Officials in Kansas are closely monitoring waterfowl populations at Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area and Quivira National Wildlife Refuge after dead geese were observed in the wetlands. Staff at both areas picked up dead birds recently and sent samples for testing.
Lab results confirmed that avian cholera, a contagious disease resulting from infection by the bacterium Pasteurella multocida, was the cause of death. This strain of bacteria commonly affects geese, coots, gulls and crows. Most of the dead birds found have been snow geese.
“We picked up about 30 dead geese on December 14,” said Karl Grover, Cheyenne manager. “Those birds had died between [Dec. 11 and Dec. 14], so we’re seeing about 10 dead birds a day. We estimate that the Bottoms is holding between 75,000 and 150,000 geese, half of which are snows, and about 10,000 ducks.”
USFWS staff at Quivira NWR gave similar estimates. Refuge manager Mike Oldham said some geese moved off of the refuge after the weekend.
“We probably have about 80,000 geese and about half of them are snow geese,” Oldham said. “We’re picking up about 4-5 dead birds per day.”
While it’s not uncommon for a contagious disease to affect waterfowl when large numbers are concentrated, avian cholera deaths are not common in Kansas. According to the USGS National Wildlife Health Center, humans are not at high risk for infection with the bacteria strain causing avian cholera. However, it’s recommended that hunters and their dogs avoid contact with any sick or dead birds.
Avian cholera quickly overcomes infected birds, resulting in death in as little as 6-12 hours, although 24-48 hours is more common. Infected birds may exhibit signs such as convulsions, throwing head back between wings, swimming in circles, erratic flight and miscalculated landing attempts.
Avian cholera should not be confused with avian influenza, which is a highly pathogenic virus that infected millions of poultry flocks in the upper Midwest last summer.
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
Zoetis to sell some animal health brands, manufacturing unit
Indian drug company Zydus Cadila will acquire select animal health brands and a manufacturing unit from Zoetis Inc., according to reports. One news outlet reported the deal at $29 million.
Zydus says the acquisition will help the company gain access to a wide range of nutrition and therapeutic products.
'We believe that this strategic acquisition will strengthen our portfolio of brands and add new dimensions to our growth in the animal health business. We see this as an opportunity to catapult our business to higher levels of excellence,' Zydus Cadila Chairman and Managing Director Pankaj R. Patel said.
Last month, Zoetis reported that it had sold three facilities in North Carolina, Colorado and Arkansas to Huvepharma in a deal valued at $40 million.
In November 2015, Zoetis held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of its new global production and supply facility in Suzhou, China.
In July 2015, Zoetis agreed to acquire KL Products to strengthen its automation technology for poultry hatchery operations. The privately held company headquartered in London, Ontario, Canada, is a leader in automation systems for the poultry industry.
And in May 2015, Zoetis reported flat revenue in the first quarter of 2015, and announced a comprehensive operational efficiency initiative to enhance its long-term competitive position and profitability, which includes slashing $300 million in annual costs by 2017 and cutting at least 20 percent of its workforce.
Zydus says the acquisition will help the company gain access to a wide range of nutrition and therapeutic products.
'We believe that this strategic acquisition will strengthen our portfolio of brands and add new dimensions to our growth in the animal health business. We see this as an opportunity to catapult our business to higher levels of excellence,' Zydus Cadila Chairman and Managing Director Pankaj R. Patel said.
Last month, Zoetis reported that it had sold three facilities in North Carolina, Colorado and Arkansas to Huvepharma in a deal valued at $40 million.
In November 2015, Zoetis held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of its new global production and supply facility in Suzhou, China.
In July 2015, Zoetis agreed to acquire KL Products to strengthen its automation technology for poultry hatchery operations. The privately held company headquartered in London, Ontario, Canada, is a leader in automation systems for the poultry industry.
And in May 2015, Zoetis reported flat revenue in the first quarter of 2015, and announced a comprehensive operational efficiency initiative to enhance its long-term competitive position and profitability, which includes slashing $300 million in annual costs by 2017 and cutting at least 20 percent of its workforce.
Aviagen Turkeys acquiring France’s Le Sayec
Aviagen Turkeys has announced the company is acquiring Le Sayec, a family owned business responsible for the selling of commercial turkey eggs and poults within France.
Le Sayec also exports throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
“We are very excited about this acquisition, which is good news for both companies and for the turkey industry,” said Clay Burrows, managing director of Aviagen Turkeys. “There has been much consolidation within the industry over the last decade and because of this there is a need for us to operate further down the supply chain and the acquisition of Le Sayec will allow us to be closer to our end user. We look forward to continuing to build relationships and adding value for both our integrated and independent customers using our own Aviagen products, while continuing to develop the B.U.T. and Nicholas brands."
Patrice Le Sayec, managing director of Le Sayec, said: “My family and I are very pleased with this acquisition and believe there are many synergies between the two companies. We have been working with Aviagen Turkeys for many years and because of this it will be a very smooth transition. I will continue to manage the business going forward and I’m excited to be part of the Aviagen Group.”
Founded in 1958, Le Sayec employs 60 people with a turnover of EUR25 million (US$26.9 million).
Le Sayec also exports throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
“We are very excited about this acquisition, which is good news for both companies and for the turkey industry,” said Clay Burrows, managing director of Aviagen Turkeys. “There has been much consolidation within the industry over the last decade and because of this there is a need for us to operate further down the supply chain and the acquisition of Le Sayec will allow us to be closer to our end user. We look forward to continuing to build relationships and adding value for both our integrated and independent customers using our own Aviagen products, while continuing to develop the B.U.T. and Nicholas brands."
Patrice Le Sayec, managing director of Le Sayec, said: “My family and I are very pleased with this acquisition and believe there are many synergies between the two companies. We have been working with Aviagen Turkeys for many years and because of this it will be a very smooth transition. I will continue to manage the business going forward and I’m excited to be part of the Aviagen Group.”
Founded in 1958, Le Sayec employs 60 people with a turnover of EUR25 million (US$26.9 million).
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
Walker elected new PAACO Chair
Jennifer Walker, DVM, PhD, of Dallas, TX, has been elected chairman of the board of directors for the Professional Animal Auditor Certification Organization (PAACO). Director of Dairy Stewardship for Dean Foods, Walker was the organization’s vice chairman the past two years. She succeeds Terry Mader, PhD, of Mader Consulting.
"I am proud to serve PAACO," said Walker. "I am excited about helping implement our new strategic plan which will ensure that PAACO remains the authority in animal welfare audit certification and auditor trainings."
Angela Baysinger, DVM, Bruning, NB, was named vice chairman. She is a health assurance veterinarian for Merck Animal Health. Rounding out the officer team are Secretary Ted Friend, PhD, animal science professor at Texas A&M University, and Treasurer Dave Sjeklocha, DVM, operations manager of animal health and welfare at Cattle Empire. The organization’s executive director is Mike Simpson.
Paul Beck, PhD, professor at University of Arkansas is a newly-appointed board member representing the American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists. He replaces Mader as one of three ARPAS appointees.
"I am proud to serve PAACO," said Walker. "I am excited about helping implement our new strategic plan which will ensure that PAACO remains the authority in animal welfare audit certification and auditor trainings."
Angela Baysinger, DVM, Bruning, NB, was named vice chairman. She is a health assurance veterinarian for Merck Animal Health. Rounding out the officer team are Secretary Ted Friend, PhD, animal science professor at Texas A&M University, and Treasurer Dave Sjeklocha, DVM, operations manager of animal health and welfare at Cattle Empire. The organization’s executive director is Mike Simpson.
Paul Beck, PhD, professor at University of Arkansas is a newly-appointed board member representing the American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists. He replaces Mader as one of three ARPAS appointees.
Tech XChange planned for IPPE
The International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) is offering attendees a variety of free 20-minute technical presentations on current topics affecting the feed, meat and poultry industries. The Tech XChange program will be held on the trade show floor of the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta from Jan. 26 – 28.
Tech XChange presentations will address myriad issue areas, including food safety, animal welfare, sustainability and feed production. Each session will be led by an IPPE exhibitor, who will share his/her expertise and experience on the topic. Attendees can participate in the free Tech XChange education presentations from 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 26, and from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Jan. 27, in Booth A-3347 and in Booth B-8805.
The schedule can be viewed here or through the IPPE Mobile App under the “Education” search.
Tech XChange presentations will address myriad issue areas, including food safety, animal welfare, sustainability and feed production. Each session will be led by an IPPE exhibitor, who will share his/her expertise and experience on the topic. Attendees can participate in the free Tech XChange education presentations from 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 26, and from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Jan. 27, in Booth A-3347 and in Booth B-8805.
The schedule can be viewed here or through the IPPE Mobile App under the “Education” search.
Making animal production more sustainable
A new study led by the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture, which was published in the scientific journal of the Royal Society Interface, shows that reducing concentrate feed can be a feasible alternative for ensuring food security in a climate-friendly way.
Calculations using a model show that, should the predictions of the FAO become a reality, agriculture’s negative impact on the environment will increase significantly by 2050. One of the main reasons is the intensive feeding of livestock of crops like wheat, maize and soy. In order to intensify production, already diminishing cropland is increasingly used for feed production instead of the production of plant-based food. Thus, concentrate feed for animals competes with food for human consumption.
The study shows that by reducing the production of concentrate feed, more plant-based food can be produced while also protecting the environment and reducing GHG emissions. Calculations show that the number of animal products in human diets would decrease by 53% if feed production on cropland were to be reduced. This would mostly concern pork, poultry and eggs.
Grassland is more eco-friendly than concentrate feed
The connection between meat consumption and environmental damage of agriculture has long been a controversial topic. A common conclusion is to further intensify animal husbandry, i.e. to produce more high-energy concentrate feed on arable land. It is often regarded as the only way to meet the increasing demand for animal-based food and to reduce GHG per kg meat. However, the new FiBL study also shows that reducing concentrate feed would be a more sustainable solution for supplying the global population with food. According to the calculations, this strategy has great potential and ideally complements already existing approaches for food security like improving the efficiency of food production, distribution and use as well as decreasing consumption.
Newly developed model can be used for a variety of purposes
Researchers at FiBL, the FAO, the “Alpen-Adria” University in Vienna and the University of Aberdeen designed a global model system in order to calculate various scenarios of food availability and impacts of food production on the environment. This model system is able to calculate the complex material flows and resulting production volumes and environmental impacts of our food system. This allows for an in-depth analysis of changes in production methods and food consumption. The system is consistent with global statistics of the FAO and can be used in the future to answer various questions on the sustainability of agricultural and food systems.
Calculations using a model show that, should the predictions of the FAO become a reality, agriculture’s negative impact on the environment will increase significantly by 2050. One of the main reasons is the intensive feeding of livestock of crops like wheat, maize and soy. In order to intensify production, already diminishing cropland is increasingly used for feed production instead of the production of plant-based food. Thus, concentrate feed for animals competes with food for human consumption.
The study shows that by reducing the production of concentrate feed, more plant-based food can be produced while also protecting the environment and reducing GHG emissions. Calculations show that the number of animal products in human diets would decrease by 53% if feed production on cropland were to be reduced. This would mostly concern pork, poultry and eggs.
Grassland is more eco-friendly than concentrate feed
The connection between meat consumption and environmental damage of agriculture has long been a controversial topic. A common conclusion is to further intensify animal husbandry, i.e. to produce more high-energy concentrate feed on arable land. It is often regarded as the only way to meet the increasing demand for animal-based food and to reduce GHG per kg meat. However, the new FiBL study also shows that reducing concentrate feed would be a more sustainable solution for supplying the global population with food. According to the calculations, this strategy has great potential and ideally complements already existing approaches for food security like improving the efficiency of food production, distribution and use as well as decreasing consumption.
Newly developed model can be used for a variety of purposes
Researchers at FiBL, the FAO, the “Alpen-Adria” University in Vienna and the University of Aberdeen designed a global model system in order to calculate various scenarios of food availability and impacts of food production on the environment. This model system is able to calculate the complex material flows and resulting production volumes and environmental impacts of our food system. This allows for an in-depth analysis of changes in production methods and food consumption. The system is consistent with global statistics of the FAO and can be used in the future to answer various questions on the sustainability of agricultural and food systems.
Feed additives company Jefo unveils new philosophy
Non-medicated performance feed additives producer Jefo has unveiled its new global corporate philosophy based on the company’s history and strong corporate values. The new philosophy, “Life, made easier,” sustains the rationale of the company’s logo: a natural cycle, an easier continuity of life.
According to Jefo:
“Life. It’s health. It’s reproduction. Calving, farrowing, laying [and] hatching. It’s milk. It’s growth. It’s animals feeding the hands that feed them. Jefo is a circle of life.
“’Life, made easier’ is a view to easier calving and easier transition. It’s nutrition delivered as it should be, through vitamins, minerals, yeasts and organic acids. It’s better balance, better metabolism. It’s just a little more comfort.
“’Life, made easier’ is a promise of health solutions that are easy to administer. Right in the feed, as it should be. Without fuss or pain or risk to the animals. It’s a promise that with better nutrition, animals are more comfortable, easier to raise. That each stage of life is just a little less complicated, with a lower risk of disease, weight loss and mortality due to stress and malnutrition. It’s just a little more peace of mind.
“’Life, made easier’ is a promise that Jefo is constantly searching for solutions to animal nutrition challenges, offering a full range of products and programs to satisfy the needs of the different life stages of each species. It’s a lot more confidence and a true partnership.
“’Life, made easier’ is a promise of excellent service and expert technical support. It’s a promise that doing business with Jefo is easy, with immediate response and efficient communication. It’s an entire solutions-oriented team at your service.
“’Life, made easier’ means programs and solutions for real-life situations, for different lifestages and challenges.
“’Life, made easier’ with science. Through its applied scientific research, Jefo continues to innovate and develop additives that take into account the genetic make-up, physiology and metabolism of each species, as well as the varying requirements of the market: Jefo Matrix Technology for safe and targeted delivery of active compounds and nutrients, enzymes for improved feed conversion and increased body weight, and liquids for optimal animal performance.
“’Life, made easier’ is about timely technical support and practical advice worldwide. It’s experienced, dependable and friendly professionals at your service.
“’Life, made easier’ means healthy animals feeding the hands that feed them. This is the circle of life. This is what sustains us. This is Jefo,” the company says.
The new philosophy will be rolled out in all communications in the many countries where Jefo is present. New kiosks, stationery, business cards and corporate communications including advertising, promotions and website have been designed.
According to Jefo:
“Life. It’s health. It’s reproduction. Calving, farrowing, laying [and] hatching. It’s milk. It’s growth. It’s animals feeding the hands that feed them. Jefo is a circle of life.
“’Life, made easier’ is a view to easier calving and easier transition. It’s nutrition delivered as it should be, through vitamins, minerals, yeasts and organic acids. It’s better balance, better metabolism. It’s just a little more comfort.
“’Life, made easier’ is a promise of health solutions that are easy to administer. Right in the feed, as it should be. Without fuss or pain or risk to the animals. It’s a promise that with better nutrition, animals are more comfortable, easier to raise. That each stage of life is just a little less complicated, with a lower risk of disease, weight loss and mortality due to stress and malnutrition. It’s just a little more peace of mind.
“’Life, made easier’ is a promise that Jefo is constantly searching for solutions to animal nutrition challenges, offering a full range of products and programs to satisfy the needs of the different life stages of each species. It’s a lot more confidence and a true partnership.
“’Life, made easier’ is a promise of excellent service and expert technical support. It’s a promise that doing business with Jefo is easy, with immediate response and efficient communication. It’s an entire solutions-oriented team at your service.
“’Life, made easier’ means programs and solutions for real-life situations, for different lifestages and challenges.
“’Life, made easier’ with science. Through its applied scientific research, Jefo continues to innovate and develop additives that take into account the genetic make-up, physiology and metabolism of each species, as well as the varying requirements of the market: Jefo Matrix Technology for safe and targeted delivery of active compounds and nutrients, enzymes for improved feed conversion and increased body weight, and liquids for optimal animal performance.
“’Life, made easier’ is about timely technical support and practical advice worldwide. It’s experienced, dependable and friendly professionals at your service.
“’Life, made easier’ means healthy animals feeding the hands that feed them. This is the circle of life. This is what sustains us. This is Jefo,” the company says.
The new philosophy will be rolled out in all communications in the many countries where Jefo is present. New kiosks, stationery, business cards and corporate communications including advertising, promotions and website have been designed.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
