By Janie Gabbett on 4/29/2009
MeatingPlace.com
As each day passes since the outbreak of the new hybrid Type A/H1N1 influenza virus that originated in Mexico, more countries are taking varied actions relative to pork and swine from North America, often seemingly based on misinformation and fear.
To repeat: There has been no connection established between swine and the new virus. No hogs in North America have been found to carry the new virus. People cannot contract either swine flu or this new virus from eating pork.
Here are some of the most recent reactions:
South Korea said Tuesday it will ban live pig imports from North America as a precaution, according to Yonhap. In 2008 South Korea imported about 1,800 pigs from all sources.
Egypt ordered the slaughter of all the roughly 300,000 pigs in the country Wednesday, according to media reports.
The list of countries banning either all pork or raw pork imports from at least some U.S. states has grown to include: Thailand, Ecuador, Honduras and St. Lucia, Bahrain, China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Macedonia, Philippines, United Arab Emirates, Lebanon and Indonesia, according to USTR and media reports.
While the list looks long, key U.S. pork importers such as Japan, Mexico, Canada, South Korea and Hong Kong have not restricted imports.
South Korean Food and agriculture minister Chang Tae-pyong told reporters that experts were in agreement that the disease could not be transmitted through the consumption of meat and concerns about pig intestines being a threat were unfounded.
"Seoul has taken swift and concrete steps to deal with the outbreak, but it must not take any action that can cause unwarranted social fear," Yonhap quoted him as saying.
Mexican concern
Mexico is a key market for U.S. pork. While some analysts find it hard to believe that country would ban U.S. pork, there is concern that some Mexican and U.S. consumers might stop eating pork, based on the name association, as the new virus is still widely being dubbed "swine flu."
In a note to investors, Barclays Capital analyst Christopher Bledsoe made the point that consumers in affected countries during the 2005/2006 Avian Flu outbreaks reacted by cutting their consumption, even though properly cooked chicken was not a danger to humans.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Mexico outbreak traced to 'manure lagoons' at pig farm
from: TimesOnline.co.uk
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article6182789.ece
The first known case of swine flu emerged a fortnight earlier than previously thought in a village where residents have long complained about the smell and flies from a nearby pig farm, it emerged last night.
The Mexican Government said it initially thought that the victim, Edgar Hernandez, 4, was suffering from ordinary influenza but laboratory testing has since shown that he had contracted swine flu. The boy went on to make a full recovery, although it is thought that at least 148 others in Mexico have died from the disease, and the number is expected to rise.
News of the infected boy is expected to create controversy in Mexico because the boy lived in Veracruz state, home to thousands of farmers who claim that their land was stolen from them by the Mexican Government in 1992. The farmers, who call themselves Los 400 Pueblos – The 400 Towns – are famous for their naked marches through the streets of Mexico City.
The boy’s hometown, La Gloria, is also close to a pig farm that raises almost 1 million animals a year. The facility, Granjas Carroll de Mexico, is partly owned by Smithfield Foods, a Virginia-based US company and the world’s largest producer and processor of pork products. Residents of La Gloria have long complained about the clouds of flies that are drawn the so-called “manure lagoons” created by such mega-farms, known in the agriculture business as Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs).
A spokeswoman for Smithfield, Keira Ullrich, said that the company had found no clinical signs or symptoms of the presence of swine influenza in its swine herd or its employees working at its joint ventures anywhere in Mexico. Meanwhile, Mexico’s National Organisation of Pig Production and Producers released its own statement, saying: “We deny completely that the influenza virus affecting Mexico originated in pigs because it has been scientifically demonstrated that this is not possible.”
According reports gathered on the website of James Wilson, a founding member of the Biosurveillance Indication and Warning Analysis Community (BIWAC), about 60 per cent of La Gloria’s 3,000-strong population have sought medical assistance since February.
“Residents claimed that three pediatric cases, all under two years of age, died from the outbreak,” wrote Mr Wilson. “However, officials stated that there was no direct link between the pediatric deaths and the outbreak; they said the three fatal cases were isolated and not related to each other.”
The case of the four-year-old boy was announced yesterday by Mexico’s Health Minister, Jose Angel Cordova, at a press conference that was briefly interrupted by an earthquake. “We are at the most critical moment of the epidemic. The number of cases will keep rising so we have to reinforce preventive measures,” he said, adding that in addition to the 149 deaths another 2,000 had been hospitalised with “grave pneumonia”, although at least half of that number had since made a full recovery.
Mr Cordova went on to say that there have been no new cases detected in La Gloria but epidemiologists want to take a closer look at pigs in Mexico as a potential source of the outbreak.
As the desease spread Greater Mexico City, usually a chaotic, traffic-snarled megatropolis of 22 million – where braised pork or carnitas, is prepared at taco stands on busy street corners – remained at a virtual standstill yesterday.
A majority of people are now wearing surgical masks and or plastic gloves in public. Airport terminals are deserted. Schools and government offices are closed and will remain so until at least early May – creating a childcare crisis for millions of working parents.
Many Mexicans are fearing the economic devastation caused by the health emergency as much as they are the prospect of swine flu. Adding to the misery, several countries including China have banned imports of live pigs and pork products from Mexico (and parts of the US) in spite of claims by farming trade groups that it is impossible to catch the virus from cooked meat.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article6182789.ece
The first known case of swine flu emerged a fortnight earlier than previously thought in a village where residents have long complained about the smell and flies from a nearby pig farm, it emerged last night.
The Mexican Government said it initially thought that the victim, Edgar Hernandez, 4, was suffering from ordinary influenza but laboratory testing has since shown that he had contracted swine flu. The boy went on to make a full recovery, although it is thought that at least 148 others in Mexico have died from the disease, and the number is expected to rise.
News of the infected boy is expected to create controversy in Mexico because the boy lived in Veracruz state, home to thousands of farmers who claim that their land was stolen from them by the Mexican Government in 1992. The farmers, who call themselves Los 400 Pueblos – The 400 Towns – are famous for their naked marches through the streets of Mexico City.
The boy’s hometown, La Gloria, is also close to a pig farm that raises almost 1 million animals a year. The facility, Granjas Carroll de Mexico, is partly owned by Smithfield Foods, a Virginia-based US company and the world’s largest producer and processor of pork products. Residents of La Gloria have long complained about the clouds of flies that are drawn the so-called “manure lagoons” created by such mega-farms, known in the agriculture business as Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs).
A spokeswoman for Smithfield, Keira Ullrich, said that the company had found no clinical signs or symptoms of the presence of swine influenza in its swine herd or its employees working at its joint ventures anywhere in Mexico. Meanwhile, Mexico’s National Organisation of Pig Production and Producers released its own statement, saying: “We deny completely that the influenza virus affecting Mexico originated in pigs because it has been scientifically demonstrated that this is not possible.”
According reports gathered on the website of James Wilson, a founding member of the Biosurveillance Indication and Warning Analysis Community (BIWAC), about 60 per cent of La Gloria’s 3,000-strong population have sought medical assistance since February.
“Residents claimed that three pediatric cases, all under two years of age, died from the outbreak,” wrote Mr Wilson. “However, officials stated that there was no direct link between the pediatric deaths and the outbreak; they said the three fatal cases were isolated and not related to each other.”
The case of the four-year-old boy was announced yesterday by Mexico’s Health Minister, Jose Angel Cordova, at a press conference that was briefly interrupted by an earthquake. “We are at the most critical moment of the epidemic. The number of cases will keep rising so we have to reinforce preventive measures,” he said, adding that in addition to the 149 deaths another 2,000 had been hospitalised with “grave pneumonia”, although at least half of that number had since made a full recovery.
Mr Cordova went on to say that there have been no new cases detected in La Gloria but epidemiologists want to take a closer look at pigs in Mexico as a potential source of the outbreak.
As the desease spread Greater Mexico City, usually a chaotic, traffic-snarled megatropolis of 22 million – where braised pork or carnitas, is prepared at taco stands on busy street corners – remained at a virtual standstill yesterday.
A majority of people are now wearing surgical masks and or plastic gloves in public. Airport terminals are deserted. Schools and government offices are closed and will remain so until at least early May – creating a childcare crisis for millions of working parents.
Many Mexicans are fearing the economic devastation caused by the health emergency as much as they are the prospect of swine flu. Adding to the misery, several countries including China have banned imports of live pigs and pork products from Mexico (and parts of the US) in spite of claims by farming trade groups that it is impossible to catch the virus from cooked meat.
Phils - Sick pigs detected in four Pangasinan towns; alert up
At least 80 percent of pigs in four town in Pangasinan were believed to have been infected with a disease, forcing local authorities to set up 12 quarantine checkpoints around the province.
abs-cbnNEWS.com | 04/29/2009 7:49 AM
Dr. Benedicto Perez of the provincial veterinary office said 80 percent of pigs from the town of Bugallon, Aguilar, Binmaley and Lingayen have become sick.
Perez said the pigs were afflicted with the Porcine Respiratory Reproductive Syndrome (PRRS). He said the veterinary office was able to immediately contain the disease, but they would need to continuously monitor the affected hog farms.
"Nagamot ang strain na ito at continuous ang monitoring," he said.
Dr. Hildo Fabros, technical director of the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) in Ilocos region, said they have already dispatched personnel to check all hogs being delivered into the province.
Fabros said all delivery trucks are being asked to issue veterinary shipping permits and meat inspection certificates from piggery farms.
He said the NMIS had been conducting stricter inspections since the swine flu broke out in Mexico, where 149 people have died due to the virus.
Reports said a total of 65 cases of swine flu infections have been detected in United States, 13 in Canada, and new cases in Israel and New Zealand. With a report from Cris Zuniga, ABS-CBN North Luzon
abs-cbnNEWS.com | 04/29/2009 7:49 AM
Dr. Benedicto Perez of the provincial veterinary office said 80 percent of pigs from the town of Bugallon, Aguilar, Binmaley and Lingayen have become sick.
Perez said the pigs were afflicted with the Porcine Respiratory Reproductive Syndrome (PRRS). He said the veterinary office was able to immediately contain the disease, but they would need to continuously monitor the affected hog farms.
"Nagamot ang strain na ito at continuous ang monitoring," he said.
Dr. Hildo Fabros, technical director of the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) in Ilocos region, said they have already dispatched personnel to check all hogs being delivered into the province.
Fabros said all delivery trucks are being asked to issue veterinary shipping permits and meat inspection certificates from piggery farms.
He said the NMIS had been conducting stricter inspections since the swine flu broke out in Mexico, where 149 people have died due to the virus.
Reports said a total of 65 cases of swine flu infections have been detected in United States, 13 in Canada, and new cases in Israel and New Zealand. With a report from Cris Zuniga, ABS-CBN North Luzon
Update from CDC regarding Swine Flu
The human swine flu outbreak continues to grow in the United States and internationally. Today, CDC reports additional cases of confirmed swine influenza and a number of hospitalizations of swine flu patients. Internationally, the situation is more serious too, with additional countries reporting confirmed cases of swine flu. In response to the intensifying outbreak, the World Health Organization raised the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 4. A Phase 4 alert is characterized by confirmed person-to-person spread of a new influenza virus able to cause “community-level” outbreaks.” The increase in the pandemic alert phase indicates that the likelihood of a pandemic has increased.
U.S. Human Cases of Swine Flu Infection
As of 11:00 AM ET on April 28, the CDC has confirmed 64 human cases of swine flu infection in the United States:
California: 10 cases
Kansas: 2 cases
New York City: 45 cases
Ohio: 1 case
Texas: 6 cases
Yesterday, CDC issued a travel warning recommending that people avoid non-essential travel to Mexico. CDC continues to issue interim guidance daily on the website and through health alert network notices. CDC’s Division of the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) is releasing one-quarter of its antiviral drugs, personal protective equipment, and respiratory protection devices to help states respond to the outbreak. The swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is susceptible to the prescription antiviral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir. This is a rapidly evolving situation and CDC will provide updated guidance and new information as it becomes available.
For more information, see the CDC Swine Flu website.
International Human Cases of Swine Flu Infection
For information about investigation into cases outside the United States, see the World Health Organization website.
What You Can Do to Stay Healthy?
There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
U.S. Human Cases of Swine Flu Infection
As of 11:00 AM ET on April 28, the CDC has confirmed 64 human cases of swine flu infection in the United States:
California: 10 cases
Kansas: 2 cases
New York City: 45 cases
Ohio: 1 case
Texas: 6 cases
Yesterday, CDC issued a travel warning recommending that people avoid non-essential travel to Mexico. CDC continues to issue interim guidance daily on the website and through health alert network notices. CDC’s Division of the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) is releasing one-quarter of its antiviral drugs, personal protective equipment, and respiratory protection devices to help states respond to the outbreak. The swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is susceptible to the prescription antiviral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir. This is a rapidly evolving situation and CDC will provide updated guidance and new information as it becomes available.
For more information, see the CDC Swine Flu website.
International Human Cases of Swine Flu Infection
For information about investigation into cases outside the United States, see the World Health Organization website.
What You Can Do to Stay Healthy?
There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
Russia expands flu ban to U.S. beef, poultry
By Tom Johnston on 4/28/2009
MeatingPlace.com
Russia has suspended imports of not only U.S. pork but also U.S. beef and poultry from certain U.S. states amid concerns of a hybrid swine, avian and human influenza (H1N1) as concerns about an international outbreak grow.
The bans apply to meat and poultry produced in California, Kansas, New York, Ohio and Texas, where cases of the hybrid flu have been reported.
Among the parties trying to fight the flu fears is the U.S. Meat Export Federation, which quickly denounced Russia's decision. USMEF President and CEO Philip Seng described it among the "demonstrated overreactions" by certain trading partners. He said in a weekly briefing that the group's international offices will be contacting central authorities to "get the correct facts out as quickly as possible."
The key fact is humans cannot get the hybrid flu from eating pork, a concern exacerbated by the term "swine flu," which experts now say is a misnomer since there have been no discoveries of the ailment in pigs &0151; let alone in cattle and chickens.
The American Meat Institute is trying to spread the word in a number of materials, including a posting on YouTube. In a statement, the group quotes Dr. Keiji Fukuda of the World Health Organization as saying, "Right now we have no evidence to suggest that people are getting exposed or getting infected from exposure to pork or to pigs. Right now we have zero evidence to suspect that exposure to meat leads to infections."
Meanwhile, U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk on Tuesday urged all trading partners to base their decisions on scientific evidence per international obligations.
"Restrictions on U.S. pork or pork products or any meat products from the United States resulting from the recent outbreak do not appear to be based on scientific evidence and may result in serious trade disruptions without cause," he said in a statement.
MeatingPlace.com
Russia has suspended imports of not only U.S. pork but also U.S. beef and poultry from certain U.S. states amid concerns of a hybrid swine, avian and human influenza (H1N1) as concerns about an international outbreak grow.
The bans apply to meat and poultry produced in California, Kansas, New York, Ohio and Texas, where cases of the hybrid flu have been reported.
Among the parties trying to fight the flu fears is the U.S. Meat Export Federation, which quickly denounced Russia's decision. USMEF President and CEO Philip Seng described it among the "demonstrated overreactions" by certain trading partners. He said in a weekly briefing that the group's international offices will be contacting central authorities to "get the correct facts out as quickly as possible."
The key fact is humans cannot get the hybrid flu from eating pork, a concern exacerbated by the term "swine flu," which experts now say is a misnomer since there have been no discoveries of the ailment in pigs &0151; let alone in cattle and chickens.
The American Meat Institute is trying to spread the word in a number of materials, including a posting on YouTube. In a statement, the group quotes Dr. Keiji Fukuda of the World Health Organization as saying, "Right now we have no evidence to suggest that people are getting exposed or getting infected from exposure to pork or to pigs. Right now we have zero evidence to suspect that exposure to meat leads to infections."
Meanwhile, U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk on Tuesday urged all trading partners to base their decisions on scientific evidence per international obligations.
"Restrictions on U.S. pork or pork products or any meat products from the United States resulting from the recent outbreak do not appear to be based on scientific evidence and may result in serious trade disruptions without cause," he said in a statement.
'Swine Flu' Wrong Name
By Pork news staff | Monday, April 27, 2009
The influenza virus spreading around the world should not be called swine flu says the World Animal Health body. A more logical name for it would be "North American influenza", a name based on its geographic origin, the group suggests.
The organization points out that the virus that is responsible for the current outbreak also contains avian and human components. In addition, no pigs were found ill with the disease as of Monday.
"The virus has not been isolated in animals to date,” the Paris-based organization said in a statement. “Therefore, it is not justified to name this disease swine influenza."
Fears of the outbreak are growing around the world after 103 people were killed in Mexico and new infections were found in the United States and Canada. Possible cases from Europe, Israel and New Zealand have been reported.
The OIE warned that if the virus was shown to cause disease in animals, disease spread could worsen and further hurt fragile world economies. Grain and oilseed markets fell sharply on concern that the outbreak could reduce feed demand for pigs.
The influenza virus spreading around the world should not be called swine flu says the World Animal Health body. A more logical name for it would be "North American influenza", a name based on its geographic origin, the group suggests.
The organization points out that the virus that is responsible for the current outbreak also contains avian and human components. In addition, no pigs were found ill with the disease as of Monday.
"The virus has not been isolated in animals to date,” the Paris-based organization said in a statement. “Therefore, it is not justified to name this disease swine influenza."
Fears of the outbreak are growing around the world after 103 people were killed in Mexico and new infections were found in the United States and Canada. Possible cases from Europe, Israel and New Zealand have been reported.
The OIE warned that if the virus was shown to cause disease in animals, disease spread could worsen and further hurt fragile world economies. Grain and oilseed markets fell sharply on concern that the outbreak could reduce feed demand for pigs.
Pig industry responds to swine flu outbreak
from PigProgress.net
As the human toll rises, the pig industry is being quick to respond to the global impact of the swine flu originating in Mexico, in order to deter any lasting impact on the industry.
The National Pork Board is assuring consumers pork is, and will
remain, safe to eat. "Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly-handled and cooked-pork products is safe," the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention states on its web site.
No contact with pigs
Although the virus is contagious, it spreads from humans to humans. CDC has found no evidence indicating any of the US illnesses resulted from contact with pigs — and no pigs have been found to be infected or sick with this particular virus in the US Meanwhile the World Animal Health body stated on Monday that the flu virus spreading around the world should not be called "swine flu" as it also contains avian and human components and no pig was found ill with the disease so far.
As a precaution the NPB is urging producers to enhance biosecurity plans on their farms. Swine influenza, or "swine flu", is a highly contagious acute respiratory disease of pigs, caused by one of several swine influenza A viruses, according to the World Health Organization.
Swine influenza subtypes
Swine influenza viruses are most commonly of the H1N1 subtype, but other subtypes are also circulating in pigs (e.g., H1N2, H3N1, H3N2). Although swine influenza viruses are normally species specific and only infect pigs, they do sometimes cross the species barrier to cause disease in humans, WHO relays. At present, it is unknown if this new strain causes any type of illness in swine.
Since it is unique, NPB said following good biosecurity practices would help producers to prevent introducing the new strain of swine influenza virus type H1N1 into US operations.
Report pig illness
Anyone witnessing or hearing employees report respiratory illness in pigs should immediately contact a swine veterinarian. If deemed necessary, a veterinarian may require samples be taken from animals to send to veterinary diagnostic laboratories. If animals present fever or go off feed, the veterinarian may take lung tissue samples and nasal swabs to send to a veterinary diagnostic laboratory.
Smithfield Foods has stated that it has found no clinical signs or symptoms of the presence of swine influenza in the company's swine herd or its employees at its joint ventures in Mexico. The company also noted that its joint ventures in Mexico routinely administer influenza virus vaccination to their swine herds and conduct monthly tests for the presence of swine influenza.
China bans pig imports
Outbreaks of the H1N1 virus which has killed 149 people in Mexico and spread to the United States, Canada and Spain, have prompted several countries to impose bans on pig meat imports.
China said on Monday it had banned imports of live pigs and pork products from Mexico and three U.S. states, following Russia's move on Sunday to place curbs on meat imports from North and Latin America.
"It is important to reaffirm that pork consumption is not blamed at all in the transmission of this disease," the head of the Paris-based OIE Bernard Vallat told Reuters in an interview.
As the human toll rises, the pig industry is being quick to respond to the global impact of the swine flu originating in Mexico, in order to deter any lasting impact on the industry.
The National Pork Board is assuring consumers pork is, and will
remain, safe to eat. "Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly-handled and cooked-pork products is safe," the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention states on its web site.No contact with pigs
Although the virus is contagious, it spreads from humans to humans. CDC has found no evidence indicating any of the US illnesses resulted from contact with pigs — and no pigs have been found to be infected or sick with this particular virus in the US Meanwhile the World Animal Health body stated on Monday that the flu virus spreading around the world should not be called "swine flu" as it also contains avian and human components and no pig was found ill with the disease so far.
As a precaution the NPB is urging producers to enhance biosecurity plans on their farms. Swine influenza, or "swine flu", is a highly contagious acute respiratory disease of pigs, caused by one of several swine influenza A viruses, according to the World Health Organization.
Swine influenza subtypes
Swine influenza viruses are most commonly of the H1N1 subtype, but other subtypes are also circulating in pigs (e.g., H1N2, H3N1, H3N2). Although swine influenza viruses are normally species specific and only infect pigs, they do sometimes cross the species barrier to cause disease in humans, WHO relays. At present, it is unknown if this new strain causes any type of illness in swine.
Since it is unique, NPB said following good biosecurity practices would help producers to prevent introducing the new strain of swine influenza virus type H1N1 into US operations.
Report pig illness
Anyone witnessing or hearing employees report respiratory illness in pigs should immediately contact a swine veterinarian. If deemed necessary, a veterinarian may require samples be taken from animals to send to veterinary diagnostic laboratories. If animals present fever or go off feed, the veterinarian may take lung tissue samples and nasal swabs to send to a veterinary diagnostic laboratory.
Smithfield Foods has stated that it has found no clinical signs or symptoms of the presence of swine influenza in the company's swine herd or its employees at its joint ventures in Mexico. The company also noted that its joint ventures in Mexico routinely administer influenza virus vaccination to their swine herds and conduct monthly tests for the presence of swine influenza.
China bans pig imports
Outbreaks of the H1N1 virus which has killed 149 people in Mexico and spread to the United States, Canada and Spain, have prompted several countries to impose bans on pig meat imports.
China said on Monday it had banned imports of live pigs and pork products from Mexico and three U.S. states, following Russia's move on Sunday to place curbs on meat imports from North and Latin America.
"It is important to reaffirm that pork consumption is not blamed at all in the transmission of this disease," the head of the Paris-based OIE Bernard Vallat told Reuters in an interview.
Pig industry responds to swine flu outbreak
from PigProgress.net
As the human toll rises, the pig industry is being quick to respond to the global impact of the swine flu originating in Mexico, in order to deter any lasting impact on the industry.
The National Pork Board is assuring consumers pork is, and will remain, safe to eat. "Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly-handled and cooked-pork products is safe," the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention states on its web site.
No contact with pigs
Although the virus is contagious, it spreads from humans to humans. CDC has found no evidence indicating any of the US illnesses resulted from contact with pigs — and no pigs have been found to be infected or sick with this particular virus in the US Meanwhile the World Animal Health body stated on Monday that the flu virus spreading around the world should not be called "swine flu" as it also contains avian and human components and no pig was found ill with the disease so far.
As a precaution the NPB is urging producers to enhance biosecurity plans on their farms. Swine influenza, or "swine flu", is a highly contagious acute respiratory disease of pigs, caused by one of several swine influenza A viruses, according to the World Health Organization.
Swine influenza subtypes
Swine influenza viruses are most commonly of the H1N1 subtype, but other subtypes are also circulating in pigs (e.g., H1N2, H3N1, H3N2). Although swine influenza viruses are normally species specific and only infect pigs, they do sometimes cross the species barrier to cause disease in humans, WHO relays. At present, it is unknown if this new strain causes any type of illness in swine.
Since it is unique, NPB said following good biosecurity practices would help producers to prevent introducing the new strain of swine influenza virus type H1N1 into US operations.
Report pig illness
Anyone witnessing or hearing employees report respiratory illness in pigs should immediately contact a swine veterinarian. If deemed necessary, a veterinarian may require samples be taken from animals to send to veterinary diagnostic laboratories. If animals present fever or go off feed, the veterinarian may take lung tissue samples and nasal swabs to send to a veterinary diagnostic laboratory.
Smithfield Foods has stated that it has found no clinical signs or symptoms of the presence of swine influenza in the company's swine herd or its employees at its joint ventures in Mexico. The company also noted that its joint ventures in Mexico routinely administer influenza virus vaccination to their swine herds and conduct monthly tests for the presence of swine influenza.
China bans pig imports
Outbreaks of the H1N1 virus which has killed 149 people in Mexico and spread to the United States, Canada and Spain, have prompted several countries to impose bans on pig meat imports.
China said on Monday it had banned imports of live pigs and pork products from Mexico and three U.S. states, following Russia's move on Sunday to place curbs on meat imports from North and Latin America.
"It is important to reaffirm that pork consumption is not blamed at all in the transmission of this disease," the head of the Paris-based OIE Bernard Vallat told Reuters in an interview.
As the human toll rises, the pig industry is being quick to respond to the global impact of the swine flu originating in Mexico, in order to deter any lasting impact on the industry.
The National Pork Board is assuring consumers pork is, and will remain, safe to eat. "Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly-handled and cooked-pork products is safe," the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention states on its web site.
No contact with pigs
Although the virus is contagious, it spreads from humans to humans. CDC has found no evidence indicating any of the US illnesses resulted from contact with pigs — and no pigs have been found to be infected or sick with this particular virus in the US Meanwhile the World Animal Health body stated on Monday that the flu virus spreading around the world should not be called "swine flu" as it also contains avian and human components and no pig was found ill with the disease so far.
As a precaution the NPB is urging producers to enhance biosecurity plans on their farms. Swine influenza, or "swine flu", is a highly contagious acute respiratory disease of pigs, caused by one of several swine influenza A viruses, according to the World Health Organization.
Swine influenza subtypes
Swine influenza viruses are most commonly of the H1N1 subtype, but other subtypes are also circulating in pigs (e.g., H1N2, H3N1, H3N2). Although swine influenza viruses are normally species specific and only infect pigs, they do sometimes cross the species barrier to cause disease in humans, WHO relays. At present, it is unknown if this new strain causes any type of illness in swine.
Since it is unique, NPB said following good biosecurity practices would help producers to prevent introducing the new strain of swine influenza virus type H1N1 into US operations.
Report pig illness
Anyone witnessing or hearing employees report respiratory illness in pigs should immediately contact a swine veterinarian. If deemed necessary, a veterinarian may require samples be taken from animals to send to veterinary diagnostic laboratories. If animals present fever or go off feed, the veterinarian may take lung tissue samples and nasal swabs to send to a veterinary diagnostic laboratory.
Smithfield Foods has stated that it has found no clinical signs or symptoms of the presence of swine influenza in the company's swine herd or its employees at its joint ventures in Mexico. The company also noted that its joint ventures in Mexico routinely administer influenza virus vaccination to their swine herds and conduct monthly tests for the presence of swine influenza.
China bans pig imports
Outbreaks of the H1N1 virus which has killed 149 people in Mexico and spread to the United States, Canada and Spain, have prompted several countries to impose bans on pig meat imports.
China said on Monday it had banned imports of live pigs and pork products from Mexico and three U.S. states, following Russia's move on Sunday to place curbs on meat imports from North and Latin America.
"It is important to reaffirm that pork consumption is not blamed at all in the transmission of this disease," the head of the Paris-based OIE Bernard Vallat told Reuters in an interview.
Events - Eurocarne 2009: 24th International Exhibition for the Meat Industry
Exhibition Title: Eurocarne 2009: 24th International Exhibition for the Meat Industry
Date: 21 - 24 May 2009
Interval: Every three years
Organized by: Ipack-Ima spa - VERONAFIERE
Promoted by: Assofoodtec (The Italian association of machinery manufacturers for food production, processing and preservation) and its associates:COMACA (Italian association of meat processing equipment manufacturers; Associated manufacturers of meat cutters, grinders, etc.; The Association for refrigerating equipment
Organising Secretariat: Ipack-Ima spa, Corso Sempione 4 - 20154 Milano (Italy)
Tel. +39 02 3191091 - Fax +39 02 33619826
e-mail: ipackima@ipackima.it
Official Web Site: www.eurocarne.it
Venue: Verona Exhibition Center
Viale del Lavoro 8 - 37100 Verona (Italy)
Tel. +39 045 8298111 - Fax +39 045 8298288
Entrance: "Cangrande" Gate - Viale del Lavoro
Opening Hours: May 21/23: 9.30am - 6.00pm
May 24: 9.30am - 5.00pm
Pavilions: 2 - 3 - 4 - 5
Admission: Free of charge. For trade visitors with their own invitation or by direct registration at the reception.
Catalog: On sale during the exhibition days
Date: 21 - 24 May 2009
Interval: Every three years
Organized by: Ipack-Ima spa - VERONAFIERE
Promoted by: Assofoodtec (The Italian association of machinery manufacturers for food production, processing and preservation) and its associates:COMACA (Italian association of meat processing equipment manufacturers; Associated manufacturers of meat cutters, grinders, etc.; The Association for refrigerating equipment
Organising Secretariat: Ipack-Ima spa, Corso Sempione 4 - 20154 Milano (Italy)
Tel. +39 02 3191091 - Fax +39 02 33619826
e-mail: ipackima@ipackima.it
Official Web Site: www.eurocarne.it
Venue: Verona Exhibition Center
Viale del Lavoro 8 - 37100 Verona (Italy)
Tel. +39 045 8298111 - Fax +39 045 8298288
Entrance: "Cangrande" Gate - Viale del Lavoro
Opening Hours: May 21/23: 9.30am - 6.00pm
May 24: 9.30am - 5.00pm
Pavilions: 2 - 3 - 4 - 5
Admission: Free of charge. For trade visitors with their own invitation or by direct registration at the reception.
Catalog: On sale during the exhibition days
USA - Industry battles social media over flu misinformation
By Lisa M. Keefe on 4/28/2009
MeatingPlace.com
The pork industry was facing plenty of challenges before the swine flu outbreak became a story over the weekend. Now the industry is attempting to engage — and correct — the vast social media networks that are spreading misinformation about the virus.
Bloggers, Facebook posts and Twitter are among the non-moderated networks through which many consumers spread information about and read up on issues. By Monday afternoon, Facebook had more than 100 "group" Web pages dedicated to swine flu.
Wrote one Facebook poster: "MmMmM BACON. & all you have to deal with is a little fever nausea and diarrhea and a chance of death but other than that your cool!" (sic).
Among bloggers, a large number are spreading the word from the CDC, WHO and the Obama administration that the virus is mis-named, treatable with medicines such as Tamiflu and unrelated to swine so far.
Others, however, are picking up and repeating a story that appeared in a Mexican newspaper near the town where the outbreak seems to have started, in which residents (not the authorities) blame a nearby pig production facility. "Swine-flu outbreak could be linked to Smithfield factory farms" is the headline on a blog entry on the Grist site by food editor Tom Philpott, himself co-founder of Maverick Farms, an educational, non-profit farm in North Carolina.
(Smithfield's business unit has not been named by any authorities of the Mexican government as a possible culprit. The company, in a statement on its Web site, said it has "found no clinical signs or symptoms of the presence of swine influenza ... in Mexico," and that the Mexican businesses "routinely administer influenza virus vaccination ... and conduct monthly tests for the presence of swine influenza.")
Twitter seems particularly adept at spreading misinformation, with such statements as "Swine flu? Wow. All that pork infecting people … " and "pigs are the reason for swine flu, don't eat pork."
Industry intervention
Industry groups and government officials are doing their best to battle the pandemic of inaccuracies. Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley tweeted his own message on Twitter: "U can't get swine flu from eating pork. Eatup. Regardless of epidemic."
The world organization for animal health OIE in Paris released a statement noting "it is not justified to name this disease swine influenza" and positing that the name be changed to "North American influenza" due to its geographic origins.
North American Meat Processors Association, American Meat Institute, National Meat Association, National Pork Producers Council and the Pork Board also released statements decrying the fear that pork could infect humans.
And from Sunday evening to Monday afternoon, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack released two statements about the outbreak and the safety of pork and USDA published a Q&A about the virus. (See USDA has answers on swine relationship to hybrid influenza, on Meatingplace, April 27, 2009.)
"It is important to remember that … swine flu viruses are not transmitted by food. In fact, cooking pork to an internal temperature of 160 degrees F kills all viruses and other foodborne pathogens. Eating properly handled and cooked pork or pork products is safe," Vilsack said in a statement.
Still, it's hard to keep pace with the viral nature of social media. In the course of a five-minute search on Facebook Monday afternoon, the number of "group" Web pages dedicated to the new flu jumped to 115 from 108.
MeatingPlace.com
The pork industry was facing plenty of challenges before the swine flu outbreak became a story over the weekend. Now the industry is attempting to engage — and correct — the vast social media networks that are spreading misinformation about the virus.
Bloggers, Facebook posts and Twitter are among the non-moderated networks through which many consumers spread information about and read up on issues. By Monday afternoon, Facebook had more than 100 "group" Web pages dedicated to swine flu.
Wrote one Facebook poster: "MmMmM BACON. & all you have to deal with is a little fever nausea and diarrhea and a chance of death but other than that your cool!" (sic).
Among bloggers, a large number are spreading the word from the CDC, WHO and the Obama administration that the virus is mis-named, treatable with medicines such as Tamiflu and unrelated to swine so far.
Others, however, are picking up and repeating a story that appeared in a Mexican newspaper near the town where the outbreak seems to have started, in which residents (not the authorities) blame a nearby pig production facility. "Swine-flu outbreak could be linked to Smithfield factory farms" is the headline on a blog entry on the Grist site by food editor Tom Philpott, himself co-founder of Maverick Farms, an educational, non-profit farm in North Carolina.
(Smithfield's business unit has not been named by any authorities of the Mexican government as a possible culprit. The company, in a statement on its Web site, said it has "found no clinical signs or symptoms of the presence of swine influenza ... in Mexico," and that the Mexican businesses "routinely administer influenza virus vaccination ... and conduct monthly tests for the presence of swine influenza.")
Twitter seems particularly adept at spreading misinformation, with such statements as "Swine flu? Wow. All that pork infecting people … " and "pigs are the reason for swine flu, don't eat pork."
Industry intervention
Industry groups and government officials are doing their best to battle the pandemic of inaccuracies. Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley tweeted his own message on Twitter: "U can't get swine flu from eating pork. Eatup. Regardless of epidemic."
The world organization for animal health OIE in Paris released a statement noting "it is not justified to name this disease swine influenza" and positing that the name be changed to "North American influenza" due to its geographic origins.
North American Meat Processors Association, American Meat Institute, National Meat Association, National Pork Producers Council and the Pork Board also released statements decrying the fear that pork could infect humans.
And from Sunday evening to Monday afternoon, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack released two statements about the outbreak and the safety of pork and USDA published a Q&A about the virus. (See USDA has answers on swine relationship to hybrid influenza, on Meatingplace, April 27, 2009.)
"It is important to remember that … swine flu viruses are not transmitted by food. In fact, cooking pork to an internal temperature of 160 degrees F kills all viruses and other foodborne pathogens. Eating properly handled and cooked pork or pork products is safe," Vilsack said in a statement.
Still, it's hard to keep pace with the viral nature of social media. In the course of a five-minute search on Facebook Monday afternoon, the number of "group" Web pages dedicated to the new flu jumped to 115 from 108.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Phil. Gov’t issues travel alert on human swine flu-afflicted states
From: Business World
http://www.bworldonline.com/BW042809/content.php?id=071&src=2
THE SPREAD of an airborne animal virus that has been proven lethal to humans prompted the Department of Health (DoH) yesterday to issue a travel warning against visiting afflicted countries.
Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III said in a press conference there is no travel ban to the affected countries, but a health alert has been issued to travelers going to and coming from Mexico and the US.
"There is no travel ban but we are asking travelers to reconsider travel to Mexico and United States," said Mr. Duque.
As this developed, the government might issue a temporary ban on imports of pork and pork products from Canada following reports of human swine flu infection in that country, an Agriculture official said yesterday.
"We can include Canada [in the import ban] if we confirm the reports of swine influenza. We will recommend it to [Agriculture] Secretary [Arthur C. Yap]," Davinio P. Catbagan, director of the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), told reporters in a separate briefing.
Mr. Catbagan said they are verifying if the World Organization for Animal Health will advise a ban on the shipment of pork and pork products from Canada.
Mr. Yap has issued a ban on imports from the US and Mexico on Saturday even if the country does not buy products from Mexico.
The swine flu is a new strain of influenza that can cause rapid deterioration in humans, even death in three to five days. The virus’s incubation is from four to 10 days.
Mr. Duque said the Philippines has enough medicine to treat symptoms of the flu-like virus due to the stockpiling of the anti-flu drug Tamiflu during the outbreak of avian influenza in 2003. But he admitted the World Health Organization has yet to come up with a vaccine against the new lethal strain.
The DoH has recommended for the public to adopt precautionary measures to contain a possible spread of the virus such as covering the nose and mouth while coughing, regular washing of hands and avoiding close contact with sick people.
In the same press conference, Dr. Enrique A. Tayag, director of the National Epidemiology Center, said the virus is not yet in the country. "The strain is entirely new so we don’t know much about it. We are awaiting some updates from the World Health Organization (WHO)."
He added the Department of Health will be swabbing patients showing symptoms of the swine flu for WHO testing.
Despite the precautions, the department said social distancing is not needed. "There is no need to result to social distancing yet because we are not yet sure if the disease is here," said Mr. Duque.
The DoH has asked those experiencing fever, coughing, followed by vomiting or diarrhea to immediately contact the department for quarantine in the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine.
Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs said it has not yet received reports of Filipinos in Mexico who have been afflicted with the swine flu.
There are around 300 Filipinos living in Mexico, including 21 permanent residents, as of June 2008.
Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Esteban B. Conejos, Jr. yesterday said overseas Filipinos suspected to have contracted the disease must immediately contact health authorities and the Philippine embassy.
The outbreak, described by WHO as a possible pandemic risk, has reportedly infected 1,614 people. Six cases of the swine flu were recorded in Canada and 20 in the US.
Other pork sources
"We encourage [importers] to source pork from other countries," BAI’s Mr. Catbagan said, citing France, Germany and Belgium as possible alternatives.
The US and Canada accounted for 56% or 61.3 million kilograms of the 109.366-million kilograms of pork and pork products imported last year, data from the Foreign Agriculture Service of the US Department of Agriculture show.
"A human with flu can infect hogs. In the same manner, hogs can infect humans, it has already been established," Mr. Catbagan said.
However, the swine flu in Mexico might be different from other strains as it is a hybrid between human, swine and avian flu strains, he added.
In cases of hog influenza recorded in the Philippines in 2007, swine flu mortality is only 5%, Mr. Catbagan said.
The Agriculture department has lifted the restriction on the purchase of swine flu vaccine.
"The veterinary drug industry has sourced buffer stock to make sure there are available vaccine when hog farmers decide to use it," Mr. Catbagan said.
To date, there are about two million available doses of the veterinary drug to protect a nationwide pig population of 13.5 million at any given time, he added.
Hog cholera
In a related development, Mr. Catbagan said the reported swine flu case in Pangasinan province north of Metro Manila might likely be hog cholera.
"People fear [the swine flu] but in the first place this disease [cholera] is common in hogs," Albert R. T. Lim, Jr., president of the National Federation of Hog Farmers, Inc., said in a phone interview.
It is a normal reaction for the consumers to shy away from pork when there are cases of animal disease, Jane C. Bacayo, executive director of the National Meat Inspection Service, said in a separate phone interview.
"We are trying to explain to the consuming public that there is nothing to be worried about," Mr. Bacayo said, adding that imported pork from the US are for meat processing and not sold in wet markets. — Emilia Narni J. David and Neil Jerome C. Morales
http://www.bworldonline.com/BW042809/content.php?id=071&src=2
THE SPREAD of an airborne animal virus that has been proven lethal to humans prompted the Department of Health (DoH) yesterday to issue a travel warning against visiting afflicted countries.
Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III said in a press conference there is no travel ban to the affected countries, but a health alert has been issued to travelers going to and coming from Mexico and the US.
"There is no travel ban but we are asking travelers to reconsider travel to Mexico and United States," said Mr. Duque.
As this developed, the government might issue a temporary ban on imports of pork and pork products from Canada following reports of human swine flu infection in that country, an Agriculture official said yesterday.
"We can include Canada [in the import ban] if we confirm the reports of swine influenza. We will recommend it to [Agriculture] Secretary [Arthur C. Yap]," Davinio P. Catbagan, director of the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), told reporters in a separate briefing.
Mr. Catbagan said they are verifying if the World Organization for Animal Health will advise a ban on the shipment of pork and pork products from Canada.
Mr. Yap has issued a ban on imports from the US and Mexico on Saturday even if the country does not buy products from Mexico.
The swine flu is a new strain of influenza that can cause rapid deterioration in humans, even death in three to five days. The virus’s incubation is from four to 10 days.
Mr. Duque said the Philippines has enough medicine to treat symptoms of the flu-like virus due to the stockpiling of the anti-flu drug Tamiflu during the outbreak of avian influenza in 2003. But he admitted the World Health Organization has yet to come up with a vaccine against the new lethal strain.
The DoH has recommended for the public to adopt precautionary measures to contain a possible spread of the virus such as covering the nose and mouth while coughing, regular washing of hands and avoiding close contact with sick people.
In the same press conference, Dr. Enrique A. Tayag, director of the National Epidemiology Center, said the virus is not yet in the country. "The strain is entirely new so we don’t know much about it. We are awaiting some updates from the World Health Organization (WHO)."
He added the Department of Health will be swabbing patients showing symptoms of the swine flu for WHO testing.
Despite the precautions, the department said social distancing is not needed. "There is no need to result to social distancing yet because we are not yet sure if the disease is here," said Mr. Duque.
The DoH has asked those experiencing fever, coughing, followed by vomiting or diarrhea to immediately contact the department for quarantine in the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine.
Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs said it has not yet received reports of Filipinos in Mexico who have been afflicted with the swine flu.
There are around 300 Filipinos living in Mexico, including 21 permanent residents, as of June 2008.
Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Esteban B. Conejos, Jr. yesterday said overseas Filipinos suspected to have contracted the disease must immediately contact health authorities and the Philippine embassy.
The outbreak, described by WHO as a possible pandemic risk, has reportedly infected 1,614 people. Six cases of the swine flu were recorded in Canada and 20 in the US.
Other pork sources
"We encourage [importers] to source pork from other countries," BAI’s Mr. Catbagan said, citing France, Germany and Belgium as possible alternatives.
The US and Canada accounted for 56% or 61.3 million kilograms of the 109.366-million kilograms of pork and pork products imported last year, data from the Foreign Agriculture Service of the US Department of Agriculture show.
"A human with flu can infect hogs. In the same manner, hogs can infect humans, it has already been established," Mr. Catbagan said.
However, the swine flu in Mexico might be different from other strains as it is a hybrid between human, swine and avian flu strains, he added.
In cases of hog influenza recorded in the Philippines in 2007, swine flu mortality is only 5%, Mr. Catbagan said.
The Agriculture department has lifted the restriction on the purchase of swine flu vaccine.
"The veterinary drug industry has sourced buffer stock to make sure there are available vaccine when hog farmers decide to use it," Mr. Catbagan said.
To date, there are about two million available doses of the veterinary drug to protect a nationwide pig population of 13.5 million at any given time, he added.
Hog cholera
In a related development, Mr. Catbagan said the reported swine flu case in Pangasinan province north of Metro Manila might likely be hog cholera.
"People fear [the swine flu] but in the first place this disease [cholera] is common in hogs," Albert R. T. Lim, Jr., president of the National Federation of Hog Farmers, Inc., said in a phone interview.
It is a normal reaction for the consumers to shy away from pork when there are cases of animal disease, Jane C. Bacayo, executive director of the National Meat Inspection Service, said in a separate phone interview.
"We are trying to explain to the consuming public that there is nothing to be worried about," Mr. Bacayo said, adding that imported pork from the US are for meat processing and not sold in wet markets. — Emilia Narni J. David and Neil Jerome C. Morales
More trading partners prohibit U.S. pork on swine flu fears
By Tom Johnston on 4/27/2009
MeatingPlace.com
Some international trading partners are tightening their borders to U.S. and Mexican pork following reports of cases of hybrid swine, avian and human influenza virus in the United States and Mexico, according to international media reports.
China has banned pork imports from Mexico and the U.S. states of Texas, Kansas and California, according to Japan Economic Newswire, following a similar move by Russia. (See Swine flu prompts Russia to suspend meat imports from Mexico, several U.S. states on Meatingplace, April 26, 2009.)
Thailand also has suspended imports of U.S. and Mexican pork and set up thermal scanners at Bangkok's main airport to check arriving passengers for signs of swine flu.
Philippines officials have ordered stricter monitoring of all its ports to block entry of hogs and pork from the United States and Mexico.
Indonesia has temporarily halted imports of pork, though media reports weren't clear as to whether the country is banning all U.S. pork or just pork from certain U.S. states.
Jordan, meanwhile, has banned imports of all types of meat, including pork, from the United States and Mexico, according to Deutche Press-Agentur.
Tighter security
Japan announced it would tighten airport security checks and other border health controls to prevent sickened humans from entering the country. However, Agriculture Minister Shigeru Ishiba told reporters it wouldn't be necessary to ban pork imports from the United States and Mexico because such imports already undergo "very strict sterilization."
South Korea designated swine flu an infection livestock disease, which gives authorities a legal basis to cull sick animals if necessary. But Seoul said it doesn't plan to ban pork or live pigs from North America because its measures to check for the virus are sufficient.
According to USDA's Economic Research Service, in 2008 Russia imported 430 million pounds; China imported 361.5 million pounds; South Korea imported 296.9 million pounds; and the Philippines imported nearly 72 million pounds.
Japan is the largest market for U.S. pork and imported 1.3 billion pounds last year.
Pork is safe
Meanwhile, public health officials reiterate that people cannot get swine flu from eating pork or pork products.
Nonetheless, the virus could cause significant trade disruptions, as importing countries exercise outright bans of U.S. pork or prohibit pork from certain U.S. states.
"We are urging U.S. officials to work aggressively with a handful of nations that have ceased imports of U.S. pork to convey the science to secure a full restoration of trade," J. Patrick Boyle, president and CEO of the American Meat Institute, said in a statement. "These trade suspension actions are based on unfounded fear, not on scientific facts."
MeatingPlace.com
Some international trading partners are tightening their borders to U.S. and Mexican pork following reports of cases of hybrid swine, avian and human influenza virus in the United States and Mexico, according to international media reports.
China has banned pork imports from Mexico and the U.S. states of Texas, Kansas and California, according to Japan Economic Newswire, following a similar move by Russia. (See Swine flu prompts Russia to suspend meat imports from Mexico, several U.S. states on Meatingplace, April 26, 2009.)
Thailand also has suspended imports of U.S. and Mexican pork and set up thermal scanners at Bangkok's main airport to check arriving passengers for signs of swine flu.
Philippines officials have ordered stricter monitoring of all its ports to block entry of hogs and pork from the United States and Mexico.
Indonesia has temporarily halted imports of pork, though media reports weren't clear as to whether the country is banning all U.S. pork or just pork from certain U.S. states.
Jordan, meanwhile, has banned imports of all types of meat, including pork, from the United States and Mexico, according to Deutche Press-Agentur.
Tighter security
Japan announced it would tighten airport security checks and other border health controls to prevent sickened humans from entering the country. However, Agriculture Minister Shigeru Ishiba told reporters it wouldn't be necessary to ban pork imports from the United States and Mexico because such imports already undergo "very strict sterilization."
South Korea designated swine flu an infection livestock disease, which gives authorities a legal basis to cull sick animals if necessary. But Seoul said it doesn't plan to ban pork or live pigs from North America because its measures to check for the virus are sufficient.
According to USDA's Economic Research Service, in 2008 Russia imported 430 million pounds; China imported 361.5 million pounds; South Korea imported 296.9 million pounds; and the Philippines imported nearly 72 million pounds.
Japan is the largest market for U.S. pork and imported 1.3 billion pounds last year.
Pork is safe
Meanwhile, public health officials reiterate that people cannot get swine flu from eating pork or pork products.
Nonetheless, the virus could cause significant trade disruptions, as importing countries exercise outright bans of U.S. pork or prohibit pork from certain U.S. states.
"We are urging U.S. officials to work aggressively with a handful of nations that have ceased imports of U.S. pork to convey the science to secure a full restoration of trade," J. Patrick Boyle, president and CEO of the American Meat Institute, said in a statement. "These trade suspension actions are based on unfounded fear, not on scientific facts."
U.S. Declares National Health Emergency
By Pork news staff | Monday, April 27, 2009
PorkMag.com
The U.S. Health and Human Services declared a national health emergency on Sunday to further investigate and address the unfolding developments surrounding swine flu. "That sounds more severe than it is," said Janet Napolitano, Homeland Security director. "I wish we could call it 'preparedness'." She pointed out that the "health emergency" declaration is necessary to free up money and procedures in order to move forward in the investigation, surveillance and treatment of this new flu outbreak.
The U.S. government is set to ship roughly 12 million doses, or 25 percent, of its anti-viral, flu treatments to states from the federal stockpile as needed.
Mexico is hardest hit and is contending with the worst of the flu outbreak which is suspected in the deaths of more than 80 people people and sickening perhaps 1,000. In the United States, 20 cases in five states (Texas, California, New York, Kansas and Ohio) have been confirmed. Many of them had recently returned from Mexico. All U.S. cases have recovered, reported Richard Besser, acting director of U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Preparedness, only one of those people had been hospitalized. Approximately 36,000 people die annually due to complications of the flu.
The causative virus is a genetic mix of human virus, bird virus from North America and pig viruses from North America, Europe and Asia.There currently is no vaccine, as this is a new strain, however, work to create a vaccine is underway. Besser noted that the anti-viral treatments appear to be effective. He emphasized basic hygiene is key to prevention and that early treatment of symptoms is key. Some theorize that may be why Mexico has seen greater spread and deaths. The incubation period appears to be 24 to 48 hours.
“The outbreak of swine flu in North America is not a cause for alarm,” President Obama said Monday. "This is obviously a cause for concern and requires a heightened state of alert.” The United States has launched border screening for swine flu exposure, and Obama said the government is "closely monitoring" the emerging cases.
Meanwhile, countries around the world were trying to prevent the outbreak from spreading. Increased border precautions and heightened screening of airline passengers is taking place in Japan, Europe as well as China, Russia and Taiwan.
This is person-to-person spread, noted Besser. "You cannot get swine flu from eating pork. We are screening U.S. livestock just to check what's going on there." So far, the virus (H1N1) has not been found in U.S. animals.
"This is a marathon," said Besser. "As we look for more cases, we will find more cases. Flu viruses are very variable; expect changes to occur regularly. This could resurface 6 months from now."
PorkMag.com
The U.S. Health and Human Services declared a national health emergency on Sunday to further investigate and address the unfolding developments surrounding swine flu. "That sounds more severe than it is," said Janet Napolitano, Homeland Security director. "I wish we could call it 'preparedness'." She pointed out that the "health emergency" declaration is necessary to free up money and procedures in order to move forward in the investigation, surveillance and treatment of this new flu outbreak.
The U.S. government is set to ship roughly 12 million doses, or 25 percent, of its anti-viral, flu treatments to states from the federal stockpile as needed.
Mexico is hardest hit and is contending with the worst of the flu outbreak which is suspected in the deaths of more than 80 people people and sickening perhaps 1,000. In the United States, 20 cases in five states (Texas, California, New York, Kansas and Ohio) have been confirmed. Many of them had recently returned from Mexico. All U.S. cases have recovered, reported Richard Besser, acting director of U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Preparedness, only one of those people had been hospitalized. Approximately 36,000 people die annually due to complications of the flu.
The causative virus is a genetic mix of human virus, bird virus from North America and pig viruses from North America, Europe and Asia.There currently is no vaccine, as this is a new strain, however, work to create a vaccine is underway. Besser noted that the anti-viral treatments appear to be effective. He emphasized basic hygiene is key to prevention and that early treatment of symptoms is key. Some theorize that may be why Mexico has seen greater spread and deaths. The incubation period appears to be 24 to 48 hours.
“The outbreak of swine flu in North America is not a cause for alarm,” President Obama said Monday. "This is obviously a cause for concern and requires a heightened state of alert.” The United States has launched border screening for swine flu exposure, and Obama said the government is "closely monitoring" the emerging cases.
Meanwhile, countries around the world were trying to prevent the outbreak from spreading. Increased border precautions and heightened screening of airline passengers is taking place in Japan, Europe as well as China, Russia and Taiwan.
This is person-to-person spread, noted Besser. "You cannot get swine flu from eating pork. We are screening U.S. livestock just to check what's going on there." So far, the virus (H1N1) has not been found in U.S. animals.
"This is a marathon," said Besser. "As we look for more cases, we will find more cases. Flu viruses are very variable; expect changes to occur regularly. This could resurface 6 months from now."
USA - Sanderson Farms: lower production in 2009
US poultry processor Sanderson Farms expects its production to decrease 2% in 2009.
It is reported that this is largely a result of the poultry processor putting plans for a new North Carolina plant on hold due to difficult economic conditions.
"This is going to be the first year in a long time that our production will decrease," Sanderson CFO Mike Cockrell was quoted as saying.
The US poultry processor expects to process 2.4 bln
Monday, April 27, 2009
Swine flu prompts Russia to suspend meat imports from Mexico, several U.S. states
By Tom Johnston on 4/27/2009
MeatingPlace.com
Russia has suspended imports of all meat from Mexico and the U.S. states of Texas, California and Kansas shipped after April 21 on fears of the spread of swine flu, the Russian government's veterinary watchdog said in an announcement posted on its Web site.
The suspension also applies to pork shipped after April 21 from the U.S. states of Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Florida, and the nations of Guatemala, Honduras, Dominican Republic, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Nicaragua, Panama and El Salvador.
An outbreak of swine flu, or the H1N1 virus, is believed to have originated in Mexico last week, caused more than 80 deaths and sickened some 1,400 people in that country.
The U.S. government on Sunday declared a public health emergency in response to 20 cases in the states of New York (eight), California (seven), Texas (two), Kansas (two) and Ohio (one). All patients have recovered, authorities said. Cases also recently have been reported in Canada.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza among pigs. Though the disease normally does not infect humans, human infections do occur, most commonly among people who are exposed to pigs. However, cases of human-to-human spread of swine flu viruses have been documented. Symptoms resemble those of regular flu.
MeatingPlace.com
Russia has suspended imports of all meat from Mexico and the U.S. states of Texas, California and Kansas shipped after April 21 on fears of the spread of swine flu, the Russian government's veterinary watchdog said in an announcement posted on its Web site.
The suspension also applies to pork shipped after April 21 from the U.S. states of Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Florida, and the nations of Guatemala, Honduras, Dominican Republic, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Nicaragua, Panama and El Salvador.
An outbreak of swine flu, or the H1N1 virus, is believed to have originated in Mexico last week, caused more than 80 deaths and sickened some 1,400 people in that country.
The U.S. government on Sunday declared a public health emergency in response to 20 cases in the states of New York (eight), California (seven), Texas (two), Kansas (two) and Ohio (one). All patients have recovered, authorities said. Cases also recently have been reported in Canada.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza among pigs. Though the disease normally does not infect humans, human infections do occur, most commonly among people who are exposed to pigs. However, cases of human-to-human spread of swine flu viruses have been documented. Symptoms resemble those of regular flu.
Phil. DA imposes temporary ban on pork from USA, Mexico
SOPHIA DEDACE, GMANews.TV
04/27/2009 | 08:24 AM
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/158688/DA-imposes-temporary-ban-on-pork-from-USA-Mexico
MANILA, Philippines - In the wake of a swine flu outbreak in Mexico, in the United States, Philippine agriculture officials have imposed a temporary ban on the entry of pork from the two countries.
Agriculture officials also encouraged local farmers Monday to include vaccination against swine flu as part of their hog immunization programs.
“Despite the fact na hindi naka-link sa swine farm ang human case outbreak sa US and Mexico nag-order si Sec. Yap temporary ban ng importation from US [Even if there is no direct link between swine farms and outbreaks of swine flu infecting humans, Agriculture Sec. Arthur Yap has ordered a temporary ban on importation from the US]," Bureau of Animal Industry officer-in-charge Davinio Catbagan said in an interview on dzXL radio.
Catbagan said Yap “formalized" a ban on pork from Mexico. The Philippines does not import pork from Mexico, he pointed out.
“Just the same nag-order si Sec. Yap to formalize a ban from Mexico. Sa atin walang dapat ipangamba sa magbababoy dahil walang outbreak o incidence… ng swine influenza sa ngayon [Sec. Yap ordered us to formalize a ban on pork from Mexico. But there is nothing to fear because there is no outbreak in the Philippines as of now]," he said.
Also, he said the Bureau of Animal Industry is coordinating with the provincial and city veterinary offices to monitor the situation.
Catbagan said swine farmers’ vaccination programs presently cover hog cholera, porcine respiratory reproductive syndrome (PRRS), and Ebola Reston.
On the other hand, he said swine flu is not as devastating as hog cholera, saying the mortality rate of swine flu is between five to 10 percent. Hogs infected by the disease recover quickly, he added.
According to an Associated Press report on Monday (Sunday, US time), Mexico's health minister said the disease has killed up to 86 people and likely sickened more than 1,400 since April 13.
Seventeen states in Mexico, including Mexico City, have been affected. In the US, the areas affected are New York, California, Kansas, Texas, and Ohio.
In Canada, Nova Scotia's chief public health officer said there are four confirmed cases of swine flu in the east coast Canadian province.
Airport monitoring
Amid the swine flu scare, Philippine authorities have bolstered their efforts in monitoring the possible entry of people infected by the disease.
Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) General Manager Alfonso Cusi said he ordered footbaths especially for passengers from Mexico and the US.
Cusi said they are also coordinating with the Department of Health and the World Health Organization on other protocols to follow.
“Binabalik natin including ang footbaths, ginagawa natin in coordination with quarantine and DOH ... Yan ang mabisang paraan. And then coordinate tayo sa WHO and through our DOH kung anong protocol pa ang dapat ipatupad aside from what we are already doing," Cusi said in a separate interview over dwIZ radio.
[We are bringing back the footbaths, and coordinating with the WHO and DOH on what else to do.]
Cusi also noted there are no direct flights from Mexico and from the US East Coast. Direct flights from the US include those from Las Vegas, Los Angeles and San Francisco, he said.
Cusi also said this is aside from the MIAA’s ongoing monitoring for bird flu.
Pandemic potential
WHO Director General Margaret Chan called the outbreak a public health emergency of "pandemic potential" because the virus can pass from human to human.
The Associate Press reported that Chan held teleconferences with staff and flu experts around the world but stopped short of recommending specific measures to prevent the disease from spreading.
She also urged governments to step up their surveillance of suspicious outbreaks.
Aside from the Philippines, other countries have implemented measures to prevent the entry of people infected with swine flu.
Airports in China, Russia and Taiwan are screening travelers from Mexico and the US for possible flu symptoms. The said countries plan to put anyone with symptoms under quarantine, he AP has reported.
Italy, Poland and Venezuela advised citizens to postpone travel to affected areas of Mexico and the US.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong and South Korea have warned against travel to Mexico City and three provinces. Some countries have also increased the screening of pigs and pork imports or banned them outright despite health officials' reassurances that it was safe to eat thoroughly cooked pork. - with Sophia Dedace, GMANews.TV
04/27/2009 | 08:24 AM
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/158688/DA-imposes-temporary-ban-on-pork-from-USA-Mexico
MANILA, Philippines - In the wake of a swine flu outbreak in Mexico, in the United States, Philippine agriculture officials have imposed a temporary ban on the entry of pork from the two countries.
Agriculture officials also encouraged local farmers Monday to include vaccination against swine flu as part of their hog immunization programs.
“Despite the fact na hindi naka-link sa swine farm ang human case outbreak sa US and Mexico nag-order si Sec. Yap temporary ban ng importation from US [Even if there is no direct link between swine farms and outbreaks of swine flu infecting humans, Agriculture Sec. Arthur Yap has ordered a temporary ban on importation from the US]," Bureau of Animal Industry officer-in-charge Davinio Catbagan said in an interview on dzXL radio.
Catbagan said Yap “formalized" a ban on pork from Mexico. The Philippines does not import pork from Mexico, he pointed out.
“Just the same nag-order si Sec. Yap to formalize a ban from Mexico. Sa atin walang dapat ipangamba sa magbababoy dahil walang outbreak o incidence… ng swine influenza sa ngayon [Sec. Yap ordered us to formalize a ban on pork from Mexico. But there is nothing to fear because there is no outbreak in the Philippines as of now]," he said.
Also, he said the Bureau of Animal Industry is coordinating with the provincial and city veterinary offices to monitor the situation.
Catbagan said swine farmers’ vaccination programs presently cover hog cholera, porcine respiratory reproductive syndrome (PRRS), and Ebola Reston.
On the other hand, he said swine flu is not as devastating as hog cholera, saying the mortality rate of swine flu is between five to 10 percent. Hogs infected by the disease recover quickly, he added.
According to an Associated Press report on Monday (Sunday, US time), Mexico's health minister said the disease has killed up to 86 people and likely sickened more than 1,400 since April 13.
Seventeen states in Mexico, including Mexico City, have been affected. In the US, the areas affected are New York, California, Kansas, Texas, and Ohio.
In Canada, Nova Scotia's chief public health officer said there are four confirmed cases of swine flu in the east coast Canadian province.
Airport monitoring
Amid the swine flu scare, Philippine authorities have bolstered their efforts in monitoring the possible entry of people infected by the disease.
Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) General Manager Alfonso Cusi said he ordered footbaths especially for passengers from Mexico and the US.
Cusi said they are also coordinating with the Department of Health and the World Health Organization on other protocols to follow.
“Binabalik natin including ang footbaths, ginagawa natin in coordination with quarantine and DOH ... Yan ang mabisang paraan. And then coordinate tayo sa WHO and through our DOH kung anong protocol pa ang dapat ipatupad aside from what we are already doing," Cusi said in a separate interview over dwIZ radio.
[We are bringing back the footbaths, and coordinating with the WHO and DOH on what else to do.]
Cusi also noted there are no direct flights from Mexico and from the US East Coast. Direct flights from the US include those from Las Vegas, Los Angeles and San Francisco, he said.
Cusi also said this is aside from the MIAA’s ongoing monitoring for bird flu.
Pandemic potential
WHO Director General Margaret Chan called the outbreak a public health emergency of "pandemic potential" because the virus can pass from human to human.
The Associate Press reported that Chan held teleconferences with staff and flu experts around the world but stopped short of recommending specific measures to prevent the disease from spreading.
She also urged governments to step up their surveillance of suspicious outbreaks.
Aside from the Philippines, other countries have implemented measures to prevent the entry of people infected with swine flu.
Airports in China, Russia and Taiwan are screening travelers from Mexico and the US for possible flu symptoms. The said countries plan to put anyone with symptoms under quarantine, he AP has reported.
Italy, Poland and Venezuela advised citizens to postpone travel to affected areas of Mexico and the US.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong and South Korea have warned against travel to Mexico City and three provinces. Some countries have also increased the screening of pigs and pork imports or banned them outright despite health officials' reassurances that it was safe to eat thoroughly cooked pork. - with Sophia Dedace, GMANews.TV
Swine flu symptoms, diagnosis, prevention
Agence France-Presse
First Posted 09:54:00 04/27/2009
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/world/view/20090427-201664/Swine-flu-symptoms-diagnosis-prevention
MEXICO CITY -- In response to the swine flu outbreak that has left dozens dead in Mexico and spread to other countries, officials here launched a campaign to inform the public on virus symptoms, prevention and treatment.
The following information was provided by the Mexican Ministry of Health.
SYMPTOMS: Sudden fever above 38 degrees (100.4 degrees Fahrenheit), cough, headache, aching joints, nasal congestion and general fatigue.
DIAGNOSIS: Clinical examination of secretions from the nose and mouth in the first 24-72 hours after presenting symptoms, and a study of blood samples to detect existence of influenza virus.
TREATMENT: In confirmed cases, Mexican authorities have provided patients with flu drugs Seltamivir or Zanamivir under strict medical supervision, and warn against side effects in misuse.
The Mexican government said that the antiviral drugs would only be administered if infection is confirmed.
Authorities have reportedly some million doses on hand, although local media warn that pharmacies have run out of treatments.
PREVENTATIVE MEASURES: Wear a mask. Do not greet someone with a kiss or handshake; do not share food, cutlery or glasses. Ventilate homes and offices, keep clean common items such as telephones.
First Posted 09:54:00 04/27/2009
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/world/view/20090427-201664/Swine-flu-symptoms-diagnosis-prevention
MEXICO CITY -- In response to the swine flu outbreak that has left dozens dead in Mexico and spread to other countries, officials here launched a campaign to inform the public on virus symptoms, prevention and treatment.
The following information was provided by the Mexican Ministry of Health.
SYMPTOMS: Sudden fever above 38 degrees (100.4 degrees Fahrenheit), cough, headache, aching joints, nasal congestion and general fatigue.
DIAGNOSIS: Clinical examination of secretions from the nose and mouth in the first 24-72 hours after presenting symptoms, and a study of blood samples to detect existence of influenza virus.
TREATMENT: In confirmed cases, Mexican authorities have provided patients with flu drugs Seltamivir or Zanamivir under strict medical supervision, and warn against side effects in misuse.
The Mexican government said that the antiviral drugs would only be administered if infection is confirmed.
Authorities have reportedly some million doses on hand, although local media warn that pharmacies have run out of treatments.
PREVENTATIVE MEASURES: Wear a mask. Do not greet someone with a kiss or handshake; do not share food, cutlery or glasses. Ventilate homes and offices, keep clean common items such as telephones.
Canada wary of swine flu spreading from south
Agence France-Presse
First Posted 13:17:00 04/25/2009
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/world/view/20090425-201407/Canada-wary-of-swine-flu-spreading-from-south
OTTAWA--Canadian health authorities Friday said there were no cases of swine flu in Canada, but warned Canadians to remain vigilant to avoid the spread of the disease that so far has killed at least 20 in Mexico and sickened hundreds, including eight in the United States.
"There is no immediate threats to Canadians at this time," Health Minister Leona Aglukkag told a press briefing.
"The Public Health Agency has advised health officials across Canada to increase their vigilance and report unusual influenza-like illnesses," said agency head David Butler-Jones.
Aglukkag said Canada had agreed to test samples from infected people in Mexico to test them for the new multi-strain swine flu.
"Yesterday, preliminary results showed signs of human swine influenza in samples that were provided. Today, we have received further results which confirms that the virus is human swine influenza," she added.
The World Health Organization on Friday went on high alert, dispatching top experts to the United States and Mexico amid concern that the new virus could become a global epidemic.
The WHO said Canadian laboratory testing had confirmed 18 cases of swine fever among almost 1,000 Mexicans found to have an influenza-like illness in three regions.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control also said the "novel" A/H1N1 influenza identified in at least two of the recent cases by US counterparts might have a risk of developing into a pandemic-type virus.
Mexican authorities, launching a huge campaign to prevent the spread of the virus, including closing schools and urging people to avoid contact in public, said they were investigating 943 possible swine flu infections.
First Posted 13:17:00 04/25/2009
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/world/view/20090425-201407/Canada-wary-of-swine-flu-spreading-from-south
OTTAWA--Canadian health authorities Friday said there were no cases of swine flu in Canada, but warned Canadians to remain vigilant to avoid the spread of the disease that so far has killed at least 20 in Mexico and sickened hundreds, including eight in the United States.
"There is no immediate threats to Canadians at this time," Health Minister Leona Aglukkag told a press briefing.
"The Public Health Agency has advised health officials across Canada to increase their vigilance and report unusual influenza-like illnesses," said agency head David Butler-Jones.
Aglukkag said Canada had agreed to test samples from infected people in Mexico to test them for the new multi-strain swine flu.
"Yesterday, preliminary results showed signs of human swine influenza in samples that were provided. Today, we have received further results which confirms that the virus is human swine influenza," she added.
The World Health Organization on Friday went on high alert, dispatching top experts to the United States and Mexico amid concern that the new virus could become a global epidemic.
The WHO said Canadian laboratory testing had confirmed 18 cases of swine fever among almost 1,000 Mexicans found to have an influenza-like illness in three regions.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control also said the "novel" A/H1N1 influenza identified in at least two of the recent cases by US counterparts might have a risk of developing into a pandemic-type virus.
Mexican authorities, launching a huge campaign to prevent the spread of the virus, including closing schools and urging people to avoid contact in public, said they were investigating 943 possible swine flu infections.
Global alarm as killer swine flu spreads
Agence France-Presse | 04/27/2009 12:42 AM
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/world/04/26/09/global-alarm-killer-swine-flu-spreads
MEXICO CITY - World health authorities battled Sunday to contain a deadly swine flu blamed for dozens of deaths in Mexico as new suspected cases triggered fears the disease may be spreading around the globe.
Authorities in Mexico, where the new multi-strain swine flu was first detected, confirmed 20 people have died and warned the death toll could be as high as 81.
Suspected cases were being tested in Europe, the Middle East and Asia on Sunday as US health officials confirmed at least 10 people have been infected across the border from Mexico in the United States.
US Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano was due to give a White House briefing on the situation at 12:30 pm (1630 GMT).
In a statement, the World Health Organization (WHO) said it was recommending that all nations "intensify surveillance for unusual outbreaks of influenza-like illness and severe pneumonia."
Thousands of people have begun wearing blue face masks to ward off infection in Mexico where 1,324 people are being treated for flu symptoms.
And Catholic church officials took the unusual step of canceling Sunday services in this 90-percent Catholic country, after President Felipe Calderon published an order giving his government extraordinary powers to tackle the outbreak.
More than 500 cultural and athletic events have been scuttled by government order Sunday in the capital, as authorities banned large gatherings for at least 10 days, emptying theaters, movies, restaurants and sports stadium.
"This virus has clearly a pandemic potential," World Health Organization (WHO) director general, Margaret Chan, warned on Saturday.
The Geneva-based UN agency branded the outbreak "a public health emergency of international concern," following a meeting of its emergency committee.
Russia, fearing the spread of swine flu, on Sunday banned meat imports from Mexico, several US states and nine Latin American nations, a spokesman for Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said.
And Asian health officials went on alert as the flu strain appeared to have spread to New Zealand.
Governments across the region, which has in recent years been at the forefront of the SARS and bird flu epidemics, stepped up checks at airports and urged the public to be on guard for symptoms of the new flu.
Ten New Zealand students who recently traveled to Mexico are "likely" to have contracted swine fever, Health Minister Tony Ryall said Sunday -- the first suspected cases in the region of more than three billion people.
The European Commission said it was on alert Sunday for swine flu, although there have not been any confirmed cases in Europe.
France on Sunday reported four suspected cases of swine flu among travelers returning from Mexico while three Spanish nationals have been placed in isolation after showing flu symptoms following a recent visit.
In the first suspected swine flu case in the Middle East, a 26-year-old Israeli man has been hospitalized in Netanya on returning from Mexico, hospital officials told AFP.
In the United States two cases have been confirmed in Kansas, while eight young students from New York have also been diagnosed with the flu strain.
In London, a hospital announced that a British Airways steward admitted with "flu-like symptoms" after arriving on a flight from Mexico City had tested negative.
"The most worrying fact is that it appears to transmit from human to human," said WHO spokesman Thomas Abraham.
These features, along with the fact that young healthy adults have fallen victim to the flu in Mexico, and not the very old or very young, have given rise to fears of an epidemic or even a pandemic.
According to the WHO, pigs have already been factors in the appearance of two previously unknown diseases that gave rise to pandemics in the last century.
If a pig is simultaneously infected with a human and an avian influenza virus, it can serve as a "mixing vessel" for the two viruses that could combine to create a new, more virulent strain.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/world/04/26/09/global-alarm-killer-swine-flu-spreads
MEXICO CITY - World health authorities battled Sunday to contain a deadly swine flu blamed for dozens of deaths in Mexico as new suspected cases triggered fears the disease may be spreading around the globe.
Authorities in Mexico, where the new multi-strain swine flu was first detected, confirmed 20 people have died and warned the death toll could be as high as 81.
Suspected cases were being tested in Europe, the Middle East and Asia on Sunday as US health officials confirmed at least 10 people have been infected across the border from Mexico in the United States.
US Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano was due to give a White House briefing on the situation at 12:30 pm (1630 GMT).
In a statement, the World Health Organization (WHO) said it was recommending that all nations "intensify surveillance for unusual outbreaks of influenza-like illness and severe pneumonia."
Thousands of people have begun wearing blue face masks to ward off infection in Mexico where 1,324 people are being treated for flu symptoms.
And Catholic church officials took the unusual step of canceling Sunday services in this 90-percent Catholic country, after President Felipe Calderon published an order giving his government extraordinary powers to tackle the outbreak.
More than 500 cultural and athletic events have been scuttled by government order Sunday in the capital, as authorities banned large gatherings for at least 10 days, emptying theaters, movies, restaurants and sports stadium.
"This virus has clearly a pandemic potential," World Health Organization (WHO) director general, Margaret Chan, warned on Saturday.
The Geneva-based UN agency branded the outbreak "a public health emergency of international concern," following a meeting of its emergency committee.
Russia, fearing the spread of swine flu, on Sunday banned meat imports from Mexico, several US states and nine Latin American nations, a spokesman for Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said.
And Asian health officials went on alert as the flu strain appeared to have spread to New Zealand.
Governments across the region, which has in recent years been at the forefront of the SARS and bird flu epidemics, stepped up checks at airports and urged the public to be on guard for symptoms of the new flu.
Ten New Zealand students who recently traveled to Mexico are "likely" to have contracted swine fever, Health Minister Tony Ryall said Sunday -- the first suspected cases in the region of more than three billion people.
The European Commission said it was on alert Sunday for swine flu, although there have not been any confirmed cases in Europe.
France on Sunday reported four suspected cases of swine flu among travelers returning from Mexico while three Spanish nationals have been placed in isolation after showing flu symptoms following a recent visit.
In the first suspected swine flu case in the Middle East, a 26-year-old Israeli man has been hospitalized in Netanya on returning from Mexico, hospital officials told AFP.
In the United States two cases have been confirmed in Kansas, while eight young students from New York have also been diagnosed with the flu strain.
In London, a hospital announced that a British Airways steward admitted with "flu-like symptoms" after arriving on a flight from Mexico City had tested negative.
"The most worrying fact is that it appears to transmit from human to human," said WHO spokesman Thomas Abraham.
These features, along with the fact that young healthy adults have fallen victim to the flu in Mexico, and not the very old or very young, have given rise to fears of an epidemic or even a pandemic.
According to the WHO, pigs have already been factors in the appearance of two previously unknown diseases that gave rise to pandemics in the last century.
If a pig is simultaneously infected with a human and an avian influenza virus, it can serve as a "mixing vessel" for the two viruses that could combine to create a new, more virulent strain.
Alert level on swine flu raised at RP's international airports
abs-cbnNEWS.com | 04/26/2009 8:54 PM
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/04/26/09/alert-level-swine-flu-raised-rps-international-airports
The Department of Health (DOH) on Sunday said it is closely watching all international flights arriving at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) due to fears of swine flu entering the country.
Dr. Michiko Mindana, medical officer of the Bureau of Quarantine of DOH at NAIA, said that their monitoring of international flights and passengers arriving is currently under alert level 3.
The bureau is closely monitoring all international flights, particularly those coming directly or having connecting flights from the United States and Mexico, which has declared a state of emergency due to swine flu.
The DOH official said they are utilizing thermal scanners to check for passengers with possible fever especially those arriving from countries with reported cases of swine flu infections.
All international airports in the country are currently under a 24-hour watch and passengers who have possible symptoms of swine flu infections will undergo rigid physical examinations and questions from authorities.
The bureau has also designated an isolation area near the airport and has two ambulances on standby if there is a need for any passenger to be quarantined.
Mindana said all medical staff are also equipped with personal safety equipment to prevent infections when dealing with infected passengers.
Mindana said that their monitoring system is not new, since they have been doing the same system to prevent the entry of bird flu and the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in the country.
Aside from human quarantine procedures, the Department of Agriculture also has foot baths to prevent passengers' shoes from bringing in any virus.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/04/26/09/alert-level-swine-flu-raised-rps-international-airports
The Department of Health (DOH) on Sunday said it is closely watching all international flights arriving at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) due to fears of swine flu entering the country.
Dr. Michiko Mindana, medical officer of the Bureau of Quarantine of DOH at NAIA, said that their monitoring of international flights and passengers arriving is currently under alert level 3.
The bureau is closely monitoring all international flights, particularly those coming directly or having connecting flights from the United States and Mexico, which has declared a state of emergency due to swine flu.
The DOH official said they are utilizing thermal scanners to check for passengers with possible fever especially those arriving from countries with reported cases of swine flu infections.
All international airports in the country are currently under a 24-hour watch and passengers who have possible symptoms of swine flu infections will undergo rigid physical examinations and questions from authorities.
The bureau has also designated an isolation area near the airport and has two ambulances on standby if there is a need for any passenger to be quarantined.
Mindana said all medical staff are also equipped with personal safety equipment to prevent infections when dealing with infected passengers.
Mindana said that their monitoring system is not new, since they have been doing the same system to prevent the entry of bird flu and the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in the country.
Aside from human quarantine procedures, the Department of Agriculture also has foot baths to prevent passengers' shoes from bringing in any virus.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Sturgeon Valley Pork to use DNA-based meat traceability system
(MEATPOULTRY.com, April 15, 2009)
by Bryan Salvage
ST. ALBERT, ALBERTA, CANADA — Sturgeon Valley Pork announced it intends to incorporate a state-of-the-art DNA traceability system that can trace its pork from the grocer's meat case back to the processing plant and farm of origin. The company’s federally inspected processing plant supplies fresh pork to Western Canada.
Sturgeon Valley Pork is using a meat-tracking system called DNA TraceBack, developed by IdentiGEN Inc., which has been used in Europe since 2000. Under the system, DNA samples will be taken from Sturgeon Valley hogs at the processing plant and sent to IdentiGEN's laboratory, where their unique DNA identifiers are used to verify product origin.
Once the program is implemented, pork from Sturgeon Valley will display IdentiGEN's DNA TraceBack seal at the retail meat case.
"The DNA TraceBack program helps link Sturgeon Valley producers directly with the consumer," said Dan Majeau, one of the principals at Sturgeon Valley Pork. "Because it is based on sound science, it provides an added assurance that helps us build trust with our customers."
by Bryan Salvage
ST. ALBERT, ALBERTA, CANADA — Sturgeon Valley Pork announced it intends to incorporate a state-of-the-art DNA traceability system that can trace its pork from the grocer's meat case back to the processing plant and farm of origin. The company’s federally inspected processing plant supplies fresh pork to Western Canada.
Sturgeon Valley Pork is using a meat-tracking system called DNA TraceBack, developed by IdentiGEN Inc., which has been used in Europe since 2000. Under the system, DNA samples will be taken from Sturgeon Valley hogs at the processing plant and sent to IdentiGEN's laboratory, where their unique DNA identifiers are used to verify product origin.
Once the program is implemented, pork from Sturgeon Valley will display IdentiGEN's DNA TraceBack seal at the retail meat case.
"The DNA TraceBack program helps link Sturgeon Valley producers directly with the consumer," said Dan Majeau, one of the principals at Sturgeon Valley Pork. "Because it is based on sound science, it provides an added assurance that helps us build trust with our customers."
Brazil suffering from economic meltdown
(MEATPOULTRY.com, April 15, 2009)
by Bryan Salvage
FATIMA DO SUL, Brazil — Grain and beef prices in Brazil have plummeted in recent months. What’s more, demand has also plunged for Brazilian beef, coffee and soy, according to The Associated Press. Dozens of slaughterhouses hit by the credit crunch in recent months have shut their doors in both Mato Grosso do Sul and the neighboring agricultural state of Mato Grosso, putting thousands of meat cutters out of work.
No one expected such a sudden drop from the agribusiness boom that sent Brazilian land prices skyrocketing and attracted many American and Argentine investors looking to snap up farmland just before the meltdown last fall. The economic crisis even is starting to hurt the previously high popularity ratings for President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Farmers are angry at his claims that the country won't be hit as hard by the meltdown as Europe and the United States.
While economists predict Brazil's economy won't expand at all this year or will contract, Mr. Silva's administration in March predicted 2% growth but just reduced the forecast to 1.2% — figures that Fatima do Sul residents call fantasy.
Rancher and soy farmer Alberto Dalben, who heads Fatima do Sul's association of farmers, said ranchers previously were able to buy three cows to raise after selling one to the slaughterhouse. Now they get less than two.
Mr. Dalben says he may reduce his soy acreage and increase the size of his cattle pastures on his 2,270 acres because raising cows requires less investment and work than soy, though the returns are often lower.
by Bryan Salvage
FATIMA DO SUL, Brazil — Grain and beef prices in Brazil have plummeted in recent months. What’s more, demand has also plunged for Brazilian beef, coffee and soy, according to The Associated Press. Dozens of slaughterhouses hit by the credit crunch in recent months have shut their doors in both Mato Grosso do Sul and the neighboring agricultural state of Mato Grosso, putting thousands of meat cutters out of work.
No one expected such a sudden drop from the agribusiness boom that sent Brazilian land prices skyrocketing and attracted many American and Argentine investors looking to snap up farmland just before the meltdown last fall. The economic crisis even is starting to hurt the previously high popularity ratings for President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Farmers are angry at his claims that the country won't be hit as hard by the meltdown as Europe and the United States.
While economists predict Brazil's economy won't expand at all this year or will contract, Mr. Silva's administration in March predicted 2% growth but just reduced the forecast to 1.2% — figures that Fatima do Sul residents call fantasy.
Rancher and soy farmer Alberto Dalben, who heads Fatima do Sul's association of farmers, said ranchers previously were able to buy three cows to raise after selling one to the slaughterhouse. Now they get less than two.
Mr. Dalben says he may reduce his soy acreage and increase the size of his cattle pastures on his 2,270 acres because raising cows requires less investment and work than soy, though the returns are often lower.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
US Pork exports maintain strong momentum
From: PigProgress.net
http://www.pigprogress.net/news/us-pork-exports-maintain-strong-momentum-2826.html
A 45% jump in pork variety meat exports in February helped overcome a slight decline in pork muscle cuts to power total pork exports to a 4.7% increase in value over February 2008, according to the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF).
“We anticipated sharp declines in pork exports to certain markets, including China, when compared to the results we saw last year,” said USMEF President and CEO Philip Seng. “But markets such as Japan and Mexico continue to perform extremely well, and US pork is really gaining traction in many key regions across the world. The diversity and global reach of our marketing efforts are really paying off.”
Total US pork exports in February were valued at $368.2 million. Pork muscle cut exports ($305.6 million) declined by about 1% compared to last year, but still remained 45% above the February 2007 value. In terms of volume, pork plus pork variety meat exports of 158,471 metric tonnes (349.3 million pounds) represented an increase of 1% over February 2008 and 57% over February 2007. Through January and February, year-to-date pork plus pork variety meat exports increased 3% in volume over last year to 315,121 metric tonnes (694.7 million pounds) and 6% in value to $728.4 million.
Japan and Asia
Japan continues to be the top-performing value market for US pork. Its February total of 37,774 metric tonnes (83.3 million pounds) valued at $138.6 million outpaced February 2008 by 18% in volume and 32% in value. Mexico showed even more remarkable growth as its February volume (42,458 metric tonnes or 93.6 million pounds) surged by 64% over last year and value ($65.6 million) jumped by 60%.
Other markets showing excellent growth included Taiwan, where pork plus pork variety meat exports doubled in value compared to February 2008 and increased by 107%in volume. Exports to the ASEAN region climbed by 60% in volume and 80%in value, with the Philippines and Singapore leading this region’s gains. Exports to Australia climbed by a similar percentage, increasing by 76% in both volume and value. Exports to the Caribbean jumped by 122% in volume and 114% in value over February of last year, led by a near-tripling of shipments to the Dominican Republic.
Russia and China
Global pork exports are proving to be very resilient, as these gains helped the US pork industry weather steep declines in sales to Russia and China. Year-to-date pork plus pork variety meat exports to Russia have declined 49% in volume and 57% in value compared to January-February 2008. Exports to the China/Hong Kong region are down 46% in volume and 48% in value compared to 2008, with exports to China declining nearly 75%. These results are not particularly surprising, considering both countries’ concerted efforts to increase domestic pork production and reduce their reliance on imports.
China has been particularly aggressive in this area, according to Joel Haggard, USMEF senior vice president for the Asia-Pacific region. “China’s efforts to bolster its hog industry include assistance in the form of direct cash subsidies to large-scale farms, tax breaks for hog producers and development of targeted hog-raising counties throughout the country,” Haggard said. “To the extent that these subsidies are creating incentives to expand production, they can have very serious trade implications.”
http://www.pigprogress.net/news/us-pork-exports-maintain-strong-momentum-2826.html
A 45% jump in pork variety meat exports in February helped overcome a slight decline in pork muscle cuts to power total pork exports to a 4.7% increase in value over February 2008, according to the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF).
“We anticipated sharp declines in pork exports to certain markets, including China, when compared to the results we saw last year,” said USMEF President and CEO Philip Seng. “But markets such as Japan and Mexico continue to perform extremely well, and US pork is really gaining traction in many key regions across the world. The diversity and global reach of our marketing efforts are really paying off.”Total US pork exports in February were valued at $368.2 million. Pork muscle cut exports ($305.6 million) declined by about 1% compared to last year, but still remained 45% above the February 2007 value. In terms of volume, pork plus pork variety meat exports of 158,471 metric tonnes (349.3 million pounds) represented an increase of 1% over February 2008 and 57% over February 2007. Through January and February, year-to-date pork plus pork variety meat exports increased 3% in volume over last year to 315,121 metric tonnes (694.7 million pounds) and 6% in value to $728.4 million.
Japan and Asia
Japan continues to be the top-performing value market for US pork. Its February total of 37,774 metric tonnes (83.3 million pounds) valued at $138.6 million outpaced February 2008 by 18% in volume and 32% in value. Mexico showed even more remarkable growth as its February volume (42,458 metric tonnes or 93.6 million pounds) surged by 64% over last year and value ($65.6 million) jumped by 60%.
Other markets showing excellent growth included Taiwan, where pork plus pork variety meat exports doubled in value compared to February 2008 and increased by 107%in volume. Exports to the ASEAN region climbed by 60% in volume and 80%in value, with the Philippines and Singapore leading this region’s gains. Exports to Australia climbed by a similar percentage, increasing by 76% in both volume and value. Exports to the Caribbean jumped by 122% in volume and 114% in value over February of last year, led by a near-tripling of shipments to the Dominican Republic.
Russia and China
Global pork exports are proving to be very resilient, as these gains helped the US pork industry weather steep declines in sales to Russia and China. Year-to-date pork plus pork variety meat exports to Russia have declined 49% in volume and 57% in value compared to January-February 2008. Exports to the China/Hong Kong region are down 46% in volume and 48% in value compared to 2008, with exports to China declining nearly 75%. These results are not particularly surprising, considering both countries’ concerted efforts to increase domestic pork production and reduce their reliance on imports.
China has been particularly aggressive in this area, according to Joel Haggard, USMEF senior vice president for the Asia-Pacific region. “China’s efforts to bolster its hog industry include assistance in the form of direct cash subsidies to large-scale farms, tax breaks for hog producers and development of targeted hog-raising counties throughout the country,” Haggard said. “To the extent that these subsidies are creating incentives to expand production, they can have very serious trade implications.”
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Canada lifts avian influenza restrictions in B.C.
(MEATPOULTRY.com, April 06, 2009)
by Bryan Salvage
OTTAWA, ONTARIO — All remaining quarantines on birds and bird products in southern British Columbia have been lifted by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency as a result of health officials finding no additional cases of avian influenza during testing in the area.
Following the discovery of low pathogenicity H5N2 avian influenza in a commercial poultry operation on Jan. 24, 2009, the movement restrictions were put in place. During the investigation, the C.F.I.A. declared a second operation infected on Feb. 11. Authorities said all birds on the two farms were humanely destroyed and composted on-site in accordance with international standards and provincial environmental requirements.
"The fact that this outbreak was quickly contained and eliminated clearly demonstrates why Canada's animal-health system is among the best in the world," said Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. "The cooperation of affected bird owners, industry and our provincial and municipal partners played a key role in the success of our response."
Infected farms had to remain under C.F.I.A. surveillance for 21 days following the cleaning and disinfecting of barns, vehicles and equipment. Both farms have passed this 21-day period and as a result can now introduce new birds onto the property and resume regular operation.
"The coordinated efforts of all levels of government provided an unprecedented response to this outbreak," said Ron Cantelon, B.C. Minister of Agriculture and Lands. "By working together, we were able to minimize the impact to industry and get those affected back into business as quickly as possible."
C.F.I.A. will conduct broader testing of poultry operations in B.C. as a final step in the outbreak response. Consistent with the guidelines of the World Organization for Animal Health, this surveillance will allow Canada to regain its status as an avian influenza-free country.
by Bryan Salvage
OTTAWA, ONTARIO — All remaining quarantines on birds and bird products in southern British Columbia have been lifted by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency as a result of health officials finding no additional cases of avian influenza during testing in the area.
Following the discovery of low pathogenicity H5N2 avian influenza in a commercial poultry operation on Jan. 24, 2009, the movement restrictions were put in place. During the investigation, the C.F.I.A. declared a second operation infected on Feb. 11. Authorities said all birds on the two farms were humanely destroyed and composted on-site in accordance with international standards and provincial environmental requirements.
"The fact that this outbreak was quickly contained and eliminated clearly demonstrates why Canada's animal-health system is among the best in the world," said Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. "The cooperation of affected bird owners, industry and our provincial and municipal partners played a key role in the success of our response."
Infected farms had to remain under C.F.I.A. surveillance for 21 days following the cleaning and disinfecting of barns, vehicles and equipment. Both farms have passed this 21-day period and as a result can now introduce new birds onto the property and resume regular operation.
"The coordinated efforts of all levels of government provided an unprecedented response to this outbreak," said Ron Cantelon, B.C. Minister of Agriculture and Lands. "By working together, we were able to minimize the impact to industry and get those affected back into business as quickly as possible."
C.F.I.A. will conduct broader testing of poultry operations in B.C. as a final step in the outbreak response. Consistent with the guidelines of the World Organization for Animal Health, this surveillance will allow Canada to regain its status as an avian influenza-free country.
OIE Alert - New Castle Disease - Belgium
Information received on 06/04/2009 from Mr Luc Lengelé, Conseiller Général et Chef des Services Vétérinaires , Service Public Fédéral Santé Publique, Service Politique Sanitaire, Animaux et Végétaux , BRUXELLES, Belgium
Three tips for creating more stable meat emulsions
By Ana Elia Rocha McGuire on 4/1/2009
http://www.meatingplace.com/MembersOnly/technology/details.aspx?item=10030
In this article:
Use high-quality meat and some additional ingredients
Chop just enough
Be aware of fat type and quality
Comments and insights
An emulsion is a colloidal suspension of two immiscible liquids, such as oil and water. Usually, a non-polar liquid is dispersed within a polar liquid. One-third of an emulsion can be an emulsifying agent, which is required for emulsion stability. In meat processing, a meat emulsion is made of a continuous phase (protein) and the discontinuous phase (fat).
In a meat emulsion, meat proteins act as emulsifying agents. Meat proteins must surround the small fat particles to make the emulsion stable before the cooking process.
In the meat, the major structural protein is myosin, and it is the most important of the proteins to ensure fat emulsification and water binding in emulsified meat products.
There are a number of factors that affect emulsion stability, but these three suggestions should be most helpful for achieving a stable emulsion for different meat products.
Use high-quality meat and some additional ingredients
Several factors can interfere with the functionality of myosin and its ability to emulsify fat. Before rigor mortis, myosin is readily available in the muscle of animals, but after rigor mortis myosin and actin — another meat protein — combine, forming actomyosin. In this form, myosin loses some of its water-binding and fat-stabilizing capacities.
The pH of the meat is another factor that must be monitored, since the water-holding capacity of the meat is at its minimum at what is called the iso-electric point (pI) of proteins. The pI is the pH at which the proteins have equal positive and negative charges and therefore cannot attract more positive and/or negative charges, making them unable to bind water. The pI for fresh post-mortem beef and pork generally occurs at a pH of about 5.3.
However, meat pH can be manipulated with the addition of ingredients, and increasing or decreasing pH away from the pI will create more positive and/or negative charges, allowing the proteins to bind water and fat. Salt is an excellent aid to solubilize proteins, but it can also increase the pH of the meat. Phosphates, mainly alkaline ones, will increase the pH of meat to the greatest extent.
Chop just enough
For fat to enter the discontinuous phase, it must be transformed in very small-size particles so extracted meat proteins can coat, entrap and hold the fat droplets, creating a matrix. When chopping time is not sufficient, fat particles will be too large, resulting in an unstable emulsion. On the other hand, if excessive mechanical action is applied — too much chopping — the surface area will be too large, requiring perhaps more protein to coat the fat particles. If there is not enough protein, the result will be an unstable emulsion.
Another effect of over-chopping is an increase in temperature, and depending on the type of fat, a higher or lower temperature can be dangerous (see below). Generally, high temperatures at the end of the chopping process may result in a protein coating of the fat particles that is too thick and inflexible, which will tend to fracture during fat expansion upon cooking. Thinner protein coatings will form a series of pores that could act as "escape valves" to hot expanding fat.
To reduce excessive chopping, the fat portion of the emulsion initially should be ground separately from the lean tissue and added to the chopper or emulsifier later. In general, lean meat ingredients should be well ground and chopped before higher-fat ingredients are added. Final chopping temperatures for fats of beef, pork and poultry origin should be below 63 degrees F, 53 degrees F and 43 degrees F, respectively.
Be aware of fat type and quality
The characteristics of fats can influence emulsion stability. Some evidence suggests that it is easier to emulsify short-chain saturated fatty acids than their longer-chain counterparts. The degree of saturation is also important; in fatty acids with similar chain length, it is easier to emulsify those that are less saturated. Similarly, there seems to be a relationship between the melting point of the fat and its degree of dispersion and absorption by the continuous protein film.
As temperature of the meat emulsion during chopping gets closer to that of the fat melting point, the meat batter viscosity decreases, and since fat particles are less dense than the aqueous phase, they tend to float to the surface. These floating particles are less likely to be coated by the protein film and will be prone to coalesce during the thermal process, resulting in product defects. (See Tips to prevent common product defects in sausage on Meatingplace.)
According to various research in which types of fat have been studied, regardless of the final chopping temperature, at lower levels of fat addition, all kinds of fat yield stable emulsions. However, at higher levels of fat addition, those with higher melting points are more stable.
http://www.meatingplace.com/MembersOnly/technology/details.aspx?item=10030
In this article:
Use high-quality meat and some additional ingredients
Chop just enough
Be aware of fat type and qualityComments and insights
An emulsion is a colloidal suspension of two immiscible liquids, such as oil and water. Usually, a non-polar liquid is dispersed within a polar liquid. One-third of an emulsion can be an emulsifying agent, which is required for emulsion stability. In meat processing, a meat emulsion is made of a continuous phase (protein) and the discontinuous phase (fat).
In a meat emulsion, meat proteins act as emulsifying agents. Meat proteins must surround the small fat particles to make the emulsion stable before the cooking process.
In the meat, the major structural protein is myosin, and it is the most important of the proteins to ensure fat emulsification and water binding in emulsified meat products.
There are a number of factors that affect emulsion stability, but these three suggestions should be most helpful for achieving a stable emulsion for different meat products.
Use high-quality meat and some additional ingredients
Several factors can interfere with the functionality of myosin and its ability to emulsify fat. Before rigor mortis, myosin is readily available in the muscle of animals, but after rigor mortis myosin and actin — another meat protein — combine, forming actomyosin. In this form, myosin loses some of its water-binding and fat-stabilizing capacities.
The pH of the meat is another factor that must be monitored, since the water-holding capacity of the meat is at its minimum at what is called the iso-electric point (pI) of proteins. The pI is the pH at which the proteins have equal positive and negative charges and therefore cannot attract more positive and/or negative charges, making them unable to bind water. The pI for fresh post-mortem beef and pork generally occurs at a pH of about 5.3.
However, meat pH can be manipulated with the addition of ingredients, and increasing or decreasing pH away from the pI will create more positive and/or negative charges, allowing the proteins to bind water and fat. Salt is an excellent aid to solubilize proteins, but it can also increase the pH of the meat. Phosphates, mainly alkaline ones, will increase the pH of meat to the greatest extent.
Chop just enough
For fat to enter the discontinuous phase, it must be transformed in very small-size particles so extracted meat proteins can coat, entrap and hold the fat droplets, creating a matrix. When chopping time is not sufficient, fat particles will be too large, resulting in an unstable emulsion. On the other hand, if excessive mechanical action is applied — too much chopping — the surface area will be too large, requiring perhaps more protein to coat the fat particles. If there is not enough protein, the result will be an unstable emulsion.
Another effect of over-chopping is an increase in temperature, and depending on the type of fat, a higher or lower temperature can be dangerous (see below). Generally, high temperatures at the end of the chopping process may result in a protein coating of the fat particles that is too thick and inflexible, which will tend to fracture during fat expansion upon cooking. Thinner protein coatings will form a series of pores that could act as "escape valves" to hot expanding fat.
To reduce excessive chopping, the fat portion of the emulsion initially should be ground separately from the lean tissue and added to the chopper or emulsifier later. In general, lean meat ingredients should be well ground and chopped before higher-fat ingredients are added. Final chopping temperatures for fats of beef, pork and poultry origin should be below 63 degrees F, 53 degrees F and 43 degrees F, respectively.
Be aware of fat type and quality
The characteristics of fats can influence emulsion stability. Some evidence suggests that it is easier to emulsify short-chain saturated fatty acids than their longer-chain counterparts. The degree of saturation is also important; in fatty acids with similar chain length, it is easier to emulsify those that are less saturated. Similarly, there seems to be a relationship between the melting point of the fat and its degree of dispersion and absorption by the continuous protein film.
As temperature of the meat emulsion during chopping gets closer to that of the fat melting point, the meat batter viscosity decreases, and since fat particles are less dense than the aqueous phase, they tend to float to the surface. These floating particles are less likely to be coated by the protein film and will be prone to coalesce during the thermal process, resulting in product defects. (See Tips to prevent common product defects in sausage on Meatingplace.)
According to various research in which types of fat have been studied, regardless of the final chopping temperature, at lower levels of fat addition, all kinds of fat yield stable emulsions. However, at higher levels of fat addition, those with higher melting points are more stable.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Foot and Mouth Disease - China - from OIE Alert
Information received on 02/04/2009 from Dr Yu Kangzhen, National Chief Veterinary Officer , Veterinary Bureau , Ministry of Agriculture , Beijing, China (People's Rep. of). Please see details below ........
Philippines bans swine imports from Lebanon and Taiwan
The Philippine government has imposed a temporary ban against the importation of live swine amongst other ruminants from Lebanon and Taiwan following outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease in those locations.
Philippine Agriculture Secretary Arthur C. Yap said the ban was imposed to protect the local livestock industry. The ban was issued shortly after the World Animal Health Organization had validated the disease outbreaks in the swine farms in Taiwan and dairy cattle farms in Lebanon.
Yap said that he has directed officers and inspectors to suspend the processing of all quarantine certificates of live animals to be imported from Taiwan and Lebanon. He also ordered to confiscate all such commodities and by-products originating from these two places.
Philippine Agriculture Secretary Arthur C. Yap said the ban was imposed to protect the local livestock industry. The ban was issued shortly after the World Animal Health Organization had validated the disease outbreaks in the swine farms in Taiwan and dairy cattle farms in Lebanon.
Yap said that he has directed officers and inspectors to suspend the processing of all quarantine certificates of live animals to be imported from Taiwan and Lebanon. He also ordered to confiscate all such commodities and by-products originating from these two places.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Brazilian beef processor shuts plants, lays off workers
Brazilian beef processor Independencia SA is shutting three units and laying off 1,400 workers in response to lower demand for beef and falling prices, the privately-owned company said on Wednesday, according to Reuters.
The firm is closing a slaughter house and deboning plant in Mato Grosso as well as a deboning plant and a distribution center, both in Sao Paulo state. In March, the company announced it was closing two other factories, in Goias and Mato Grosso do Sul states, Reuters reported.
The closures come a month after the company commenced a restructuring process under Brazilian and U.S. insolvency laws. (See Brazilian beef company files U.S. bankruptcy proceeding on Meatingplace.com, March 3, 2009.)
"The closure of these units is part of an ongoing program to adjust Independencia's operations to the current market reality, which was severely hit by lower international demand, meat oversupply both in the domestic and the export market, and falling meat prices," Independencia said in a statement.
Since the beginning of what the company called its "adjustment program," Independencia has closed eight of its 23 plants and laid off 6,200 workers, according to Reuters.
The firm is closing a slaughter house and deboning plant in Mato Grosso as well as a deboning plant and a distribution center, both in Sao Paulo state. In March, the company announced it was closing two other factories, in Goias and Mato Grosso do Sul states, Reuters reported.
The closures come a month after the company commenced a restructuring process under Brazilian and U.S. insolvency laws. (See Brazilian beef company files U.S. bankruptcy proceeding on Meatingplace.com, March 3, 2009.)
"The closure of these units is part of an ongoing program to adjust Independencia's operations to the current market reality, which was severely hit by lower international demand, meat oversupply both in the domestic and the export market, and falling meat prices," Independencia said in a statement.
Since the beginning of what the company called its "adjustment program," Independencia has closed eight of its 23 plants and laid off 6,200 workers, according to Reuters.
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