- Author: John M Harper
The Council of Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) recently released a commentary paper on the direct relationship between animal health and food safety outcomes. It is an informative read for livestock producers and consumers. The following is from the paper's introduction and objectives:
"Many groups in society, including politicians, activists, scientists, and stakeholders, are advocating significant changes to livestock production practices. These changes include modification of stocking densities, limitations on antimicrobial use, and requirements for outdoor "experiences." Such changes may affect animal health, productivity, and food quality. Simultaneously, many consumers are demanding virtually risk-free food at least cost, and they believe that food safety should be addressed on-farm as well as during processing. It is critical that decision makers understand the relationship between animal health and food safety, which is a complex association requiring careful evaluation of many variables.
The objectives of this paper are to (1) discuss the quantifiable impact animal health has on public health risk due to foodborne illness from meat, milk, eggs, and poultry; (2) identify the factors that impact animal health; and (3) highlight specific research needs. This paper will focus on direct and indirect impacts that animal health may have on public health."
The entire paper, in pdf format, is available for free at:
http://www.cast-science.org/publications/?the_direct_relationship_between_animal_health_and_food_safety_outcomes&show=product&productID=155971
Make sure you select Online/Dowloadable in the drop-down to the right of the page on the link above.
- Author: John M Harper
The UC Agriculture and Natural Resources - Rangeland Watershed Program has received the 2012 Western Extension Directors Association Award of Excellence for its outstanding work with water quality and grazing issues on California’s rangelands.
“The Rangeland Management Program has been a tremendous help in protecting the open space, habitat for plants and wildlife, and healthy watersheds that California’s rangelands provide,” said Tracy Schohr, director of the California Rangeland Conservation Coalition “They educate land managers and provide the objective, accurate information we need.”
UC Cooperative Extension Specialist Melvin George with the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences started the program in the 1990s, collaborating with the range livestock industry, the Environmental Protection Agency, and several state and federal natural resources agencies and associations.
Rangeland Watershed Specialist Ken Tate with the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences and John Harper, livestock and natural resources advisor with Mendocino County UC Cooperative Extension, will accept the Award of Excellence on behalf for the program on July 12 during a ceremony in Park City, Utah.
- Author: John M Harper
For all cattle producers, it's especially important to pass this on to your friends, customers, and families not in the business. The following came via Dr. Jim Oltjen, UCD and from Janel Fisher, California Beef Council:
"In an update issued late yesterday, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced additional findings in its ongoing epidemiological investigation into the case of BSE detected earlier this week in central California.
The animal in question was 10 years and 7 months old and came from a dairy farm in Tulare County, California. The animal was humanely euthanized after it developed lameness and became recumbent. The animal’s carcass will be destroyed. The cow was tested as part of targeted BSE surveillance at rendering facilities. The USDA is continuing its epidemiological investigation and will provide additional information as it is available. The California Beef Council (CBC) will provide updates to producers as we receive them from the USDA and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA).
It is important to reiterate that this animal was never presented for slaughter for human consumption, did not enter food supply channels, and at no time presented any risk to human health."
In addition, the UCD School of Vet Med has provided the following links with the latest information and encourages you to use these references to answer questions. The Vet Med site will be updated regularly.
Vet Med: http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/whatsnew/article.cfm?id=2533
CDFA: http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/animal_health/BSE_Info.html and
USDA: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2012/04/0132.xml&contentidonly=true
FDA statement on safety of milk: http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm301850.htm
If you have questions about UC’s role in the BSE investigation, please contact Lynn Narlesky in the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine Office of the Dean, (530) 752-5257, lnarlesky@ucdavis.edu.
- Author: John M Harper
Good news! Just in from the US Labor Department.
"The decision to withdraw the proposal was made in response to thousands of comments expressing concerns about the effect of the proposed rules on small family-owned farms," the Labor Department said in a written statement. "To be clear, this regulation will not be pursued for the duration of the Obama administration." This article provides a brief overview, but the news services and social media offer plenty of stories and opinions about this issue.
As you'll recall, The proposed rules would have barred children under the age of 16 from operating tractors or heavy farm equipment on non-family farms. They would not have applied to children working on their own family farms.
- Author: John M Harper
The following article came via the American Society of Animal Science (ASAS) "Taking Stock"
newsletter and it is well worth passing on. Reading the full series will give you some important information on what animal science has done and is doing to maintain the world's food security.
"Over the last few months, ASAS has released segments of a feature article called The future of hunger. This series explored the ways that animal scientists can help feed the world's growing population. Through advances in areas like feed efficiency and breeding, scientists and producers can improve animal agriculture. A complete pdf of the article is now available. Read it here."
