Third USDA action week targets African swine fever

Sep 27, 2023

Gearing up for a proactive stance against African Swine Fever (ASF), the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is hosting its impactful third annual ASF Action Week from October 2 - 6, 2023. Swine producers, farmers, and pig enthusiasts across the U.S. are invited to come aboard and delve into the protective measures against ASF.

ASF may be a stranger to the U.S., but its presence in the Dominican Republic and Haiti in 2021 has necessitated heightened vigilance. Dr. Rosemary Sifford of APHIS warns of the severe ramifications – a 10-year, $75 billion struggle if ASF infiltrates the U.S.

In response, APHIS is fostering collaborations with states and industry, fortifying safeguards, and emphasizing prevention as the cornerstone of swine protection. A series of informative sessions, insights from industry partners, and the “I Protect Pigs” photo contest will mark the week, all accessible through social media and the official website.

Free resources, including engaging videos and guides, are available for participants to enhance their knowledge and preparedness. Join the collective effort, be part of the conversations, and contribute to the safeguarding of U.S. swine herds essential for both domestic and international food supply.

Source : wisconsinagconnection

Video: Finding a Balance of Innovation and Regulation - Dr. Peter Facchini

Regulations help markets and industry exist on level playing fields, keeping consumers safe and innovation from going too far. However, incredibly strict regulations can stunt innovation and cause entire industries to wither away. Dr. Peter James Facchini brings his perspective on how existing regulations have slowed the advancement of medical developments within Canada. Given the international concern of opium poppy’s illicit potential, Health Canada must abide by this global policy. But with modern technology pushing the development of many pharmaceuticals to being grown via fermentation, is it time to reconsider the rules?

Dr. Peter James Facchini leads research into the metabolic biochemistry in opium poppy at the University of Calgary. For more than 30 years, his work has contributed to the increased availability of benzylisoquinoline alkaloid biosynthetic genes to assist in the creation of morphine for pharmaceutical use. Dr. Facchini completed his B.Sc. and Ph.D. in Biological Sciences at the University of Toronto before completing Postdoctoral Fellowships in Biochemistry at the University of Kentucky in 1992 & Université de Montréal in 1995.