ANIMALNET MAY 2, 1999 Nipah virus, pigs - Malaysia (07) Nipah virus - Malaysia (11) Group's study ranks production of beef, as second to autos in ecological cost Wolf redux; gray wolf is back, and there's howling in Minnesota Campaigners target pet owners New direction for transplants raises hopes and questions Health officials warn of spring/summer Hantavirus risk Newcastle Disease to cost farmers $3 million--suspend mortgage repayments NCABR hosts debate on Xenotransplantation June 9 And now Buffalo subsidies Don't write livestock industry off as low-tech: CSIRO Kim Basinger hounded by "situational ethics" UC Berkeley research scientist "pied" by activists Under pressure, KLM to ban some animal transport Summer primate freedom tour organizer begs for funds BRF -- dogs' reprieve ''A wiser bull?'' (cover story, may 3) Limited ports; Memphis, TN Oxytetracycline injection Delegation of authority and organization; center for veterinary medicine; Technical amendment AnimalNet is produced by researchers at the Agri-Food Risk Management and Communication Project at the University of Guelph, is edited by Wendy Powell (wpowell@uoguelph.ca) and Douglas Powell (dpowell@uoguelph.ca), and is supported by the Ontario Cattlemen's Association, the U.S. National Pork Producers, U.S. National Food Processors Association, Dairy Farmers of Canada, Pioneer Hi-Bred Limited (Canada), Canadian Animal Health Institute, Dairy Farmers of Ontario, Meat & Livestock Australia, Ontario Farm Animal Council, the U.S. National Cattlemens Beef Association, the Rutgers University Food Safety Extension Program, Ag-West Biotech, Capital Health, the Ontario Soybean Growers Marketing Board, Food Indsutry Environmental Network, Canadian Poultry and Egg Processors, Chicken Farmers of Canada, MDS Nordion, American Meat Institute, and the Agricultural Adaptation Council (CanAdapt Program). archived at: http://www.ansc.purdue.edu/courses/ansc481/animal_net.html NIPAH VIRUS, PIGS - MALAYSIA (07) May 2, 1999 ProMED Date: Sat, 1 May 1999 ProMED-mail Regional Moderator for Asia Source: Star Online, 1 May 1999 [edited] A pig farm in Seelong, about 20 km from Johor Baru [in the southernmost state of Johor] has been under quarantine since Wednesday after one animal was tested positive for the Nipah virus. Police personnel have been mobilised to seal the farm since the infection was detected. State executive councillor Dr Chua Soi Lek confirmed that a pig in the 4,000-animal farm was tested positive for the virus. The health and veterinary authorities were carrying out further tests, and took 30 samples yesterday, he added. Results are expected by Tuesday. The quarantine was imposed after a worker fell into a coma recently, and who is now in the intensive-care unit of the Sultanah Aminah Hospital. The owner of the farm said several of his pigs had died earlier and he disposed the carcasses by burning them. There are five other farms within a 10 km radius. Johor is the fourth state to have Nipah-infested [infected] pigs. The deadly virus, which is spread to human beings through contact with infected pigs, is believed to be responsible for the majority of the 100 human fatalities in Negri Sembilan, Perak and Selangor. In Kuala Lumpur, Foong Pek Yee reports that Health Minister Datuk Chua Jui Meng had confirmed to an MP [Member of Parliament] from Johor that some of the pigs there had tested positive for Nipah [virus]. The Government has been conducting tests on pigs nationwide for the presence of Nipah virus since April 20. Pigs in any farm would be culled even if one animal is tested positive for the Nipah virus. [Written by: Shahar Yaacob and Charles Fernandez] NIPAH VIRUS - MALAYSIA (11) May 1, 1999 ProMED The Health Ministry has formed primary teams to carry out extensive medical follow-ups on viral encephalitis (VE) patients who had been discharged, especially those formerly infected with the Nipah or Hendra-like virus. Its minister Datuk Chua Jui Meng said the teams would only be available at hospitals with VE patients and would be headed by the chief physician or the chief neurologist wherever available. "This is the first time we are facing the Nipah virus and we need to have as much information such as the clinical features of the disease, we want to know what happens during the acute phase of the patients' illness and after their discharge," he said. It would also help the doctors and rehabilitation teams to monitor the patients' recovery, late complications and possible reactivation of the viruses, Chua told reporters. The follow-up exercise would be carried out for one year with the first five follow-ups to be done on a monthly basis while the sixth follow-up would be done on the ninth month. "The seventh follow-up will be done 12 months after discharge," said Chua, adding that patients would be assessed on their general health, functional status, whether there were damaged or dysfunctional organs as well as their psychological well-being. Chua said the ministry knew the danger posed by the Hendra virus [in Australia] based on an incident involving a patient who died 13 months after being discharged from hospital. The minister also said the cabinet, at its weekly meeting last week, had decided to set up a permanent council for zoonotic diseases but declined to reveal more details when asked. In a related development, Chua denied a local newspaper report today which said that a pig farm worker at Seelong, 20 kilometres from Johor Bahru [in the southernmost Johor state], fell into a coma and was now in the intensive care unit of the Sultanah Aminah Hospital. Chua said he had checked and found no such case existed and wanted the story which appeared on the front page of the newspaper to be corrected immediately as it would cause undue alarm among the public. GROUP'S SURPRISING BEEF WITH MEAT INDUSTRY; STUDY RANKS PRODUCTION OF BEEF, POULTRY AND PORK AS SECOND TO AUTOMOBILES IN ECOLOGICAL COST April 27, 1999 San Francisco Chronicle A1 Glen Martin, Chronicle Staff Writer This story explained that environmentally speaking, the worst thing you can do for the planet is drive your sport utility vehicle to the local steak house for a prime sirloin. The Union of Concerned Scientists, an environmental advocacy group that has just completed a new analysis of the ecological costs of various activities and products, has been cited as contending that automobiles are at the top of the organization's list of environmentally damaging products. But what is, according to this story, a surprise is that meat comes in at number two. Warren Leon, deputy director of the Massachusetts environmental group, was cited as saying that the industrial production of beef, poultry and pork pollutes waterways and air, fouls the land and gobbles up valuable resources, adding that other supposedly damaging products such as plastic grocery bags or polyester clothing, are relatively benign. This story explained that to compile the list, the Union of Concerned Scientists compared consumer spending patterns with their effect on four broad environmental problems global warming, air and water pollution and the alteration of natural habitats. Leon, who co-authored a book based on the study titled ``The Consumer's Guide to Effective Environmental Choices,'' was cited as saying that researchers divided ``everything people buy and use'' into 50 categories, adding, ``What we found is that the most harmful activities or products fall into seven of the 50 categories we studied.'' Leon, who is on a national tour to promote the book, talked about the findings at a meeting of San Francisco's Commonwealth Club last night. Leon was cited as saying that researchers were surprised when meat production showed up second only to vehicles in terms of environmental destruction, adding, ``We knew meat production would have some kind of impact, but we didn't expect it to be so significant.'' In terms of water pollution, Leon, was cited as saying that beef is 17 times more damaging than all that goes into making pasta. This is because of water pollution from manure, as well as the amount of electrical energy, fuel, fertilizer and pesticides needed to raise cattle fodder. ``The contamination to the nation's waterways from manure run-off is extremely serious,'' he said. ``Twenty tons of livestock manure are produced for every household in the country. We have strict laws governing the disposal of human waste, but the regulations are lax, or often nonexistent, for animal waste.'' Beef production is also 20 times more damaging to wildlife habitat than pasta production, said Leon, because it uses far more land. Poultry is somewhat easier on the environment than beef or pork, Leon said. ``Chickens are able to convert feed to meat more efficiently than cattle or hogs, so they ultimately contribute less pollution per pound of meat produced,'' he said. George Gough, the vice president of government relations for the California Cattlemen's Association, was cited as saying that cattle can have a negative effect on water quality if they are not properly managed, but he said the state's ranchers are committed to sound practices. He also said not all animal husbandry is the same in its environmental effect. ``Huge commercial hog farms are more likely to have a serious impact than range cattle,'' Gough said. Vegetables, fruits and grains are third on the group's list because their cultivation usually entails large quantities of pesticides, herbicides, artificial fertilizers and irrigation water. The other worst offenders are: home heating, air conditioning and water heating; household appliances and lighting; home construction; and household water and sewage. Some products that have long been assumed to be environmental bugbearssuch as plastic grocery bagscame away with a relatively clean bill of health. WOLF REDUX; GRAY WOLF IS BACK, AND THERE'S HOWLING IN MINNESOTA May 2, 1999 AP ASHLEY H. GRANT Associated Press Writer With BC-APN-Wolf-Endangered Glance GOODLAND, Minn. -- David Radaich's 1,200-acre beef cattle operation, about 80 miles northwest of Duluth and smack in the heart of wolf country, is, according to this story, one of the front lines in an emotional battle over gray wolves, whose recovery soon will allow the federal government to remove them from the endangered species list in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. When that happens, probably within 18 months, those states will take over control of the gray wolf population. Exactly how to manage the animals has been hotly debated in Minnesota, with farmers and ranchers pitted against wildlife activists and the state Department of Natural Resources. Radaich, was quoted as saying, "I'm not a wolf lover and I'm not a wolf hater. But I would love to have a wolf hanging above my piano." Once wolves are taken off the federal list, Radaich was cited as saying that he favors preventive trapping in areas that have been plagued by wolves. This story explained that the Department of Natural Resources last year assembled a group of 33 people representing various viewpoints on the wolf to come up with something everyone could live with. The so-called "wolf roundtable" plan endorsed by the department would prohibit hunting and trapping for at least five years after the wolf is removed from the list. But farmers would be allowed to shoot a wolf caught attacking pets or livestock. Some lawmakers were cited as saying that the plan doesn't go far enough to control the population, and they've proposed a separate plan that would allow hunting and trapping soon after the wolf is removed from the list. The issue generates a rural-metro split. Many people who live in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area don't have much contact with the wolf and think it should have full protection. Rural citizens have leaned toward hunting and trapping. Many farmers live, according to this story, by the credo "Shoot, shovel and shut up" when it comes to wolves. Most know someone who has shot a wolf but decline to elaborate. Penalties can run as high as $50,000 and up to a year in prison. Over the past decade, 15 people in the Upper Midwest have been fined from $150 to $5,000 for killing wolves. One was given a year's probation. Many farmers say it's worth the risk. In 1997, farmers on 93 Minnesota farms filed wolf complaints with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Federal trappers killed 216 wolves, and the state paid $46,412 in compensation. Others insist wolves must be protected. CAMPAIGNERS TARGET PET OWNERS May 2, 1999 PA News Eileen Murphy, Consumer Affairs Correspondent, PA News The more than half of UK households which own pets are, according to this story, being targeted to promote responsible ownership as part of National Pet Week. The week, which runs until May 9, will feature thousands of events from church services to veterinary surgery open days and dog shows to make people more aware of the benefits of pets to people and promote their wellbeing. Dogs and cats have, according to this story, long been the most popular pets with a total population remaining fairly stable over the past five years at around 14 million. However, lifestyle changes over the past decade have meant that cats - who require less attention than dogs - have overtaken their canine counterparts. Pet Week, which is a registered charity, brings together the work of animal welfare charities and professional animal bodies in the UK. NEW DIRECTION FOR TRANSPLANTS RAISES HOPES AND QUESTIONS May 2, 1999 The New York Times LAWRENCE K. ALTMAN Transplant surgeons who once concentrated on vital organs like hearts, livers and kidneys are, according to this story, branching out, transplanting an array of body parts with surprising success, and possibly heralding a day when tissues not essential to life are routinely given to others. This story explained that to the astonishment of many experts, the two Sauvignon, men recently given new hands in Lyon, France, and Louisville, Ky., are progressing well, without rejection crises. With less publicity, surgeons elsewhere have successfully performed experimental knee, larynx, trachea, femur, nerve and muscle transplants. The newer transplants are believed to be few -- no central organization keeps a tally. And there is no way to know how many people would benefit from them if they prove successful in the long term. HEALTH OFFICIALS WARN OF SPRING/SUMMER HANTAVIRUS RISK April 30, 1999 from a press release News Desks, Health/Medical Writers OLYMPIA, Wash. -- Because of the likelihood of increased human exposure to rodents this spring and summer, state and local health officials are reminding Washington residents to avoid contact with rodents and to clean up rodent nests and droppings properly. In rural areas rodents often infest homes, storage sheds, and other outdoor buildings. Exposure to rodents, primarily deer mice, can result in a potentially deadly respiratory disease called Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome. Since December 1998 there have been three cases of this disease in Washington, occurring in Yakima, Lewis, and Snohomish counties. This brings the total to 18 cases since 1985. Eight of those were fatal. "Although it is rare, hantavirus continues to be a threat, and most of the previous cases have occurred in between March and July," said John Grendon, public health veterinarian at the state Department of Health. "Due to a mild winter in some parts of the state, there may be higher than normal numbers of rodents this year. So it's important for residents, especially those living in rural areas where deer mice are most common, to know how they can prevent this deadly disease." Distinguished from other mice by their white bellies and furry tails, deer mice live in all parts of the state but are most common in rural areas. Infected deer mice spread hantavirus in their urine, saliva, and feces. People may contract the virus when they inhale dust after disturbing nests or breath in closed spaces inhabited by infected mice. Grendon says that following guidelines for rodent proofing your house and cleaning up rodent infested areas safely can reduce risk of exposure. "Be careful if you find rodent droppings in your home, workplace, or recreational settings," Grendon said. "Before cleaning an infested area that's been closed up, air it out for one hour. The area should be sprayed with bleach/water mixture or other viral disinfectant first and then cleaned with rags, sponges, and mops that have been soaked with bleach or viral disinfectant. Do not vacuum, sweep, or dust, as this stirs up dust particles that may contain the virus." Twelve of the 18 cases happened east of the Cascade Mountains and six on the westside. Counties that have had cases include Grant, King, Adams (2), Lincoln (2), Stevens (2), Franklin (2), Yakima (2), Klickitat, Snohomish (2), and Lewis (3). From 1994-1998 between two and four cases were reported each year in Washington. "About 10 percent of 820 Washington deer mice tested since 1993 have been positive for hantavirus," Grendon said. "You can't tell if a rodent is infected by looking at it or its droppings, so avoid any contact with all rodents, use rodent control measures to keep them out of your living space, and clean up after them appropriately." Note to Editors: Contact your local health department for more information on hantavirus. A fact sheet follows below. -- HANTAVIRUS FACT SHEET What is hantavirus? -- It is a virus that causes a newly described disease, Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, a form of adult respiratory disease syndrome. Hantavirus was first reported in the United States in the spring of 1993. As of March 1999, 211 cases had been reported in the U.S. About 43 percent of the cases have died. Have hantavirus cases occurred in Washington? -- Eighteen cases have been reported in Washington. Klickitat, King, and Grant counties have each had one case. Two have occurred in Lincoln, Stevens, Adams, Yakima, Snohomish, and Franklin counties. Three cases have been reported in Lewis County. What are the symptoms of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)? -- Symptoms usually begin one to three weeks after exposure to infected deer mice. HPS is characterized by fever, chills and muscle aches, followed by the abrupt onset of respiratory distress and shortness of breath. The muscle aches are severe involving the thighs, hips, back and sometimes the shoulder. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. How is a person exposed? -- Deer mice spread the virus in their urine, saliva, and droppings. A person may be exposed to hantavirus by breathing dust after cleaning rodent droppings or disturbing nests, or by living or working in rodent-infested settings. The deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) is the main carrier of hantavirus; however, all wild rodents should be avoided. The deer mouse can carry and shed the virus without showing any signs of being sick. What does the deer mouse look like? -- The deer mouse is about six inches long to the tip of its tail. It is yellowish brown to grayish white on top, has a white belly and feet, large ears, and a furry tail that is white on the underside. Deer mice live in all parts of Washington, but mainly in rural areas. In comparison, the house mouse (Mus musculus) is grayish to light brown on top, light brown (not white) on the underside, with scales showing on its tail. Can I get hantavirus from another person or animal? -- There are no cases in the U.S. of the disease being spread from one person to another, or from pets, other domestic animals, or deer mice predators such as snakes and raptors. How can I avoid exposure to hantavirus? -- 1. Keep rodents out of your home and workplace. Plug up, screen or cover all openings into your home that a mouse might get through (larger than 1/4 inch wide). Also plug holes around the base of buildings. This includes gaps under doors and around pipe openings and vents. -- 2. Remove food sources and nesting places from inside your home and in your yard. Don't store pet food uncovered or in open feeding dishes. Store grains and animal feed in containers with tight fitting covers. Use a plastic trash can with a lid for kitchen garbage and food scraps. Tightly cover outdoor garbage cans and raise them 12 inches off the ground. Clear the area within 100 feet of your house of junk piles, debris or old cars where mice will nest. Keep weeds, brush and grass cut. Stack firewood, lumber and hay 12 inches off the ground and as far from the house as possible. -- 3. If you have rodents in your homeget them out! Be careful trapping mice and other wild rodents. Never approach or handle live mice. Use spring-loaded mousetraps. Wear gloves and spray with bleach and water solution before handling dead mice. If you use poison bait, follow the directions carefully. What precautions should I use working, hiking or camping outdoors? -- Avoid contact with rodents. Do not disturb rodent dens or nests. Stay out of cabins or shelters until they have been aired out and disinfected. Pitch tents well away from garbage cans, woodpiles or other places that rodents live. Avoid any areas where you see burrows or rodent droppings. Do not sleep on the bare ground. Use a tent with a floor. Keep food and food scraps in tightly covered containers. Clean dishes and cooking utensils right after using them. How do I clean where mice have fed, nested, or left droppings? Follow these steps when cleaning rodent-infested areas. -- 1. Wear latex or rubber gloves. -- 2. Mix a solution of 1 cup bleach to 10 cups water or use a household disinfectant that kills viruses. -- 3. Do not vacuum, sweep or dust. This may spread the virus through the air. Use rags, sponges and mops that have been soaked in the disinfectant solution. -- 4. Thoroughly spray or soak any dead mice, traps, droppings, or nesting areas with disinfectant or bleach solution. -- 5. Wipe down counter tops, cabinets and drawers. Mop floors and baseboards. -- 6. Steam clean carpets, rugs and upholstered furniture. -- 7. Wash clothes and bedding in hot water and detergent. Set the dryer on high. -- 8. To dispose of contaminated items, including dead mice and mouse traps, put them in a plastic bag. Seal the bag and put it in another plastic bag. Seal the outer bag and put in your outdoor garbage can. -- 9. Disinfect or throw away the gloves you used. -- 10. When you are done, wash your hands or shower with soap and hot water. If you are cleaning out a building that has been closed up, such as a cabin, shed or garage: -- 1. Air out the building for at least one hour by opening windows and doors. -- 2. Leave the building while it is airing out. -- 3. Wear gloves and a dust mask while cleaning. -- 4. Follow the ten cleaning steps listed above. -- 5. Spray dirt floors with the bleach or disinfectant solution. What does the Washington State Department of Health do to control hantavirus? -- It investigates possible and confirmed hantavirus cases, provides information for preventing exposure to hantavirus, and conducts limited rodent surveillance with trapping and testing programs in association with human cases. Where can I get more information about hantavirus? -- Call your local health department or the Washington State Department of Health at 360/236-3362. http://epsilon.doh.wa.gov/ NEWCASTLE DISEASE OUTBREAK TO COST NSW POULTRY FARMERS $3 MILLION--SUSPEND FARMERS MORTGAGE REPAYMENTS May 1, 1999 AAP SYDNEY -- The New South Wales Poultry and Meat Industry Council was cited as saying today that the outbreak of Newcastle Disease will cost Central Coast chicken farmers $3 million. The council's vice-president George Sidiropoulos was cited as saying that 30 Central Coast chicken farms had been devastated because of the outbreak of the disease. New South Wales Fair Trading Minister John Watkins was cited as urging banks to temporarily suspend mortgage repayments. About 1.5 million chickens will have to be destroyed on 30 properties because of the disease. The situation has, according to these stories, prompted NSW Fair Trading Minister John Watkins to ask banks to temporarily suspend mortgage repayments for the 30 chicken farmer affected by the disease. About 800 people rely on these poultry farms for employment, Mr Watkins was cited as saying, adding, "If these farms go under, it will mean a significant loss to the Central Coast economy, costing about 100 direct jobs and 700 other poultry related jobs." Mr Watkins was cited as saying that poultry farming was very capital intensive and many of these farmers had large mortgages on land and farm equipment. Most had been in the industry between 10 and 15 years and had another 20 years remaining on their mortgages. Westpac last week was cited as announcing it would suspend mortgage repayments for homes and businesses in hailstorm-affected areas. Mr Sidiropoulos was quoted as saying, "We all have $200,000, $300,000 mortgages and when you don't have any money coming in to pay those payments, you worry how you are going to put food on table," adding that he was sticking with the business because his son wanted to take over when he retired. NCABR HOSTS DEBATE ON XENOTRANSPLANTATION JUNE 9 April 30, 1999 AMP News Americans for Medical Progress http://www.amprogress.org The North Carolina Association for Biomedical Research is sponsoring the second in its series of Debates in BioMedicine on June 9, "A Case Study in Xenotransplantation: Research, Ethics and Society." It will be held from 2:30 to 5:30pm at the N.C. Biotechnology Center, Research Triangle Park, N.C. The audience will collectively serve as the public member of a mock hospital ethics consultation committee composed of actual ethicists, a physician, transplant researcher and lawyer. The committee will debate whether a hypothetical patient suffering from a drug overdose should receive a potentially lifesavingbut controversialgenetically engineered animal organ. To read more about this fascinating program, go to the NCABR website at http://www.ncabr.org. AND NOW BUFFALO SUBSIDIES May 10, 1999 Business Week Native Americans once heavily dependent on buffalo for food have, according to this story, persuaded the government to buy tons of bison meat to help their ranchers avert disaster. The U.S. Agriculture Dept. was cited as saying that it plans to buy 1.6 million pounds of buffalo meat worth $6 million this year. Most of it will be distributed to the Indian poor. The buying program is the brainchild of Native American buffalo ranchers. Like many other farmers, they have seen agricultural prices plummet recently. This story explained that states like North Dakota, where bison is now the second-largest livestock product, have been especially hit. So Dennis Sexhus, CEO of the North American Bison Cooperative, has high praise for a program he says will avert the collapse of the business and ''give us a little breathing room.'' The government isn't the only buyer. Sexhus, a buffalo rancher himself, was cited as saying that Indian-run gambling casinos have also committed to buy buffalo steaks and chops. Although no amounts have been specified, the purchases will help even the odds for the ranchers. DON'T WRITE LIVESTOCK INDUSTRY OFF AS LOW-TECH: CSIRO May 1, 1999 AAP SYDNEY -- The CSIRO was cited as saying that today Australia's livestock industry had a major future and should not be written off as low-tech. CSIRO Animal Production chief Oliver Mayo was cited as saying that the $13 billion sector was at the forefront of scientific breakthroughs, including vaccines to make sheep and cattle greenhouse-friendly and new feral pest controls, adding, "Australia has a 200 year tradition as one of the world's outstanding livestock producing nations based on innovation. The livestock sector has a powerful role to play in the coming century. Far from being low-tech, as some seem to imagine, it is one of the most advanced and sophisticated sectors of Australian industry." This story explained that a CSIRO open day, showcasing some of the organisation's projects, in western Sydney today attracted more than 2,500 people. Dr Mayo was cited as saying that there was a strong focus on biotechnology, the role of cloning in livestock production and gene transfer to improve meat, milk and wool production, which would give Australia a world competitive edge, adding, "A revolutionary vaccine that cuts the amount of greenhouse gas produced by livestock and instead helps them convert the spare energy into meat or wool was on show for the first time." Dr Mayo was further cited as saying other innovations included contraceptives to stop feral animals breeding and safer ways to control parasites. The event marked the centenary of the birth of Australian science guru and former CSIRO chief, Sir Ian Clunies Ross, he said. KIM BASINGER HOUNDED BY "SITUATIONAL ETHICS" April 30, 1999 AMP News Americans for Medical Progress http://www.amprogress.org PETA celebrity spokeswoman Kim Basinger's commitment to animal rights has come under serious question following news reports this week that the actress bent her principles in working with animals for her latest film, "Out of Africa." Basinger, who stars as wildlife conservationist Kuki Gallman, spent three days filming in South Africa, surrounded by circus lions and elephants. Animal trainer Jim Stockwell told New York magazine, "I did think that it was strange that an animal rights activist who feels so strongly about the use of trained animals would agree to do this movie in the first place." Stockwell said Basinger never inquired as to the welfare of the animals. One of the scenes involving Basinger required a dog to appear dead, and the animal was anesthetized, which is in violation of American Humane Association standards for animals in movies. A spokeswoman told New York magazine, "If all this is true, then we are very concerned." While films shot outside of the U.S. are not subject to the AHA guidelines, the AHA strongly urges American actors and producers to follow the guidelines while shooting abroad. For years, Basinger has campaigned against elephant acts in circuses. Upon hearing of her turnabout on the movie set, a spokesperson for Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus said the actress was guilty of "situational ethics." The animals used in the movie were trained "using the same methods she attacks us for," said the spokesperson. The New York magazine item was picked up by leading newspapers in the US, Canada and the UK. PETA has remained silent on the issue, leading to the question whether Basinger will be unceremoniously drummed out of the organization as supermodel Naomi Campbell was two years ago for wearing fur in fashion shows. UC BERKELEY RESEARCH SCIENTIST "PIED" BY ACTIVISTS April 30, 1999 AMP News Americans for Medical Progress http://www.amprogress.org University of California Berkeley scientist Russel DeValois was on the receiving end of two thrown pies Thursday as he entered a classroom. The Biotic Baking Brigade claimed responsibility for the assault, as it has previously done in similar attacks on UCDavis Chancellor Larry Vanderhorf, UCBerkeley Dean Gordon Rausser, Monsanto CEO Robert Shapiro, Novartis CEO Douglas Watson, Nobel laureate economist Milton Friedman and others. "Agents Huckleberry and Tofu Cream" were named as the pie throwers in a subsequent Biotic Baking Brigade news release distributed by No Compromise, a radical animal rights group. "The BBB will not stand by and allow unaccountable mad scientists to torture innocent animals," said "Agent Huckleberry." The news release linked the action to the just-passed World Week for Animals in Laboratories as well as to destructive animal rights attacks on laboratories at UCSan Francisco and the University of Minnesota this month. UNDER PRESSURE, KLM TO BAN SOME ANIMAL TRANSPORT April 30, 1999 AMP News Americans for Medical Progress http://www.amprogress.org Dutch airline KLM announced this week that it was at least temporarily banning shipments of rodents, amphibians and reptiles. The announcement comes in the wake of a massive public uproar over KLM's destruction of 440 ground squirrels that lacked proper import and health papers. KLM has said that its decision earlier this month to kill the squirrels by placing them in a shredder was a "grave mistake." KLM noted that it is increasing the stringency of its worldwide guidelines for acceptance of animals to be transported, and said that it may resume carrying rodents, amphibians and reptiles after further consultations with government and animal welfare authorities. SUMMER PRIMATE FREEDOM TOUR ORGANIZER BEGS FOR FUNDS April 30, 1999 AMP News Americans for Medical Progress http://www.amprogress.org Schoolteacher and activist Rick Bogle, who spent last summer camping in front of Regional Primate Research Centers with his "Ape Army" of stuffed animals, has posted an email to animal rights lists seeking contributions to this summer's project, the Primate Freedom Tour. For months animal rights websites have been abuzz about the tour, which begins June 1 at the Washington Regional Primate Research Center and visits 19 other primate research facilities around the country before concluding at NIH in early September. There's no indication whether anyone else beyond Bogle has committed to the full tour, and now there are indications he is facing difficulties in finding backers. Bogle says that so far "only" the Animal Protection Institute and In Defense of Animals have made "sizable contributions," while Jews for Animal Rights and PETA have made "smaller donations." He has received an offer of a $5,000 matching grant from Northwest Animal Rights Network and says if the $10,000 amount is realized the "basic expenses" of the tour would be covered throughout the summer. As with last summer, Bogle's hopes for any impact are pinned on local activists providing logistical support, demonstrations and media work at each of the locations he and the Primate Freedom Tour visit. The schedule for the Tour and other activist information may be found at http://www.aracnet.com/~libcoll/cepe/index2.html BRF -- DOGS' REPRIEVE May 1, 1999 AP FAIRFAX, Va. -- Two dogs blamed for an ostrich stampede that left 12 birds dead and another dozen missing were, according to this story, spared a death sentence when a judge banished them from the state. Nikita, a Siberian husky, and Max, a Doberman pinscher, were ordered put to death last month under a law dealing with dogs that chase, injure or kill livestock or poultry. The dogs' owner, Gina Park, was cited as appealing the order, and Judge Stanley P. Klein on Thursday imposed a lesser penalty because the dogs peacefully followed animal control officers' commands. Klein was quoted as saying, "If they were perpetually vicious, the last thing that would happen is they would surrender. I don't believe that the dogs have forfeited their right to live." Klein banished the dogs from Virginia and bordering states. A weeping Ms. Park declined to comment after the ruling. Jonathan Fouche, the ostrich breeder, was cited as saying that the ruling was fine, adding, "As long as they're going to be kept from doing it again." ''A WISER BULL?'' (COVER STORY, MAY 3) May 10, 1999 Business Week This story explained that an error in ''A wiser bull?'' (Cover Story, May 3) misstated the stock price of Pfizer Inc. on Apr. 21 in a table. Pfizer closed that day at 123 3/8. LIMITED PORTS; MEMPHIS, TN April 30, 1999 Federal Register: (Volume 64, Number 83) [Rules and Regulations] [Page 23178-23179] >From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr30ap99-3] DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service 9 CFR Parts 93 and 98 [Docket No. 98-102-1] AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA. ACTION: Direct final rule. SUMMARY: We are amending the animal importation regulations by adding Memphis, TN, to the list of limited ports of entry for semen, embryos, and products of horses, ruminants, and swine. We have determined that this port has inspection facilities for this purpose and that Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service personnel are available to provide service at this location. This action will provide importers with an alternative port of entry for semen, embryos, and products of horses, ruminants, and swine. DATES: This rule will be effective on June 29, 1999 unless we receive written adverse comments or written notice of intent to submit adverse comments on or before June 1, 1999. ADDRESSES: Please send your comment and three copies to: [Docket No. 98-102-1], Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD, APHIS, Suite 3C03, 4700 River Road, Unit 118, Riverdale, MD 20737-1238. Please state that your comment refers to Docket No. 98-102-1. You may read any comments that we receive on this docket in our reading room. The reading room is located in room 1141 of the USDA South Building, 14th Street and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC. Normal reading room hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. To be sure someone is there to help you, please call (202) 690-2817 before coming. APHIS documents published in the Federal Register, and related information, including the names of organizations and individuals who have commented on APHIS rules, are available on the Internet at http:// www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html. OXYTETRACYCLINE INJECTION April 30, 1999 Federal Register: (Volume 64, Number 83) [Rules and Regulations] [Page 23186-23187] >From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr30ap99-8] DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Food and Drug Administration 21 CFR Parts 510 and 522 Implantation or Injectable Dosage Form New Animal Drugs; AGENCY: Food and Drug Administration, HHS. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is amending the animal drug regulations to reflect approval of an abbreviated new animal drug application (ANADA) filed by Pliva d.d. The ANADA provides for intramuscular use of oxytetracycline injection in swine and intramuscular and intravenous use in cattle for treatment of bacterial infections susceptible to oxytetracycline. EFFECTIVE DATE: April 30, 1999. DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY AND ORGANIZATION; CENTER FOR VETERINARY MEDICINE; TECHNICAL AMENDMENT April 30, 1999 Federal Register: (Volume 64, Number 83) [Rules and Regulations] [Page 23184-23185] >From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr30ap99-6] DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Food and Drug Administration 21 CFR Part 5 AGENCY: Food and Drug Administration, HHS. ACTION: Final rule; technical amendment. SUMMARY: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is amending the regulation to reflect a redelegation of authority with respect to approval of supplemental new animal drug applications to the Director, Division of Manufacturing Technology, Office of New Animal Drug Evaluation, Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM). This action is necessary to ensure the continued accuracy of the regulation. EFFECTIVE DATE: December 22, 1998. To subscribe to AnimalNet, send mail to: listserv@listserv.uoguelph.ca leave subject line blank in the body of the message type: subscribe animalnet-L firstname lastname i.e. subscribe animalnet -L Doug Powell To unsubscribe to AnimalNet, send mail to: listserv@listserv.uoguelph.ca leave subject line blank in the body of the message type: signoff animalnet-L For more information about the AnimalNet research program, please contact: Dr. Douglas Powell dept. of plant agriculture University of Guelph Guelph, Ont. N1G 2W1 tel: 519-824-4120 x2506 fax: 519-763-8933 dpowell@uoguelph.ca http://www.oac.uoguelph.ca/riskcomm archived at: http://www.ansc.purdue.edu/courses/ansc481/animal_net.html