AnimalNet Dec. 8/03
Herd
infected
That turkey
you ate
Australian
sheep leave port for Kuwait after protest
Pattern of
mistakes found in zoo deaths: review shows some veterinary records were changed
GM parasite
set to wipe out possums
San Joaquin
County, Calif., cattle ranchers deplore delay in meat-labeling law
New Calif.
farm law angers activists
Farmers
angry at enforcement policy switch
170,000 dogs
killed in southern China due to rise in rabies
Tighter
rules for organic fish farms
Oklahoma
legislator wants to construct chicken waste-to-energy plants
Activists
KO Scotland's No. 2 hog producer
Advice on
how to keep your pet safe from the dangers of the holidays from the experts at
Hartz
how to subscribe
Herd
infected
December 6, 2003
The Saskatoon StarPhoenix
D1 / Front
Authorities were cited as saying Friday that a herd of 400 cattle of cows in the
Upper Green River Basin in western Wyoming is infected with brucellosis, a
bacterial disease that hasn't been seen in U.S. livestock since April 2002.
The story says that the last case was reported in eastern Idaho. The ailment has
been nearly eliminated from U.S. livestock, although it survives in wild elk and
bison in the Yellowstone region, where cattle also graze
That
turkey you ate
December 6, 2003
The New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2003/12/06/opinion/L06TURK.html
Alice L. Johnson, Pres., National Turkey Federation, Washington, writes
regarding "About a Bird," by Patrick Martins (Op-Ed, Nov. 24) to say
that turkeys have ample room to move around the grow-out houses in which they
are raised and that the Broad Breasted White turkey is produced because
consumers prefer its taste and appearance.
In a grow-out facility, you can see birds of any age, and they will all be
walking without any difficulty. While the turkeys were bred to have larger
breastplates, they were also bred to have larger legs as well.
Turkeys are given antibiotics at times to treat specific diseases or to suppress
intestinal organisms that compete for nutrients the birds need. The amount
varies by a flock's circumstances, but no reasonable person would call them
"large amounts."
The commercial turkey industry in the United States takes great care to produce
a healthy, wholesome and safe product at the lowest possible cost to consumers.
National Turkey Federation members raise turkeys in a humane manner, feeding
them a balanced diet of corn, soybean meal and fresh water.
Australian
sheep leave port for Kuwait after protest
December 7, 2003
Reuters/ Agence France Presse English
MELBOURNE - Australia's latest cargo of live sheep, detained for almost three
weeks after an animal rights protest, was cited as leaving port for the Middle
East on Sunday.
Originally scheduled to leave on November 20, the stories explain that the sheep
were fed pig meat by activists the night before in a bid to cause their
rejection by Islamic countries.
Veterinary inspections showed the "contaminated feed" was confined to
one paddock of 1,800 sheep.
The affected sheep were slaughtered at a local abattoir and the remaining 73,000
have been cleared for export to Kuwait, where the government has guaranteed they
will be accepted.
In related news, Mark Vaile, the Australian trade minister, was cited as saying
Sunday that Saudi Arabia and Australia had agreed to avoid future disputes over
livestock trade.
The stories note that Vaile visited Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
and Iraq before coming to Kuwait where he is due to hold talks with his
counterpart Abdul Rahman al-Taweel over boosting bilateral trade relations.
Pattern
of mistakes found in zoo deaths: review shows some veterinary records were
changed
December 7, 2003
Washington Post
A01
Karlyn Barker and James V. Grimaldi
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A41925-2003Dec6.html
First of two parts
Neglect, misdiagnosis or other mistakes have, according to documents and
interviews with current and former zoo employees cited in this stroy, marked the
deaths of 23 animals at the National Zoo in the past six years, and some
veterinary records are incomplete or were changed after the fact.
The story says that a review of thousands of pages of zoo reports shows that
records were changed or were incomplete in files on eight animal deaths --
including those of an orangutan, a lion and a giraffe.
In three cases -- involving the lion, a bobcat and a rare bird -- notations were
deleted or passages were added in electronic veterinary records. No official
veterinary record was filed after the death of a giraffe during an anesthesia
procedure. The zoo was cited as saying it could not provide keeper notes on the
daily care of two rare zebras that died of hypothermia and starvation. Zoo
euthanasia forms were not completed for the bobcat, a tree kangaroo and an
endangered black-footed ferret.
In two cases -- involving an orangutan and one of the zebras -- the records are
at odds with what a curator and a former curator say took place before the
animals died.
Donald K. Nichols, a longtime zoo pathologist, was cited as alleging that
records were "altered" after some deaths and accused the zoo of trying
to "cover up" mistakes and he criticized the veterinary care in a
recent letter to the National Academy of Sciences, which is investigating animal
deaths.
Zoo Director Lucy H. Spelman was cited as saying in an interview last week that
there was no intention to obscure facts about the animal deaths when records
were changed. She described the electronic veterinary records as "sort of a
living document" and said corrections would have been based on the
"veterinarian who's responsible feeling that a correction needs to be
made." Spelman, formerly head veterinarian, did not comment on specific
changes but said records are meant to provide "our best understanding of
what is happening, has happened. It's complicated. … Everybody here is here to
try to make sure the animals are okay."
GM
parasite set to wipe out possums
December 7, 2003
Sunday Star Times
Scientists at AgResearch and Landcare Research have been working on a two-fold
strategy which they eventually hope will lead to them being able to change the
worm that lives inside the possum gut so it attacks the animal's reproductive
capability.
Last week's International World management Conference at Canterbury University
was told the research was thought to be the first attempt to genetically modify
a parasite.
No one can accurately say how many possums there are in New Zealand, but it is
thought there are at least 70 million.
Possums, introduced from Tasmania and mainland Australia in the mid 1800s, now
carry tuberculosis which infects cattle and deer. They destroy vast areas of
vegetation, eat birds eggs and chicks and are also believed to be eating native
snails.
Landcare scientist Dr Phil Cowan was cited as saying there was still a huge
amount of work to do on the genetic modification research. He is heading the
ecological side of the study, looking at the parasite and determining how
quickly it spreads through possum populations in certain areas and what
conditions it adapts to best.
AgResearch scientists will use the data in their attempt to genetically modify
the worm.
San
Joaquin County, Calif., cattle ranchers deplore delay in meat-labeling law
December 8, 2003
Knight-Ridder Tribune
Reed Fujii, The Record, Stockton, Calif.
San Joaquin County cattle ranchers hope, according to this story, to avoid a
delay in country-of-origin labeling for meat product they believe will help
raise the visibility of domestic beef at the butcher's counter and boost demand.
Kenny Watkins, San Joaquin County Farm Bureau president, was quoted as saying,
"The American consumer doesn't have a clue where they're meat is coming
from. We think, given a choice, they would rather have American beef than
imported beef."
The story adds that a grass-roots producers group, R-CALF USA
(Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund, United Stockgrowers of America), is
calling on its 9,000 members to ask their legislators to oppose the federal
appropriations bill coming up for a vote next week unless language delaying
country-of-origin labeling for two years is removed.
However, Rep. Richard Pombo, R-Tracy, indicated this week that he favors the
delay of country-of-origin labeling or COOL.
New
Calif. farm law angers activists
December 8, 2003
Associated Press
Daisy Nguyen
LOS ANGELES -- A new state law designed to shield farms from protesters and
protect the food supply from contagious disease has, according to this story,
angered activists, who say the law will keep them from documenting animal abuse.
The story explains that the law, which takes effect Jan. 1, makes trespassing on
lands where animals are raised for human consumption a misdemeanor punishable by
six months in jail and/or a $1,000 fine. Currently, someone who trespasses faces
a citation and a $10 fine.
Deborah Gonzalez, a spokeswoman for State Sen. Charles Poochigian, R-Fresno, was
cited as saying that the senator introduced the California law in February to
prevent the potential spread of disease between animal farms and to curb
increasing acts of violence by animal rights activists.
The story says that several animal rights groups, including the Humane Society
of the United States, opposed Poochigian's bill, arguing that its real purpose
is to stop attempts to document inhumane conditions at farms.
Poochigian wrote in his proposal that an outbreak similar to the Exotic
Newcastle poultry disease, which killed more than 3 million hens in Southern
California earlier this year, could occur if a trespasser were to inadvertently
spread a disease.
Farmers
angry at enforcement policy switch
December 7, 2003
CP Wire/ The Daily Observer (Pembroke)
ST. THOMAS -- Elgin county, Ontario, farm groups were cited as saying that
switching the responsibility for enforcing the Nutrient Management Act from the
Ministry of Agriculture to the Ministry of the Environment is a bad idea.
Ian McKillop, vice-president of the Ontario Cattlemen's Association, was quoted
as saying, "We have some serious concerns with MOE being the front line
enforcement, especially since the government never did consult the agricultural
community before they came out with this move."
Steve Peters, member of provincial parliament for Elgin-Middlesex-London, and
the province's minister of agriculture and food, was cited as saying that no one
should be surprised that the MOE has been put in charge of
"compliance" of farm practices. There shouldn't be fear because
everybody's priority should be clean, safe water. The only aspect of the
Nutrient Management Act that is being transferred to the Ministry of Environment
is compliance. If everybody follows their nutrient management plans, we don't
have to deal with the issue of compliance."
Rookie Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MPP John Yakabuski was cited as using the
opportunity of his first speech in the Ontario Legislature to express his
concerns about the Liberal government's recent transfer of the Nutrient
Management Protocol exclusively to the Ministry of the Environment, stating,
"I'm concerned because farmers are losing their seat at the table."
170,000
dogs killed in southern China due to rise in rabies
December 8, 2003
Agence France Presse English
BEIJING - State media wre cited as reporting Monday that authorities in southern
China's Guangdong province have put down 170,000 dogs following a rise in rabies
infections in several cities, as the number of rabies infections in Guangdong
jumped from 12 cases in 1996 to 115 cases between January to August this year.
In recent days, the province's departments of health, agriculture, public
security and industry and commerce ordered that all unregistered or unvaccinated
dogs in areas reporting rabies must be killed, the report said.
Tighter
rules for organic fish farms
December 7, 2003
Independent
Severin Carrell
Organic salmon is, according to this story, set to rise in price and become even
more of a luxury because of a tightening of regulations amid fears that organic
fish farms cause ecological damage.
Major UK stores such as Marks and Spencer, Waitrose, Sainsbury and Tesco have
all launched organic ranges, and sales have doubled over the past three years.
But the Soil Association, the body that oversees organic food in Britain, is to
introduce much stricter rules for organic fish farms, leading to a rise in
costs.
The story says that conventional salmon farms are blamed for contributing
heavily to a steep decline in wild salmon populations around Scotland because
the cages attract lethal parasites and viruses, and because escaped farmed fish
are interbreeding with wild salmon.
The crisis has forced the Soil Association to reassess its rules for licensing
organic fish-farms, in particular those relating to the source of organic fish
feed.
Hugh Raven, a Soil Association consultant, was cited as saying fish farming
contradicts a cornerstone of the organic philosophy which states that nutrients,
such as animal dung, are never wasted. The droppings from farmed fish, however,
are flushed into the sea and are blamed for causing poisonous algal blooms
around the Scottish coast.
Oklahoma
legislator wants to construct chicken waste-to-energy plants
December 8, 2003
Meatingplace.com
Joshua Lipsky
http://www.meatingplace.com/DailyNews/init.asp?clickthrough=true&ID=11576
Oklahoma Rep. Joe Hutchinson (D-Jay) wants the Grand River Dam Authority to
purchase energy generated by poultry waste. He said he favors construction of
proposed chicken waste-to-energy plants and would like for the GRDA to buy
energy produced by these plants as a way to keep costs low.
Hutchinson has requested an interim study on the issue, which members of the
Oklahoma House Appropriations and Budge Subcommittee on Natural Resources and
Regulatory Services will take up during a meeting next week at the state
Capitol.
Oklahoma's Rural Development Foundation wants to build the plants to help the
poultry industry, which is limited by a lawsuit from spreading chicken litter on
the ground (see Poultry companies asked to pay for removing Oklahoma waste,
Daily News, Oct. 14, 2002 9927).
Oklahoma Sen. Richard Lerblance (D-Hartshorne), who serves as counsel for the
RDF, said the organization has a contract with Fort Collins, Colo.-based Barlow
Projects Inc. to develop plans for the plants, which cost about $50 million
each.
There are about 3,000 poultry farms throughout Oklahoma that raise more than 60
million birds annually.
Activists
KO Scotland's No. 2 hog producer
December 8, 2003
Meatingplace.com
Daniel Yovich
http://www.meatingplace.com/DailyNews/init.asp?clickthrough=true&ID=11576
A surreptitious videotaped investigation by a United Kingdom activist group has
resulted in criminal charges being filed against Arthur Simmons, the owner of
ScotPigs -- Scotland's second largest hog producer -- for animal cruelty and the
operation's banning from participation in the Quality Meat Scotland's assurance
program.
Jim Walker, the QMS chairman, said it would be impossible for a company to trade
and sell pigs in Scotland without being part of the assurance program. Walker
said all 300 pig farms in Scotland take part in the voluntary QMS assurance
scheme.
"We are not prepared to let one rotten apple in the barrel take the
reputation of the Scottish pig industry, which is one of the highest in the
world, into any disrepute at all," Walker said.
U.K. news accounts said the video released by the activist group Advocates for
Animals showed trash cans overflowing with dead pigs, pigs biting at the flesh
of dead companions, and severe rat and fly infestations. The BBC branded the
video "shocking." The Edinburgh News headlined a Friday news story
"Shock video shows horror at pig farm."
Telephone calls seeking comment from Simmons and ScotPigs management were not
immediately returned on Friday.
Walker said it would no longer be possible for the operation to sell any pigs or
hogs for slaughter.
"This will make their marketing a bit more difficult," Walker said.
"No pigs from the operation will go into processing."
Advice
on how to keep your pet safe from the dangers of the holidays from the experts
at Hartz
December 8, 2003
From a press release
SECAUCUS, N.J., -- There are many dangers for animals surrounding holiday
decorations, food and entertaining. This year you can keep the festivities safe
for the whole family with some helpful tips from Jill Richardson, D.V.M, one of
the pet pros at Hartz, a leader in the pet products industry.
Every family needs to protect their pet from dangers around the house.
"During the hectic holiday season, it is easy to forget some of the common
threats to our pets," Dr. Jill Richardson points out. "Hopefully this
year, we can help to keep everyone safe and happy."
Hazards Around the House
As you get your house ready for the holidays, keep your pets in mind. Some
holiday items could be very dangerous for your pet.
* Mistletoe or holly can be harmful if ingested by your pet. Keep these plants
out of your pet's reach.
* Lilies are often used in holiday arrangements, but they can be very dangerous
for your cat. Certain types of lilies can cause kidney failure in cats, even in
small amounts.
* Chose your ornaments carefully. Avoid glass ornaments, which can break and cut
tiny paws.
* Dangling electrical cords can be enticing to curious pets. If electrical cords
are chewed, they could electrocute your pet. Make sure to keep cords out of your
pet's reach.
* Keep batteries out of your pet's reach. Batteries contain caustic material and
if ingested, can cause chemical burns on the tongue, mouth, muzzle and stomach
of your pet.
Pet Friendly Kitchen
* Pet owners may be tempted to give table scraps from holiday meals to their
pets as a special treat. Some types of people foods can make pets very sick.
* Excessively rich or fatty foods can trigger an inflammatory disease of the
pancreas in pets.
* Chocolate can cause increased heart rate, tremors, or excitation, depending on
the type and the quantity ingested.
* Ingestion of uncooked bread dough can be life threatening. The animal's body
heat will cause the dough to rise in the stomach and may expand several times
its original size.
* Some types of grapes and raisins have been shown to cause kidney failure in
dogs when eaten in quantity.
* Other potentially dangerous food items for pets include moldy or spoiled
foods, coffee grounds, onions, alcoholic beverages, macadamia nuts (dogs) and
avocado (birds).
* Birds are extremely sensitive to any strong odor or smoke. Smoke from burning
foods or overheated polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coated cookware can be deadly
for birds.
Keep Guests on a Leash
Have a plan for your pets when you host a holiday party. Unfamiliar guests can
make some pets very nervous. Make sure you set aside a safe and quiet haven for
it to retreat to with fresh water, food, toys, litter box and pet bed so your
pet can relax during the party.
Holiday Gift Giving
This year, don't forget to be sure you have a great gift for your favorite pet.
Remember the four "F"s: Food -- rawhide, bones, natural treats;
Fashion -- fashionable collars or leashes; Fitness -- balls, plush toys, catnip,
interactive toys; and Fun -- seasonally inspired toys and treats.
Animal lovers without pets of their own can consider making a donation to a
local shelter or animal rescue association in their name. Helping a homeless pet
is a wonderful way to celebrate friendship.
For more information on pets and the holidays and pet gift ideas, visit
www.hartz.com.
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