Study examines avian influenza’s path into Europe

The precise route of introduction of the H5N8 avian influenza virus into Europe still remains uncertain, says a scientific report of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) that has been generated in collaboration with member states and the EU Reference Laboratory. 
It is plausible that the virus has entered poultry farms in Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom indirectly, through material contaminated by infected wild birds - such as human activities, movement of vehicles or equipment, according to the study. However, since all affected farms use indoor housing facilities, experts conclude that a direct transmission from wild birds to farmed poultry is unlikely. 
Experts say that there are no known direct migration routes from East Asia to Europe. One hypothesis is that infected migratory birds from East Asia transmit the virus to other species at breeding and stopover places in Eurasia, but this hypothesis needs further investigation. 
As of the December 15 release of the study, the highly contagious avian influenza virus has been reported in Republic of Korea, Japan, China, Germany, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. The first outbreak was reported in Republic of Korea in January 2014. In Europe, the first affected holding was reported on November 4 in a turkey farm in Germany. The virus was then confirmed at a duck farm in the United Kingdom, and at five poultry farms (four chicken farms and one duck farm) in the Netherlands. 
Since the study was released, another avian influenza outbreak was reported at a fattening turkey holding in Italy.
EFSA recommends assessing biosecurity procedures at farms and improving them where necessary. The agency also recommends implementing targeted surveillance of wild birds in high risk areas and further investigation of possible entry routes of H5N8 into Europe. National and European laboratories and risk assessment institutions should continue to ensure timely analyses of the situation within the EU, the agency advised.

SPACE to focus on international challenges facing livestock industry

SPACE's visitor numbers are set once more to top 100,000, and the show’s international profile is growing.

The annual livestock trade show, SPACE 2011, September 13-16, at the Rennes Exhibition Centre, France, is focusing on the international challenges facing the poultry, pig and feed industries while celebrating its 25th anniversary and largest show to date.
In the past year, the livestock industry has improved from 2009 and 2010 levels despite high feed prices. The dairy and pig industries have experienced a slight increase in price, which made up for increased animal feed costs because of high cereal prices. Escalating feed costs also are directly impacting other areas of meat production, particularly poultry, where the current market is largely export driven. A further area of concern is the developing drought that is placing many farms at risk.
International presence growing
As of May, SPACE has 1,100 exhibitors — an increase of about 50 and more than 6,000 m² of stand area requested compared to 2010. SPACE is attracting more international companies — about 300 — and has 159 first-time exhibitors. The show will have 10 halls of exhibitions and is conveniently located next to the Saint-Jacques Airport in Rennes.
The 25th SPACE will offer plenty of opportunities for meetings and contacts among exhibitors representing the full range of equipment, products and services for all livestock species and trade visitors interested in developing and maintaining their business, particularly livestock farmers (60% of visitors in 2010) looking to optimise and modernise their operations.
Visitor numbers are set once more to top 100,000, and the show’s international profile is growing. In 2010, 9,336 international visitors from 107 different countries came to SPACE. As a result of the considerable resources SPACE invests abroad with the support of the Brittany Regional Council, a large number of delegations from every continent have already registered. International visitors will be able to choose from an extensive menu of services offered by the show’s different partners: ADEPTA, Bretagne International, UBI-France, CCI International and Enterprise Europe Network.
Educational, networking opportunities
A range of symposia and conferences once again make SPACE the focus for sharing at every level. New to the show, this year is the International Raw Materials Forum, held on September 16, sponsored by the Association of Animal Feed Compounders.
This year, SPACE is offering a Job Dating event organised by the Association for Employment in Agriculture.The principle of Job Dating is built on a "flash" meeting (about 15 minutes) between a potential employer and a person seeking employment. This is an initial contact for open positions or projects in the medium term. Work placements at the end of study courses also will be considered.
International visitors and exhibitors will have access to the International Club, a VIP reception area and meeting place that offers free Internet, interpreting services, refreshments and access to sign up for several planned farm tours.
Research, development platform
Feeding an ever-growing population means maintaining levels of agricultural production while reducing the use of chemical and non-renewable resources while protecting the environment —just some of the future challenges the world of agriculture must resolve.
Occupying a central position at SPACE, the 2011 Platform offers opportunities for information and discussion on Ecologically Intensive Agriculture practices. Farmers who are already integrating this new approach and advisers from the Chambers of Agriculture will be on hand to explain how farmers can adopt Ecologically Intensive Agriculture to their arable and livestock enterprises. No matter the sector — dairy, pigs or poultry — or the type of system — conventional or organic — Ecologically Intensive Agriculture is a progressive and innovative approach applicable not only at parcel or whole-farm level, but also at a regional level.

European Union calls for revised food labeling of poultry, meat products

Environmental Committee draft legislation, voted on at the second reading by the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety Committee, aims to modernize, simplify and clarify food labeling within the EU.

Food labels for poultry and meat should include the “date of first freezing," "country of provenance" and where an animal was born, reared and slaughtered, according to European Union Environment Committee members of Parliament. In addition, meat from slaughter without stunning should be labeled as such and meat consisting of combined meat parts should be labeled "formed meat." 
Committee-amended draft legislation, voted on at the second reading by the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety Committee, aims to modernize, simplify and clarify food labeling within the EU, according to committee members. It would change existing rules on information that is compulsory on all labels, such as name, list of ingredients, “best before” or “use by” dates and specific conditions of use, and would add a requirement to list key nutritional information. 
The committee approved its proposals, giving a strong mandate to achieve a second-reading agreement with Council ahead of Parliament’s plenary vote in July. Once the legislation is adopted, food businesses will have three years to adapt to the rules. They will have two more years after that to apply the rules on the nutritional declaration.

European broiler egg exporter receives second Queen's Award for Enterprise

HiBreeds International Ltd., an exporter of broiler hatching eggs from the UK and continental Europe, has received its second Queen’s Award for Enterprise.
The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are the UK’s most prestigious awards for business performance, recognizing and rewarding outstanding achievement. HiBreeds received the award for continuing success in international trade, following the company’s previous Queen’s Award success in 2003.
“We’re delighted to receive a second Queen’s Award after working hard to adapt to the changes in the economy and demand for food over recent years," said Laura Chandler, director of HiBreeds.