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Avian Influenza News

4/14/2008
Examining the avian flu: From pandemic planning to vaccine development

The journal Respirology has launched a special supplementary issue on the avian influenza. Published by Wiley-Blackwell, the collection of papers present an inclusive insight into the threat of the avian influenza pandemic by addressing a wide range of topics including the basic biology of the virus, updates on laboratory diagnosis and influenza anti-viral, treatment options, and pandemic planning.

4/14/2008
Scientists find 'likely' human-human H5N1 spread

[BEIJING] A new study by Chinese scientists suggests a highly possible human-to-human transmission of H5N1 bird flu virus.

Government News

4/25/2008
FSIS embraces podcasting (free registration required)

USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service has a new way to reach out: It has launched a series of educational podcasts designed to address food safety and education issues.

Industry News

4/23/2008
Court bars Tyson from using RWA phrasing (free registration required)

Tyson has lost Round One in its battle to advertise its chicken as "raised without antibiotics" or "raised without antibiotics that impact antibiotic resistance in humans."

4/14/2008
Pilgrim's Pride cutting production (free registration required)

In its latest move to combat record feed costs, Pilgrim's Pride Corp., the nation's largest chicken processor, on Monday announced that it will reduce weekly chicken processing by about 5 percent.

4/14/2008
US poultry processors cut production

Due to rising feed costs and weak domestic market, Simmons Foods poultry processor will cut chicken production by 6% as of this month.

4/14/2008
Antibiotic-free marketing case goes forward

BALTIMORE, MD. — A federal judge denied a motion to dismiss a case against Tyson Foods Inc. regarding advertising claims about antibiotics in its chicken products. U.S. District Judge Richard Bennett also said he will decide in seven days on a motion for a preliminary injunction sought by competing poultry producers Perdue Foods Inc. and Sanderson Farms Inc. to stop the advertisements.

4/14/2008
Cagle's cuts poultry production

Eat more chicken -- and plenty of it. That's what Cagle's Inc., an Atlanta-based chicken processor, is hoping hungry consumers will do, so the company can get its expenses in line and improve financially.

Poultry News

4/14/2008
Chillin’ Chickens-- Which Method Works Best?

Chicken processing is big business with almost 9 billion broiler chickens being produced in the United States last year. Processing birds efficiently and economically is the name of the game. And researching ways to convert poultry into food that is safe for human consumption is what Agricultural Research Service food scientists strive to achieve.

4/22/2008
The brown adipocyte differentiation pathway in birds: an evolutionary road not taken

Thermogenic brown adipose tissue has never been described in birds and other non-mammalian vertebrates. Brown adipocytes in mammals are distinguished from the more common white fat adipocytes by having numerous small lipid droplets rather than a single large one, elevated numbers of mitochondria, and mitochondrial expression of the nuclear gene UCP1, the uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation responsible for non-shivering thermogenesis.

Avian Influenza News

3/26/2008
Chip launched to detect bird flu

A portable chip to detect influenza viruses, including bird flu in humans, has been developed by Europe 's top semiconductor maker, STMicroelectronics.

3/26/2008
Chickens not behind H5N1 outbreaks in Asia

ROME ― Ducks, people and rice paddies ― not chickens ― are the factors leading to outbreaks of the H5N1 strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Thailand and Viet Nam, and are probably behind outbreak persistence in other countries of the region such as Cambodia and Lao PDR.

3/12/2008
Scientists discover new key to flu transmission

CHICAGO - Flu viruses must be able to pick a very specific type of lock before entering human respiratory cells, U.S. researchers said on Sunday, offering a new understanding of how flu viruses work.

Government News

3/4/2008
USDA to focus on poultry handling

The USDA will implement a series of interim actions to verify and analyse humane handling activities in all federally inspected establishments, and will focus efforts on plants that handle animals most prone to stress.

Industry News

3/26/2008
Pilgrim's Pride names new COO, restructures management (free registration required)

Pittsburg, Texas-based Pilgrim's Pride Corp. on Wednesday named Robert A. Wright chief operating officer.

3/12/2008
Pilgrim's Pride exits turkey business (free registration required)

Pittsburg, Texas-based chicken company Pilgrim's Pride Corp. on Monday announced the sale of its turkey production facility and distribution center in New Oxford, Pa., to New Oxford Foods LLC, a subsidiary of Hain Pure Protein Corp., Melville, N.Y.

Other Organizations' News

3/28/2008
Intensive Poultry Production is Better for Global Warming

In contrast to the assertions of some environmentalists, British scientists have proven that intensive, indoor poultry production has a much smaller impact on global warming than organic or free-range production. Additionally, poultry production proves to be more environmentally efficient than any other source of meat production. See the article from "World Poultry" magazine.

3/28/2008
News from AEB

Poultry News

3/30/2008
Extension granted in poultry watershed case (free registration required)

A federal magistrate has given Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson's office a 45-day extension to submit expert reports in its lawsuit, which alleges that poultry companies are contaminating the Illinois River watershed, the Associated Press reported.

3/31/2008
Darwin Was Wrong About the Wild Origin of the Chicken

Charles Darwin maintained that the domesticated chicken derives from the red jungle fowl, but new research from Uppsala University now shows that the wild origins of the chicken are more complicated than that.

3/12/2008
Rare chicken egg to be sold on eBay

It has always been said that a chicken egg was nature's most perfect food. However, the most unusual, rare egg has recently been discovered. So rare that it will soon be up for sale on eBay!

3/26/2008
Americans grilling poultry meat to become healthier

Americans are among other nations that are adopting a healthier way of eating. As such, a study has recently shown that grilling meat products is becoming popular.

3/18/2008
Air chilling poultry carcasses, the new trend

It has been reported that air-chilling is a new label to look out for when purchasing chicken meat. According to some producers, this method has many advantages!

3/24/2008
PSA says Bush budget would close two labs, damage poultry research (free registration required)

President George W. Bush's proposed fiscal year 2009 federal budget would eliminate two U.S. Department of Agriculture laboratories that play a vital role in poultry and biomedical research and provide invaluable services to poultry and related industries, according to the Poultry Science Association.

3/24/2008
Flies and Salmonella: dangerous duo in poultry houses

Flies may be more than a mere nuisance in poultry houses. They may also spread food poisoning bacteria such as Salmonella enteritidis to chickens and their eggs, the USDA ARS reports.

University News

3/24/2008
PSU Poultry Science Club Wins National Award

UNIVERSITY PARK -- For the third consecutive year, Penn State's Poultry Science Club was named national Club of the Year at the U.S. Poultry and Egg Association's 2008 International Poultry Exposition, held recently in Atlanta, Ga.

3/7/2008
Texas A&M names new poultry science department head (free registration required)

Texas A&M University has appointed Dr. John Carey head of the College Station, Texas-based university's poultry science department.

Avian Influenza News

2/18/2008
CAST releases two new publications on AI vaccination

CAST has released new publications, a Special Publication and a Commentary focusing on H5N1 High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza that discuss the science and the art of controling AI

2/6/2008
New vaccine against H5N1 bird flu

A vaccine against the H5N1 bird flu virus has been tested by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh’s Center for Vaccine Research. The vaccine has shown promising results.

Government News

2/7/2008
USDA to name poultry plants with Salmonella problems

Feb 6, 2008 (CIDRAP News) – The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) says it is preparing to begin publishing the names of poultry and meat plants that have trouble controlling Salmonella, as the agency extends a set of policy changes designed to reduce the prevalence of the pathogen in meat.

2/4/2008
Genetic Fix for Sick Chicks

Genetic research is for the birds—and it's a good thing, too, as scientists with the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) are using their knowledge of avian genetics to improve the health of U.S. poultry. Genetic information is leading to better vaccines and breeding techniques to protect poultry against health threats such as exotic Newcastle, avian influenza, Marek's disease, coccidiosis, and mycoplasmosis.

2/6/2008
USDA budget proposes new fees for processing plants (free registration required)

The Agriculture Department plans to ask lawmakers to approve $96 million in new fees charged to federally inspected meat and poultry processing plants, the agency said in 2009 budget documents

Industry News

2/15/2008
Aviagen’s Ross EPI now largest single stage PS hatchery

Feb. 13, 2008, Netherlands - To accommodate its plans for further expansion, Parent Stock hatchery Ross EPI, part of the Aviagen Group, has completed a comprehensive refurbishment of its Dutch hatchery operations, working with single stage hatchery specialists Pas Reform. Situated in Roermond, Ross EPI’s Dutch hatchery has been refurbished with the latest in single stage equipment and technologies. The new installation includes a full single stage Smart incubation system, comprising SmartSet™ setters and SmartHatch™ hatchers, combined with a SmartDrive™ incubator control system, to accommodate the management of individual conditions per egg type and SmartCenter™, Pas Reform’s powerful hatchery management information system.

2/15/2008
Tyson to buy Brazilian poultry operations

In March, Tyson Foods Inc. will be finalising 100% acquisition of the privately held Pena Branca's poultry operations, confirmed the Brazilian chicken company's director.

2/22/2008
U.S. poultry exports set record in '07 (free registration required)

Exports of U.S. poultry, eggs and related products surpassed $4 billion for the first time in 2007, according to the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council.

Other Organizations' News

2/1/2008
News from AEB

2/29/2008
News from AEB

2/6/2008
USPOULTRY honors poultry scientist (free registration required)

Wallace Morgan was recently awarded the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association's Lamplighter Award.

2/15/2008
Chicken Industry Emphasizes Worker Safety

The chicken industry is playing a responsible leadership role in improving worker safety in its workplaces and reducing the incidence of injuries and health problems such as conditions associated with repetitive motion.

Poultry News

2/6/2008
Avian Origins: New Analysis Confirms Ancient Beginnings

ScienceDaily (Feb. 5, 2008) — Did modern birds originate around the time of the dinosaurs' demise, or have they been around far longer?

2/4/2008
Poultry industry has global opportunities

ATLANTA — Trends indicate continuing growth in demand worldwide for poultry products, yet the U.S. industry also faces strong challenges domestically related to the cost of feed, environmental issues, and consumer demands, according to a research analyst who specializes in agribusiness.

2/27/2008
Salmonella notice comment period set to close despite industry protests (free registration required)

The comment period for USDA's proposed salmonella initiative is set to close today, despite extension requests from industry members and trade associations.

2/29/2008
Mining Manure for Phosphorus

Underground phosphorus deposits around the world are mined for use as a much-valued fertilizer. Now Agricultural Research Service (ARS) soil scientists Ariel Szogi, Matias Vanotti and Patrick Hunt have found a way to “mine” the phosphorus in poultry manure.

2/29/2008
Poultry officials meet to discuss Salmonella sampling

ATLANTA ― More than 100 poultry industry leaders met in Atlanta on Feb. 19 for a meeting organized by the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association to discuss the recent Food Safety and Inspection Service Federal Register notice on the Salmonella Verification Sampling Program.

2/15/2008
New discovery, scientists take fresh look at poultry disease

Poultry scientists are taking a fresh look at the devastating poultry bacterial disease, necrotic enteritis, following a world-first discovery.

2/20/2008
Probiotics to fight Salmonella in poultry

Salmonella in poultry can be reduced by using probiotics. This development offers a way that makes it easy on poultry growers and enhances food safety.

Avian Influenza News

1/25/2008
Don't rely on drugs to delay flu pandemic

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Vaccines and drugs will not be enough to slow or prevent a pandemic of influenza, according to a U.S. government report released on Tuesday.

1/25/2008
WHO launches bird flu virus tracker after facing protests over transparency

A new World Health Organization system designed to allow countries to track the H5N1 influenza viruses they have provided to international laboratories was launched Tuesday.

1/7/2008
MIT finds key to avian flu in humans

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--MIT researchers have uncovered a critical difference between flu viruses that infect birds and humans, a discovery that could help scientists monitor the evolution of avian flu strains and aid in the development of vaccines against a deadly flu pandemic.

Government News

1/7/2008
U.S.D.A. to host poultry improvement plan meeting

WASHINGTON ― The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service will hold a meeting of the general conference committee of the national poultry improvement plan (N.P.I.P.) from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Jan. 23, 2008. The meeting will take place at the Georgia World Congress Center, Room C-206, 285 Andrew Young International Boulevard, N.W., Atlanta, Ga. The general conference committee serves as the liaison between the poultry industry and the U.S.D.A. in matters pertaining to poultry health. In addition, the committee assists the U.S.D.A. in planning, organizing and conducting the N.P.I.P. biennial conference.

1/3/2008
USDA Poultry Slaughter: Ready-to-Cook Weight Up 3% From Last Year

Poultry certified wholesome during November 2007 (ready-to-cook weight) totaled 3.57 billion pounds, up 3 percent from the amount certified in November 2006. The October 2007 revised certified total at 4.00 billion pounds, was up 6 percent from October 2006. The October revision represented an increase of 7.96 million pounds from last month's preliminary pounds certified.

1/21/2008
Broiler production, average liveweight up: USDA

The amount of chicks placed in the fourth quarter of 2007 increased about 4 percent over the prior year, according to the Department of Agriculture's Livestock, Dairy & Poultry Outlook.

1/21/2008
National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection to Hold Public Meeting

The National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection (NACMPI) will hold public meetings on Feb. 5 and 6 to address the planned public health-based slaughter inspection system for young chickens, and how a similar approach could be used for inspection in processing and other slaughter establishments.

1/21/2008
FDA Clears for Marketing Real-Time Test for Respiratory Viruses

Molecular biology device detects four viruses, including influenza; results available in about 3 hours

Industry News

1/9/2008
Leaders in poultry – Cobb Vantress and Hendrix Genetics – form alliance

In a press release today, Cobb-Vantress and Hendrix Genetics have announced that they will form an alliance to strengthen Cobb’s leading position in the broiler breeding industry and Hendrix’ leading positions in egglayer, turkey and swine genetics and to enable the two to explore other joint venture opportunities.

1/25/2008
Blame it on the grain: Analyst drops poultry processor earnings forecasts (free registration required)

Shares of three major poultry processors took a ride yesterday after a J.P. Morgan equity analyst cut his first quarter and full year earnings forecasts

1/30/2008
Pilgrim's Pride implementing automation initiatives (free registration required)

Pilgrim's Pride Corp. already has installed automatic deboning equipment in two plants and has plans to add more at other facilities throughout the year, Chief Operating Officer J. Clinton Rivers told analysts during the company's first-quarter earnings conference call on Tuesday.

Other Organizations' News

1/21/2008
Atlanta Celebrates Long-term Convention Success

ATLANTA, US – In the past five years, the International Poultry Expo (IPE) has brought nearly 94,000 attendees and $100 million in economic impact to Atlanta, Georgia in the USA.

Poultry News

1/3/2008
U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary to Speak at IPE / IFE 2008

ATLANTA - The 2008 International Poultry Expo and International Feed Expo will feature a presentation from U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez.

1/7/2008
US: Maryland poultry farms to be policed

Maryland State Administration is proposing regulations that would for the first time allow the state's environmental agency to police pollution from the Eastern Shore's huge poultry industry.

Avian Influenza News

12/28/2007
New Swine Flu Has Avian Flu Genes

Researchers have identified a new strain of swine influenza—H2N3—which belongs to the group of H2 influenza viruses that last infected humans during the 1957 pandemic. This new strain has a molecular twist: It is composed of avian and swine influenza genes.

Government News

12/7/2007
USDA Offers Food Safety Tips For Mailing Food Gifts This Holiday Season

WASHINGTON, Dec. 6, 2007 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) understands that many Americans enjoy cooking foods that are family favorites and mailing these items to family and friends. Others choose to order food from catalogs, over the Internet or by phone. So the gift is in the mail, but is it safe?

12/18/2007
U.S.D.A. and partners racking up N.A.I.S. success

WASHINGTON ― As part of the National Animal Identification System’s registration campaign, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture has 429,600 premises registered nationwide. During the month of December, Nebraska became the tenth state to register at least 50% of its total estimated production agriculture premises under this system.

12/21/2007
USDA Wants Chicken Farmers In Ark., Elsewhere To Take Precautions

The U.S. Department of Agriculture wants not only big poultry producers like Tyson Foods but also the small farmers and hobbyists to guard against the spread of disease among flocks.

Industry News

12/21/2007
Lonnie Pilgrim to interim president at Pilgrim's Pride

DALLAS — The board of directors of Pilgrim's Pride Corp. elected chairman Lonnie Ken Pilgrim as interim president following the death of chief executive O.B. Goolsby Jr. earlier this week

12/28/2007
Tyson, USDA agree on chicken labeling (free registration required)

Springdale, Ark.-based Tyson Foods Inc. on Thursday said the company and USDA have agreed to change the wording in its "raised without antibiotics" chicken program.

12/18/2007
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation Mourns Death of President and Chief Executive Officer O.B. Goolsby Jr.

PITTSBURG, Texas, Dec. 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Pilgrim's Pride Corporation announced that O.B. Goolsby Jr., president and chief executive officer, today passed away after suffering a massive stroke last Saturday while on a hunting trip in south Texas. Mr. Goolsby was 60 years old.

Other Organizations' News

12/3/2007
IPE educational sessions to feature FSIS administrator, chefs and more (free registration required)

At the 2008 International Poultry Expo in Atlanta, POULTRY magazine, along with its sister publications Plate magazine and CarneTec.com, will present a variety of educational seminars on topics from food safety to menu trends.

Poultry News

12/21/2007
FSIS administrator to address IPE attendees (free registration required)

At this year's International Poultry Expo, USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service Administrator Alfred Alamanza will address attendees in a presentation presented by POULTRY magazine.

12/28/2007
Poultry Groups Welcome Release From Needless, Burdensome Paperwork Requirements on Family Farmers and First Responders

WASHINGTON, Dec. 21 -- This is a joint statement by the National Chicken Council, National Turkey Federation, and U.S. Poultry & Egg Association on today's announcement from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

University News

12/11/2007
Tenure Track Faculty Position – Broiler Nutrition

Avian Influenza News

11/7/2007
Avian Influenza Vaccinations: A Commentary Focusing on H5N1 High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza

(CAST Commentary), that discuss the science of avian influenza vaccination and the art of controlling avian influenza. A Special Report (Avian Influenza Vaccines: Focusing on H5N1 High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI), with a Comprehensive Bibliography) also offers an analysis of previous AI vaccine campaigns. Link can be found at http://www.cast-science.org/ [Paid subscription for the special report]

11/26/2007
BirdFlu2008: Avian Influenza and Human Health conference, UK

Registration for the first international conference on avian influenza - BirdFlu2008: Avian Influenza and Human Health - at Oxford (UK) is now open.

11/26/2007
Study says wild birds unlikely to bring H5N1 to Americas

(CIDRAP News) – An analysis of influenza viruses collected from North American migratory birds over a 6-year period suggests that wild birds rarely carry avian flu viruses between Eurasia and North America, implying that the risk of the deadly H5N1 virus reaching the Americas by that route is probably low.

Government News

11/12/2007
New USDA poultry programs official named (free registration required)

The Agriculture Department's Agricultural Marketing Service has named Erin Morris associate deputy administrator for poultry programs, effective Nov. 13.

Industry News

11/26/2007
Food Outlook Global Market Analysis - Poultry Meat

By FAO. Rebounding demand together with tight supplies and rising production costs sustain meat prices in 2007

Other Organizations' News

11/27/2007
USPOULTRY names new institute VP (free registration required)

The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association has named Paul Pressley vice president of the Poultry & Egg Institute.

11/9/2007
San Antonio To Host Next National Chicken Cooking Contest; New Structure Announced

San Antonio, Texas, will be the site of the 48th National Chicken Cooking Contest (NCCC), newly revised by the National Chicken Council, sponsor of the Contest, to allow more contestants to win cash prizes for their favorite chicken recipes. The Cook-Off will take place on May 2, 2009 at the Center for Foods of the Americas, a branch of the Culinary Institute of America located in San Antonio.

11/2/2007
NCC Sees Little Impact from Rule Allowing Chile To Export Poultry And Poultry Products To The United States

The U.S. chicken industry expects no more than minimal impact from the action of the U.S. government in allowing Chile to ship poultry and poultry products to the United States. USDA estimates that Chilean exports to the U.S. will amount to no more than 12,000 metric tons of boneless breast meat, which is less than one percent of U.S. production of boneless breast meat. Whether Chile will actually be able to sell even that much in this country remains to be seen, the National Chicken Council said.

11/2/2007
Choose Chicken for a Weight Control Diet

The National Chicken Council continues to support the advice given by the U.S. government, doctors, nutritionists and dietitians for many years: chicken, turkey, fish, and lean meat can anchor a diet low in fat to control body weight and maintain good health.

11/6/2007
USPOULTRY names new president (free registration required)

The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association board of directors has selected John Starkey to become the association's new president, effective Dec. 1.

11/30/2007
NTF Chairman Celebrates 60th Anniversary of Presenting the U.S. President with the National Thanksgiving Turkey

President George W. Bush today “pardoned” the National Thanksgiving Turkey in a White House Ceremony, as he and National Turkey Federation (NTF) Chairman Ted Seger celebrated the 60th anniversary of the first modern National Thanksgiving Turkey presentation

11/30/2007
News from American Egg Board

Poultry News

11/30/2007
FACT SHEET: Terms & Labels

Turkey Terms and Labels Describing Various Production Methods

11/26/2007
Poultry groups sign workplace-safety agreement with OSHA (free registration required)

Under terms of an agreement signed Thursday, companies in the chicken and turkey industries will work together with the U.S. Labor Department's Occupational Safety & Health Administration to implement a new alliance on worker safety, especially concerning machinery hazards, the National Chicken Council and National Turkey Federation jointly announced.

University News

11/7/2007
Mississippi State University names new head of poultry program (free registration required)

Mississippi State University announced that Michael T. Kidd has assumed duties as head of the school's department of poultry science.

11/7/2007
CORRECTION- The article pertaining to the late Dr Thaxton mistakenly uses the first name of John instead of James

Avian Influenza News

10/4/2007
Tamiflu survives sewage treatment

UMEA, Sweden, Oct. 3 (UPI) -- Swedish researchers say oseltamivir in Tamiflu, used to prevent influenza, is not degraded in sewage treatment, which might make it less effective.

10/10/2007
Influenza: Insights Into Cell Specificity Of Human Vs. Avian Viruses

Science Daily — Researchers have identified which sites and cell types within the respiratory tract are targeted by human versus avian influenza viruses, providing valuable insights into the pathogenesis of these divergent diseases.

10/12/2007
Avian Flu -- 1918 and Today -- Protein Enhances Lethality Of Virus

Science Daily — Often called the most devastating epidemic in the recorded history of the world, the 1918 influenza virus pandemic was responsible for more than 40 million deaths across the globe. The incredible lethality of the 1918 flu strain is not well understood, despite having been under intense scrutiny for many years. Now, a new study published by Cell Press in the October issue of the journal Cell Host & Microbe unravels some of the mystery surrounding the devastating 1918 pandemic and provides key information that will help prepare for future pandemics.

10/17/2007
Structure Of Influenza B Virus Protein Gives Clues To Next Pandemic

Science Daily — Determining the structure of a protein called hemagglutinin on the surface of influenza B is giving researchers at Baylor College of Medicine and Rice University in Houston clues as to what kinds of mutations could spark the next flu pandemic.

Government News

10/4/2007
USDA likely to publish salmonella instances online (free registration required)

Arlington, Va. — USDA will likely publish the salmonella statuses of poultry plants online, Acting Agriculture Secretary Chuck Conner told the National Chicken Council annual conference here Thursday.

10/31/2007
FSIS Final Rule Allows Chile to Export Poultry and Poultry Products to the U.S.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 30, 2007 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) today announced that the country of Chile will be allowed to export poultry and poultry products, processed in certified establishments within Chile, to the United States effective December 3, 2007.

Industry News

10/11/2007
Tyson restructuring management, poultry group head resigns (free registration required)

Springdale, Ark.-based Tyson Foods Inc. on Wednesday announced 25-year Tyson veteran and Senior Group Vice President of Poultry and Prepared Foods Bill Lovette has resigned.

10/5/2007
Tyson Foods receives POULTRY's Industry Innovator award (free registration required)

Arlington, Va. — Tyson Foods Inc., the nation's largest protein processor, was honored by POULTRY magazine here Thursday for its outstanding commitment to new product development through combining culinary arts and food science.

10/22/2007
Poultry industry safety record best ever: report (free registration required)

The rate at which injuries and illnesses occur among poultry processing workers in the United States has reached its lowest level ever and is below the rate found in food manufacturing in general, according to newly published data from the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Other Organizations' News

10/19/2007
Lonnie "Bo" Pilgrim Named Honorary Life Member of NCC Board of Directors

Lonnie "Bo" Pilgrim, senior chairman of Pilgrim´s Pride Corporation, was elected an Honorary Life Member of the National Chicken Council Board of Directors at the board meeting held in conjunction with the recent NCC Annual Lonnie Conference, as a tribute to his many years of service to the industry and to NCC.

10/19/2007
News from AEB

10/12/2007
THANKSGIVING WINE WISDOM AT www.EatTurkey.com

National Turkey Federation (NTF) is making Thanksgiving preparation less complicated with a consumer guide to preparing a perfect holiday turkey and selecting wines to accompany the meal at its Web site, www.EatTurkey.com. Whether a “first-timer” or one who has prepared countless Thanksgiving meals, a little extra assistance is always welcome.

10/5/2007
Welch Named Chairman of National Chicken Council; Roberts is Vice Chairman; Goolsby Named Secretary-Treasurer

Mike Welch, president and chief executive officer of Harrison Poultry, Bethlehem, Georgia, was installed today as Chairman of the National Chicken Council, the trade association for the chicken production and processing industry. Michael Roberts, president of the Food Products Group of Perdue Farms, Inc., Salisbury, Maryland, took office as Vice Chairman, and O.B. Goolsby, Jr., president and chief executive officer of Pilgrim´s Pride Corporation, Pittsburg, Texas, became Secretary-Treasurer.

10/5/2007
New Members Elected to National Chicken Council Executive Committee and Board of Directors

New elected members of the National Chicken Council’s Executive Committee and Board of Directors were announced at the trade association’s Annual Conference here today.

10/1/2007
National Turkey Federation Web site honored (free registration required)

The National Turkey Federation (NTF) was recognized by the Web Marketing Association in the 2007 International Web Award competition for the creation and development of its Web site, EatTurkey.com.

10/25/2007
USPOULTRY announces new educational initiative (free registration required)

The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association has formed The Poultry & Egg Institute, a new initiative within the association.

Poultry News

10/26/2007
Poultry industry faces drought challenge

Top executives of the Georgia Poultry Federation met privately Wednesday with representatives of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division to discuss with the city of Gainesville the possible impact of a 10 percent reduction in water use announced Tuesday by Gov. Sonny Perdue.

10/11/2007
Ethanol: Is the boom busting? And what happens to feed costs if it is? (free registration required)

Two words usually follow "boom" – "town" or "bust." In the case of the ethanol boom, which has brought grief to meat and poultry producers and processors in the form of skyrocketing feed grain prices, an evident bust in ethanol prices may be good news indeed. Or not.

10/9/2007
Polyclonal antibodies developed in transgenic chickens

Origen Therapeutics in the US has been awarded a $2m (€1.4m) three-year grant from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to develop human polyclonal antibodies by creating genetically modified chickens.

10/15/2007
Poultry manure power plant in operation

Apparently approx. 100 semi-truck loads of turkey manure per day provides enough fuel to power 40,000 homes in Minnesota at the nation's first turkey litter fired power plant.

10/17/2007
Electricity from poultry fat for Texas

Renewables Corp. has announced that it has begun supplying fuel for the nation's first 100% biodiesel powered electricity generating turbine plant in Conroe, Texas.

University News

10/24/2007
Admired professor dies of cancer

James Paul Thaxton Jr., a professor of poultry science at Mississippi State, died Wednesday at his home after losing a battle to cancer.

Avian Influenza News

9/4/2007
Scientists Not Sure Whether Wild Birds Are Carrying Avian Influenza Virus

Researchers say studies do not confirm whether wild birds are carriers of the H5N1 bird flu virus. VOA's Luis Ramirez reports from Bangkok, where experts are gathering this week to figure out better ways to track how the disease is spreading.

9/25/2007
Detecting Bird Flu: New Lab-on-chip Identifies H5N1 In Thirty Minutes

Science Daily — Researchers have successfully developed a miniaturized device that can be used to detect the highly pathogenic avian flu (H5N1) virus.

Government News

9/25/2007
FSIS releases directive on post-mortem livestock inspection (free registration required)

The Food and Safety Inspection Service has released a new directive on post-mortem livestock inspection.

9/19/2007
U.S.D.A. launches food safety web site (free registration required)

WASHINGTON � The Agricultural Research Service (A.R.S.) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture has launched a web portal featuring predictive microbiology modeling software designed to assist food processors in their food safety decision-making process.

9/5/2007
KNIGHT ANNOUNCES CINDY SMITH AS ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE

WASHINGTON, Sept. 5, 2007—Bruce Knight, undersecretary for marketing and regulatory programs, today announced the appointment of Cindy J. Smith as administrator of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

Industry News

9/6/2007
Tyson Foods named POULTRY magazine's 2007 Industry Innovator Award winner (free registration required)

Tyson Foods Inc. has been selected to receive POULTRY magazine's 2007 Industry Innovator Award, which honors excellence in the U.S. poultry industry in the areas of innovation, business success, leadership and industry contributions.

Other Organizations' News

9/21/2007
NCC Comment on Immigration Enforcement Announcement

"The nation's chicken companies are committed to full compliance with applicable federal employment laws, and they work hard to verify an applicant’s eligibility to work. Companies must also be careful to avoid unlawful discrimination. The regulation mentioned today was published in draft form over a year ago and therefore comes as no surprise. Companies will continue to fulfill their obligations under the law."

9/21/2007
News from AEB

September 17, 2007

Poultry News

9/28/2007
Checking Poultry Genes For Disease

US - Research funded by the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association studied the functional genomic and DNA microarray approach to identify key innate immunity genes as a novel selection method to identify chickens with increased resistance to disease.

9/10/2007
Bacteria Inside Red Mites Could Be Targeted To Control Poultry Pests

Science Daily — Bacteria which live symbiotically inside the blood-sucking pests called red poultry mites could be a new and effective target to prevent the spread of Salmonella and similar pathogens in chickens, turkeys and other table birds, according to scientists.*

9/14/2007
Ample supply of turkeys this Thanksgiving

9/14/2007
U.S. Poultry : Broiler production is expected to grow by an average of 1.6% annually from 2007to2016

Lower chicken prices in the first half of 2006 led to a decline in production relative to a year ago for the final two quarters of 2006, a rarity for the industry. Though output prices have recovered, producers are showing caution in the face of higher feed costs, limiting production growth in 2007. Broiler production is expected to grow by an average of 1.6% annually from 2007 to 2016, relative to 3.1% growth from 1997 to 2006.

9/14/2007
USDA reduces forecast of corn use for ethanol (free registration required)

USDA cut its forecast of how much U.S. corn will be used for ethanol production in the marketing year that began Sept. 1, 2007 to 3.3 billion bushels from last month's forecast of 3.4 billion bushels.

9/5/2007
Is the US poultry industry coping in heat wave?

Extremely high temperatures have embraced much of the US, particularly in the south. These searing temperatures are proving to have serious consequences. How is the country's poultry industry managing?

9/4/2007
Next in biofuels: Poultry power

Poultry poop is a serious ecological problem in Virginia. So is the burning of fossil fuels.

Avian Influenza News

8/31/2007
The North American plan for avian and pandemic influenza

The Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America has published a new pandemic planning document, ‘The North American plan for avian and pandemic influenza.

8/13/2007
Scientists Target Future Pandemic Strains Of H5N1 Avian Influenza

Science Daily — Preparing vaccines and therapeutics that target a future mutant strain of H5N1 influenza virus sounds like science fiction, but it may be possible, according to a team of scientists at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), a component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and a collaborator at Emory University School of Medicine. Success hinges on anticipating and predicting the crucial mutations that would help the virus spread easily from person to person.

8/4/2007
State vet lifts some restrictions on movement of poultry litter

During routine testing of poultry flocks prior to slaughter, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services determined July 6 that a turkey flock in Shenandoah County tested suspicious for antibodies of low pathogenic avian influenza, a finding which was confirmed by the USDA's National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa. In response to that discovery, State Veterinarian Richard Wilkes canceled all shows, sales and exhibitions of live poultry statewide and placed restrictions on the movement of poultry litter in a 17-county area in the Shenandoah Valley through July 30, 2007.

8/4/2007
USDA develops teaching resource "understanding avian influenza"

Educators nationwide now have an additional information resource for teaching high school biology students about avian influenza, specifically highly pathogenic H5N1. The Understanding Avian Influenza lesson plan and instructor's guide were offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service May 22. The lesson explains to students the many reasons why they should know about the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus that currently is spreading overseas and what it would mean if it is detected in the United States.

8/4/2007
Scientist doubts efforts to detect avian flu in U.S

ORONO, Maine - A potential avian flu pandemic may have slipped from the headlines, but the threat is still very real. And one leading expert worries that U.S. efforts to detect the deadly avian flu strain may be subpar.

8/8/2007
Cinnamon helps fight against bird flu

Technology has been created whereby cinnamon extract is used as an air disinfectant against bird flu in airports, or as a daily supplement that protects people against the common flu.

Government News

8/4/2007
The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service has scheduled a Public Meeting for August 7, 2007

Food Safety Inspection at Poultry Processing Facilities - The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service has scheduled a Public Meeting for August 7, 2007 in Arlington Virginia " ... to discuss public health based inspection in poultry slaughter to address Campylobacter, Salmonella, and other issues of public health concern. FSIS is seeking public input on the ideas, concepts, data, and analyses it will use to form the basis of a technical plan. The public meeting will afford FSIS and its stakeholders an opportunity to discuss the rationale and process for the Agency's enhanced approach, as well as the background leading up to its current thinking on the concept ..."

8/21/2007
F.S.I.S. launches 'askFSIS'

WASHINGTON — The Food Safety and Inspection Service has launched askFSIS, a new feature of its web site designed to answer technical and policy questions regarding inspection and public health regulations 24 hours a day. The new addition to the agency’s web site is designed to inform a business audience rather than directly focusing on consumers’ concerns.

8/28/2007
New Deputy Administrator of USDA Poultry Programs.

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) today announced the selection of Rex A. Barnes as the new Deputy Administrator of AMS’ Poultry Programs.

Industry News

8/4/2007
Tyson launches Web site to promote chicken raised without antibiotics (free registration required)

PURAC America Inc Springdale, Ark.-based Tyson Foods Inc. has launched a new interactive Web site to promote the company's new line of 100 percent All Natural Fresh Chicken Raised Without Antibiotics

Other Organizations' News

8/4/2007
USPOULTRY VP retires (free registration required)

The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association has announced that Larry Brown, vice president of education programs, will retire in September after 30 years with the Tucker, Ga.-based association.

8/10/2007
News from the AEB

Poultry News

8/13/2007
The new US trend: the cage-free egg

Apparently, the latest trend in the US food world is the cage-free egg.

8/4/2007
More farms find unlikely power source: manure (free registration required)

An increasing number of U.S. farms are converting manure into electricity and reducing the smell in the process.

8/28/2007
5 ways to avoid foodborne illness at your Labor Day barbecue

8/17/2007
Medicinal plants to treat poultry diseases

Farmers are opening up to the idea of using herbs to treat poultry diseases, and many poultry farmers know just how to do this.

8/21/2007
Poultry litter turned into bio-oil

BLACKSBURG, Va., Aug. 20 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists are developing portable pyrolysis units that can convert poultry litter into bio-oil in a system that addresses biosecurity issues.

Avian Influenza News

7/26/2007
Researchers warn H5N1 reassortment can occur beyond winter months

Jul 25, 2007 (CIDRAP News) – World health experts have been working under a general assumption that a feared reassortment between human and avian influenza viruses—a scenario that could spark a pandemic—might only occur during a short winter interval, but researchers who recently examined virus circulation patterns warn that time frames for coinfection are wider and sometimes unpredictable.

7/27/2007
How Would The Avian Influenza Virus Be Transmitted In Human Households?

Science Daily — Recent outbreaks of emerging diseases such as SARS and H5N1 avian influenza have underlined the fact that animal pathogens may acquire the ability to spread efficiently in humans -- but as yet have not.

7/9/2007
VA Department of Agriculture Comments on Avian Flu Evidence Found in Valley

During routine testing of poultry flocks prior to slaughter, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) determined late Friday, July 6, that a turkey flock in Shenandoah County tested suspicious for antibodies of low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI). Testing over the weekend by the USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) in Ames, Iowa confirmed the presence of avian influenza (A.I.) antibodies, which indicates possible prior exposure to the A.I. H5 virus. So far USDA testing has not identified the actual virus that caused the birds to produce the antibodies.

7/10/2007
W.Va. suspends shows, sales after avian flu found in Va.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- West Virginia's annual poultry festival was canceled Monday after the state was placed under a 30-day order suspending all poultry shows and sales following the discovery of avian influenza in a Virginia turkey flock.

7/10/2007
Positive avian flu test has poultry farmers on alert

A flock of 54,000 turkeys must be destroyed near Mount Jackson, north of Harrisonburg in Shenandoah County. This comes after turkeys at the farm tested positive for a mild strain of the avian flu.

Government News

7/5/2007
New federal animal research facility dedicated in Ames

Federal and state officials today dedicated the new research facility at the National Centers for Animal Health in Ames. The five members of the Iowa congressional delegation who help secure the funding for the project were on hand, including Republican Congressman Tom Latham of Ames.

7/26/2007
Court Upholds Air Emissions Agreements

WASHINGTON,DC - The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) has welcomed a federal court decision to dismiss challenges to the validity of air emissions agreements between the Environmental Protection Agency and livestock and poultry operations.

7/26/2007
EPA Extends Clean Water Deadlines for Animal Feeding Operations

US - To respond properly to citizen comment on a federal court order, EPA today announced a final rule extending certain compliance deadlines from July 31, 2007 to Feb. 27, 2009 for concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs).

7/26/2007
FSIS to discuss possible changes to slaughterhouse inspections (free registration required)

Among other topics, USDA's Food Safety Inspection Service will discuss potential changes to how it inspects slaughter plants at a public meeting on Aug. 7 in Arlington, Va.

Industry News

7/27/2007
Pilgrim's Pride names new chairman

Pilgrim's Pride Corp. on Thursday announced that Lonnie Ken Pilgrim was elected chairman of the Pittsburg, Texas-based poultry processor, succeeding his father, Lonnie Bo Pilgrim, who was named senior chairman and remains on the company's board.

7/21/2007
Anti-antibiotics (free registration required)

When the National Chicken Council gathers at Incline Village in Nevada from July 15-17 for the organization’s annual Marketing Conference, the announcement last month by Tyson Foods that it will phase out use of antibiotics in poultry production will likely dominate many a workshop and hallway discussion.

7/21/2007
Koch's Turkey Farm launches natural and organic deli meats (free registration required)

Tamaqua, Penn.-based Koch's Turkey Farm has launched an all natural and organic turkey deli meats line.

Other Organizations' News

7/21/2007
Nominate POULTRY's Industry Innovator (free registration required)

Each year, POULTRY Magazine recognizes an "Industry Innovator" — a poultry processor whose products, processes or overall approach to marketing or management have improved not only its own bottom line, but raised the standard of excellence for the entire poultry industry.

Poultry News

7/26/2007
First-of-its-kind IBDV test in poultry

Ohio State University's Center for Diagnostic Assays (CDA) has developed a test for the detection of very virulent infectious bursal disease virus (vvIBDV) in poultry flocks.

7/9/2007
Researcher explores way to burn poultry litter to provide heat source

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — An agricultural engineering researcher at the University of Arkansas said he has found a way to burn poultry litter to heat poultry houses. He said it could be better for the birds, better for the farmers and better for the environment.

Avian Influenza News

6/20/2007
New pocket geography may point toward better avian flu drugs

Amid heightened concern over a possible epidemic of bird flu in humans, scientists in the United States and Taiwan are reporting critical new insights into the architecture of a key enzyme in the H5N1 avian influenza virus that enables the virus to spread.

6/20/2007
Analysis: Bird flu fears reignited

TORONTO, June 19 (UPI) -- While the threat of a bird flu pandemic continues to hang over the world, authorities in the United Kingdom now believe a second strain of avian flu -- previously considered of little human risk -- does indeed pose a real danger to people.

6/29/2007
Experts meet on bird flu threat

Scientists from around the globe are meeting in Aviemore to consider the latest ways of combating the threat of avian flu.

6/4/2007
FDA Finalizes Guidance for Pandemic and Seasonal Influenza Vaccines

ROCKVILLE, MD -- June 1, 2007 -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today issued final recommendations to increase the supply of safe and effective influenza vaccines for both seasonal and pandemic use.

6/4/2007
Human antibodies protect mice from avian flu

VietNamNet Bridge - An international team of scientists have used antibodies derived from immune cells from recent human survivors of H5N1 avian influenza to successfully treat H5N1-infected mice and perhaps lay the building blocks for a potential cure for the virus.

Government News

6/18/2007
USDA gives the boot to certain organic ingredients (free registration required)

As a result of a new USDA rule, organic products containing certain non-organic minor ingredients are in non-compliance with organic certification — at least for now.

Industry News

6/11/2007
Aviagen supports future research for the poultry industry

Aviagen's sponsored PhD students recently participated in a seminar in Edinburgh where they updated Aviagen’s research, veterinary and technical teams on their research plans and progress.

6/20/2007
With Avian Flu Behind Brazil's Chicken Exports Grow 85%

Brazil exported around US$ 400 million in chicken meat during the month of May, an increase of 84.9% over the same month last year, according to information disclosed in São Paulo yesterday, June 18, by the Brazilian Poultry Exporters Association (Abef).

6/19/2007
Tyson fresh chicken goes antibiotic free

SPRINGDALE, ARK. — Tyson Foods announced many of its fresh chicken products will be marketed under the Tyson brand and prominently feature the phrase "chicken raised without antibiotics" on the label.

6/29/2007
Tyson launches renewable fuels joint venture (free registration required)

Springdale, Ark.-based Tyson Foods Inc. on Monday announced it will form a joint venture with Tulsa-based synthetic fuels technology company Syntroleum Corp.

Other Organizations' News

6/29/2007
USA Poultry & Egg Export Council elects chairman (free registration required)

The USA Poultry & Egg Export Council elected Mark Blanchard, executive vice president of New Orleans-based warehousing and cold storage company NOCS, as its chairman of the board for the 2007-2008 year.

6/20/2007
NPG Launches Nature Reports

Nature Publishing Group (NPG) has announced the launch of two new websites- Nature Reports Climate Change and Nature Reports Stem Cells.

6/8/2007
NCC Urges Congress to Restore Balance In Food-Fuel Equation

WASHINGTON -- May 17, 2007 -- Congress should restore the balance between food and fuel in the nation&squo;s energy policy, according to Bill Roenigk, senior vice president and chief economist of the National Chicken Council, commenting on the Iowa State University on biofuels released here today:

6/8/2007
News from AEB

Poultry News

6/11/2007
Chicken of the Sea: Poultry may have reached Americas via Polynesia

Thor Heyerdahl got it backwards. More than 40 years ago, the late explorer proposed that the Inca or their predecessors voyaged from South America to Polynesia by raft. On the contrary, a new study indicates that Polynesian seafarers reached what's now Chile by about 620 years ago. That conclusion hinges on the first evidence of when chickens arrived in the Americas.

6/19/2007
Chicken litter could be 'green'

One day, the truckloads of chicken manure that Donald Johnson spreads on his pasture could instead be turning on the lights in Iredell County.

6/4/2007
Eastern Shore on short list for poultry litter fueled plant

SALISBURY — The company that next month will launch the country’s first poultry-waste-fueled power plant has said the Lower Shore would be an excellent location for its next plant.

6/6/2007
Polynesians linked to poultry population

Prehistoric Polynesians, not European voyagers, may have brought chickens to the Americas, according to new research from The University of Auckland’s Department of Anthropology which has been published in the June 4 edition of journal, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

6/29/2007
Campylobacter cases in poultry are beginning to fall

According to experts within the poultry industry, measures introduced in 2006 to reduce the level of campylobacter infection on chicken farms and processing plants may be starting to have an impact.

6/29/2007
Safe food practices keep Fourth fun

6/29/2007
European Union tightens up food safety

EUROPE: Almost half of the rapid-alert system notifications in Europe concern imports rejected at EU border.

Avian Influenza News

5/21/2007
Countries succeeding against avian influenza: OIE

FRANCE: Today, most countries overcome avian influenza outbreaks when they occur.

5/30/2007
USDA releases avian influenza education materials (free registration required)

USDA has introduced Understanding Avian Influenza, a lesson plan for use in schools around the country aimed at helping American young people understand highly pathogenic AI.

5/1/2007
Optaflu influenza vaccine, receives support of European Union approval

Novartis leading the introduction of influenza cell culture manufacturing - the first major innovation in influenza vaccine manufacturing in more than 50 years.

5/2/2007
'Supermap' of avian flu yields new info on source/spread

Scientists here have designed a new, interactive map of the spread of the avian flu virus (H5N1) that for the first time incorporates genetic, geographic and evolutionary information that may help predict where the next outbreak of the virus is likely to occur.

5/10/2007
FDA Approves First U.S. Vaccine for Humans Against the Avian Influenza Virus H5N1

The FDA has recently announced the first approval in the United States of a vaccine for humans against the H5N1 influenza virus, commonly known as avian or bird flu.

5/15/2007
Avian Flu High On World Health Assembly Agenda

The issue of sharing research data on avian influenza is shaping up to be the most controversial and potentially damaging item on this year's agenda of the World Health Assembly. The annual assembly of 193 governments, which opens in Geneva on Monday, will debate ways to tackle a possible bird flu pandemic. Other global health problems will also be under review. Lisa Schlein has more for VOA.

Government News

5/7/2007
USDA NAMES MEMBERS TO NATIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON MEAT AND POULTRY INSPECTION

WASHINGTON, May 4, 2007 -U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns has named members to the National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection (NACMPI).

5/2/2007
FDA names a food-safety czar (free registration required)

Facing growing criticism about its ability to protect the nation's food supply, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Tuesday it has created the position of assistant commissioner for food protection to advise on "strategic and substantive food-safety and food-defense matters."

5/2/2007
TRANSCRIPT OF FDA/USDA MEDIA TELECONFERENCE PROVIDING AN UPDATE ON ADULTERATED FEED TO POULTRY AND HOGS

5/7/2007
Food safety amendment introduced

UNITED STATES: Senator Edward Kennedy and colleagues introduce bipartisan food safety amendment.

5/30/2007
National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods to Hold Public Meetings

WASHINGTON, May 30, 2007 - The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today that the National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods (NACMCF) will hold public meetings June 4 - 8, 2007.

5/30/2007
Ethanol Reshapes the Corn Market

The expanding U.S. ethanol sector is stimulating demand for corn, but alternatives to corn may dampen that demand.

Industry News

5/30/2007
Grills sizzled over Memorial Day weekend

UNITED STATES: Hamburgers and hot dogs topped list of most popular grilling items over Memorial Day weekend.

5/23/2007
Frozen poultry down 24% from 2006, red meat off 2%

WASHINGTON — Total frozen poultry supplies on April 30 were 969 million lbs, down 24% from a year ago, while total red meet in freezers was 957 million lbs, down 2%, the National Agricultural Statistics Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture said.

5/7/2007
FEBRUARY 2007 EGG INDUSTRY STATISTICS

5/10/2007
Tyson Foods' team members fight Childhood Hunger

UNITED STATES: Hunger-relief organizations in more than 50 communities will receive donations

Other Organizations' News

5/7/2007
Thai-inspired recipe wins!

United States: Chicken breast enhanced with jasmine rice, shredded coconut, and crunchy Thai-style slaw earns $100,000 prize.

5/7/2007
Antimicrobial intervention symposium set

The Canadian Meat Council is bringing together researchers, government policy makers, and meat and poultry industry members and suppliers for a symposium on "Advances in Antimicrobial Interventions for Quality Control of Meat and Poultry Products." It will be held at the Sheraton Gateway Hotel, Toronto Airport (Canada) on September 13 and 14, 2007.

5/18/2007
Study Warns U.S. Near Tipping Point in Corn-Based Ethanol

WASHINGTON - A major new study officially issued today conservatively estimates that increased corn prices driven by rapidly expanding U.S. ethanol production already have increased U.S. retail food prices by $14 billion annually.

Poultry News

5/10/2007
Organic poultry gains popularity

Despite high feed costs, eggs and poultry are now among the fastest growing organic food products in the US. The sale of organic eggs is expected to rise nearly 40% and poultry sales to more than triple by the end of the decade.

5/10/2007
Small town looks to turn chicken fat into power

For the Houston area to have an energy source first isn’t unusual, but the latest plan isn’t your typical black gold rush.

5/10/2007
No More "Foul" Air From This Chicken Coop

If only there were a nifty device that could filter the air leaving chicken coops to reduce the levels of potentially harmful ammonia, dust and pathogenic microbes that enter the atmosphere. Soon there may be, thanks to an Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientist in Fayetteville, Ark.

5/10/2007
New rules on chicken welfare

EUROPE: European agreement on animal welfare rules for broilers welcomed.

5/15/2007
FDA issues food safety reminder to processors

UNITED STATES: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issues letter to food manufacturers regarding legal responsibilities for the safety of food/feed ingredients.

University News

5/15/2007
Timmons new Extension poultry specialist

SALISBURY, Md. — Jennifer Timmons is the newest face at the Lower Shore Research and Education Center.

5/18/2007
Prof receives poultry industry medal of achievement

4:58 p.m., May 17, 2007--Conrad R. Pope, professor of veterinary pathology in the Department of Animal and Food Sciences at UD, is the 2007 recipient of the Delmarva Poultry Industry's Medal of Achievement for a nonelected individual.

Avian Influenza News

4/6/2007
OIE launches AI Web site (free registration required)

The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) recently launched a new Web site providing key facts and figures about highly pathogenic avian influenza.

4/16/2007
Bug versus Bug: Insect virus makes a viable flu vaccine

A new influenza vaccine churned out by caterpillar cells prevents the flu, researchers say. The advance might eventually revolutionize the manufacture of flu vaccine, now produced in chicken eggs in a long, cumbersome process prone to contamination and other failures.

4/18/2007
FDA Licenses First U.S. Vaccine for Humans Against Avian Influenza

SWIFTWATER, Pa. and LYON, France, April 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sanofi pasteur, the vaccines division of the sanofi-aventis Group, announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has licensed its H5N1 vaccine, the first avian influenza vaccine for humans in the U.S. Sanofi pasteur, in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health, submitted a Biologics License Application to the FDA for this H5N1 vaccine. The licensure serves as a first key step in achieving the government's goal of stockpiling vaccine intended to protect those who are at increased risk of exposure to the H5N1 influenza virus contained in the vaccine during the early stages of a pandemic.

Government News

4/23/2007
First decline in poultry meat production since 1973

Economic Research Service (ERS) of the US Department of Agriculture has revised its estimate of US broiler production downward for the 2007.

4/26/2007
International Egg and Poultry Review

US - By the USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service - This is a weekly report looking at international developments concerning the poultry industry.

4/3/2007
F.D.A. to propose label revisions for irradiated foods

WASHINGTON — In the April 4 Federal Register, the Food and Drug Administration plans to issue a proposal to revise its labeling regulations for foods that have been treated with irradiation. The agency is proposing that only foods in which irradiation "causes a material change in the food, or a material change in the consequences that may result from the use of the food, bear the radura logo and the term ‘irradiated.’

Industry News

4/17/2007
Tyson teams with ConocoPhillips to produce renewable diesel fuel (free registration required)

By teaming up with Tyson Foods, ConocoPhillips will be able to use beef, pork and poultry byproduct fat to create renewable diesel fuel, an effort aimed at shoring up America's energy security and addressing climate change concerns.

4/17/2007
Brazilian poultry meat exports drop

In 2006, Brazilian poultry meat exports fell 4.67% to 2.71 billion kg. This compares with 2.84 billion kg in 2005.

4/2/2007
Pilgrim's Pride recommits to production cuts

PITTSBURG, TEXAS – Despite what the U.S. Department of Agriculture expects to be the most acreage dedicated to corn crops in more than 60 years, Pilgrim's Pride Corp. plans to stick to its plan of cutting poultry production by 5% for the remainder of 2007.

Poultry News

4/23/2007
$500,000 solar project for poultry industry

A solar electric system at a poultry growout house owned by Allen Family Foods, US, has officially opened.

4/27/2007
Turning poultry waste into profit

It seems everyone nowadays is into biofuels. But when the largest poultry processor in the world decides to enter the biofuels arena, it makes a big difference.

4/26/2007
Campylobacter strategy progressing well

New Zealand: New Zealand Food Safety Authority adopts whole food chain approach to tackle pathogen.

4/4/2007
Move to cut Salmonella in chicken

EUROPE: EFSA publishes EU-wide survey on Salmonella levels in broiler meat flocks.

4/6/2007
Pilot project studying solar poultry house

At most poultry farms, there are giant fans to keep the air moving, water cooling systems to keep the chickens comfortable and rows and rows of incandescent light bulbs.

4/9/2007
Scientists look for best feed from ethanol byproduct

URBANA – Ethanol is the star on the agriculture stage now, but behind the scenes, University of Illinois animal scientists are casting the spotlight on its not-so-sexy byproduct.

4/9/2007
Burning Poultry Litter Yields Energy, Reduces Pollution

UNIVERSITY PARK -- Researchers in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences are working to perfect a method for disposing of poultry litter that could save energy costs to heat poultry houses and reduce water pollution from manure applied to fields as fertilizer. Supported by a two-year $50,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, scientists are collaborating with turkey growers and the Adams County poultry company Pilgrim's Pride to demonstrate that incineration is a viable method to resolve problems associated with the spreading of poultry litter.

4/10/2007
Report of the Task Force on Zoonoses Data Collection on the Analysis of the baseline survey on the prevalence of Salmonella in broiler flocks of Gallus gallus, in the EU, 2005-2006

Salmonella is an important cause of food-borne illnesses in humans. Farm animals and food of animal origin form an important source of human Salmonella infections. Therefore European Community legislation foresees setting of Salmonella reduction targets for animal population including broiler flocks. A European Union-wide baseline survey was carried out to determine the prevalence of Salmonella in commercial flocks of broilers with at least 5,000 birds. This survey provides information for the Salmonella target setting. The survey was the second of several baseline surveys to be conducted in the Community.

4/10/2007
Chicken litter to provide power in Georgia (free registration required)

A new power plant in Carnesville, Ga., will produce electricity powered in part by chicken litter.

4/12/2007
Streamlining Wastewater Treatment In Poultry Processing

Columbus, WI — With the steady increase in poultry processing rates there has been a corresponding increase in wastewater pollutant concentrations.

Avian Influenza News

3/16/2007
U.S. downplays H5N1 entering via bird pathways

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - It is unlikely that a sick bird would be able to carry the deadly H5N1 avian influenza virus into the United States through the Pacific and Atlantic flyways, U.S. officials said on Wednesday

3/16/2007
Questions and Answers: Avian Influenza

3/21/2007
Researchers Find Surprising Pattern of Influenza Spread in South America and Tropics

BETHESDA, Md., March 20, 2007--Researchers studying influenza transmission patterns in the Southern Hemisphere and in tropical areas, specifically Brazil, uncovered the unexpected finding that each season influenza travels from low populated regions near the equator to the more populated centers. Their work, funded by the Fogarty International Center (NIH), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), can improve planning for influenza control in tropical areas.

3/30/2007
Scientists Hope Vigilance Stymies Avian Flu Mutations

The virus, H5N1, which was first isolated in humans in 1997, has not started a pandemic in a full decade of trying, so a few flu experts think it never wil

3/30/2007
WHO, Asian Nations Test AI Preparedness With Drill

The World Health Organization and several Asian nations will perform their first drill to determine how quickly the group can react to the initial indicators of a pandemic.

3/1/2007
Review Of 1918 Pandemic Flu Studies Offers More Questions Than Answers

Science Daily — Scientists and public health officials, wary that the H5N1 avian influenza virus could trigger an influenza pandemic, have looked to past pandemics, including the 1918 "Spanish Flu," for insight into pandemic planning. However, in a Journal of Infectious Diseases review article now posted online, David M. Morens, M.D., and Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health, conclude that studies of the 1918 influenza pandemic, which killed some 50 to 100 million people around the globe, have so far raised more questions than they answer.

3/1/2007
FDA panel endorses first U.S. avian flu vaccine

The first vaccine against avian flu for the United States has been endorsed by a Food and Drug Administration advisory panel, but merely as a stopgap measure until better vaccines are developed.

3/7/2007
Scientists