As a result of an outbreak of low pathogenic avian influenza, the government of the Philippines has temporarily banned imports of live birds and poultry products from Germany, as well as fromt the village of Saint Aubin du Plain in France.
The directive said the ban covers domestic and wild birds, poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs and semen from the two areas.
On 16 November, France reported an outbreak in a duck farm in St. Aubin du Plain. The same influenza strain was detected in a bird farm in the state of Thuringen in Germany on 19 November.
"There is a need to prevent the entry of the low-pathogenic avian influenza virus to protect the health of the local poultry population," the orders read. "The department will immediately suspend the processing, evaluation of the application and issuance of veterinary quarantine clearance to import the above-stated commodities."
The department also said it has set up more than 625 avian influenza task forces, while conducting community-based workshops in a bid to raise public awareness over the risks still posed by the avian influenza virus, despite the higher profile taken by A(H1N1) due to the pandemic.
In 2008, the Philippines imported 994,275 kg of poultry and poultry products worth $1.090 mln from France, data from the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics show.
Friday, December 18, 2009
H1N1 flu found in South Korean pigs
South Korea confirmed that pigs infected with H1N1 flu have been found at domestic farms.
Infections were confirmed at five pig farms in Gyeonggi and North Gyeongsang provinces, the agriculture ministry said.
'For the first time we confirmed the presence of H1N1 flu in locally-raised pigs. We have... restricted movement of pigs in the areas,' a ministry spokesman told AFP.
The ministry has also found infections of the (A)H1N1 virus among pigs imported on November 11 from Canada, he said. An investigation is still under way to determine whether infections have spread from humans to pigs, it said.
'The virus appeared to have spread from humans to pigs,' Konkuk University veterinary professor Ryu Yong-Soo told Yonhap news agency.
Ministry officials, however, say pork is safe to eat as people cannot get flu from eating pork or pork products. A total of 117 people with the virus have died in South Korea.
Infections were confirmed at five pig farms in Gyeonggi and North Gyeongsang provinces, the agriculture ministry said.
'For the first time we confirmed the presence of H1N1 flu in locally-raised pigs. We have... restricted movement of pigs in the areas,' a ministry spokesman told AFP.
The ministry has also found infections of the (A)H1N1 virus among pigs imported on November 11 from Canada, he said. An investigation is still under way to determine whether infections have spread from humans to pigs, it said.
'The virus appeared to have spread from humans to pigs,' Konkuk University veterinary professor Ryu Yong-Soo told Yonhap news agency.
Ministry officials, however, say pork is safe to eat as people cannot get flu from eating pork or pork products. A total of 117 people with the virus have died in South Korea.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Philippines: Lower demand, less processing
WorldPoultry.net
http://www.worldpoultry.net/news/philippines-lower-demand-less-processing-4660.html
The Philippine meat processing industry expects its 2009 production volume to drop by 20% from 2008, reports Asian Agribusiness Group.
While volume is down, higher prices will still mean a growth in sales, albeit a small one at less that 10%, said Francisco Buencamino, Executive Director of the Philippine Association of Meat Processors Inc (PAMPI).
PAMPI had earlier aimed for an 8-10% increase in sales this year, but Buencamino said that “lower purchasing power of Filipinos” has dampened demand which led to lower volumes. He also said that the industry's imports of meat raw materials dropped by as much as 28%.
http://www.worldpoultry.net/news/philippines-lower-demand-less-processing-4660.html
The Philippine meat processing industry expects its 2009 production volume to drop by 20% from 2008, reports Asian Agribusiness Group.
While volume is down, higher prices will still mean a growth in sales, albeit a small one at less that 10%, said Francisco Buencamino, Executive Director of the Philippine Association of Meat Processors Inc (PAMPI).
PAMPI had earlier aimed for an 8-10% increase in sales this year, but Buencamino said that “lower purchasing power of Filipinos” has dampened demand which led to lower volumes. He also said that the industry's imports of meat raw materials dropped by as much as 28%.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Pork exports probably no picnic in June and beyond: USDA
By Rita Jane Gabbett on 7/20/2009
MeatingPlace.com
Pork exports in May, at about 307 million pounds, were 36 percent below May 2008 exports, with Japan importing 15 percent less, Mexico importing 3 percent less and Russia importing 1 percent less than a year ago, according to USDA.
But it's likely that May exports — particularly to Mexico and Russia — did not register the full negative impacts of H1N1-related slowdowns in demand for U.S. pork, given that the disease did not come to the world's attention until late April, according to USDA's monthly Livestock, Dairy and Poultry Outlook report.
"Normal lags in exporting U.S. pork products ordered before consumers became aware of the disease likely prevented the full demand effects of the disease from being felt until well beyond May," USDA warned.
Meanwhile, U.S. packers and swine finishers imported 36 percent fewer live swine from Canada in May than a year ago. "In general, country-of-origin labeling and an ongoing industry contraction in Canada are the key factors limiting U.S. live swine imports," the report stated.
Production and prices
USDA forecast lower pork production and lower prices for the balance of this year. Third-quarter commercial production is estimated at 5.47 billion pounds, almost 3 percent below a year ago, while fourth-quarter production is expected to be 6 billion pounds, or almost 2 percent below last year.
USDA forecasted third-quarter hog prices will average between $44 and $46 per hundredweight, down about 21 percent from a year ago. Fourth-quarter prices are expected to average between $39 and $41 per hundredweight, nearly 5 percent below last year. In 2010, prices are expected to average between $46 and $50 per hundredweight, almost 13 percent above 2009 prices.
MeatingPlace.com
Pork exports in May, at about 307 million pounds, were 36 percent below May 2008 exports, with Japan importing 15 percent less, Mexico importing 3 percent less and Russia importing 1 percent less than a year ago, according to USDA.
But it's likely that May exports — particularly to Mexico and Russia — did not register the full negative impacts of H1N1-related slowdowns in demand for U.S. pork, given that the disease did not come to the world's attention until late April, according to USDA's monthly Livestock, Dairy and Poultry Outlook report.
"Normal lags in exporting U.S. pork products ordered before consumers became aware of the disease likely prevented the full demand effects of the disease from being felt until well beyond May," USDA warned.
Meanwhile, U.S. packers and swine finishers imported 36 percent fewer live swine from Canada in May than a year ago. "In general, country-of-origin labeling and an ongoing industry contraction in Canada are the key factors limiting U.S. live swine imports," the report stated.
Production and prices
USDA forecast lower pork production and lower prices for the balance of this year. Third-quarter commercial production is estimated at 5.47 billion pounds, almost 3 percent below a year ago, while fourth-quarter production is expected to be 6 billion pounds, or almost 2 percent below last year.
USDA forecasted third-quarter hog prices will average between $44 and $46 per hundredweight, down about 21 percent from a year ago. Fourth-quarter prices are expected to average between $39 and $41 per hundredweight, nearly 5 percent below last year. In 2010, prices are expected to average between $46 and $50 per hundredweight, almost 13 percent above 2009 prices.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Phil Ban on beef from The Netherlands lifted
By Riza T. Olchondra
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 16:50:00 05/18/2009
http://business.inquirer.net/money/breakingnews/view/20090518-205712/Ban-on-beef-from-The-Netherlands-lifted
MANILA, Philippines--The country has lifted the ban on the entry of beef and beef products from The Netherlands following confirmation from global animal health authorities that the exporting country has managed to control mad cow disease in its territory.
Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap said in a statement on Monday that the ban was lifted based on the declaration by the Office International des Epizooties (OIE) or World Organization on Animal Health that the classification of The Netherlands improved to the level of “controlled risk“ from mad cow disease or the Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy” (BSE), a brain-wasting illness.
Yap noted that recent international guidelines set out by the OIE provided for certain measures under which all beef and beef products from animals of all ages might be safely traded.
As such, he said, the DA has been allowing the importation of beef from The Netherlands with the following conditions:
*Boneless and bone-in beef can be sourced from cattle of all ages devoid of any nerves and other BSE-specified risk materials;
*The beef, whether boneless, or bone-in, should come only from healthy
ambulatory and not downer cattle;
*The age of the slaughter cattle shall be certified by the government
authority; and,
*The slaughter date of the cattle or the production date of the beef shall be included in the packaging label.
“All shipments into the country of beef originating from The Netherlands not complying with these conditions shall be confiscated by Veterinary Quarantine Officers/Inspectors at all major sea/airports,” Yap said.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 16:50:00 05/18/2009
http://business.inquirer.net/money/breakingnews/view/20090518-205712/Ban-on-beef-from-The-Netherlands-lifted
MANILA, Philippines--The country has lifted the ban on the entry of beef and beef products from The Netherlands following confirmation from global animal health authorities that the exporting country has managed to control mad cow disease in its territory.
Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap said in a statement on Monday that the ban was lifted based on the declaration by the Office International des Epizooties (OIE) or World Organization on Animal Health that the classification of The Netherlands improved to the level of “controlled risk“ from mad cow disease or the Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy” (BSE), a brain-wasting illness.
Yap noted that recent international guidelines set out by the OIE provided for certain measures under which all beef and beef products from animals of all ages might be safely traded.
As such, he said, the DA has been allowing the importation of beef from The Netherlands with the following conditions:
*Boneless and bone-in beef can be sourced from cattle of all ages devoid of any nerves and other BSE-specified risk materials;
*The beef, whether boneless, or bone-in, should come only from healthy
ambulatory and not downer cattle;
*The age of the slaughter cattle shall be certified by the government
authority; and,
*The slaughter date of the cattle or the production date of the beef shall be included in the packaging label.
“All shipments into the country of beef originating from The Netherlands not complying with these conditions shall be confiscated by Veterinary Quarantine Officers/Inspectors at all major sea/airports,” Yap said.
Canada Reports 16th BSE Case
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced it has confirmed bovine spongiform encephalopathy in an 80-month-old dairy cow from Alberta.
In a statement, CFIA said no part of the animal's carcass entered the human food or animal feed systems.
This case was detected through the national BSE surveillance program. The animal's birth farm has been identified and an investigation is underway.
Canada remains a Controlled Risk country for BSE, as recognized by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). "Accordingly, this case should not affect exports of Canadian cattle or beef," the agency stated.
Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund (R-CALF), which has long opposed U.S imports of Canadian cattle for fear of BSE exposure, noted that this cow would have been born in 2002, making it the tenth BSE-positive cow in Canada young enough to be exported to the United States.
Since 2007, USDA has allowed imports of Canadian cattle over 30 months of age as long as they were born after March 1, 1999.
In a statement, CFIA said no part of the animal's carcass entered the human food or animal feed systems.
This case was detected through the national BSE surveillance program. The animal's birth farm has been identified and an investigation is underway.
Canada remains a Controlled Risk country for BSE, as recognized by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). "Accordingly, this case should not affect exports of Canadian cattle or beef," the agency stated.
Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund (R-CALF), which has long opposed U.S imports of Canadian cattle for fear of BSE exposure, noted that this cow would have been born in 2002, making it the tenth BSE-positive cow in Canada young enough to be exported to the United States.
Since 2007, USDA has allowed imports of Canadian cattle over 30 months of age as long as they were born after March 1, 1999.
Brazil: Sadia and Perdigão may merge
The two companies, which together slaughter more than 2 bln chickens and other birds a year, said they are in discussions for a merger that would rescue Sadia and create one of the world's largest frozen and processed food companies.
Sadia was crippled in 2008 by a bln-dollar. For Perdigão, Sadia's stumble is a chance for it to take over its main competitor on Brazilian store shelves.
Brazil's government's development bank could help finance a merger with as much as $750 mln, Citibank analyst Carlos Albano estimated in a report.
A tie-up of Perdigão and Sadia, with about $11 bln in combined annual sales, would rank as the 10th-largest food company in the Americas, it is reported.
Such mergers could intensify the rivalry with US firms such as Tyson Foods Inc., which last September announced an aggressive move into Brazil, buying 3 poultry firms. With low wages and costs, Brazil is attractive for food producers, and already exports more chicken than any country.
Source: The Wall Street Journal
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Pork imports from US not banned, traders say
By Riza T. Olchondra
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 09:01:00 05/09/2009
Filed Under: Swine Flu, Foreign Aid
MANILA, Philippines—The Philippines has not banned pork and pork products from the US after all, according to industry leaders both in the US and in the Philippines.
This, despite the Department of Agriculture’s announcement in late April that it would restrict the entry of pork and pork products from countries with an outbreak of A(H1N1) virus as “a precautionary measure.”
“The Philippines has decided not to impose restrictions on US pork imports contrary to previous announcements,” US Meat Export Federation (USMEF) communications director Joe Schuele said in a report.
“The Philippines has decided to only ban pork imports from Canada due to the detection of the H1N1 virus in a swine herd in Alberta,” he said.
Canada reported the world’s first case of a human transmitting the new influenza virus to swine.
Schuele called it “a bit of good news” as US meat exporters were still reeling from bans imposed by major markets Russia and China.
The US is also worried about economic disruptions resulting from the A(H1N1) outbreak in Mexico, also a major market for these US products, even though the country remains “fully open” to US pork and beef.
The Philippine Association of Meat Processors Inc. (PAMPI) confirmed that its members may still import pork from the US “if there is a need.”
“There was some restraint in the sense that the applications for importation submitted by members took more time for processing recently but now they are progressing,” PAMPI executive director Francisco Buencamino said in an interview. “As far as I know the import restriction applies more to Alberta, Canada.”
Buencamino, however, could not say how much US pork was to be imported for canned goods and other processed meat products but said it was “minimal.”
“We also source locally so we don’t need to import so much from the US,” he said.
Buencamino also declined to comment on why the supposed import ban did not push through.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 09:01:00 05/09/2009
Filed Under: Swine Flu, Foreign Aid
MANILA, Philippines—The Philippines has not banned pork and pork products from the US after all, according to industry leaders both in the US and in the Philippines.
This, despite the Department of Agriculture’s announcement in late April that it would restrict the entry of pork and pork products from countries with an outbreak of A(H1N1) virus as “a precautionary measure.”
“The Philippines has decided not to impose restrictions on US pork imports contrary to previous announcements,” US Meat Export Federation (USMEF) communications director Joe Schuele said in a report.
“The Philippines has decided to only ban pork imports from Canada due to the detection of the H1N1 virus in a swine herd in Alberta,” he said.
Canada reported the world’s first case of a human transmitting the new influenza virus to swine.
Schuele called it “a bit of good news” as US meat exporters were still reeling from bans imposed by major markets Russia and China.
The US is also worried about economic disruptions resulting from the A(H1N1) outbreak in Mexico, also a major market for these US products, even though the country remains “fully open” to US pork and beef.
The Philippine Association of Meat Processors Inc. (PAMPI) confirmed that its members may still import pork from the US “if there is a need.”
“There was some restraint in the sense that the applications for importation submitted by members took more time for processing recently but now they are progressing,” PAMPI executive director Francisco Buencamino said in an interview. “As far as I know the import restriction applies more to Alberta, Canada.”
Buencamino, however, could not say how much US pork was to be imported for canned goods and other processed meat products but said it was “minimal.”
“We also source locally so we don’t need to import so much from the US,” he said.
Buencamino also declined to comment on why the supposed import ban did not push through.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Pork export bans on flu fears unjustified: O.I.E.
(MEATPOULTRY.com, May 07, 2009)
by Bryan Salvage
PARIS — After several countries imposed trade restrictions on countries exporting pigs or products of pork origin that have declared human cases related to the new A/H1N1 influenza, the World Organization for Animal Health (O.I.E.) charged imposing such bans do not comply with international standards published by the O.I.E. and all other competent standard-setting international bodies for animal health and food safety.
On May 5, the first transmission of"A/H1N1" virus from human to pigs in a single herd was officially notified to the O.I.E. by Canada. The virus is the novel influenza virus "A/H1N1", but the disease linked with the "classical" swine influenza virus is different and is not notifiable to the O.I.E. since it is mild in pigs and the infection only rarely seriously affects humans.
"The O.I.E. will develop appropriate standards for this emerging disease," the organization said in a statement. "In the meantime, and until new standards have been adopted by its 174 member countries and territories, the O.I.E. recommends all animals from the currently infected Canadian farm be maintained in strict isolation and that quarantine from the farm not be lifted until it has been rigorously demonstrated by the Veterinary Services of the country concerned that there are no pigs infected with the "A/H1N1" virus at the farm. This recommendation would also apply to any other country that should experience a similar situation."
The O.I.E. iterated its recommendations already published jointly with W.H.O., F.A.O. and the W.T.O on May 2 regarding the safety of pork and pork products.
by Bryan Salvage
PARIS — After several countries imposed trade restrictions on countries exporting pigs or products of pork origin that have declared human cases related to the new A/H1N1 influenza, the World Organization for Animal Health (O.I.E.) charged imposing such bans do not comply with international standards published by the O.I.E. and all other competent standard-setting international bodies for animal health and food safety.
On May 5, the first transmission of"A/H1N1" virus from human to pigs in a single herd was officially notified to the O.I.E. by Canada. The virus is the novel influenza virus "A/H1N1", but the disease linked with the "classical" swine influenza virus is different and is not notifiable to the O.I.E. since it is mild in pigs and the infection only rarely seriously affects humans.
"The O.I.E. will develop appropriate standards for this emerging disease," the organization said in a statement. "In the meantime, and until new standards have been adopted by its 174 member countries and territories, the O.I.E. recommends all animals from the currently infected Canadian farm be maintained in strict isolation and that quarantine from the farm not be lifted until it has been rigorously demonstrated by the Veterinary Services of the country concerned that there are no pigs infected with the "A/H1N1" virus at the farm. This recommendation would also apply to any other country that should experience a similar situation."
The O.I.E. iterated its recommendations already published jointly with W.H.O., F.A.O. and the W.T.O on May 2 regarding the safety of pork and pork products.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
China bans pork from 17 more U.S. states on apparent flu fears
By Tom Johnston on 5/5/2009
MeatingPlace.com
China on Monday banned pork from 17 more U.S. states amid the 2009 H1N1 virus outbreak, according to USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service.
The recent action brings to 36 the number of U.S. states that China has banned since late April. The latest were the states of Alabama, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Utah and Wisconsin.
The ban applies to fresh/frozen and heat-treated pork and pork products derived from swine raised or slaughtered in those states on or after May 3.
Meanwhile, Russia was among a number of other Eastern countries to add to or implement new bans following the flu outbreak.
On Monday, Russia announced that beef, poultry and pork produced on or after May 2 in South Carolina, except for heat-treated product, is ineligible. It has placed similar bans on at least 10 U.S. states since the outbreak began.
Kyrgyzstan on Monday banned all U.S. meat and poultry, while Uzbekistan banned all U.S. pork and pork products.
Pork safety
International health officials have reiterated that people cannot contract the H1N1 virus from eating pork and other meats.
Over the weekend, the World Health Organization, Food and Agriculture Organization, World Organization for Animal Health and World Trade Organization issued a joint statement to that effect.
"In light of the spread of influenza A/H1N1 and the rising concerns about the possibility of this virus being found in pigs and the safety of pork and pork products, we stress that pork and pork products, handled in accordance with good hygienic practices … will not be a source of infection," the groups said.
The statement also urged veterinary authorities to work with human health counterparts to monitor pig herds and look for any signs of illness that may be linked to human cases of A/H1N1 influenza. On Monday, the United Nations also called on countries to carefully monitor their pig herds after pigs in Canada were infected.
Canada
Canada also has been the subject of numerous trade bans, most recently implemented by China. Philippines, Singapore, Honduras and several other countries also have closed their borders to Canadian pork.
Canada's biggest pork export markets, including the United States and Japan, have not followed suit. South Korea has banned live hogs from Canada.
MeatingPlace.com
China on Monday banned pork from 17 more U.S. states amid the 2009 H1N1 virus outbreak, according to USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service.
The recent action brings to 36 the number of U.S. states that China has banned since late April. The latest were the states of Alabama, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Utah and Wisconsin.
The ban applies to fresh/frozen and heat-treated pork and pork products derived from swine raised or slaughtered in those states on or after May 3.
Meanwhile, Russia was among a number of other Eastern countries to add to or implement new bans following the flu outbreak.
On Monday, Russia announced that beef, poultry and pork produced on or after May 2 in South Carolina, except for heat-treated product, is ineligible. It has placed similar bans on at least 10 U.S. states since the outbreak began.
Kyrgyzstan on Monday banned all U.S. meat and poultry, while Uzbekistan banned all U.S. pork and pork products.
Pork safety
International health officials have reiterated that people cannot contract the H1N1 virus from eating pork and other meats.
Over the weekend, the World Health Organization, Food and Agriculture Organization, World Organization for Animal Health and World Trade Organization issued a joint statement to that effect.
"In light of the spread of influenza A/H1N1 and the rising concerns about the possibility of this virus being found in pigs and the safety of pork and pork products, we stress that pork and pork products, handled in accordance with good hygienic practices … will not be a source of infection," the groups said.
The statement also urged veterinary authorities to work with human health counterparts to monitor pig herds and look for any signs of illness that may be linked to human cases of A/H1N1 influenza. On Monday, the United Nations also called on countries to carefully monitor their pig herds after pigs in Canada were infected.
Canada
Canada also has been the subject of numerous trade bans, most recently implemented by China. Philippines, Singapore, Honduras and several other countries also have closed their borders to Canadian pork.
Canada's biggest pork export markets, including the United States and Japan, have not followed suit. South Korea has banned live hogs from Canada.
Pig industry confirms ‘Pork is Safe’
“Pork is safe to eat and handle,” the US pork industry continues to assure people in the wake of a report from Canada that pigs in an Alberta pork operation contracted an H1N1 virus.
A worker who recently visited Mexico – and became ill with flu-like symptoms – is suspected of transmitting the virus to a pig.
“People cannot get the flu from eating or handling pork,” said Dr. Jennifer Greiner, director of science and technology for the National Pork Producers Council. “The flu is a respiratory illness, it’s not a food-borne illness.”
According to the World Health Organization, the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the US Departments of Agriculture, Health and Human Services and Homeland Security the H1N1 flu strain that has been contracted by a number of people worldwide cannot be transmitted by eating or handling pork; it does not pose a threat to the safety of food.
Early yesterday, the World Trade Organization, the OIE and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization issued a joint statement saying pork is safe. USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack issued a statement after hearing about the situation in canada, “This is not a food-borne illness. The American food supply is safe and pork and pork products are safe.”
A worker who recently visited Mexico – and became ill with flu-like symptoms – is suspected of transmitting the virus to a pig.“People cannot get the flu from eating or handling pork,” said Dr. Jennifer Greiner, director of science and technology for the National Pork Producers Council. “The flu is a respiratory illness, it’s not a food-borne illness.”
According to the World Health Organization, the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the US Departments of Agriculture, Health and Human Services and Homeland Security the H1N1 flu strain that has been contracted by a number of people worldwide cannot be transmitted by eating or handling pork; it does not pose a threat to the safety of food.
Early yesterday, the World Trade Organization, the OIE and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization issued a joint statement saying pork is safe. USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack issued a statement after hearing about the situation in canada, “This is not a food-borne illness. The American food supply is safe and pork and pork products are safe.”
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Swine flu crisis: summary of latest updates
From: Agence France-Presse | 05/04/2009 9:27 PM
Latest snapshot of the swine flu crisis, as of May 4, 2009, 18:52 GMT +0800
Main events of the past 24 hours in the swine flu crisis:
- Mexican authorities say the country is finally getting the upper hand on the A(H1N1) flu epidemic, and is poised to lift an economically crippling clampdown on public venues and activities on Wednesday.
- World Health Organisation chief Margaret Chan warned in a newspaper interview that that an apparent decline in mortality rates did not mean the pandemic was coming to an end and a second wave may strike "with a vengeance."
- Mexico was to send a plane to pick up its nationals in China, which has put 70 Mexicans into quarantine out of fear of swine flu, prompting a diplomatic storm.
- The WHO said 20 countries have reported 985 cases of A(H1N1), including 25 deaths in Mexico and one in the United States.
- US health authorities said swine flu was now present in more than half the nation's states with 226 confirmed infections in 30 states.
- El Salvador and Colombia joined the list of countries with cases of swine flu, as the number of Spanish cases climbed to 40 and France reported two new cases.
- Egyptian veterinary authorities pressed on with a nationwide programme to slaughter the country's entire pig population, a day after clashes erupted with protesting pig farmers.
An overview of the current swine flu crisis:
OVERALL: The World Health Organisation says 20 countries have officially reported 985 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infections and 26 deaths.
WHO figures may differ from national authorities.
DEATHS
------
Mexico: 25 (government says 22)
United States: 1
CONFIRMED INFECTIONS (including the deaths)
--------------------
Mexico: 590 (government says 568)
United States: 226
Canada: 85 (government says 100)
Spain: 40 (government says 44)
Britain: 15 (government says 18)
Germany: 8 (government says six)
New Zealand: 4 (government says six)
Israel: 3 (government says four)
France: 2 (government says four)
El Salvador: 2
Austria: 1
Hong Kong: 1
Costa Rica: 1 (government says two)
Colombia: 1
Denmark: 1
Ireland: 1
Italy: 1 (government says two)
Netherlands: 1
South Korea: 1
Switzerland 1
NATIONS WITH PARTIAL OR TOTAL BANS ON PORK IMPORTS: Bahrain, Belarus, Chad, China, Croatia, Ecuador, Gabon, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Macedonia, Montenegro, Lebanon, Russia, Serbia, South Korea, Thailand, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates. Egypt has ordered the slaughter of pigs reared on its territory.
NATIONS WHICH HAVE SUSPENDED FLIGHTS TO MEXICO: Cuba. Argentina, China and Peru have banned flights from Mexico, prompting Mexico to advise Mexican citizens to avoid travel to China -- where dozens of Mexicans have been quarantined despite not showing symptoms, prompting a diplomatic row.
The WHO has not recommended travel restrictions or the closing of borders.
Latest snapshot of the swine flu crisis, as of May 4, 2009, 18:52 GMT +0800
Main events of the past 24 hours in the swine flu crisis:
- Mexican authorities say the country is finally getting the upper hand on the A(H1N1) flu epidemic, and is poised to lift an economically crippling clampdown on public venues and activities on Wednesday.
- World Health Organisation chief Margaret Chan warned in a newspaper interview that that an apparent decline in mortality rates did not mean the pandemic was coming to an end and a second wave may strike "with a vengeance."
- Mexico was to send a plane to pick up its nationals in China, which has put 70 Mexicans into quarantine out of fear of swine flu, prompting a diplomatic storm.
- The WHO said 20 countries have reported 985 cases of A(H1N1), including 25 deaths in Mexico and one in the United States.
- US health authorities said swine flu was now present in more than half the nation's states with 226 confirmed infections in 30 states.
- El Salvador and Colombia joined the list of countries with cases of swine flu, as the number of Spanish cases climbed to 40 and France reported two new cases.
- Egyptian veterinary authorities pressed on with a nationwide programme to slaughter the country's entire pig population, a day after clashes erupted with protesting pig farmers.
An overview of the current swine flu crisis:
OVERALL: The World Health Organisation says 20 countries have officially reported 985 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infections and 26 deaths.
WHO figures may differ from national authorities.
DEATHS
------
Mexico: 25 (government says 22)
United States: 1
CONFIRMED INFECTIONS (including the deaths)
--------------------
Mexico: 590 (government says 568)
United States: 226
Canada: 85 (government says 100)
Spain: 40 (government says 44)
Britain: 15 (government says 18)
Germany: 8 (government says six)
New Zealand: 4 (government says six)
Israel: 3 (government says four)
France: 2 (government says four)
El Salvador: 2
Austria: 1
Hong Kong: 1
Costa Rica: 1 (government says two)
Colombia: 1
Denmark: 1
Ireland: 1
Italy: 1 (government says two)
Netherlands: 1
South Korea: 1
Switzerland 1
NATIONS WITH PARTIAL OR TOTAL BANS ON PORK IMPORTS: Bahrain, Belarus, Chad, China, Croatia, Ecuador, Gabon, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Macedonia, Montenegro, Lebanon, Russia, Serbia, South Korea, Thailand, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates. Egypt has ordered the slaughter of pigs reared on its territory.
NATIONS WHICH HAVE SUSPENDED FLIGHTS TO MEXICO: Cuba. Argentina, China and Peru have banned flights from Mexico, prompting Mexico to advise Mexican citizens to avoid travel to China -- where dozens of Mexicans have been quarantined despite not showing symptoms, prompting a diplomatic row.
The WHO has not recommended travel restrictions or the closing of borders.
CDC H1N1 Flu Update
Update on Situation
CDC continues to take aggressive action to respond to an expanding outbreak caused by novel H1N1 flu.
CDC’s response goals are to:
Reduce transmission and illness severity, and
Provide information to help health care providers, public health officials and the public address the challenges posed by this emergency.
CDC continues to issue and update interim guidance daily in response to the rapidly evolving situation. CDC will issue updated interim guidance for clinicians on how to identify and care for people who are sick with novel H1N1 flu illness. This guidance will provide priorities for testing and treatment for novel H1N1 flu infection. The priority use for influenza antiviral drugs during this outbreak will be to treat people with severe flu illness.
CDC has completed deployment of 25 percent of the supplies in the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) to all states in the continental United States. These supplies and medicines will help states and U.S. territories respond to the outbreak. In addition, the Federal Government and manufacturers have begun the process of developing a vaccine against the novel H1N1 flu virus.
Response actions are aggressive, but they may vary across states and communities depending on local circumstances. Communities, businesses, places of worship, schools and individuals can all take action to slow the spread of this outbreak. People who are sick are urged to stay home from work or school and to avoid contact with others, except to seek medical care. This action can avoid spreading illness further.
U.S. Human Cases of H1N1 Flu Infection
As of 11:00 AM ET on May 4, 2009, CDC has confirmed 279 human cases and 1 death in 36 states:
Alabama: 4
Arizona: 17
California: 30
Colorado: 7
Connecticut: 2
Delaware: 20
Florida: 5
Idaho: 1
Illinois: 8
Indiana: 3
Iowa: 1
Kansas: 2
Kentucky: 1 (resident of Kentucky but currently hospitalized in Georgia)
Louisiana: 7
Maryland: 4
Massachusetts: 6
Michigan: 2
Minnesota: 1
Missouri: 1
Nebraska: 1
Nevada: 1
New Hampshire: 1
New Jersey: 7
New Mexico: 1
New York: 73
North Carolina: 1
Ohio: 3
Oregon: 3
Pennsylvania: 1
Rhode Island: 1
South Carolina: 15
Tennessee: 1
Texas: 41 (and 1 death)
Utah: 1
Virginia: 3
Wisconsin: 3
For more information, see the CDC H1N1 Flu website.
International Human Cases of H1N1 Flu Infection
For information about the global situation, see the World Health Organization website.
What You Can Do to Stay Healthy
Stay informed. This website will be updated regularly as information becomes available.
Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
Take everyday actions 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.
Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
Call 1-800-CDC-INFO for more information.
For more information on what you can to stay safe and healthy, check the CDC H1N1 Flu website.
Additional Updates on the CDC H1N1 Flu Website
To learn about other updates made to the CDC H1N1 Flu Website in the past 24 hours, please check the "What's New" page on the CDC H1N1 Flu website.
CDC continues to take aggressive action to respond to an expanding outbreak caused by novel H1N1 flu.
CDC’s response goals are to:
Reduce transmission and illness severity, and
Provide information to help health care providers, public health officials and the public address the challenges posed by this emergency.
CDC continues to issue and update interim guidance daily in response to the rapidly evolving situation. CDC will issue updated interim guidance for clinicians on how to identify and care for people who are sick with novel H1N1 flu illness. This guidance will provide priorities for testing and treatment for novel H1N1 flu infection. The priority use for influenza antiviral drugs during this outbreak will be to treat people with severe flu illness.
CDC has completed deployment of 25 percent of the supplies in the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) to all states in the continental United States. These supplies and medicines will help states and U.S. territories respond to the outbreak. In addition, the Federal Government and manufacturers have begun the process of developing a vaccine against the novel H1N1 flu virus.
Response actions are aggressive, but they may vary across states and communities depending on local circumstances. Communities, businesses, places of worship, schools and individuals can all take action to slow the spread of this outbreak. People who are sick are urged to stay home from work or school and to avoid contact with others, except to seek medical care. This action can avoid spreading illness further.
U.S. Human Cases of H1N1 Flu Infection
As of 11:00 AM ET on May 4, 2009, CDC has confirmed 279 human cases and 1 death in 36 states:
Alabama: 4
Arizona: 17
California: 30
Colorado: 7
Connecticut: 2
Delaware: 20
Florida: 5
Idaho: 1
Illinois: 8
Indiana: 3
Iowa: 1
Kansas: 2
Kentucky: 1 (resident of Kentucky but currently hospitalized in Georgia)
Louisiana: 7
Maryland: 4
Massachusetts: 6
Michigan: 2
Minnesota: 1
Missouri: 1
Nebraska: 1
Nevada: 1
New Hampshire: 1
New Jersey: 7
New Mexico: 1
New York: 73
North Carolina: 1
Ohio: 3
Oregon: 3
Pennsylvania: 1
Rhode Island: 1
South Carolina: 15
Tennessee: 1
Texas: 41 (and 1 death)
Utah: 1
Virginia: 3
Wisconsin: 3
For more information, see the CDC H1N1 Flu website.
International Human Cases of H1N1 Flu Infection
For information about the global situation, see the World Health Organization website.
What You Can Do to Stay Healthy
Stay informed. This website will be updated regularly as information becomes available.
Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
Take everyday actions 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.
Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
Call 1-800-CDC-INFO for more information.
For more information on what you can to stay safe and healthy, check the CDC H1N1 Flu website.
Additional Updates on the CDC H1N1 Flu Website
To learn about other updates made to the CDC H1N1 Flu Website in the past 24 hours, please check the "What's New" page on the CDC H1N1 Flu website.
USA: Flu fears costs pork industry $2.5 million a day
(MEATPOULTRY.com, May 04, 2009)
by Bryan Salvage
DES MOINES, IOWA — The National Pork Producers Council has called for accurate reporting on the recent influenza outbreak, adding the U.S. pork industry is nearing the brink of financial disaster. All employed in the pork industry must address influenza outbreak misinformation, which already has exacerbated an economic crisis in the pork industry, N.P.P.C. said.
Incorrect reporting of the H1N1 flu as "swine" flu has compounded the economic squeeze the U.S. pork industry has experienced during the past 19 months, when producers lost an average of $20 per hog, N.P.P.C. continued. Producers have lost another $6 per pig, with average hog prices falling from $124 a head on April 24 to $118 on April 28, since the flu outbreak became a major news story. This decline has cost the industry approximately $2.5 million a day, N.P.P.C. relayed.
To date, much of the media still refers to the current influenza as "swine" flu although this flu virus is not of pig origin. Additionally, the World Health Organization, World Organization for Animal Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Health and Human Services and Homeland Security have said this is not "swine" flu; they call it Influenza A or H1N1 flu.
"Speculative theories about the H1N1 virus spreading from pigs to humans are irresponsible and only contribute to unnecessary worry among U.S. citizens," said Dr. Jen Greiner, N.P.P.C. director of Science and Technology. She added this virus is very different from those found in pigs, and influenza viruses are not transmitted by food.
N.P.P.C. requested the H1N1 influenza not be called "swine" flu in a letter recently sent to the major broadcast media outlets and wire services. So far, the Gannett Company has agreed not to use the term.
by Bryan Salvage
DES MOINES, IOWA — The National Pork Producers Council has called for accurate reporting on the recent influenza outbreak, adding the U.S. pork industry is nearing the brink of financial disaster. All employed in the pork industry must address influenza outbreak misinformation, which already has exacerbated an economic crisis in the pork industry, N.P.P.C. said.
Incorrect reporting of the H1N1 flu as "swine" flu has compounded the economic squeeze the U.S. pork industry has experienced during the past 19 months, when producers lost an average of $20 per hog, N.P.P.C. continued. Producers have lost another $6 per pig, with average hog prices falling from $124 a head on April 24 to $118 on April 28, since the flu outbreak became a major news story. This decline has cost the industry approximately $2.5 million a day, N.P.P.C. relayed.
To date, much of the media still refers to the current influenza as "swine" flu although this flu virus is not of pig origin. Additionally, the World Health Organization, World Organization for Animal Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Health and Human Services and Homeland Security have said this is not "swine" flu; they call it Influenza A or H1N1 flu.
"Speculative theories about the H1N1 virus spreading from pigs to humans are irresponsible and only contribute to unnecessary worry among U.S. citizens," said Dr. Jen Greiner, N.P.P.C. director of Science and Technology. She added this virus is very different from those found in pigs, and influenza viruses are not transmitted by food.
N.P.P.C. requested the H1N1 influenza not be called "swine" flu in a letter recently sent to the major broadcast media outlets and wire services. So far, the Gannett Company has agreed not to use the term.
Canada: Alberta finds H1N1 virus in hog herd
(MEATPOULTRY.com, May 04, 2009)
by Bryan Salvage
OTTAWA, ONTARIO — Although the H1N1 flu virus has been found in a swine herd in Alberta by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, the food supply is not affected and Canadian pork continues to be safe to eat, C.F.I.A. said.
It is believed that the pigs were exposed to the virus from a Canadian carpenter who had recently returned from Mexico and had been exhibiting flu-like symptoms, according to C.F.I.A. Signs of illness were subsequently observed in the pigs. The individual has recovered and all of the pigs are recovering or have already recovered.
The C.F.I.A. is taking a precautionary approach while further testing is needed to more fully characterize the virus. The herd has been placed under quarantine, and the agency is working with public health colleagues to determine the most appropriate next steps to ensure that public and animal health remain protected. The chance these pigs could transfer the virus to a person is remote, the agency said.
Influenza viruses do not affect the safety of pork, previously added the World Health Organization, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and other scientific bodies.
Canadian pigs are tested for influenza viruses on an ongoing basis across the country during routine investigations into respiratory illnesses. The C.F.I.A. has been working with provinces, territories, the swine industry and private sector veterinarians to enhance monitoring of swine herds for signs of illness and to maintain enhanced biosecurity measures on farms across the country.
This news has not changed doing business with the U.S. "First and foremost, this detection does not change the situation here in the United States," iterated Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.
No sick swine have left the Alberta farm and the animals and premises have been quarantined, Mr. Vilsack added. "We are working closely with our C.F.I.A. counterparts to be kept abreast of the situation, and will await the final confirmatory test results, which could take anywhere from five days to two weeks," he said. "Canada has handled this situation appropriately and taken the necessary steps and precautions.
"(This) discovery will not impact our borders or trading with Canada," Mr. Vilsack continued. "As prescribed by the World Organization for Animal Health guidelines, any trade restrictions must be based on science so at this time, we are awaiting confirmatory test results before considering any action."
The Associated Press recently wrote that China has now expanded its ban on imported pork and pork products to include those from Alberta. A notice on China’s web site states pigs or pork products sent to China from Alberta after the declaration would be destroyed. Shipments already in the country will be released only after being certified as safe. China's government has already banned imports of pork and pork products from Mexico and a handful of U.S. states.
by Bryan Salvage
OTTAWA, ONTARIO — Although the H1N1 flu virus has been found in a swine herd in Alberta by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, the food supply is not affected and Canadian pork continues to be safe to eat, C.F.I.A. said.
It is believed that the pigs were exposed to the virus from a Canadian carpenter who had recently returned from Mexico and had been exhibiting flu-like symptoms, according to C.F.I.A. Signs of illness were subsequently observed in the pigs. The individual has recovered and all of the pigs are recovering or have already recovered.
The C.F.I.A. is taking a precautionary approach while further testing is needed to more fully characterize the virus. The herd has been placed under quarantine, and the agency is working with public health colleagues to determine the most appropriate next steps to ensure that public and animal health remain protected. The chance these pigs could transfer the virus to a person is remote, the agency said.
Influenza viruses do not affect the safety of pork, previously added the World Health Organization, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and other scientific bodies.
Canadian pigs are tested for influenza viruses on an ongoing basis across the country during routine investigations into respiratory illnesses. The C.F.I.A. has been working with provinces, territories, the swine industry and private sector veterinarians to enhance monitoring of swine herds for signs of illness and to maintain enhanced biosecurity measures on farms across the country.
This news has not changed doing business with the U.S. "First and foremost, this detection does not change the situation here in the United States," iterated Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.
No sick swine have left the Alberta farm and the animals and premises have been quarantined, Mr. Vilsack added. "We are working closely with our C.F.I.A. counterparts to be kept abreast of the situation, and will await the final confirmatory test results, which could take anywhere from five days to two weeks," he said. "Canada has handled this situation appropriately and taken the necessary steps and precautions.
"(This) discovery will not impact our borders or trading with Canada," Mr. Vilsack continued. "As prescribed by the World Organization for Animal Health guidelines, any trade restrictions must be based on science so at this time, we are awaiting confirmatory test results before considering any action."
The Associated Press recently wrote that China has now expanded its ban on imported pork and pork products to include those from Alberta. A notice on China’s web site states pigs or pork products sent to China from Alberta after the declaration would be destroyed. Shipments already in the country will be released only after being certified as safe. China's government has already banned imports of pork and pork products from Mexico and a handful of U.S. states.
USA Import ban on pork lifted, except Canada
By Maila Ager
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 15:01:00 05/04/2009
MANILA, Philippines – The government has lifted the import ban on pork products from countries with cases of the deadly A(H1N1) virus, except in Canada, Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap said Monday.
“There is no outbreak of swine influenza… We can’t call this a swine flu problem that’s why today [Monday], I instructed the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) to lift the temporary suspension on the importation of meat products,” Yap told reporters at the Senate, on the sidelines of a hearing on the A(H1N1) virus.
Yap said the ban on pork products from Canada was not lifted since authorities there were checking the possible transmission of the A(H1N1) from a human to a pig.
Last week, the government banned pork imports from Canada, the United States, and Mexico amid fears over the spread of A(H1N1), a strain of swine flu which is transmissible from human-to-human.
Health officials had said that humans could not contract A(H1N1) by eating infected meat. The virus is transmitted from human-to-human through droplets emitted when coughing or sneezing.
During the hearing on Monday, Doctor Davinio Catbagan, director of the Bureau of Animal Industry, said the agency would consult with the science community and experts to determine whether or not they could impose a mandatory vaccination on pigs against swine flu.
“What we are saying now is not all farms are vaccinating but maybe we can increase the dosage of the coverage area because there was a time that the use of swine influenza vaccine in pigs has not been monitored,” Catbagan told a hearing by the joint committees of health and trade on the A(H1N1) virus.
“But I think a mandatory [vaccination] for a wider population of the 13.7 million pigs all over the country could be considered,” he said.
Renato Eleria, chairman of the National Federation of Hog Farmers, who was also at the hearing, said he was “open” to Catnagan’s proposal.
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 15:01:00 05/04/2009
MANILA, Philippines – The government has lifted the import ban on pork products from countries with cases of the deadly A(H1N1) virus, except in Canada, Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap said Monday.
“There is no outbreak of swine influenza… We can’t call this a swine flu problem that’s why today [Monday], I instructed the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) to lift the temporary suspension on the importation of meat products,” Yap told reporters at the Senate, on the sidelines of a hearing on the A(H1N1) virus.
Yap said the ban on pork products from Canada was not lifted since authorities there were checking the possible transmission of the A(H1N1) from a human to a pig.
Last week, the government banned pork imports from Canada, the United States, and Mexico amid fears over the spread of A(H1N1), a strain of swine flu which is transmissible from human-to-human.
Health officials had said that humans could not contract A(H1N1) by eating infected meat. The virus is transmitted from human-to-human through droplets emitted when coughing or sneezing.
During the hearing on Monday, Doctor Davinio Catbagan, director of the Bureau of Animal Industry, said the agency would consult with the science community and experts to determine whether or not they could impose a mandatory vaccination on pigs against swine flu.
“What we are saying now is not all farms are vaccinating but maybe we can increase the dosage of the coverage area because there was a time that the use of swine influenza vaccine in pigs has not been monitored,” Catbagan told a hearing by the joint committees of health and trade on the A(H1N1) virus.
“But I think a mandatory [vaccination] for a wider population of the 13.7 million pigs all over the country could be considered,” he said.
Renato Eleria, chairman of the National Federation of Hog Farmers, who was also at the hearing, said he was “open” to Catnagan’s proposal.
Monday, May 4, 2009
CDC H1N1 Flu Update
Update on Situation
CDC continues to take aggressive action to respond to an expanding outbreak caused by H1N1 (swine flu).
CDC’s response goals are to:
Reduce transmission and illness severity, and
Provide information to help health care providers, public health officials and the public address the challenges posed by this emergency.
CDC continues to issue and update interim guidance daily in response to the rapidly evolving situation. This includes guidance on when to close schools and how to care for someone who is sick at home. Supplies from CDC’s Division of the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) are being sent to all 50 states and U.S. territories to help them respond to the outbreak. In addition, the Federal Government and manufacturers have begun the process of developing a vaccine against this new virus.
Response actions are aggressive, but they may vary across states and communities depending on local circumstances. Communities, businesses, places of worship, schools and individuals can all take action to slow the spread of this outbreak. People who are sick are urged to stay home from work or school and to avoid contact with others, except to seek medical care. This action can avoid spreading illness further.
U.S. Human Cases of H1N1 Flu Infection
As of 11:30 AM ET on May 2, 2009, CDC has confirmed 160 human cases and 1 death in 21 states:
Arizona: 4
California: 24
Colorado: 2
Connecticut: 1
Delaware: 4
Florida: 2
Illinois: 3
Indiana: 3
Kansas: 2
Kentucky: 1 (case is a resident of Kentucky but currently hospitalized in Georgia)
Massachusetts: 6
Michigan: 2
Minnesota: 1
Missouri: 1
Nevada: 1
New Jersey: 7
New York: 51
Ohio: 1
South Carolina: 13
Texas: 28 (and 1 death)
Virginia: 2
For more information, see the CDC H1N1 Flu website.
International Human Cases of H1N1 Flu Infection
For information about the global situation, see the World Health Organization website.
What You Can Do to Stay Healthy
Stay informed. This website will be updated regularly as information becomes available.
Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
Take everyday actions 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.
Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
Develop a family emergency plan as a precaution. This should include storing a supply of food, medicines, facemasks, alcohol-based hand rubs and other essential supplies.
Call 1-800-CDC-INFO for more information.
CDC continues to take aggressive action to respond to an expanding outbreak caused by H1N1 (swine flu).
CDC’s response goals are to:
Reduce transmission and illness severity, and
Provide information to help health care providers, public health officials and the public address the challenges posed by this emergency.
CDC continues to issue and update interim guidance daily in response to the rapidly evolving situation. This includes guidance on when to close schools and how to care for someone who is sick at home. Supplies from CDC’s Division of the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) are being sent to all 50 states and U.S. territories to help them respond to the outbreak. In addition, the Federal Government and manufacturers have begun the process of developing a vaccine against this new virus.
Response actions are aggressive, but they may vary across states and communities depending on local circumstances. Communities, businesses, places of worship, schools and individuals can all take action to slow the spread of this outbreak. People who are sick are urged to stay home from work or school and to avoid contact with others, except to seek medical care. This action can avoid spreading illness further.
U.S. Human Cases of H1N1 Flu Infection
As of 11:30 AM ET on May 2, 2009, CDC has confirmed 160 human cases and 1 death in 21 states:
Arizona: 4
California: 24
Colorado: 2
Connecticut: 1
Delaware: 4
Florida: 2
Illinois: 3
Indiana: 3
Kansas: 2
Kentucky: 1 (case is a resident of Kentucky but currently hospitalized in Georgia)
Massachusetts: 6
Michigan: 2
Minnesota: 1
Missouri: 1
Nevada: 1
New Jersey: 7
New York: 51
Ohio: 1
South Carolina: 13
Texas: 28 (and 1 death)
Virginia: 2
For more information, see the CDC H1N1 Flu website.
International Human Cases of H1N1 Flu Infection
For information about the global situation, see the World Health Organization website.
What You Can Do to Stay Healthy
Stay informed. This website will be updated regularly as information becomes available.
Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
Take everyday actions 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.
Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
Develop a family emergency plan as a precaution. This should include storing a supply of food, medicines, facemasks, alcohol-based hand rubs and other essential supplies.
Call 1-800-CDC-INFO for more information.
Pork export bans expected to be temporary
(MEATPOULTRY.com, May 01, 2009)
by Bryan Salvage
WASHINGTON — Restrictions placed on U.S. pork exports by certain nations due to concerns about the H1N1 virus are expected to be temporary, stated the National Pork Producers Council.
"The restrictions should be short-lived because U.S. and international authorities have made it clear that the H1N1 virus is transmitted through human contact and that pork is 100%safe to consume," said Nick Giordano, N.P.P.C. vice-president and
international trade counsel. "N.P.P.C. has been in constant contact with U.S. trade officials, and U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom
Vilsack and U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Ron Kirk have been busy working the phones with our trading partners. It is imperative that our trade officials stop the export bleeding now."
The World Health Organization has named the virus, also now known as the 2009 H1N1 flu, "Influenza A." The World Organization for Animal Health (O.I.E.) said the H1N1 influenza should never have been named "swine" flu and there is no justification for the imposition of trade measures on the importation of pigs or their products. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security all confirm there are no food safety issues with the virus and that it is not in the U.S. hog herd.
Despite those facts, Ukraine, St. Lucia, Indonesia, United Arab Emirates, Thailand, Honduras and Croatia have banned U.S. pork imports. Russia and China, which are significant markets for U.S. pork exports, and Kazakhstan have banned U.S. pork from certain states, N.P.P.C. said.
"The U.S. pork industry maintains the capacity to serve the Chinese and Russian markets from non-restricted states," Mr. Giordano said. "The other nations account for only a very small percentage of U.S. pork exports."
Mr. Giordano pointed out while the current export restrictions are manageable, it will be difficult to withstand the loss of further markets. The U.S. pork industry already has lost money for 19 straight months as a result of high input costs, with producers losing an average of $20 per hog marketed, he added.
by Bryan Salvage
WASHINGTON — Restrictions placed on U.S. pork exports by certain nations due to concerns about the H1N1 virus are expected to be temporary, stated the National Pork Producers Council.
"The restrictions should be short-lived because U.S. and international authorities have made it clear that the H1N1 virus is transmitted through human contact and that pork is 100%safe to consume," said Nick Giordano, N.P.P.C. vice-president and
international trade counsel. "N.P.P.C. has been in constant contact with U.S. trade officials, and U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom
Vilsack and U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Ron Kirk have been busy working the phones with our trading partners. It is imperative that our trade officials stop the export bleeding now."
The World Health Organization has named the virus, also now known as the 2009 H1N1 flu, "Influenza A." The World Organization for Animal Health (O.I.E.) said the H1N1 influenza should never have been named "swine" flu and there is no justification for the imposition of trade measures on the importation of pigs or their products. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security all confirm there are no food safety issues with the virus and that it is not in the U.S. hog herd.
Despite those facts, Ukraine, St. Lucia, Indonesia, United Arab Emirates, Thailand, Honduras and Croatia have banned U.S. pork imports. Russia and China, which are significant markets for U.S. pork exports, and Kazakhstan have banned U.S. pork from certain states, N.P.P.C. said.
"The U.S. pork industry maintains the capacity to serve the Chinese and Russian markets from non-restricted states," Mr. Giordano said. "The other nations account for only a very small percentage of U.S. pork exports."
Mr. Giordano pointed out while the current export restrictions are manageable, it will be difficult to withstand the loss of further markets. The U.S. pork industry already has lost money for 19 straight months as a result of high input costs, with producers losing an average of $20 per hog marketed, he added.
US exports affected as ‘swine flu’ changes name
From: PigProgress.net
“The restrictions should be short lived because US and international authorities have made it clear that the H1N1 virus is transmitted through human contact and that pork is 100% safe to consume,” said NPPC Vice President and International Trade Counsel Nick Giordano. “NPPC has been in constant contact with US trade officials, and US Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and US Trade Representative Ambassador Ron Kirk have been busy working the phones with our trading partners. It is imperative that our trade officials stop the export bleeding now.”
'Swine Flu' unjustified
The World Health Organization (WHO) have now named the virus “Influenza A,” and the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) said the H1N1 influenza should never have been named “swine” flu and there is no justification for the imposition of trade measures on the importation of pigs or their products. The US Department of Agriculture, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the US Department of Homeland Security all confirm there are no food safety issues with the virus and that it is not in the US hog herd.
Despite those facts, Ukraine, St. Lucia, Indonesia, United Arab Emirates, Thailand, Honduras and Croatia have banned US pork imports. Russia and China, which are significant markets for US pork exports, and Kazakhstan have banned US pork from certain states.
“The US pork industry maintains the capacity to serve the Chinese and Russian markets from non-restricted states,” Giordano said. “The other nations account for only a very small percentage of US pork exports.”
Pork export restrictions
While the current export restrictions are manageable, Giordano pointed out, it will be difficult to withstand the loss of further markets. The US pork industry already has lost money for 19 straight months as a result of high input costs, with producers losing an average of $20 per hog marketed.
Pork exports in 2008 accounted for more than 20% of total US pork production, contributed approximately $48 per hog harvested and supported more than 65,000 US jobs. The creation of new export opportunities and the maintenance of existing export markets are critical to the sustainability of the US pork industry.
Related website
• NPPC
• World Health Organization (WHO)
• World Organization for Animal Health (OIE)
The National Pork Producers Council has said it expects the restrictions placed on US pork exports by certain nations due to concerns about the H1N1 virus to be temporary.
“The restrictions should be short lived because US and international authorities have made it clear that the H1N1 virus is transmitted through human contact and that pork is 100% safe to consume,” said NPPC Vice President and International Trade Counsel Nick Giordano. “NPPC has been in constant contact with US trade officials, and US Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and US Trade Representative Ambassador Ron Kirk have been busy working the phones with our trading partners. It is imperative that our trade officials stop the export bleeding now.”
'Swine Flu' unjustified
The World Health Organization (WHO) have now named the virus “Influenza A,” and the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) said the H1N1 influenza should never have been named “swine” flu and there is no justification for the imposition of trade measures on the importation of pigs or their products. The US Department of Agriculture, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the US Department of Homeland Security all confirm there are no food safety issues with the virus and that it is not in the US hog herd.
Despite those facts, Ukraine, St. Lucia, Indonesia, United Arab Emirates, Thailand, Honduras and Croatia have banned US pork imports. Russia and China, which are significant markets for US pork exports, and Kazakhstan have banned US pork from certain states.
“The US pork industry maintains the capacity to serve the Chinese and Russian markets from non-restricted states,” Giordano said. “The other nations account for only a very small percentage of US pork exports.”
Pork export restrictions
While the current export restrictions are manageable, Giordano pointed out, it will be difficult to withstand the loss of further markets. The US pork industry already has lost money for 19 straight months as a result of high input costs, with producers losing an average of $20 per hog marketed.
Pork exports in 2008 accounted for more than 20% of total US pork production, contributed approximately $48 per hog harvested and supported more than 65,000 US jobs. The creation of new export opportunities and the maintenance of existing export markets are critical to the sustainability of the US pork industry.
Related website
• NPPC
• World Health Organization (WHO)
• World Organization for Animal Health (OIE)
India: Thousands of poultry farms closing
From: WorldPoultry.net
Thousands of smaller poultry farmers are shutting their doors in Andhra Pradesh, said to be the "worst crisis" in over 30 years in the country, as farmers struggle with high input costs, particularly feed.
According to K.V.S. Subba Raju, Hyderabad Zonal Chairman of the National Egg Coordination Committee (NECC), there was a 100% rise in feed cost since 2008, reports The Hindu. He said that a tonne soya bean was now costing Rs.25,000, as against Rs.12,5000-13,000 in October/November last year. The maize support price to be paid is now Rs.800 after taxes, almost double from Rs.450-500 about two years back, he told The Hindu.
Raju expressed concern over the rising prices of the poultry feed ingredients, which was forcing thousands of small/marginal egg and chicken growers to close shop. “The price of feed has become a major factor of daily uncertainty facing the industry in the state, as a result of which units being run by small and marginal are just collapsing, their running having become unviable,” he said.
Poultry production dropping
He explained that a farmer had to get Rs.60 for a kg of broiler for achieving the breakeven level. But with the current-day price of Rs.58 a kg it was increasingly becoming difficult for small/marginal poultry farmers to continue since there was no guarantee of survival. As a consequence there was less production of both eggs and chicken. The current cost of producing an egg by a farmer was Rs.2.25, whereas it was being sold for Rs.1.76, minus the commission of the middleman.
As a solution to tide over the crisis, he wanted the Government to immediately ban forwarding trading in maize and soya meal, since it was being indulged in by “speculators who blocked their movement by resorting to hoarding.”
Source: The Hindu
Thousands of smaller poultry farmers are shutting their doors in Andhra Pradesh, said to be the "worst crisis" in over 30 years in the country, as farmers struggle with high input costs, particularly feed.
According to K.V.S. Subba Raju, Hyderabad Zonal Chairman of the National Egg Coordination Committee (NECC), there was a 100% rise in feed cost since 2008, reports The Hindu. He said that a tonne soya bean was now costing Rs.25,000, as against Rs.12,5000-13,000 in October/November last year. The maize support price to be paid is now Rs.800 after taxes, almost double from Rs.450-500 about two years back, he told The Hindu.Raju expressed concern over the rising prices of the poultry feed ingredients, which was forcing thousands of small/marginal egg and chicken growers to close shop. “The price of feed has become a major factor of daily uncertainty facing the industry in the state, as a result of which units being run by small and marginal are just collapsing, their running having become unviable,” he said.
Poultry production dropping
He explained that a farmer had to get Rs.60 for a kg of broiler for achieving the breakeven level. But with the current-day price of Rs.58 a kg it was increasingly becoming difficult for small/marginal poultry farmers to continue since there was no guarantee of survival. As a consequence there was less production of both eggs and chicken. The current cost of producing an egg by a farmer was Rs.2.25, whereas it was being sold for Rs.1.76, minus the commission of the middleman.
As a solution to tide over the crisis, he wanted the Government to immediately ban forwarding trading in maize and soya meal, since it was being indulged in by “speculators who blocked their movement by resorting to hoarding.”
Source: The Hindu
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Varied foreign reactions to flu continue to emerge
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.
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.
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.
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