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Study Shows Calls To Reduce 'Intensive' Livestock Farming Practices To Mitigate EID Risk May Be Premature

Study Shows Calls To Reduce 'Intensive' Livestock Farming Practices To Mitigate EID Risk May Be Premature

A team of researchers from the University of Cambridge and the University of Leeds has found evidence that we currently lack adequate information to reach a robust view of the relationship between contrasting livestock systems and emerging infectious disease (EID) risk. In their paper published in the journal Royal Society Open Science, the group describes their review of livestock production methods and the likelihood of EIDs.

Over the past few decades, as epidemics and a major pandemic have threatened the health and lives of millions of people, some have pointed the finger at  as a potential source of pandemics of zoonotic origin, and several studies have backed up such fears. As part of the debate, researchers have suggested that some modern  farming practices may be leading to a bigger risk of diseases transmitted from animals to humans. More specifically, some have suggested that intensive livestock farming increases the risk of a pandemic because of the high animal populations, overall poor heath, lowered  and a lowering of .

But missing from the debate, say the researchers of this new study, is actual evidence that high-intensity livestock farming poses more of a risk. To test the idea, the researchers reviewed the evidence of links between livestock production and the development of EIDs for each of the possible factors involved in both high- and low-intensity livestock farming.

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FLEECED! Sheep Shearer Hands Over Clippers!

Video: FLEECED! Sheep Shearer Hands Over Clippers!

It's sheep shearing day at Ewetopia Farms! ?? Our Dorset lambs and ewes are getting fleeced — and for the first time, our shearer hands over his clippers to a beginner. We finish shearing the last of our adult ewes and this year’s Dorset ewe lambs.

From moving the sheep between barns, loading them into chutes, and watching the wool come off, this is always one of the most satisfying days on the farm. But this video has a twist — we welcomed a new helper, Gian, who’s not only lending a hand but also learning how to shear! With guidance from our experienced shearer, he got a crash course in sheep shearing and even tried his hand at shearing a couple of lambs himself.

You’ll see firsthand how both teacher and student handled this unique challenge. Shearing is more than just removing wool — it’s about sheep health, comfort, and giving us a closer look at the flock. It’s always amazing to see the transformation from woolly sheep to freshly shorn ewes and lambs.