French animal health company Merial, headquartered in Lyon, France, recorded sales of €578 million, down 5.4%, impacted by a tough comparable first quarter 2011. Sales of the animal health company in emerging markets grew 6.0% to €124 million. Sales of the production animals segment were €180 million, down 3.7%, reflecting decreased sales of the veterinary public health segment (down 50.8%) which benefited from one-off sales of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) and bluetongue virus vaccines in the first quarter of 2011. Excluding sales of FMD and bluetongue virus vaccines, sales of the production animals segment were up 5.4%. The ruminant segment continued to deliver strong growth (up 9.8%) driven by the recent launch in the US of the antibiotic Zactran against bovine respiratory disease. The avian segment grew by 5.4%, led by the vaccine Vaxxitek. Sales of the companion animals segment reached €398 million, down 6.1%. In March, Merial acquired Newport Laboratories, a US privately held company, which is a leader in autogenous vaccines with a focus on swine and bovine production markets. This acquisition will enable Merial to expand its production animal business in the US and optimise the company’s product technology with Newport's demand realisation expertise, thus providing a unique opportunity to meet the needs of US swine producers. Merial is part of the Sanofi group, which reached an €8.5 billion sales in the first quarter of 2012. This is a 7.0% year-on-year increase. Related website: Merial

RESEARCH: Powder disinfectant effective against PRRS virus

//01 May 2012 The use of a powder disinfectant has been proven to work as a good alternative to increase biosecurity in hog operations. This was shown in research by the University of Minnesota. The researchers were interested in making a comparison with a liquid disinfectant as liquid boot baths, utilised in many hog operations, have their limitations in keeping farms PRRS free. Problems arise from the current use of liquid disinfectant boot baths including their effectiveness following con­tamination with faecal matter and in freezing temperatures. The objective of the study therefore was to test a powder disinfectant, as an alternative to a liquid disinfectant boot bath, for the deactivation of PRRS virus under various temperatures and in the pres­ence or absence of faecal matter. Trials In Trial 1, clean, 24 dry rubber boots were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups. Treatment groups consisted of boot baths containing either the powder disinfectant Stalosan F power (Vitfoss, Denmark) or Synergize liquid disinfectant (Pro-Ag; Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada), following the manufacturers’ instructions at an environmental temperature of 85 degrees F (29.4 degrees C). After having made sure that PRRSv was absent on the booths, 1 ml Ingelvac PRRS MLV was added to 99 ml of sterile water and inverted and reverted for 5 minutes to mix completely. 2 ml of the dilution was applied with a syringe to the bottom of each boot. The inoculated boot was then sampled and tested. In Trial 2, the environmental temper­ature was 8°F (-13.3 degrees Celsius, a temperature below the freezing point of the liquid disinfectant). The same method used in Trial 1 was re­peated at this temperature. Trial 3 was conducted in field con­ditions to demonstrate the use of the powder in summer conditions and in the presence of faecal matter. Results In trials 1 and 2, 260 samples were collected and tested by PCR for the presence of PRRSv. Neither of the products tested resulted in 100% PRRSv PCR negative results under all conditions. The presence of faecal matter significantly reduced the ef­fectiveness of the liquid disinfectant but had no significant effect on the powder disinfectant. In the absence of faecal matter, the liquid disinfectant appeared to be more effective compared to the powder disinfectant. At -13.3 degrees Celsius and at 29.4 degrees Celsius, the powder disinfectant showed no significant difference in effectiveness with or without faecal matter. In trial 3, all boots sampled tested PCR negative for PRRSv, indicating that the powder disinfectant showed effectiveness in real nursery conditions in the presence of vaccine virus infection and shedding. Related websites: University of Minnesota Vitfoss Boehringer Ingelheim Pro-Ag