tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77429360601396361652024-02-19T11:19:49.539+00:00ANIMAL-EPIDEMICSAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16915647148044821196noreply@blogger.comBlogger623125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742936060139636165.post-69329981866040422212015-08-07T11:00:00.000+01:002016-01-02T10:08:07.115+00:00MRSA, Superbugs and time to say Goodbye<div class="MsoPlainText">
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August 8 marks the fifteenth anniversary of the discovery
of Classical Swine Fever in 2000 on a farm near here, with Foot and Mouth following in the February. Britain was also awaiting the results of an enquiry into the
origins of Mad Cow (BSE) at that time.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Appalled at what was going on around us, the
writer started campaigning almost immediately. First with “Pigging It”, then
devoting the existing Self-Sufficiency in Style website to the issue, followed
by regular posts to newsgroup uk.business.agriculture and finally also a
blog: Animal-Epidemics.</div>
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The writer is tired and needs a break, having worked almost
every day since, including Christmas Day, except when actually in hospital. Posting was often done when on the move - from the USA, Germany, France, Holland, Cyprus, all over the British
Isles and even from sea.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The decision to cease campaigning was made a few days ago, following the realisation that the writer was no longer a lonely voice in the wilderness. </div>
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Now, the WWW is full of animal health, related human and
zoonotic issues. The consequences of veterinary drug dealing creating a worldwide antibiotic resistant disaster are widely understood. </div>
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Hundreds of campaign groups, formal and informal, are investigating the catastrophe and posting far and wide.<br />
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News, new science, complaints, criticism and comments are pouring out in every language. The veterinarians can no longer work unchallenged.</div>
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In recent weeks, there have been some amazing changes in
attitude from high in Britain's corrupt veterinary establishment, its many wealthy charities and front organisations. </div>
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Maybe it is conscience, maybe fear. They must realise that the analysis of DNA in stored samples will expose the crimes against humanity and the vicious cover-ups.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We can’t put the genie of superbugs back in the
bottle, but disaster and reform are bedfellows, and it is right and proper to
stand back and allow the forces of institutional reform in Britain space to operate.</div>
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It only remains for me to thank so many for the kindness
and support over so many years.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And wish the reformers every success.<o:p></o:p></div>
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There will be time to get on with writing that abandoned book and maybe even finish it this time.<o:p></o:p></div>
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--<o:p></o:p></div>
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Regards<o:p></o:p></div>
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Pat Gardiner<o:p></o:p></div>
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Release and independently audit the results of testing
British pigs<o:p></o:p></div>
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for MRSA, C.Diff and Hepatitis E now!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://animal-epidemics.blogspot.com/">http://animal-epidemics.blogspot.com/</a><o:p></o:p><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16915647148044821196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742936060139636165.post-16093737796464727982015-07-25T16:37:00.000+01:002015-07-25T16:37:03.491+01:00Superbugs - Klebsiella pneumoniae may be entering our hospitals from meat.<br />
Just when we thought it could not get any worse.<br />
<br />
Maryn McKenna writing in the National Geographic today on current research results in Texas.<br />
<br />
We have just picked out the main points, you can read the whole and review the science via this <a href="http://phenomena.nationalgeographic.com/2015/07/25/food-klebsiella/" target="_blank">link.</a><br />
<h2>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A Common Hospital Infection May be Coming To Us From Food</span></div>
</h2>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">by Maryn McKenna</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One of the most common and troubling infections that occur in </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">healthcare may come from an unexpected source, according to a new </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">paper: from food...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">...The infection is Klebsiella pneumoniae, a stubborn gut-dwelling </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">organism that can cause pneumonia, bloodstream infections and </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">meningitis. The finding that it is present in food—and in some cases, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">practically genetically identical in food and in hospitals—comes from </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">a multi-institute project that for several years has been closely </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">analyzing pathogens found on supermarket meat and in hospital patients </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">in Flagstaff, Ariz... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">... Klebsiella increasingly is also highly drug resistant, and the </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention rank the most resistant </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">form as an “urgent” health threat requiring immediate national action.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But just where Klebsiella comes from, in order to make it into </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">patients in the first place, has been a bit of a mystery...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">...And that establishes that what created the resistance patterns in </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">the bacteria—originating on the farm, crossing to humans and then </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">passing to hospital patients—is the routine use of farm antibiotics </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">that in the past year has become an urgent public policy issue. “This </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">is just more evidence,” he said, “that antibiotic use in food animals </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">poses a significant threat to public health.”</span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16915647148044821196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742936060139636165.post-49111887178302213542015-07-17T19:51:00.000+01:002015-07-17T19:51:46.086+01:00Britain - MRSA - Questions in Parliament - Reform will follow.<br />
Things have been lively in both the House of Commons and and the House of Lords recently with a string of absurd State Veterinary double somersaults on antics antibiotic and matters mrsa.<br />
<br />
You could call it a veterinary Indian rope trick. The questions are sensible, the answers ridiculous.<br />
<br />
You can read it all for yourselves, and if you get the impression that you are not getting the truth, you would, of course, be right.<br />
<br />
Britain, it seems, now admits using more antibiotics in livestock than superbug-ridden Denmark, but miraculously escapes getting much in the way of MRSA.<br />
<br />
The old people, the pregnant, the children and the cancer sufferers are, of course, the victims of the crime of the century.<br />
<br />
Of course, the culprits and drug dealers will be called to account, their bank accounts confiscated and their massive institutional assets removed. Reform will follow.<br />
<br />
Latest first.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-questions-answers/?page=1&max=20&questiontype=AllQuestions&house=commons%2Clords&keywords=genetically%2Cmodified%2Canimals">http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-questions-answers/?page=1&max=20&questiontype=AllQuestions&house=commons%2Clords&keywords=genetically%2Cmodified%2Canimals</a><br />
<br />
A question Asked by Kerry McCarthy<br />
(Bristol East)<br />
[N]<br />
Asked on: 09 July 2015<br />
and the answer on the<br />
<br />
Answered by: George Eustice<br />
Answered on: 16 July 2015<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-questions-answers/?page=1&max=100">http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-questions-answers/?page=1&max=100</a><br />
<br />
Then in the Lords<br />
<br />
Asked by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath<br />
Asked on: 29 June 2015<br />
Department of Health<br />
MRSA<br />
and the answer<br />
<br />
Answered by: Lord Prior of Brampton<br />
Answered on: 13 July 2015<br />
<br />
Back to the Commons<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-questions-answers/?page=3&max=100">http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-questions-answers/?page=3&max=100</a><br />
<br />
Asked by Kerry McCarthy<br />
(Bristol East)<br />
[N]<br />
Asked on: 07 July 2015<br />
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs<br />
Livestock: MRSA<br />
<br />
Answered by: George Eustice<br />
Answered on: 13 July 2015<br />
<div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16915647148044821196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742936060139636165.post-15604370520710779282015-06-18T16:39:00.000+01:002015-06-18T16:39:09.510+01:00MRSA found in English pork in English supermarkets?<br />
Following the Guardian articles and video this morning, reports are now appearing in the trade media that MRSA st398 has been found in British pork in English supermarkets.<br />
<br />
Note that this is not the same as English pork in English supermarkets.<br />
<br />
The wording is not clear enough to be actually certain and it is probably devious Defra, agricultural ministry and master manipulators of news, trying to sneak the news out.<br />
<br />
Anyway, assuming that it is English pork in English supermarkets, it has taken more than ten years to drag the confession out of them.<br />
<br />
DNA tests on old samples will provide the necessary proof of state veterinary deception in due time.<br />
<br />
You can catch up on the Guardian articles <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/jun/18/mrsa-superbug-in-supermarket-pork-raises-alarm-farming-risks" target="_blank">here.</a><br />
<br />
The accompanying video is quite compelling and may force a long, long overdue confession of MRSA in Scottish pigs from the Scottish government in Edinburgh.<br />
<br />
You can watch the video <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/video/2015/jun/18/superbugs-la-mrsa-pigs-antibiotics-video" target="_blank">here.</a><br />
<br />
Whilst writing the Israelis have found MRSA in horses "presumed introduced by a veterinarian" and Hepatitis E has been found in British dogs.<br />
<br />
Busy days dealing with dark deeds.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16915647148044821196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742936060139636165.post-79960518883317575172015-06-17T11:48:00.000+01:002015-06-17T11:48:11.586+01:00The superbug scandal unravelling in Europe<br />
The superbug scandal, and in particular the responsibility of livestock farming for creating the problem continues, to grow.<br />
<br />
MRSA, although merely one of many antibiotic resistant infections shared with animals, continues to take centre stage. The volume of media reports coming in daily, worldwide, ever increases.<br />
<br />
The veterinary industry continues to pour out misleading propaganda, but with far less confidence.<br />
<br />
The veterinarians, not least in Britain, have at last realised that they are going to be called to account, and not by some veterinary regulatory body, with kindly words and a slapped wrist from fellow veterinarians.<br />
<br />
They are going to be in the world courts facing charges of crimes against humanity, stripped of public sympathy and shorn of their public relation's machine.<br />
<br />
Defra, Britain's ridiculous agricultural ministry and their attendant politicians and cronies, will be too busy trying to cover-up their own devious protection racketeering to offer any help.<br />
<br />
It is not just happening in Britain. The endless rows in Denmark are taking their toll.<br />
This caught our eye today: <a href="http://gylle.dk/dyrlaegeformand-taler-atter-usandt-om-svinemrsa/">http://gylle.dk/dyrlaegeformand-taler-atter-usandt-om-svinemrsa/</a><br />
<br />
Veterinarians seeking to defend their wild reckless exploitation of antibiotics are going to have to watch their words very carefully. The world is listening.<br />
<br />
Finding solutions to reinvent new healthy pig and poultry industries is not proving to be easy.<br />
<br />
Norway, the leaders in the race, is finding more farms with MRSA cc398, temporarily stopping them as a possible MRSA free source for breeding stock. But there has been a benefit: all the latest victim farms took weaners from a single source, helping prove the case for segregating the new high health pig farms on islands, such as Bornholm and Islay, from pigs and pig people, except under highly controlled environments. Strict science is needed at the top of the pyramid: good science to defeat bad science.<br />
<br />
Sad to see that all the small farmers and smallholders, in many countries, that had isolated pigs able to provide the clean stock have long been driven out of livestock farming by corrupt government, megalomaniac veterinarians and their industrial cronies.<br />
<br />
Things could have been so different had the rule of law been properly applied. Magna Carta was forgotten in the greedy rush to make fortunes, whatever the consequences.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16915647148044821196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742936060139636165.post-60238791313242420732015-05-19T11:28:00.000+01:002015-05-19T11:28:38.991+01:00Denmark & UK? - Almost every third box of pork is MRSA-infected<br />
A doubtful machine translation, with much of the source material in Danish behind password protection, is causing a stir in Denmark.<br />
<br />
The Danes seem to be admitting that British supermarkets are full of MRSA contaminated Danish pork.<br />
<br />
From other prior sources, we are pretty certain that is right. They probably do not want to broadcast the fact in English and prefer an ambiguous publication. It has happened often before and is part of the price of allowing PR fanatics to take control of animal health.<br />
<br />
And, we understand, that the Scottish Government has just given the Danes a contract to manage Scotland's only pig slaughterhouse, which in turn has received a substantial taxpayer subsidy.<br />
<br />
If we had any reliable figures from England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland, which we do not, we would probably find MRSA contamination in local pork just as bad, possibly even worse.<br />
<br />
Scotland has not yet admitted any MRSA in their pigs or pork. That has to come soon.<br />
<br />
Read the Politiken report in full <a href="http://politiken.dk/forbrugogliv/forbrug/forbrugersikkerhed/ECE2674799/knap-hver-tredje-pakke-svinekoed-er-mrsa-inficeret/" target="_blank">here.</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">19 MAY. 2015 KL. 6.19</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<h2>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Almost every third box of pork is MRSA-infected</span></h2>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Eight out of 25 parcels pork containing the resistant bacterium MRSA, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">the study by the Consumer Council.</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A. Two. Three - MRSA.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There should not be counted very many packages in British supermarkets </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">with pork chops, pork tenderloin, pork sliced and rib roast for that </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">statistically has identified a package where the resistant bacteria </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">MRSA hiding.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For eight out of 25 parcels pork is the multi-resistant MRSA bacterium </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">CC398 secret guest, according to a new study by the Consumer Council </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Think, writes BT.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Consumer Council has studied the 25 packages of meat in the laboratory </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">and found the particular type of staphylococci in eight of them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Our tests confirm that MRSA is widespread and moves from sties and </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">completely in supermarkets, and we as a society are facing a huge </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">challenge to fight the multi-resistant bacteria resurfacing," says </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Anja Philip, president of the Consumer Council Think to BT...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">...Even though MRSA is not immediately dangerous to healthy people, it </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">can be fatal for elderly or frail people to put teeth in MRSA-infested </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">meat.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">According to Hans Jorgen Kolmos, a professor of clinical microbiology </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">at the University of Southern Denmark, the spread of MRSA "have </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">far-reaching consequences," wrote BT...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16915647148044821196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742936060139636165.post-9565839143643731912015-05-19T11:08:00.000+01:002015-05-19T11:08:40.351+01:00Superbugs "Sooner or later, somebody is going to be gunning for these guys."<br />
Jim O'Neill, now Lord O'Neill as of the last few days, on Antibiotic Resistance in BBC 1 flagship Panorama last night:<br />
<br />
"Sooner or later, somebody is going to be gunning for these guys."<br />
<br />
They already are.<br />
<br />
In fairness, there has been a massive change in attitude by some of Britain's most senior veterinarians in the last few days. They obviously know 'the game is up' and are trying to manage damage limitation.<br />
<br />
Incidentally, the <a href="https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/uk.business.agriculture" target="_blank">uk.business.agriculture</a> archives are now being plundered in a systematic way, obviously for evidence. Investigators and journalists will find plenty of interest dating back years, often from sources prematurely removed.<br />
<br />
This really was, and is, the scandal of the century.<br />
<br />
On the political side, it will impact on both Scottish independence and Britain's membership of the EU.<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16915647148044821196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742936060139636165.post-54183539208988633082015-05-07T11:33:00.000+01:002015-05-08T16:53:48.816+01:00Breaking - Hepatitis E confirmed in Irish Pigs<br />
No surprise here then: a similar situation to Britain, finally admitted.<br />
<br />
What is disgraceful is how long the scandal took to be reported - and the health implications for pig farmers and staff, and, not least, veterinarians. The writer has been complaining about a cover-up both sides of the Irish Sea for years.<br />
<br />
The row over pig health and the impact on human health in both Britain and Ireland is going to be amazing, with the veterinary profession in both countries in the dock.<br />
<br />
By the way, the abstract is dated 8th May, but available today on The Irish Veterinary Journal, <a href="http://www.irishvetjournal.org/content/68/1/8/abstract" target="_blank">here.</a><br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Seroprevalence of Hepatitis E virus infection in the Irish pig population</span></h2>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Michael O'Connor*, Sarah-Jayne Roche and Dónal Sammin</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>*Corresponding author: Michael O'Connor </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Author Affiliations</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For all author emails, please log on.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Irish Veterinary Journal 2015, 68:8 doi:10.1186/s13620-015-0036-3</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Published: 8 May 2015</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Abstract (provisional)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Background </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hepatitis E is an acute viral disease of humans, occurring </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">in explosive outbreaks in the developing world and as sporadic cases </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">in returning travellers. Increasing recognition of indigenous </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">transmission in Western countries suggests a zoonotic source of </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">infection, most likely pigs. To determine if hepatitis E virus is </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">present in Irish pigs, sera from 330 animals were examined for </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">antibodies using a commercially available ELISA. Findings Antibodies </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">were detected in 89 pigs (27%) in 13 herds (81%). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Conclusions</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hepatitis E virus is present in most Irish pig herds and in many </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">animals within these herds.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The complete article is available as a provisional PDF. The fully </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">formatted PDF and HTML versions are in production.</span><br />
<div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16915647148044821196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742936060139636165.post-85469330601832827362015-05-01T13:41:00.000+01:002015-05-01T13:41:40.984+01:00USA and Britain - Pigs, Pork & Diabetes<br />
<br />
This is a massively important report from the ever reliable Tara Smith and associates.<br />
<br />
It illustrates yet again the dangers from livestock related superbugs and how fast the USA is now drawing ahead of Defra dominated Britain with its constant denials and cover-ups of veterinary incompetence and bullying.<br />
<br />
The shocking part for Britain is that there no surprises here for some of us.<br />
<br />
Defra and its veterinarians have known about the dangers for years, and done nothing to help protect the farmers, public health and the hospitals.<br />
<br />
You can be sure that the various diabetes' charities and organisations will be hot on devious Defra's tail. Many diabetic Britons will have a personal interest in getting this aired and those responsible for the problem investigated and removed from positions of authority.<br />
<br />
On a personal note - The writer was campaigning on this long before becoming a type one diabetic. His diabetes was the consequence of an infection following pancreatic cancer and intensive care, so keeping diabetics clear of infections is well understood.<br />
<br />
You should read the report in full <a href="http://medicalxpress.com/news/2015-04-swine-farming-factor-drug-resistant-staph.html" target="_blank">here:</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Study finds swine farming is a risk factor for drug-resistant staph infections</span></h2>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">by Debra Venzke</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A new Univ. of Iowa study reports swine farmers are six times more likely to have staph bacteria than others. Credit: Lynn Betts, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Swine farmers are more likely to carry multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus or "staph") than people without current swine exposure, according to a study conducted by a team of researchers from the University of Iowa, Kent State University, and the National Cancer Institute.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The study, published online in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases, is the largest prospective examination of S. aureus infection in a group of livestock workers worldwide, and the first such study in the United States...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">...The study authors note the research helps keep farmers safe by raising awareness about a potential health issue in swine operations. S. aureus does not present an economic concern for swine farmers since pigs generally are unaffected by staph infections.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"S. aureus does not typically make pigs sick, but they can act as carriers and transmit the bacterium to farmers," says Tara Smith, corresponding author on the study. "While carriage of S. aureus isn't itself harmful, individuals who harbor the bacterium in their nose, throat, or on their skin are at risk of developing an active staph infection, and they can also pass the bacterium to other family or community members. Individuals who may be immunocompromised, or have existing conditions such as diabetes, are especially at risk from staph infections."...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">..."Current swine workers were six times more likely to carry multidrug-resistant S. aureus than those study participants without current swine exposure," says Smith. The study is based on research that Smith, currently an associate professor at Kent State University, conducted while she was a faculty member at the UI College of Public Health.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Swine workers are also at risk of becoming infected with these organisms," Smith adds. "One hundred and three potential S. aureus infections were reported, and included infections with livestock-associated strains of this bacterium."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There currently is no method to prevent or eliminate carriage of S. aureus in animals or their human caretakers, meaning constant re-exposure and possibly transmission can occur between livestock and farm workers. Those workers can then pass staph to their family or community members.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Iowa ranks third nationally in overall livestock production and first in swine production," notes Smith. "Transmission of staph between pigs and farmers and into the broader community could complicate efforts to control S. aureus transmission statewide, and have effects nationally due to the travel of pigs and people carrying these bacteria."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Journal reference: Clinical Infectious Diseases</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Provided by University of Iowa</span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16915647148044821196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742936060139636165.post-53221614118551896932015-04-29T11:39:00.001+01:002015-04-29T11:39:48.440+01:00Chinese Inspectors Visit Northern Ireland Pork Processors<br />
This story troubled the writer. He knew why, but had no solutions, but a good night's sleep put that right.<br />
<br />
The problem: There is no better way to spread diseases all over the world than to allow globe-trotting veterinarians and inspectors to tramp from farm to farm.<br />
<br />
China to Northern Ireland and Northern Ireland to China. Either direction, it is a massive risk. Boots and breath can both spread disease.<br />
<br />
But the Chinese need to be sure that the product they are buying is clear of disease in a pig disease ridden world and Northern Ireland needs the exports.<br />
<br />
We know that veterinary certificates of health are completely unreliable and often recklessly issued or faked. Buyer Beware!<br />
<br />
So the buyer insists on dangerous self-defeating inspections. They have no option.<br />
<br />
Catch 22.<br />
<br />
But it isn't.<br />
<br />
Once all British trade certificates and documentation were the gold standard of international trade. The writer knows, he made his living on the front line. Britain's reputation was the tops.<br />
<br />
Since, veterinary rot and corruption set in - including Northern Ireland where some years ago a large number of veterinarians were very gently tapped on the wrist for faking it up.<br />
<br />
They are still there, those that have not retired to the sun, doubtless still as unreliable, pompous, determined and corrupt. We should not be surprised that we have a huge series of international scandals from superbugs to horsemeat.<br />
<br />
The Solution: Crack down on veterinary corruption, by bringing the culprits before the courts - make British, Irish, Chinese - anyone who wants to trade in animals and animal products proud to use veterinary certification that is clean, reliable and safe.<br />
<br />
Strike off any veterinarian recklessly issuing certification - put them out of business for good. If they did it deliberately, put them behind bars for fraud. They damage their country and their country's customers by sabotaging their trading reputation.<br />
<br />
Make sure that the world, its people, have access to safe guaranteed meat. Clean up the veterinary industry. We want Britain to be in the lead, being the best, so that young veterinarians are so proud of their integrity, that they would be sure to stand behind what they sign.<br />
<br />
Be sure to read the report, in full, <a href="http://www.thepigsite.com/swinenews/39497/chinese-inspectors-visit-northern-ireland-pork-processors/" target="_blank">here:</a><br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Chinese Inspectors Visit Northern Ireland Pork Processors</span></h2>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">28 April 2015</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">NORTHERN IRELAND, UK</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">...The Chinese Certification and Accreditation Administration (CNCA) </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">are visiting Northern Ireland this week to assess pork processing </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">premises to export...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16915647148044821196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742936060139636165.post-35187446708073009942015-04-23T11:40:00.002+01:002015-04-23T11:40:41.980+01:00Overweight? It could be livestock antibiotics.<br />
<br />
A very good article from the USA covering an aspect of antibiotic misuse on livestock that is rarely mentioned, and lies in the shadow of the apparently much more serious superbug crisis: <b>the meat also makes you fat.</b><br />
<br />
There is also a good explanation why merely banning antibiotics to increase weight in animals won't work in the USA, any more than it has in Europe.<br />
<br />
Just a few quotes to whet your appetite.<br />
<br />
Be sure to read the whole <a href="http://alumni.berkeley.edu/california-magazine/just-in/2015-04-22/antibiotic-overload-experts-blame-livestock-use-human" target="_blank">here:</a><br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Antibiotic Overload: Experts Blame Livestock Use for Human Resistance, Even Obesity</span></h2>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">By Stacy Finz</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">...“I’ve been surprised that this has been allowed to persist,” said panelist Michael Pollan, a UC Berkeley journalism professor and food activist. “It’s a public health threat.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And that’ s not all. Panelist Dr. Lee Riley, a UC Berkeley professor of infectious diseases who has studied the issue, said he believes that antibiotic use in food animals could be contributing to the country’s obesity epidemic...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">...“If it’s a growth promoter in livestock, what do you think it is in humans?” he asked...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">... Maryn McKenna, a science journalist at work on a book chronicling the history of antibiotic use in livestock production...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">...The livestock industry has said that it’s not opposed to reducing its use of human antibiotics, but wants the option to continue to use antimicrobials as a prophylactic. (It’s common practice for large livestock producers to put antibiotics in feed and water as a preventative measure against disease.) Some producers say their stock would die without it...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">...Holland actually saw an increase after its ban because farmers used the prophylactic reason as a loophole, McKenna said. American politicians have repeatedly tried to pass strict legislation both federally and statewide that would ban any kind of use other than to treat a sick animal, but to no avail.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Big ag and big pharm are powerful industries,” Pollan said...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">... “What needs to be changed is animal husbandry.”...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Posted on April 22, 2015 - 11:58am</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16915647148044821196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742936060139636165.post-48911213851324335252015-04-19T11:39:00.001+01:002015-04-19T16:12:24.416+01:00Mad Cow Disease In Texas Man Has Mysterious Origin<br />
Many times, over the years we commented that the impact of Britain's epidemic of Mad Cow - vCJD on the rest of the world had been badly under-reported in Britain.<br />
<br />
It was played down at home, but made a much bigger impact than most Brits realised abroad.<br />
<br />
Apparently a NPR (National Public Radio) report is now "trending" in the USA.<br />
<br />
Britain still suffers from a total lack of integrity in Defra, originally the agricultural ministry Maff. Their appalling behaviour in the past comes back to haunt us years later in the USA.<br />
<br />
The Phillips Enquiry, reporting just after FMD 2001, despite censuring some politicians, hardly inspired confidence. The government veterinarians had amnesia when testifying. They were not under oath.<br />
<br />
The whitewash may well be coming back to haunt Britain's veterinary establishment. Animal feed and, this time the antibiotics added and under what authority, is coming to the fore again in the superbug crisis.<br />
<br />
Here is Texas, be sure to read the whole article, <a href="http://www.kpbs.org/news/2015/apr/16/mad-cow-disease-in-texas-man-has-mysterious-origin/" target="_blank">here.</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Mad Cow Disease In Texas Man Has Mysterious Origin</span></h2>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Thursday, April 16, 2015</span><br />
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Michaeleen Doucleff / NPR</span></h3>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">...How did a rare disease linked to contaminated beef in the U.K. more</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">than a decade ago get to a Texas man?...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">... And from 1980 to 1996, the U.K. continued to export contaminated</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">beef around the world. More than 200 people in 12 countries died from</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">mad cow disease...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">... And the U.S. didn't import contaminated beef from the U.K...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16915647148044821196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742936060139636165.post-5774601006283345662015-04-18T10:23:00.002+01:002015-04-18T10:26:50.269+01:00China - Porcine Circovirus and Hepatitis E as co-infections in Pigs<br />
More confirmation of the consequences of co-infections involving these particular viruses.<br />
<br />
The writer has long claimed Porcine Circovirus (PCV2) as the grand-daddy of most of the constant problems in pig health spreading serious disease to people.<br />
<br />
We do, of course, have both Circovirus and HEV (Hepatitis E) in the UK, in both pigs and people, and this blog has been commenting on both for many years. You can find hundreds of posts. here and thousands elsewhere.<br />
<br />
Hepatitis E is, of course, a very real human risk and has been both reported in pig farmers in Cornwall and known to be carried by some veterinarians, for many years.<br />
<br />
We continue to be amazed that the veterinarians are so relaxed about carrying a disease that is especially dangerous to pregnant women and children: the power of self-deception, and constant self-promoting public relations, we suppose. Public relations is a more powerful drug on those benefiting, than those targeted.<br />
<br />
The TV programme "All Creatures Great and Small," and dozens of similar programmes lauding veterinarians have a lot to answer for, in a world sinking into a morass of zoonotic disease stalking humanity, homes and hospitals.<br />
<br />
Anyway, the Chinese are picking up on the connections between two different viruses in pigs, be sure to read the full Pig333 report <a href="https://www.pig333.com/swine_abstracts/fatal-disease-associated-with-swine-hev-and-pcv2_9973/#.VTD-XiENBH8.twitter" target="_blank">here.</a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Fatal disease associated with Swine Hepatitis E virus and Porcine </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">circovirus 2 co-infection in four weaned pigs in China</span></h2>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">17-Apr-2015 </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Yifei Yang, et al. Fatal disease associated with Swine Hepatitis E </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">virus and Porcine circovirus 2 co-infection in four weaned pigs in </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">China. BMC Veterinary Research 2015, 11:77 </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">doi:10.1186/s12917-015-0375-z</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In recent decades, Porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) infection has been </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">recognized as the causative agent of postweaning multisystemic wasting </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">syndrome, and has become a threat to the swine industry. Hepatitis E </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">virus (HEV) is another high prevalent pathogen in swine in many </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">regions of the world. PCV2 and HEV are both highly prevalent in pig</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">farms in China...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">...HEV and PCV2 co-infection in piglets was detected in four out of </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">seven dead pigs from two pig farms in Hebei, China, producing severe </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">pathological changes. The natural co-infection of HEV and PCV2 in pigs </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">in China has rarely been reported. We speculate that co-infection with </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">PCV2 and HEV may bring some negative effect on pig production and </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">recommend that more attention should be paid to this phenomenon.</span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16915647148044821196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742936060139636165.post-21641461289955726412015-04-17T11:06:00.001+01:002015-04-19T16:08:05.885+01:00British Election & MRSA in pigs<br />
For the first time, MRSA is being seriously aired in the UK General Election Campaign by Nigel Farage, leader of the UK Independence Party - UKIP at the debate on TV last night.<br />
<br />
It was not a particularly interesting or incisive comment, and aimed against the Labour Party, but it is an issue that could explode, especially if Farage takes a more serious interest.<br />
<br />
We all know that some of the central issues for this election include the NHS, UK membership of the EU, and Scotland leaving the UK.<br />
<br />
Farage stands directly opposite the Scottish National Party on pretty well all issues, with both leaders undeniably personally popular and both likely to be influential whatever the exact result.<br />
<br />
Scotland is one of the very few countries in the world supposed to be free of MRSA in its pigs.<br />
<br />
Nobody believes them. If they were free of MRSA, they would be shouting it from the rooftops as a triumph for Scottish science. That is undeniable. They also have a very poor record on other zoonotic public health issues.<br />
<br />
If UKIP decide to raise the issue, and the implications for the rest of the UK, it is going to be very hard for the Scottish Nationalists to handle.<br />
<br />
They won't be able to say with any credibility "We haven't found any MRSA in our pigs." and be taken seriously after the election.<br />
<br />
Watch this space.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16915647148044821196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742936060139636165.post-42556754439221491032015-04-16T10:07:00.000+01:002015-04-16T10:07:20.428+01:00USA - Whole-Genome Sequencing - Consequences for Cover-Ups<br />
On Monday we were writing about the extraordinary story of finding and identifying the body of King Richard lll, the repercussion of modern testing techniques, and also praising the Italians on similar work on Porcine Circovirus.<br />
<br />
We developed the implications for the covered-up epidemic of Circovirus in pigs (PCV2) in England before 2000, and, in turn, its significance to the CSF and FMD epidemics that followed and also to the superbug crisis currently plaguing the world.<br />
<br />
Now the USA leaps into the picture, in their own way, developing similar implications in a paper published yesterday by the American Society for Microbiology.<br />
<br />
Leaving aside the potential for bio-terrorism, bio-corruption, deception and incompetence can also be traced to source using exactly the same tools - and are being so deployed.<br />
<br />
The days of hiding up animal disease epidemics dangerous to humans are not only over, but past sources will be revealed, and culprits exposed.<br />
<br />
The net is closing about some very uneasy consciences.<br />
<br />
Extract from the abstract and access to the full paper <a href="http://cmr.asm.org/content/28/3/541.abstract?maxtoshow=&HITS=10&hits=2&RESULTFORMAT=&andorexacttitle=and&andorexacttitleabs=and&fulltext=Carbapenemase%252C+carbapenem&andorexactfulltext=or&searchid=1&usestrictdates=yes&resourcetype=HWCIT&ct=&utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter" target="_blank">here.</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<h1 id="article-title-1" itemprop="headline" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #403838; font-size: 20px; line-height: inherit; margin: 10px 0px 0px; outline-style: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Whole-Genome Sequencing in Outbreak Analysis</span></h1>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Published 15 April 2015</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">...Utilization of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) in outbreak analysis</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">facilitates the rapid and accurate identification of virulence factors</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">of the pathogen and can be used to identify the path of disease</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">transmission within a population and provide information on the</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">probable source. Molecular tools such as WGS are being refined and</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">advanced at a rapid pace to provide robust and higher-resolution</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">methods for identifying, comparing, and classifying pathogenic</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">organisms. If these methods of pathogen characterization are properly</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">applied, they will enable an improved public health response whether a</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">disease outbreak was initiated by natural events or by accidental or</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">deliberate human activity. The current application of next-generation</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">sequencing (NGS) technology to microbial WGS and microbial forensics</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">is reviewed...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; clear: both; color: #403838; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; line-height: 16.6399993896484px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline-style: none; padding: 5px 0px 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li class="fn-other" id="fn-1" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(200, 200, 200); border-bottom-style: solid; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline-style: none; padding: 0.5em 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline; width: 492.09375px;"><div id="p-1" style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.5em; outline-style: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline-style: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">Citation</span> Gilchrist CA, Turner SD, Riley MF, Petri WA, Jr, Hewlett EL. 15 April 2015. Whole-genome sequencing in outbreak analysis. Clin Microbiol Rev doi:<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/CMR.00075-13" style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; color: #3c54a0; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline-style: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">10.1128/CMR.00075-13</a>.</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16915647148044821196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742936060139636165.post-44513523555953834922015-04-13T16:52:00.000+01:002015-04-13T16:52:12.029+01:00Richard lll, DNA, Cold Cases and Circovirus<br />
A strange heading for a strange situation.<br />
<br />
Zoonotic disease, that's an animal disease spreading to humans, has largely been an international blame game, with all nations and their often nationalistic farming communities seeking to escape blame and responsibility, by claiming it is all a "foreign" disease, illegally crossing their borders.<br />
<br />
So the game was: hide up your own disease and headline everyone else's problems - blame someone else, preferably a competitor and innocent.<br />
<br />
This not very edifying blame game is now yesterday's fraud. Developments in England mark the way.<br />
<br />
Few if us could ever expect that the body of King Richard lll, the last King of England to be killed in battle over 500 years ago, would be found and then identified by DNA analysis. We now know he was indeed crippled and the nature of his illness, something we could never have expected to know.<br />
<br />
Many other mysteries are being solved. A well in a new shopping mall, was excavated not far from the writer in Norwich, and the gathered scientists were moved to tears, when the announcement was made to an expectant group on TV. Their worst fears were realised. All the bodies, adult and children, had Jewish DNA - evidence of a medieval pogrom in England's green and pleasant land.<br />
<br />
New science is daily unravelling mysteries and scandals their perpetrators thought hidden for ever.<br />
<br />
We know that Porcine Circovirus was in Britain immediately before the disastrous Classical Swine Fever, and Foot and Mouth epidemics of 2000 and 2001. It was not called Porcine Circovirus then, and it has had many changes of names, usually for public relation's purposes, since.<br />
<br />
Its creation and spread became a problem that the veterinary industry probably thought safely buried, even though the repercussions batter animal and human health ever since, not least the Superbug Crisis.<br />
<br />
Antibiotics are needed to deal with the constant co-infections.<br />
<br />
But now the bodies of forgotten deceptions are being exhumed.<br />
<br />
The Italians are rushing to plug the gaps.<br />
<br />
The source at PubFacts can be found <a href="http://www.pubfacts.com/detail/25858118/International-trades-local-spread-and-viral-evolution-the-case-of-Porcine-circovirus-type-2-PCV2-str" target="_blank">here.</a><br />
<br />
<br />
INT INTERNATIONAL TRADES, LOCAL SPREAD AND VIRAL EVOLUTION: THE CASE<br />
OF PORCINE CIRCOVIRUS TYPE 2 (PCV2) STRAINS HETEROGENEITY IN ITALY.<br />
2015Apr<br />
<br />
International trades, local spread and viral evolution: the case of<br />
Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) strains heterogeneity in Italy.<br />
Infect. Genet. Evol.<br />
Infect Genet Evol 2015 Apr 6. Epub 2015 Apr 6.<br />
Franzo Giovanni, Tucciarone Claudia M, Dotto Giorgia, Gigli<br />
Alessandra, Ceglie Letizia, Drigo Michele<br />
"<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Porcine circovirus type 2 is one of the most widespread and economically relevant infections of swine. Four genotypes have been recognized, but currently, only three (PCV2a, PCV2b and PCV2d) are effectively circulating. The widespread livestock trade and rapid viral evolution have contributed to determining the high heterogeneity of PCV2 and the dispersal of potentially more virulent strains.<br />
Italian swine farming and the related processing industry are relevant in the national economy.<br />
<br />
Despite the noteworthy losses associated with direct and control measure costs, no data are currently available on the molecular epidemiology of PCV2 in Italy. Our study, which was intended to fill this gap, considered 75 completed genome PCV2 sequences, which were obtained from samples collected from the highly densely populated area of Northern Italy between 2007 and 2014.<br />
Phylogenetic analysis and comparison with reference sequences demonstrated the co-circulation, with different prevalences, of PCV2a, PCV2b and PCV2d within the national borders, with PCV2b being the most prevalent. Recombination between different genotypes was also proven to be frequent. Phylogeographic analysis demonstrated that the marked variability of Italian PCV2 strains can be attributable to multiple introduction events. The comparison of the phylogenetic analysis results, the location of different haplotypes and the international commercial routs of live pigs allow the speculation of several links as well as the role of Italy as both an importer and exporter of PCV2<br />
haplotypes, mainly from and to European and Asian countries. A similarly intricate contact network was demonstrated within national borders, with different haplotypes being detected in the same province and different provinces harbouring the same haplotype.<br />
<br />
Overall, this paper represents the first description of PCV2 in Italy and demonstrates that the high variability of circulating Italian strains is due to multiple introduction events, wide circulation within<br />
national boundaries and rapid viral evolution.<br />
<br />
Affiliation<br />
Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health (MAPS), University of Padua, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy.NATIONAL TRADES, LOCAL SPREAD AND VIRAE<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16915647148044821196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742936060139636165.post-61993588392273556652015-04-11T10:17:00.000+01:002015-04-11T10:17:35.964+01:00Pigs - It was Porcine Circovirus!<br />
If you scroll down the sidebar on the left of this page, you will see the following:<br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', sans-serif; font-size: 11.1800003051758px; line-height: 15.6520004272461px;">
<b>"He is the originator of the "GARDINER HYPOTHESIS" which states:</b></div>
<div style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', sans-serif; font-size: 11.1800003051758px; line-height: 15.6520004272461px;">
<b> </b></div>
<div style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', sans-serif; font-size: 11.1800003051758px; line-height: 15.6520004272461px;">
<b>Mutated Circovirus in pigs, the consequences treated with heavy use of antibiotics, is followed by MRSA in pigs and then MRSA and C.Diff epidemics in humans."</b></div>
<br />
For many years, the writer repeatedly drew the world's attention to the secret circovirus outbreak that preceded the disastrous British epidemics of Classical Swine Fever and Foot and Mouth Disease in 2000 and 2001. The pigs were very sick with circovirus before the major epidemics hit.<br />
<br />
The mighty prestigious British veterinary establishment got it wrong by covering up the disease, and a retired shipbroker, a scientific illiterate, despite being kicked about by crooks, stalked, threatened, lied about and fighting off multiple illnesses got it right, even giving evidence to Parliament and OLAF, the serious fraud squad of the EU. He even drove across the USA in 2005 in the aftermath of Katrina trying to alert America to the danger to the Prairies.<br />
<br />
It is not even complicated. So simple, so obvious and so shame making for Britain's corrupt veterinary establishment. Now, we have the results of their mistakes and cover-ups killing children and old people in ever increasing numbers with superbugs, not least porcine MRSA, entering our homes and hospitals.<br />
<br />
Their day is over. They are finished. The worst face charges of crimes against humanity, with their closest cronies giving evidence against them. The rump face external supervision and the rule of law.<br />
<br />
Be sure to read the Farmers Weekly report in full <a href="http://www.fwi.co.uk/livestock/stress-makes-pigs-more-susceptible-to-costly-disease.htm" target="_blank">here.</a><br />
<h2>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Stress makes pigs more susceptible to costly disease</span></h2>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Rhian Price</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Friday 10 April 2015 14:57</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">...CVAD is a complex group of pig diseases - formerly known as </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">post-weaning multi-systemic wasting syndrome - which cause diarrhoea, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">wasting, respiratory disease and death...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">...However, for the first time, researchers at RVC have shown </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">environmental stress from higher temperatures, crowding, or both, can </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">induce symptoms attributed to PCVAD without any secondary infection. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">PCV2-infected pigs kept in temperatures above the comfort </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">temperatures, or kept in pens smaller than current minimum guidelines, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">were more likely to show reduced weight gain and had higher viral </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">loads than those kept in cooler temperatures or larger pens, the study </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">showed...</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16915647148044821196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742936060139636165.post-52310841204652001712015-04-09T14:13:00.003+01:002015-04-09T14:13:52.852+01:00Denmark - Human Carriers of MRSA cc398 Increase Sharply.<br />
Human carriers of MRSA cc398 rise sharply in Denmark, especially in the most pig dense regions.<br />
<br />
Britain continues to do absolutely nothing to protect its people.<br />
<br />
We don't even know the extent of MRSA in the pigs. Scotland, incredibly, still claims to be MRSA free, despite importing breeding stock from Denmark.<br />
<br />
But, there are now some signs of discontent and tension, in British farming and veterinary organisations, and dirty Defra, Britain's useless, devious and corrupt farming ministry.<br />
<br />
As always, read in the Danish TV report in full <a href="http://www.tvsyd.dk/artikel/279167:Antallet-af-smittede-med-svine-MRSA-stiger-drastisk" target="_blank">here.</a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<h2>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">NUMBER OF CONTAMINATED WITH pig MRSA RISES DRAMATICALLY</span></h2>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Tuesday at 07-04-15. 18.27 - Charlotte Sølvsten</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Especially in Southern Jutland, where the world's largest </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">concentration of pigs per. capita exist, infection exploded and is the </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">province where most are infected with porcine MRSA.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Last year, a total of 290 persons were registered with the infection </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">alone here in South Jutland. This is an increase of 75 percent </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">compared to last year here in our part of the country. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Some South and Schleswigers already bearing infection in themselves, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">and they can not get rid of it again...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The development of the number of infected Danes with pig MRSA:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">* In 2012, 233 Danes were infected with the pig-MRSA</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">* In 2013 it was increased to 648</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">* In 2014, the number has doubled to 1,271 Danes regsitreret with pig</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">MRSA. The 290 alone in South Jutland.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16915647148044821196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742936060139636165.post-46832121682582130862015-04-06T10:51:00.000+01:002015-04-06T17:09:01.188+01:00British superbug outbreak 'could kill 80,000'<br />
The "Daily Telegraph" celebrated Easter Sunday with the above headline, published in the evening as the lead on the front page for Easter Monday morning.<br />
<br />
The "Telegraph" is an important right of centre, business orientated, national daily paper.<br />
<br />
Britain is in an election campaign, the most important for generations. It is an election that may herald the break-up of Britain, with Scotland leaving the United Kingdom and Britain leaving the European Union.<br />
<br />
So, this alarming report could not have come at a more significant time. The BBC News is also now carrying the story, and also on its website <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-32193606" target="_blank">here.</a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
Britain's corrupt veterinarians, Defra her agricultural ministry and their drug-dealer pals, will be sweating today.<br />
<br />
The world is now on their tail and it is going to get much worse: much worse - crimes against humanity with all that that entails.<br />
<br />
This is history on the making. Total reform of the British veterinary industry is now quite inevitable - royal charters removed and many of the leaders, past and present, investigated.<br />
<br />
The writer has suffered constant stalking and threats, since 2000 for giving evidence to the House of Commons Select Committee on the Classical Swine Fever scandal.<br />
<br />
A system that cannot even protect witnesses to their own national legislature is in serious trouble and has to be totally reformed.<br />
<br />
Not that OLAF, the serious Fraud Squad of the EU, were any better, although in fairness, they did try.<br />
<br />
Make sure you follow the link to the "Daily Telegraph" <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/news/11517558/British-superbug-outbreak-could-kill-80000.html" target="_blank">here.</a><br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">British superbug outbreak 'could kill 80,000'</span></h2>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A Government report warns that tens of thousands could die because of</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">new strains of bacteria and viruses resistant to drugs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
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By <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/journalists/matthew-holehouse/" rel="author" style="color: #234b7b; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" title="Matthew Holehouse">Matthew Holehouse</a>, Political Correspondent</div>
</div>
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9:47PM BST 05 Apr 2015</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16915647148044821196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742936060139636165.post-58208856788566371722015-03-29T12:52:00.002+01:002015-03-29T12:52:59.429+01:00MRSA in Pigs: Britain sabre rattling at Denmark<br />
A very important article from the Ingineer this morning summarising the current MRSA situation in Denmark, with a look at Norway's efforts to eradicate the problem and a comment on the important British market.<br />
<br />
The mechanical translation is a bit rough, the picture painted really accurate and depressing, but they miss the point in their very last sentence: that there is an immensely profitable premium market waiting development. The Norwegians are lining up to take it, with my parallel ideas for the Scottish island of Islay, following the same potential course, albeit slowly. Even Denmark is trying to start something similar on Bornholm.<br />
<br />
It is good to be constructive in bad times.<br />
<br />
The "saber rattling" from the UK is a fabrication to help cover-up a massive scandal founded on veterinary drug dealing. The scandal will unravel taking much of the current British veterinary establishment with it.<br />
<br />
There is no reason to think that British pigs are any healthier than Danish pigs. The cogenesi all know that: their marketing stance betrays them. They are keen on marketing, more keen than is healthy, and they certainly would not miss the opportunity.<br />
<br />
If British pigs really were free of MRSA, Defra, Britain's corrupt agricultural ministry and their cronies would be yelling it from the rooftops, increasing production and, demanding and getting premium prices for MRSA free pork. That is simple common sense. They would not miss the chance.<br />
<br />
But "good money" can drive out bad, premium prices can create the expensive production that shows that MRSA free pigs are possible.<br />
<br />
Then it is just politics, economics and tending the graves of the victims of the scandal of the century.<br />
<br />
Be sure to read the Ingineer article in full, <a href="http://ing.dk/artikel/mrsa-derfor-sker-der-saa-lidt-selv-om-du-hoerer-saa-meget-175057" target="_blank">here.</a> It is interesting, reliable and important.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">MRSA: therefore being so little, even if you hear so much</span></h2>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Analysis: An Action Plan will not seriously dampen the occurrence of resistant bacteria pig - but there is no inexpensive ways to get rid of it.</span></h3>
<h4>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">By Magnus Bredsdorff March 29, 2015 at. 12:00</span></h4>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">How can a bacteria like MRSA that gets so much attention in the public debate, still allowed to spread between pigs and humans?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The question remains, after the Food Minister Dan Jørgensen (S) last week presented an action plan to curb the infection. For the problem with the plan is that it does not do much to actually reduce infection.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It sounds totally illogical, and for an explanation, we need to turn the clock back one year. When initiated engineer as first a long series of articles, which documented that the infection was more or less out of control... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">...It will, however, according to the researchers not the action plan, which reduces MRSA infection significantly.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In the short term it can only happen if agriculture itself sees an interest in it. It could, for instance. be if overseas customers start demanding MRSA-free pork. Supermarket chains in both the UK and Sweden have rattled the saber, but so far it has been empty threats. For it will be impossible to obtain MRSA-free meat in large quantities from anywhere in the world.</span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16915647148044821196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742936060139636165.post-13267906063109421112015-03-26T15:32:00.000+00:002015-03-26T15:32:52.638+00:00MRSA in Pigs - Facts and figures from Denmark<br />
We reference the usual capable report from Kjeld Hansen.<br />
<br />
Elsewhere, as well, we are getting information of the high incidence of MRSA in German pig herds. From what we have, it does not look any better than Denmark.<br />
<br />
Britain, in theory, remains a mystery. There are few reliable facts and figures: deliberately, no doubt.<br />
<br />
However, some of the Scottish pig producers, worried about MRSA, are complaining about the wisdom of the big international genetics companies in moving live breeding stock and semen from Denmark to Scotland. We have heard this complaint before.<br />
<br />
We may be seeing the final days of the current pig production and distribution systems in Europe and elsewhere.<br />
<br />
Change is inevitable: in provision of clean starter stock, reduced movement of pig genetics between countries, and, indeed, the actual husbandry.<br />
<br />
The first, clean starter stock, will be associated with new high health pig production in remote locations - top science bringing prosperity to islands such as Islay and Bornholm .<br />
<br />
The second, free movement of genetics and live animals between countries has to be curtailed and the reduced volume allowed must be closely controlled - a clean health certificate has been shown to be inadequate in preventing the export and import of disease.<br />
<br />
Finally, the husbandry will have to be antibiotic free and with fewer pigs in more locations. The pigs and the larger number of small premises, in future perhaps, owned by the actual farmers. External visitors will be discouraged to reduce footfall though the farms. Pork will be more expensive: farming safer and more secure.<br />
<br />
Anyway, here is Kjeld Hansen giving a view from Denmark with lots of figures. Be sure to read in full, <a href="http://gylle.dk/mrsa-epidemi-og-afklippede-grisehaler-rammer-eksporten-af-dansk-svinekoed-til-sverige/" target="_blank">here.</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>MRSA epidemic and cut pigtails hitting exports of Danish pork to </b></span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Sweden</b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Published March 26, 2015 | By Kjeld Hansen</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The highly critical mention of Danish pork in Sweden now appears </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">clearly in Danish exports to the neighboring country. Sales of Danish </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">meat cuts have dived sharply... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">...The publication of a number MRSACC398-related deaths in Germany </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">will undoubtedly attract critical attention in terms of exports of </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">live pigs to Germany. From Denmark alone sent 11 million. pigs to </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Germany each year, and probably at least two out of three (68</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">percent.) carriers of MRSACC398...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16915647148044821196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742936060139636165.post-28272626869324396722015-03-26T12:16:00.001+00:002015-03-26T12:16:14.831+00:00Britain - Hepatitis E and Norovirus in food under investigation<br />
As regular readers know, we have been campaigning over the risks to human health from pigs infected with Hepatitis E for many years. The risks are not just in food.<br />
<br />
Norovirus is also getting a long overdue airing in Britain.<br />
<br />
One of Bill Marler's blogs in the USA was the first to tell us what was going on.<br />
<br />
It is interesting to see just how much attention Britain is getting in zoonotic and food health circles abroad.<br />
<br />
All these zoonotic diseases are an international issue in an increasingly interconnected world,<br />
<br />
This story is not going to go away.<br />
<br />
You can also find much of the history of these diseases in Britain and elsewhere on the British newsgroup <a href="https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/uk.business.agriculture" target="_blank">uk.business.agriculture</a> ( use google group's search ) and on this blog (use the searchbox at the head) 'Hepatitis' or 'Norovirus' will bring up dozens of articles and sources.<br />
<br />
Be sure to read Marler's Food Safety Blog in full <a href="http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2015/03/uk-foodborne-virus-reports-identify-areas-needing-more-research/#.VRPcB_msW5Z" target="_blank">here.</a><br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>UK Foodborne Virus Reports Identify Areas Needing More Research</b></span></h2>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">BY NEWS DESK | MARCH 26, 2015</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">...two reports published Wednesday on the status of viruses in the UK food chain.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The first, a report by Food Standards Agency (FSA) Chief Scientific Advisor Guy Poppy, explores what viruses in food are, how they cause disease, how FSA is working with others to use science to understand them, and some of the challenges around reducing the risks.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Two issues the report says the agency is working on are ways of detecting whether norovirus or Hepatitis E found in food is infectious and commissioning research on the heat stability of Hepatitis E due to uncertainty about how effective conventional cooking practices are in eliminating it from contaminated meat...</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16915647148044821196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742936060139636165.post-53130585044450991482015-03-19T14:05:00.000+00:002015-03-19T14:05:29.804+00:00Denmark - We need antibiotics completely out of the pig sties.<br />
Pretty important stuff, common-sense too, from Denmark and the respected Ingineer.<br />
<br />
Now they just have to pluck up the courage to do it, in Denmark and in silent secretive Britain.<br />
<br />
At least Denmark has the guts to admit they have a pig health problem and many of their top scientists have the courage to speak out against government inaction.<br />
<br />
How unlike like Britain where her scientists are scared stiff of corrupt Defra, Britain's bullying agricultural ministry, its veterinarians and its cronies. <br />
<br />
Still, the day will come when they will all be called to account. The rush to give Queen's Evidence will be breathtaking.<br />
<br />
Be sure to read in full <a href="http://ing.dk/artikel/resistens-forskere-vi-skal-have-antibiotika-helt-ud-af-svinestaldene-174888" target="_blank">here </a>-<br />
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Resistance researchers: We need antibiotics completely out of sties</span></h2>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A decrease of 15 percent in the consumption of antibiotics for pigs is too little. If only pigs are allowed to die anymore, it is possible to almost eliminate drugs in the stables.</span></h3>
<h4>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">By Magnus Bredsdorff March 19, 2015 at. 11:33</span></h4>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Antibiotics should be virtually eliminated in the Danish pig farms, and it can easily be done.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So says two of Denmark's leading researchers in resistant bacteria. The hoses both out after the action plan , as food minister Dan Jørgensen (S) on Wednesday presented and Minister sold to the media in that would cut 15 percent of antibiotic use in 2018...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"In my ideal world must antibiotics completely away from the stables. If we three years can halve consumption, then it is a beginning, "says Professor and Consultant Westh looking Knowledge Centre for MRSA at Hvidovre Hospital...</span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16915647148044821196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742936060139636165.post-39331267246782649012015-03-17T11:08:00.000+00:002015-03-17T11:08:49.232+00:00Spain - HEV, HIV and pigs<br />
We have long been writing about Hepatitis E (HEV) moving from pigs into the general population. A typical article dealing with HEV in Irish blood transfusions last year is <a href="http://animal-epidemics.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/ireland-5-of-blood-donors-exposed-to.html" target="_blank">here.</a><br />
<br />
Now we hear from Spain about additional risks to people infected with HIV.<br />
<br />
The pigs have to be made healthy again.You can see the case for genuine 'high tech' high health pig farms in remoter locations, as is proposed for Scotland on Islay, and Denmark on Bornholm, strengthening by the day. The healthy pigs bred away from sick herds can be used to repopulate a failing industry nationally re-organised in less risky ways.<br />
<br />
Currently, the pigs are sick and a danger to human health. The problems have to be tackled: they won't go away without effort.<br />
<br />
The need will provide the motivation and the finance. The many high status jobs and the more humble will be welcome and a good counter to areas of depopulation.<br />
<br />
Anyway, you can read about the latest news about Hepatitis E dangers to HIV infected people <a href="http://promedmail.org/direct.php?id=20150314.3230174" target="_blank">here</a> on ProMed.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Published Date: 2015-03-14 22:52:03</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Subject: PRO/EDR> Hepatitis E - Spain: HIV infected individuals </span></h2>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Archive Number: 20150314.3230174</span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16915647148044821196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742936060139636165.post-16304393539897161442015-03-10T19:38:00.000+00:002015-03-10T19:38:37.743+00:00Norway and Britain - MRSA in pigs<div class="MsoNormal">
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England and Scotland do not have MRSA in their
pigs according to the Britsh government.</div>
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Maybe Norway has to learn from Britain’s corrupt
veterinarians – how to lie, cheat, fake and endanger human health over many
years.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It is tough for Britain’s veterinary establishment: they now
face prosecution for crimes against humanity at the Hague.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This is Denmark writing about events in Norway <a href="http://landbrugsavisen.dk/svin/15-g%C3%A5rde-ramt-af-mrsa-i-norge" target="_blank">here.</a><br /><div class="MsoNormal">
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<h2 style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #38382c; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: -0.75pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">15 farms affected by
MRSA in Norway</span></span></h2>
<div class="article-fullbyline" style="background: white; margin: 7.5pt 0cm 11.25pt; overflow: hidden;">
<span class="article-fullsections"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><a href="http://landbrugsavisen.dk/svin"><b><span style="text-transform: uppercase;">SWINE</span></b></a></span></span><span class="article-fulldate"><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Tuesday, 10 March 2015</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span></span><span class="article-fulltime"><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">14:36</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><span style="color: #38382c;">Print</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #38382c;"> </span></span></a><span class="article-fullauthors">Written
by</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="article-fullauthors"><a href="mailto:nbn@landbrugsavisen.dk"><b><span style="color: #4d6940;">Nikolaj Nielsen Babis</span></b></a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Half of the 30 pig farms in Norway, which was
feared to be affected by MRSA have tested positive for the bacteria, but the
Swedish Mattillsynet (the Norwegian was on DVFA) does not expect the emergence
of more infected herds up.</span></span></b></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">For
only a few months ago, the Norwegian authorities say that they have managed to
fight MRSA bacteria in Norwegian pig herds, but rather after the danger had
blown over, there has been new discoveries of bacteria, writes Swedish<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.atl.nu/lantbruk/15-g-rdar-med-mrsa-i-norge" target="_blank"><span style="color: #288000;">atl.nu</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Mattillsynet
have now got the test results back from the 30 farms that were thought to carry
the infection, and they showed that bakteriene was present in 15 pig farms in
the country.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Five were weaners
and the last 10 were herds of pigs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16915647148044821196noreply@blogger.com