Agriculture Roundup for Wednesday September 14, 2022

Sep 14, 2022

MELFORT, Sask. – Progress is still being made to find a new African Swine Fever vaccine despite a setback in Vietnam.

Swine Health Information Center Executive Director Dr. Paul Sundberg said a vaccine, developed by USDA’s Ag Research Service, was being tested in Vietnam. The license for further testing has been suspended after pigs that had been vaccinated died.

“In Vietnam 600 pigs were vaccinated, and within a very short time after vaccination, there were about 100 of them that had died, and another 400 out of those 600 had what was termed to be a vaccine reaction,” Sundberg said. “We’re awaiting testing and investigation into what happened in that province.”

Sundberg said initial reports indicated the vaccine’s efficacy was very high and safety studies were also very promising. He said although this is a setback there are other vaccines under development including a second gene-deleted vaccine developed by USDA.

The federal government is providing $1.4 million for a clean technology initiative.

SixRing Inc. will use the money for the next development phase of the company’s low-energy biomass conversion process that converts agricultural waste into renewable fuels and sustainable advanced materials.

SixRing Inc. CEO and Chair Clay Purdy said the money will be used to accelerate their crop-based feedstock research.

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Video: Five Confirmed New World Screwworm Cases Raise Alarm for Livestock and Pet Owners

Pat Hoffmann, Swine Technical Consultant at Elanco Animal Health tells us about the impact of New World Screwworm. The emergence of New World screwworm in the U.S. creates a threat for veterinarians, livestock producers and pet owners that has not been seen north of the Florida Keys since the fly was eradicated from the United States more than 50 years ago. New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) larvae feed on living tissue and can affect a wide range of warm-blooded animals, including livestock, companion animals, wildlife, and even humans.
“New World screwworm could have a devastating impact on animal health, welfare, and producer livelihoods,” said Jeff Simmons, President and CEO, Elanco Animal Health. “We want to thank the FDA, EPA and USDA, for all their work to prepare for this threat. We’re committed to supporting our customers during this challenging time by delivering innovation, scientific expertise, and available resources to help treat New World screwworm and support the health and well-being of animals.”
Elanco is working alongside the U.S. animal health industry to help them fight against this parasite, offering a portfolio of options for pets and livestock that can help treat New World screwworm larvae infestations.