World Organization for Animal Health

Huge losses in food supply and human health if superbugs spread

Drug-resistant pathogens could throttle meat, dairy, and egg production and cause millions of additional human deaths by 2050 if the superbugs are not controlled, said researchers on Thursday. They called for increased funding worldwide to prevent the spread of antimicrobial resistance.

USDA: 13 avian influenza cases found, “we anticipate” more

Thirteen cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza were confirmed in the Northwest U.S. since Dec 8, including three cases on Jan 16, said the Agriculture Department. None were in commercial flocks. "Because the H5N2 and H5N8 avian influenza strains are currently circulating in migratory birds in the Pacific flyway, we anticipate our active surveillance will result in additional findings in both wild birds and in backyard flocks with access to the outdoors," said USDA.

Bird flu found in second state in Pacific Northwest

The highly pathogenic H5N8 avian influenza virus was confirmed in a backyard poultry flock in Winston, Oregon, said USDA in a "stakeholder announcement."

Bird flu in Europe is significant threat to poultry industry

The new H5N8 avian influenza confirmed in Germany, the Netherlands and Britain "poses a significant threat to the poultry sector, especially in low-resourced counties situated along the Black Sea and East Atlantic migratory routes for wild birds", said two...

Pig blood in feed is unlikely to spread deadly hog disease

The World Organization for Animal Health says pig blood products are unlikely to spread the deadly Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus when used as a feed ingredient.