vaccines' potential
//29 Sep 2011
Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a leader in the development of synthetic immunogens against cancers and infectious diseases, announced that it has entered into a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate Plum Island Animal Disease Center.
This collaboration will evaluate the efficacy of Inovio's SynCon vaccines for foot & mouth disease (FMD) in important animal models including cattle, sheep, and pigs.
Inovio recently announced that it had designed and tested in animals a set of multi-subtype synthetic vaccine candidates for FMD clades A, O, C, and Asia. Following administration of these synthetic vaccines using Inovio's proprietary vaccine delivery technology in swine and sheep, all the vaccines induced strong antibody and T cell immune responses. Inovio's patented SynCon vaccines cannot cause the targeted disease, providing a safe approach to potentially protect against FMD and reduce its serious impact on global food supply and commerce.
FMD is highly infectious and, due to the fear of inadvertent spread to farm animals, research with the live virus to test vaccine efficacy is heavily restricted in the US to only the Plum Island Animal Disease Center. Inovio's synthetic vaccines, by virtue of being non-live, non-replicating, and easily manufacturable, afford several potential advantages over other current vaccine approaches, including killed/attenuated virus vaccines and vectored vaccines. Under the CRADA, Inovio and DHS scientists will assess the potency of the vaccine candidates in neutralizing the infectivity of the virus and their efficacy in live virus challenge experiments.
Dr. J. Joseph Kim, Inovio's President and CEO, said: "FMD is the contagion posing the single greatest threat to the nation's food security. We are pleased to work with the Department of Homeland Security on this important security initiative and appreciate their support to advance novel, efficient and rapidly manufacturable methods to effectively and safely protect our national food supply."
Showing posts with label US. Show all posts
Showing posts with label US. Show all posts
03 October 2011
US firm recalls pork products that may contain metal fragments
//30 Sep 2011
K. Heeps, Inc., an Allentown, Pennsylvania, establishment, is recalling approximately 5,550 pounds of pureed pork products that may contain foreign materials, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced.
The products subject to recall include: [View Label Example (PDF Only)]
•4.5-lb. boxes of Imperial Sysco "Puree Shaped Meats Country Style Pork and Binder Product"
Each box bears "EST. 9379" inside the USDA mark of inspection and a production code of 06/16/11. The pureed pork products were produced on June 16, 2011, and shipped to Calif., Fla., Ill., Ky., Md., Mo., N.J., Ohio, Pa., Texas, Utah, and Va. for institutional use.
Metal fragments found
The problem was discovered when two consumers reported finding small metal fragments in the products. The metal pieces may have broken off of the blending equipment during clean up and reassembly at the plant and subsequently entered the product. FSIS and the company have received no reports of illnesses or injury associated with consumption of these products. Individuals concerned about an illness or injury should contact a healthcare provider.
The recall announcemnet was made this week on Monday (26 Sept).
Class: I Recall
Health Risk: High
Source: FSIS
K. Heeps, Inc., an Allentown, Pennsylvania, establishment, is recalling approximately 5,550 pounds of pureed pork products that may contain foreign materials, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced.
The products subject to recall include: [View Label Example (PDF Only)]
•4.5-lb. boxes of Imperial Sysco "Puree Shaped Meats Country Style Pork and Binder Product"
Each box bears "EST. 9379" inside the USDA mark of inspection and a production code of 06/16/11. The pureed pork products were produced on June 16, 2011, and shipped to Calif., Fla., Ill., Ky., Md., Mo., N.J., Ohio, Pa., Texas, Utah, and Va. for institutional use.
Metal fragments found
The problem was discovered when two consumers reported finding small metal fragments in the products. The metal pieces may have broken off of the blending equipment during clean up and reassembly at the plant and subsequently entered the product. FSIS and the company have received no reports of illnesses or injury associated with consumption of these products. Individuals concerned about an illness or injury should contact a healthcare provider.
The recall announcemnet was made this week on Monday (26 Sept).
Class: I Recall
Health Risk: High
Source: FSIS
US: Number of pigs increased
//30 Sep 2011
US farms have seen an increase in hogs and pigs, with an upward move of 1%, according to the US Department of Agriculture report which was released this week. The 1% increase is up from a year ago. Other increases were also seen...
The numbers below is as of 1 September 2011.
Expectations surpassed
According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) the size of the US hog and pig herd is 66.6 million head, up 1% from September 2010. This increase reported by the USDA surpasses analysts expectations, as it was thought that the likely growth would be 0.5% more than the previous year.
Anothe increase is the swine breeding herd at 1 September, which came in at 5.81 million head, up 1% from a year ago. Analysts expected about 5.78 million head.
Taking into account the five year average - the total hog and pig herd is 1.4% above the five year average and the swine breeding herd is reported as 2.4% below it.
Also seeing an increase:
•Hogs kept for marketing totals 60.8 million head, up 1% from a year ago.
Average number of pigs per litter for the three-month period (June-August 2011 ) was 10.03 compared to 9.81 last year, up 2.2% compared to a year ago. ***See full report here (PDF)
Related website: USDA
US farms have seen an increase in hogs and pigs, with an upward move of 1%, according to the US Department of Agriculture report which was released this week. The 1% increase is up from a year ago. Other increases were also seen...
The numbers below is as of 1 September 2011.
Expectations surpassed
According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) the size of the US hog and pig herd is 66.6 million head, up 1% from September 2010. This increase reported by the USDA surpasses analysts expectations, as it was thought that the likely growth would be 0.5% more than the previous year.
Anothe increase is the swine breeding herd at 1 September, which came in at 5.81 million head, up 1% from a year ago. Analysts expected about 5.78 million head.
Taking into account the five year average - the total hog and pig herd is 1.4% above the five year average and the swine breeding herd is reported as 2.4% below it.
Also seeing an increase:
•Hogs kept for marketing totals 60.8 million head, up 1% from a year ago.
Average number of pigs per litter for the three-month period (June-August 2011 ) was 10.03 compared to 9.81 last year, up 2.2% compared to a year ago. ***See full report here (PDF)
Related website: USDA
28 September 2011
US poultry groups fight proposed safety rules
//26 Sep 2011
A proposed requirement to increase the types of work related incidents that must be reported to OSHA within eight hours is facing criticism from an alliance of US poultry groups.
“This may not help identify significant workplace hazards or failures within a safety and health program and places another reporting burden on the employer while doing little, if anything to improve workplace safety,” poultry industry groups said in filing comments opposing the Occupational Safety & Health Administration's proposed rules. The comments were prepared by the Joint Poultry Industry Safety & Health Council, comprising the US Poultry & Egg Association, National Chicken Council and National Turkey Federation. Collectively, the three organisations represent companies that produce 95% of the nation's poultry products and employ more than 300,000 workers.
The proposed rule expands the reporting requirement for hospitalisations to require reporting of a single employee hospitalisation within eight hours for work-related incidents. ”It is not unusual for an employee to be admitted for observation or testing and be released the next day without any treatment. Such minor injuries are not indicative of a significant workplace hazard or failure within a safety and health program,” the poultry group remarked.
“The current requirement of reporting the hospitalization of three or more employees is generally an indicator that a potentially serious safety incident may have occurred, and prompt reporting of such events is a more reasonable approach and remains justified,” commented the Joint Council.
OSHA states the additional reporting of hospitalisation will allow for the collection of more information on the cause of these injuries and illnesses. The poultry group said, “The DART (Days Away, Restrictions and Transfers) rate, calculated from existing injury and illness data, already identifies those workplaces with frequent, severe injuries. We fail to see why this currently available data is not sufficient to meet the goal of identifying ‘the most dangerous workplaces’ and why OSHA needs this type of additional injury data.”
Source: Feed and Grain
A proposed requirement to increase the types of work related incidents that must be reported to OSHA within eight hours is facing criticism from an alliance of US poultry groups.
“This may not help identify significant workplace hazards or failures within a safety and health program and places another reporting burden on the employer while doing little, if anything to improve workplace safety,” poultry industry groups said in filing comments opposing the Occupational Safety & Health Administration's proposed rules. The comments were prepared by the Joint Poultry Industry Safety & Health Council, comprising the US Poultry & Egg Association, National Chicken Council and National Turkey Federation. Collectively, the three organisations represent companies that produce 95% of the nation's poultry products and employ more than 300,000 workers.
The proposed rule expands the reporting requirement for hospitalisations to require reporting of a single employee hospitalisation within eight hours for work-related incidents. ”It is not unusual for an employee to be admitted for observation or testing and be released the next day without any treatment. Such minor injuries are not indicative of a significant workplace hazard or failure within a safety and health program,” the poultry group remarked.
“The current requirement of reporting the hospitalization of three or more employees is generally an indicator that a potentially serious safety incident may have occurred, and prompt reporting of such events is a more reasonable approach and remains justified,” commented the Joint Council.
OSHA states the additional reporting of hospitalisation will allow for the collection of more information on the cause of these injuries and illnesses. The poultry group said, “The DART (Days Away, Restrictions and Transfers) rate, calculated from existing injury and illness data, already identifies those workplaces with frequent, severe injuries. We fail to see why this currently available data is not sufficient to meet the goal of identifying ‘the most dangerous workplaces’ and why OSHA needs this type of additional injury data.”
Source: Feed and Grain
22 September 2011
US pork producers use six times more antibiotics than Danish counterparts
//22 Sep 2011
The US uses approximately six times more antibiotics to produce about 1kg of meat than Denmark, that is according to a Danish food official in a presentation in Chicago, Illinois, earlier this week.
Henrik Caspar Wegener, director of the National Food Institute in Denmark, said during a panel session at the Chicago conference, “My main advice for the US is that all antibiotics used on animals should be given only with a prescription.”
“That’s not the case at the moment. Antibiotics are medicines. They should be prescribed by someone educated to make that decision.”
By requiring prescriptions for all antibiotics, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) can make more-informed decisions about how antibiotics are used and give them insight on how a reduction can be achieved, he said. In addition, more data may help officials persuade the US meat-producing industry to change its practices, Wegener said.
Resistant infections in human medicine would cost the US more than $20 billion annually, a 2009 study reported.
At the moment, antibiotics are available by prescription, in an animal’s feed with the approval of a veterinarian, and over-the-counter without a prescription. The FDA issued draft guidance at the end of June, last year, that would require veterinarian approval for all antibiotics, eliminating over-the-counter availability. The guidance isn’t yet final.
More difficult
Liz Wagstrom, chief veterinarian at the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) agreed with the call for more surveillance. But added, that requiring prescriptions would be more difficult in the US than in Denmark, due to the US’s larger size and less homogeneous population, making tracking difficult.
GAO report
Monitoring however has become more likely recently, as a report from the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) gave the issue new prominence. It advised the FDA to work with antibtiocs producing companies on a voluntary basis to increase veterinary supervision of antibiotics.
Data collected so far ‘lack crucial details necessary to examine trends and understand the relationship between use and resistance’, the report said.
Wegener said he met with GAO investigators in Denmark, and the investigators also talked with farmers and veterinarians. "We had a lengthy discussion about the situation in Demark," Wegener said. "I just wonder if there is the political will to change anything about antibiotic use in the US."
Related weblog:
• Do we want antibiotics in feed?
Related websites:
• National Pork Producers Council (NPPC)
The US uses approximately six times more antibiotics to produce about 1kg of meat than Denmark, that is according to a Danish food official in a presentation in Chicago, Illinois, earlier this week.
Henrik Caspar Wegener, director of the National Food Institute in Denmark, said during a panel session at the Chicago conference, “My main advice for the US is that all antibiotics used on animals should be given only with a prescription.”
“That’s not the case at the moment. Antibiotics are medicines. They should be prescribed by someone educated to make that decision.”
By requiring prescriptions for all antibiotics, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) can make more-informed decisions about how antibiotics are used and give them insight on how a reduction can be achieved, he said. In addition, more data may help officials persuade the US meat-producing industry to change its practices, Wegener said.
Resistant infections in human medicine would cost the US more than $20 billion annually, a 2009 study reported.
At the moment, antibiotics are available by prescription, in an animal’s feed with the approval of a veterinarian, and over-the-counter without a prescription. The FDA issued draft guidance at the end of June, last year, that would require veterinarian approval for all antibiotics, eliminating over-the-counter availability. The guidance isn’t yet final.
More difficult
Liz Wagstrom, chief veterinarian at the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) agreed with the call for more surveillance. But added, that requiring prescriptions would be more difficult in the US than in Denmark, due to the US’s larger size and less homogeneous population, making tracking difficult.
GAO report
Monitoring however has become more likely recently, as a report from the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) gave the issue new prominence. It advised the FDA to work with antibtiocs producing companies on a voluntary basis to increase veterinary supervision of antibiotics.
Data collected so far ‘lack crucial details necessary to examine trends and understand the relationship between use and resistance’, the report said.
Wegener said he met with GAO investigators in Denmark, and the investigators also talked with farmers and veterinarians. "We had a lengthy discussion about the situation in Demark," Wegener said. "I just wonder if there is the political will to change anything about antibiotic use in the US."
Related weblog:
• Do we want antibiotics in feed?
Related websites:
• National Pork Producers Council (NPPC)
21 September 2011
US challenges China in chicken anti-dumping case
//21 Sep 2011
The United States has initiated the next step in the fight for better access to Chinese markets, by asking the World Trade Organization to look at Beijing's duties on the billion-dollar chicken trade.
"China must play by the rules," said US Trade Representative Ron Kirk, calling on the WTO to look into the one-year-old dispute - the first step toward possible sanctions.
US poultry industry response
In response the US poultry industry stated that it greatly appreciates the determination that Ambassador Kirk and his staff have shown to address this significant trade problem. The action being brought is a trade remedy case that challenges the method by which China determined that the product was allegedly sold as less than normal value, the National Chicken Council (NCC) and USA Poultry & Egg Export Council (USAPEEC) said in a joint statement.
The China case used “average cost of production” to determine normal value rather than using domestic US market prices for comparable sales as is customary in anti-dumping actions. The use of “average cost of production” reflects neither market realities nor the way in which companies in the industry commonly keep their accounts.
Methodology seriously flawed
The US poultry industry agrees that the Chinese methodology was seriously flawed and that the anti-dumping proceeding did not comply with international rules. The Chinese authorities also found that US poultry exports benefit from farm subsidies, such as support prices for corn and soybeans. The reality is that US poultry receives no government subsidies and does not benefit from any of the government crop programs.
In the statement by poultry industry representatives it was considered unfortunate that this dispute has to be addressed through the formal WTO process, but they believe that it is necessary that this incorrect methodology be challenged and that US trading rights guaranteed by WTO agreements be protected. The US industry also believes that this case will have direct implications for dumping cases that have previously been brought by other WTO Member countries that are also incorrectly based on an average cost of production methodology.
Two-way poultry trade
The US poultry industry has been cooperating with the Chinese industry and the Chinese government on other initiatives to improve conditions of two-way poultry trade that are unrelated to the issues being addressed in the case initiated. The industry’s commitment to those initiatives will continue and not be affected by the initiation of the WTO case.
Related websites:
USTR
NCC
USAPEEC
The United States has initiated the next step in the fight for better access to Chinese markets, by asking the World Trade Organization to look at Beijing's duties on the billion-dollar chicken trade.
"China must play by the rules," said US Trade Representative Ron Kirk, calling on the WTO to look into the one-year-old dispute - the first step toward possible sanctions.
US poultry industry response
In response the US poultry industry stated that it greatly appreciates the determination that Ambassador Kirk and his staff have shown to address this significant trade problem. The action being brought is a trade remedy case that challenges the method by which China determined that the product was allegedly sold as less than normal value, the National Chicken Council (NCC) and USA Poultry & Egg Export Council (USAPEEC) said in a joint statement.
The China case used “average cost of production” to determine normal value rather than using domestic US market prices for comparable sales as is customary in anti-dumping actions. The use of “average cost of production” reflects neither market realities nor the way in which companies in the industry commonly keep their accounts.
Methodology seriously flawed
The US poultry industry agrees that the Chinese methodology was seriously flawed and that the anti-dumping proceeding did not comply with international rules. The Chinese authorities also found that US poultry exports benefit from farm subsidies, such as support prices for corn and soybeans. The reality is that US poultry receives no government subsidies and does not benefit from any of the government crop programs.
In the statement by poultry industry representatives it was considered unfortunate that this dispute has to be addressed through the formal WTO process, but they believe that it is necessary that this incorrect methodology be challenged and that US trading rights guaranteed by WTO agreements be protected. The US industry also believes that this case will have direct implications for dumping cases that have previously been brought by other WTO Member countries that are also incorrectly based on an average cost of production methodology.
Two-way poultry trade
The US poultry industry has been cooperating with the Chinese industry and the Chinese government on other initiatives to improve conditions of two-way poultry trade that are unrelated to the issues being addressed in the case initiated. The industry’s commitment to those initiatives will continue and not be affected by the initiation of the WTO case.
Related websites:
USTR
NCC
USAPEEC
25 August 2011
PRRS costs US industry $664 million annually
//25 Aug 2011
A new study, underwritten by the US Pork Checkoff and conducted by Iowa State University, estimates that porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) continues to be a major drag on the US pork industry – costing the pork industry $664 million per year.
This translates into $1.8 million per day or $114.71 per sow annually. The previous economic study in 2005 calculated PRRS losses at $560 million annually.
National Pork Board president Everett Forkner, said, "This Checkoff-funded work offers producers, veterinarians and every part of the pork chain a new and valuable insight into the economic impact of PRRS and underscores why we’ve leveraged domestic and international government funds to offer producers tools for regional control of this virus."
The 2011 study differed most significantly from the 2005 study in the allocation of losses between the breeding and the growing pig herds. Specifically, losses in the growing pig herd accounted for 88% of the total cost of PRRS in the 2005 study compared with 55% in the current analysis.
Differences
Iowa State University veterinarian Derald Holtkamp and agricultural economist Jim Kliebenstein collaborated on the study with others in academia, swine veterinarians in private practice and the USDA. They found that differences between the 2005 and the 2011 studies may be attributed to several key factors, including changes in the prevalence of PRRS virus and incidence of outbreaks, production and animal health management practices, inflation (accounts for 40% of the increase) and other pathogens that have emerged since 2005, such as porcine circovirus.
The report summary stated, "Since the 2005 study, pig production and health strategies have evolved, PRRS virus control/elimination strategies have improved and structural adjustments have occurred in the industry. Because of these developments, it was reasonable to question whether the incidence, severity and/or impact of PRRS outbreaks on pig health and productivity in the US herd may have changed since the 2005 study was conducted."
New study
The new study collected much of its data from cooperating producers and veterinarians across the United States in late 2010. While not benchmarked in 2005, additional PRRS-related costs that producers must contend with, such as veterinary and biosecurity measures, were collected in this study. Researchers found these costs added $477.79 million annually to total PRRS costs, putting the cumulative cost of the disease at more than $1 billion per year when added to production-related losses.
Based upon a survey of swine veterinarians from across the United States, the study’s researchers were able to estimate additional PRRS statistics. They found that 28% of sows and gilts used for breeding in the United States were PRRS virus-free and 60% of weaned pigs were PRRS-negative at placement.
Outbreaks
"This study also confirmed conventional wisdom that says outbreaks in PRRS virus-free herds are more severe than outbreaks in PRRS virus-infected herds," Holtkamp said. "When comparing elimination methods, we found that the time required for herds to provide a return on investment was still relatively short with herd closure and rollover. However, we found that complete depopulation/repopulation appears to make economic sense only if there are other reasons to depopulate the herd or for high-value genetics herds."
According to Lisa Becton, Checkoff’s director of swine health, the complete Checkoff-funded research study on PRRS will serve as a valuable resource for producers, veterinarians and the entire industry for years to come as more of its data is analyzed. She said the full report is expected to be available in coming months and will be available on pork.org.
Related websites:
• National Pork Board
• Iowa State University
A new study, underwritten by the US Pork Checkoff and conducted by Iowa State University, estimates that porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) continues to be a major drag on the US pork industry – costing the pork industry $664 million per year.
This translates into $1.8 million per day or $114.71 per sow annually. The previous economic study in 2005 calculated PRRS losses at $560 million annually.
National Pork Board president Everett Forkner, said, "This Checkoff-funded work offers producers, veterinarians and every part of the pork chain a new and valuable insight into the economic impact of PRRS and underscores why we’ve leveraged domestic and international government funds to offer producers tools for regional control of this virus."
The 2011 study differed most significantly from the 2005 study in the allocation of losses between the breeding and the growing pig herds. Specifically, losses in the growing pig herd accounted for 88% of the total cost of PRRS in the 2005 study compared with 55% in the current analysis.
Differences
Iowa State University veterinarian Derald Holtkamp and agricultural economist Jim Kliebenstein collaborated on the study with others in academia, swine veterinarians in private practice and the USDA. They found that differences between the 2005 and the 2011 studies may be attributed to several key factors, including changes in the prevalence of PRRS virus and incidence of outbreaks, production and animal health management practices, inflation (accounts for 40% of the increase) and other pathogens that have emerged since 2005, such as porcine circovirus.
The report summary stated, "Since the 2005 study, pig production and health strategies have evolved, PRRS virus control/elimination strategies have improved and structural adjustments have occurred in the industry. Because of these developments, it was reasonable to question whether the incidence, severity and/or impact of PRRS outbreaks on pig health and productivity in the US herd may have changed since the 2005 study was conducted."
New study
The new study collected much of its data from cooperating producers and veterinarians across the United States in late 2010. While not benchmarked in 2005, additional PRRS-related costs that producers must contend with, such as veterinary and biosecurity measures, were collected in this study. Researchers found these costs added $477.79 million annually to total PRRS costs, putting the cumulative cost of the disease at more than $1 billion per year when added to production-related losses.
Based upon a survey of swine veterinarians from across the United States, the study’s researchers were able to estimate additional PRRS statistics. They found that 28% of sows and gilts used for breeding in the United States were PRRS virus-free and 60% of weaned pigs were PRRS-negative at placement.
Outbreaks
"This study also confirmed conventional wisdom that says outbreaks in PRRS virus-free herds are more severe than outbreaks in PRRS virus-infected herds," Holtkamp said. "When comparing elimination methods, we found that the time required for herds to provide a return on investment was still relatively short with herd closure and rollover. However, we found that complete depopulation/repopulation appears to make economic sense only if there are other reasons to depopulate the herd or for high-value genetics herds."
According to Lisa Becton, Checkoff’s director of swine health, the complete Checkoff-funded research study on PRRS will serve as a valuable resource for producers, veterinarians and the entire industry for years to come as more of its data is analyzed. She said the full report is expected to be available in coming months and will be available on pork.org.
Related websites:
• National Pork Board
• Iowa State University
31 July 2011
Merck’s new coccidiosis vaccine approved for US poultry market
//22 Jul 2011
Merck Animal Health has obtained regulatory approval from the US Department of Agriculture for Coccivac-D2 — a new-generation version of a coccidiosis vaccine to replace Coccivac-D.
“Coccivac-D2 builds on the field-proven performance and dependability of Coccivac-D, but its spectrum is even more in step with the Eimeria populations found in today’s broiler-breeder and layer operations,” said Charlie Broussard, DVM, director of US poultry technical services.
He explained that Coccivac-D2 has a more focused antigen profile of the six major species of chicken coccidia (E. tenella, E. mivati, E. acervulina, E. maxima, E. brunetti and E. necatrix.) “We eliminated E. hagani and E. praecox, two of the least important pathogenic Eimeria species of the chicken,” Broussard added.
As with all Coccivac vaccines, Coccivac-D2 provides a balanced, controlled dose of live Eimeria oocysts to stimulate the bird’s natural immunity against this costly and highly prevalent disease. Coccivac-D2 is currently available in 5,000-dose and 1,000-dose vials.
The development of Coccivac-D2 is the result of Merck Animal Health’s ongoing commitment to quality control. As part of this process, all master seeds used to produce the vaccinal oocysts in Coccivac-D2 were tested for purity, quality and re-qualified by USDA. This new product will also help streamline production and result in a more efficient manufacturing process for Merck Animal Health coccidiosis vaccines for poultry.
Source: Merck Animal Health
Merck Animal Health has obtained regulatory approval from the US Department of Agriculture for Coccivac-D2 — a new-generation version of a coccidiosis vaccine to replace Coccivac-D.
“Coccivac-D2 builds on the field-proven performance and dependability of Coccivac-D, but its spectrum is even more in step with the Eimeria populations found in today’s broiler-breeder and layer operations,” said Charlie Broussard, DVM, director of US poultry technical services.
He explained that Coccivac-D2 has a more focused antigen profile of the six major species of chicken coccidia (E. tenella, E. mivati, E. acervulina, E. maxima, E. brunetti and E. necatrix.) “We eliminated E. hagani and E. praecox, two of the least important pathogenic Eimeria species of the chicken,” Broussard added.
As with all Coccivac vaccines, Coccivac-D2 provides a balanced, controlled dose of live Eimeria oocysts to stimulate the bird’s natural immunity against this costly and highly prevalent disease. Coccivac-D2 is currently available in 5,000-dose and 1,000-dose vials.
The development of Coccivac-D2 is the result of Merck Animal Health’s ongoing commitment to quality control. As part of this process, all master seeds used to produce the vaccinal oocysts in Coccivac-D2 were tested for purity, quality and re-qualified by USDA. This new product will also help streamline production and result in a more efficient manufacturing process for Merck Animal Health coccidiosis vaccines for poultry.
Source: Merck Animal Health
24 June 2011
US broiler meat production down 2% in April
//23 Jun 2011
Total broiler meat production in April 2011 was 2.97 billion pounds, a decrease of 2.3% from the previous year, according to the latest figures from the USDA.
A considerable share of the decline can be attributed to 1 less slaughter day in April 2011. Broiler meat production on a yearover- year basis rose in 3 of the first 4 months in 2011. Processors reported slaughtering 686 million broilers in April 2011, a decrease of 4% from the previous year. Partially offsetting this was an increase in the average liveweight at slaughter of those broilers to 5.76 pounds, up 1.4% from a year earlier.
In addition to the increase in the average liveweight, there was an increase in the average meat yield per bird to 4.33 pounds, a 1.8-% increase from a year earlier.
With a combination of continued sluggishness of the domestic economy and forecast higher prices for both corn and soybean meal, the broiler meat production estimates for fourth-quarter 2011 and for 2012 were revised downward from the previous month’s estimate. The meat production estimate for fourth-quarter 2011 was lowered by 25 million pounds to 9.4 billion pounds. The estimate for firstquarter 2012 was also lowered by 25 million pounds, to 9.36 billion pounds, and the total for 2012 was reduced by 100 million pounds to 38.0 billion pounds.
Turkey production
Turkey meat production in April was 456 million pounds, up fractionally from a year earlier. As with broilers, the driving factor in the increase has been higher bird weights. In April the number of birds slaughtered was 19.1 million, down about 0.5% from the previous year. This was offset by a 1-% increase in the average weight at slaughter to 30 pounds. Again, the small increase in turkey meat production in April was in part due to 1 less slaughter day in April 2011 than in the previous year.
Egg production
During January to April 2011, the number of hens in the US table egg flock was slightly higher than during the same period in 2010. In April, the flock was estimated at 283 million birds, up fractionally from the previous year. That small increase in the size of the table flock, augmented by an increase in the rate of lay for table egg birds in April, resulted in a 1.0% increase in the number of table eggs produced in April to 546 million dozen.
While the production estimates for the second half of 2011 were raised slightly, the 2012 production estimates for both table egg and hatching eggs were lowered. The estimate for table egg production in 2012 was lowered by 20 million dozen to 6.54 billion and the estimate for hatching eggs was reduced by 8 million dozen to 1.0 billion dozen. The changes for the table egg market are brought about chiefly by the increases in grain prices, and the reduction in hatching egg production is mostly the result of an anticipated decline in broiler meat production.
Source: USDA Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Outlook
Total broiler meat production in April 2011 was 2.97 billion pounds, a decrease of 2.3% from the previous year, according to the latest figures from the USDA.
A considerable share of the decline can be attributed to 1 less slaughter day in April 2011. Broiler meat production on a yearover- year basis rose in 3 of the first 4 months in 2011. Processors reported slaughtering 686 million broilers in April 2011, a decrease of 4% from the previous year. Partially offsetting this was an increase in the average liveweight at slaughter of those broilers to 5.76 pounds, up 1.4% from a year earlier.
In addition to the increase in the average liveweight, there was an increase in the average meat yield per bird to 4.33 pounds, a 1.8-% increase from a year earlier.
With a combination of continued sluggishness of the domestic economy and forecast higher prices for both corn and soybean meal, the broiler meat production estimates for fourth-quarter 2011 and for 2012 were revised downward from the previous month’s estimate. The meat production estimate for fourth-quarter 2011 was lowered by 25 million pounds to 9.4 billion pounds. The estimate for firstquarter 2012 was also lowered by 25 million pounds, to 9.36 billion pounds, and the total for 2012 was reduced by 100 million pounds to 38.0 billion pounds.
Turkey production
Turkey meat production in April was 456 million pounds, up fractionally from a year earlier. As with broilers, the driving factor in the increase has been higher bird weights. In April the number of birds slaughtered was 19.1 million, down about 0.5% from the previous year. This was offset by a 1-% increase in the average weight at slaughter to 30 pounds. Again, the small increase in turkey meat production in April was in part due to 1 less slaughter day in April 2011 than in the previous year.
Egg production
During January to April 2011, the number of hens in the US table egg flock was slightly higher than during the same period in 2010. In April, the flock was estimated at 283 million birds, up fractionally from the previous year. That small increase in the size of the table flock, augmented by an increase in the rate of lay for table egg birds in April, resulted in a 1.0% increase in the number of table eggs produced in April to 546 million dozen.
While the production estimates for the second half of 2011 were raised slightly, the 2012 production estimates for both table egg and hatching eggs were lowered. The estimate for table egg production in 2012 was lowered by 20 million dozen to 6.54 billion and the estimate for hatching eggs was reduced by 8 million dozen to 1.0 billion dozen. The changes for the table egg market are brought about chiefly by the increases in grain prices, and the reduction in hatching egg production is mostly the result of an anticipated decline in broiler meat production.
Source: USDA Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Outlook
25 May 2011
US egg production up slightly in April
//24 May 2011
United States egg production totaled 7.61 billion during April 2011, up slightly from last year, according to the latest figures from the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Production included 6.56 billion table eggs, and 1.06 billion hatching eggs, of which 987 million were broiler-type and 70 million were egg-type. The total number of layers during April 2011 averaged 340 million, down slightly from last year. April egg production per 100 layers was 2,236 eggs, up 1% from April 2010.
All layers in the United States on May 1, 2011 totaled 339 million, down slightly from last year. The 339 million layers consisted of 281 million layers producing table or market type eggs, 54.7 million layers producing broiler-type hatching eggs, and 2.93 million layers producing egg-type hatching eggs. Rate of lay per day on May 1, 2011, averaged 74.3 eggs per 100 layers, up 2% from May 1, 2010.
Egg-type chicks
Egg-type chicks hatched during April 2011 totaled 43.4 million, down 9% from April 2010. Eggs in incubators totaled 40.8 million on May 1, 2011, down 2% from a year ago.
Domestic placements of egg-type pullet chicks for future hatchery supply flocks by leading breeders totaled 287 thousand during April 2011, up 24% from April 2010.
Broiler-type chicks
Broiler-type chicks hatched during April 2011 totaled 780 million, up 2% from April 2010. Eggs in incubators totaled 649 million on May 1, 2011, up 1% from a year earlier.
Leading breeders placed 6.90 million broiler-type pullet chicks for future domestic hatchery supply flocks during April 2011, up 1% from April 2010.
Source: USDA
United States egg production totaled 7.61 billion during April 2011, up slightly from last year, according to the latest figures from the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Production included 6.56 billion table eggs, and 1.06 billion hatching eggs, of which 987 million were broiler-type and 70 million were egg-type. The total number of layers during April 2011 averaged 340 million, down slightly from last year. April egg production per 100 layers was 2,236 eggs, up 1% from April 2010.
All layers in the United States on May 1, 2011 totaled 339 million, down slightly from last year. The 339 million layers consisted of 281 million layers producing table or market type eggs, 54.7 million layers producing broiler-type hatching eggs, and 2.93 million layers producing egg-type hatching eggs. Rate of lay per day on May 1, 2011, averaged 74.3 eggs per 100 layers, up 2% from May 1, 2010.
Egg-type chicks
Egg-type chicks hatched during April 2011 totaled 43.4 million, down 9% from April 2010. Eggs in incubators totaled 40.8 million on May 1, 2011, down 2% from a year ago.
Domestic placements of egg-type pullet chicks for future hatchery supply flocks by leading breeders totaled 287 thousand during April 2011, up 24% from April 2010.
Broiler-type chicks
Broiler-type chicks hatched during April 2011 totaled 780 million, up 2% from April 2010. Eggs in incubators totaled 649 million on May 1, 2011, up 1% from a year earlier.
Leading breeders placed 6.90 million broiler-type pullet chicks for future domestic hatchery supply flocks during April 2011, up 1% from April 2010.
Source: USDA
02 May 2011
Storms in US destroy 200 chicken houses
//29 Apr 2011
Tornadoes and violent storms which are sweeping through southern-eastern US states have destroyed 200 chicken houses that held up to 4 million chickens in Alabama, state officials told Reuters.
Futhermore another 180 chicken houses have been damaged by the storm.
Alabama is No. 3 US chicken producer, behind Georgia and Arkansas. The state has about 14,000 chicken houses that hold approximately 200 million chickens, according to the National Chicken Council.
"Thousands of chickens have been lost in the tornadoes, and these numbers could grow as we continue to assess the damage," Agriculture Commissioner John McMillan said in a statement.
"Power outages and loss of drinking water could worsen an already critical situation for poultry producers and meat processors," he said.
Pilgrim's Pride Corp, the No. 2 US chicken company and majority owned by JBS SA, said a number of its complexes were affected by the storms and its processing plants in Guntersville and Boaz were without power.
Tyson Foods, the No. 1 chicken producer, has yet to comment whether it has also been affected.
Source: Reuters
Tornadoes and violent storms which are sweeping through southern-eastern US states have destroyed 200 chicken houses that held up to 4 million chickens in Alabama, state officials told Reuters.
Futhermore another 180 chicken houses have been damaged by the storm.
Alabama is No. 3 US chicken producer, behind Georgia and Arkansas. The state has about 14,000 chicken houses that hold approximately 200 million chickens, according to the National Chicken Council.
"Thousands of chickens have been lost in the tornadoes, and these numbers could grow as we continue to assess the damage," Agriculture Commissioner John McMillan said in a statement.
"Power outages and loss of drinking water could worsen an already critical situation for poultry producers and meat processors," he said.
Pilgrim's Pride Corp, the No. 2 US chicken company and majority owned by JBS SA, said a number of its complexes were affected by the storms and its processing plants in Guntersville and Boaz were without power.
Tyson Foods, the No. 1 chicken producer, has yet to comment whether it has also been affected.
Source: Reuters
21 March 2011
US poultry group to donate $25,000 to Japanese industry
//21 Mar 2011
The USAPEEC International Poultry Development Program (UIPDP) has pledged $25,000 to the Japanese Chicken Association to aid and assist its members in rebuilding efforts after the recent devastating earthquake and tsunami.
Although much of Japan’s poultry production is concentrated in the south of the country, some companies had facilities in the areas in the north that were seriously affected by the earthquake and tsunami.
“The Japanese poultry industry has been hard hit by the disaster, and this is our industry’s way of reaching out to them,” said Eric Joiner, chairman of UIPDP and a founder of AJC International, an Atlanta trading company and major poultry exporter. “The UIPDP board believes this is a worthwhile project that will be truly appreciated by a segment of the Japanese industry that affected.” He said the contribution would also be used to assist employees of the companies affected by the disaster.
USAPEEC President Jim Sumner, who also serves as president of UIPDP, said that the funds could help the Japanese industry in areas of greatest need. “It’s great that we have an organization like UIPDP to support USAPEEC’s goals and initiatives,” he said. “We believe that by going directly to the Japanese Chicken Association will ensure that the funds will be put to good use.”
Sumner said that USAPEEC would also serve as the focal point for collecting direct financial contributions from private companies, especially its member companies, which may be interested in providing support to the Japanese industry. Companies wishing to contribute to the cause should contact Christine Fee at cfee@usapeec.org for more information.
UIPDP, is a charitable support organisation that works closely with the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council (USAPEEC) in supporting various international programs aimed at creating good will and uniting the global poultry industry.
The USAPEEC International Poultry Development Program (UIPDP) has pledged $25,000 to the Japanese Chicken Association to aid and assist its members in rebuilding efforts after the recent devastating earthquake and tsunami.
Although much of Japan’s poultry production is concentrated in the south of the country, some companies had facilities in the areas in the north that were seriously affected by the earthquake and tsunami.
“The Japanese poultry industry has been hard hit by the disaster, and this is our industry’s way of reaching out to them,” said Eric Joiner, chairman of UIPDP and a founder of AJC International, an Atlanta trading company and major poultry exporter. “The UIPDP board believes this is a worthwhile project that will be truly appreciated by a segment of the Japanese industry that affected.” He said the contribution would also be used to assist employees of the companies affected by the disaster.
USAPEEC President Jim Sumner, who also serves as president of UIPDP, said that the funds could help the Japanese industry in areas of greatest need. “It’s great that we have an organization like UIPDP to support USAPEEC’s goals and initiatives,” he said. “We believe that by going directly to the Japanese Chicken Association will ensure that the funds will be put to good use.”
Sumner said that USAPEEC would also serve as the focal point for collecting direct financial contributions from private companies, especially its member companies, which may be interested in providing support to the Japanese industry. Companies wishing to contribute to the cause should contact Christine Fee at cfee@usapeec.org for more information.
UIPDP, is a charitable support organisation that works closely with the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council (USAPEEC) in supporting various international programs aimed at creating good will and uniting the global poultry industry.
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