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USDA to Field Test FMD Vaccine
Published: September 07, 2010
USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is proposing to conduct a field trial of a new foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine. The FMD vaccine is a recombinant vaccine. It contains no live FMD virus; therefore, the vaccine poses no risk of an outbreak or harming the inoculated cattle. As currently proposed, the vaccine will be given to approximately 600 cattle in Nebraska, Missouri, and Michigan.
This safety trial is required as part of APHIS' vaccine licensing process. An Environmental Assessment, to be published in the Wednesday, September 8th Federal Register, is based on a risk analysis which was prepared to assess the risks associated with the field testing of this vaccine and also to examine the potential effects that field testing this veterinary vaccine could have on the quality of the human environment. There will be a 30 day comment period where any new information will be reviewed before continuing with the purposed 7 week study. The field trial is scheduled to take place later this year. (By: Marissa Cloum) (Contact: Bob Ehart)
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FDA Proceeds on Genetically Altered Salmon Evaluation
Published: September 07, 2010
The United States' Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is prepared to approve genetically modified salmon, which grow much faster than identical Atlantic salmon, as safe for human consumption. This is the first such approval made by the FDA. Some consumer groups and environmental organizations are concerned about whether the process FDA uses to determine whether the fish is safe, the same process used to evaluate a new veterinary drug, is adequately transparent.
Aquabounty, the Massachusetts company first applied to the FDA for permission to sell its fish in 1995. Its research and supporting data is kept confidential under the FDA process. Industry supporters are eager for this process to work and for science to be used as the driving force for the pre-market approval process. On September 20, 2010, the Veterinary Medicine Advisory Committee will consider issues regarding the safety and effectiveness of the new animal drug that is the subject of a new animal drug application (NADA) concerning AquAdvantage salmon produced by AquaBounty Technologies, Inc. A Notice of Meeting was published in the Federal Register on August 26, 2010. (By: Amos Welder) (Contact: Bob Ehart)
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Reid May Revive Renewable Electricity Standard
Published: September 07, 2010
In a conference call with reporters on August 31, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) indicated he will likely include a provision for a renewable electricity standard (RES) in energy legislation that he intends to introduce in the Senate once the body returns from recess. He is hopeful that the inclusion of the RES will help garner Republican votes, two in particular.
The RES was excluded from previous efforts to pass energy legislation, which focused on, in varying turns, climate change, cap-and-trade and provisions to address the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Each of these efforts was unable to garner the 60 votes needed to pass. Energy legislation passed out of the Energy and Natural Resources last year, however, that included an RES provision and received bipartisan support. (Contact: Brad McKinney)
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NASDA Welcomes Fall Interns
Published: September 07, 2010
Two interns from Texas A&M University have joined the NASDA office for the fall semester. Amos Welder and Marissa Cloum will be working and learning with NASDA until early December.
Amos Welder of San Antonio, Texas, is currently a senior agricultural economics major with an emphasis on policy and economic analysis. He is an active member of the TAMU Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity, pre-law society, and the National Agri-Marketing Association. After working for NASDA this Fall he hopes to gain first-hand insight into policy creation and Capitol Hill. After graduating from Texas A&M, Amos plans to pursue a degree in natural resource and environmental law.
Marissa Cloum is a senior animal science major at Texas A&M University. Marissa grew up in a military family and lived abroad when she was young. Her family is currently stationed in England where she also lived for five years. These experiences have directed her interests toward foreign trade, particularly as it relates to livestock and animal welfare. While interning for the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture Marissa is looking forward to learning more about public policy and the role government plays in the realm of agriculture and related industries, as well as the experience of living and working in Washington, D.C. (Contact: Charlie Ingram)
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NC: Growers Changing Crops Can get Help from NCDA&CS
Published: September 07, 2010
In North Carolina, when many people think agriculture, they still think tobacco. Tobacco remains a significant crop, but acreage has declined and North Carolina farmers continue to diversify their operations.
Vegetable and small fruit crops are increasingly lucrative choices, but making the transition from traditional row crops can be difficult and often involves learning entirely new methods of production.
Click here for more.
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WV: Biocontrol Agents Released in WV to Fight Emerald Ash Borer
Published: September 07, 2010
The West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) assisted the United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA, APHIS) with the release of two different biological control agents at Cacapon State Park in Morgan County and near Thurmond in Fayette County to reduce Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) populations. These parasitic insects, called parasitoids, were discovered in China and have been studied and reared for release in the United States.
The parasitoids attack only EAB and will not harm humans, pets or other animals. Once they become established, they are expected to suppress EAB populations to a point where ash trees can survive EAB infestations. The first field releases of these parasitoids occurred in Michigan in 2007. Click here for more.
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NE: NDA Alerts Horse Owners to Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis
Published: September 07, 2010
Nebraska Agriculture Director Greg Ibach is encouraging horse owners to visit with their veterinarian about vaccinating their animals against Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis. A case of the mosquito-borne virus was diagnosed this week in a Keith County horse.
Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE) is a viral disease of the equine species that is transmitted primarily by infected mosquitoes. It affects an animal's central nervous system. "This case serves as a reminder to equine owners to visit with their veterinarian regarding measures that can protect their animals from disease," Ibach said. Click here for more.
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NM: Rush to Buy New Mexico Green Chile
Published: September 07, 2010
New Mexico Department of Agriculture's (NMDA) "Get Your Fix" green chile promotion is in full swing-the purpose? To introduce New Mexico green chile to residents throughout the United States! "During the chile harvest in August and September, the Marketing and Development staff at NMDA works with grocery stores in different cities to help set up the chile displays and educate consumers about the many uses of green chile," said Noreen Jaramillo, NMDA public information officer. "The stores easily sell hundreds of pounds of chile on these days, but ultimately it's the New Mexico farmer who benefits."
This year NMDA's "Get Your Fix" green chile promotion was featured in retail stores in several Texas cities, Washington, D.C.; Las Vegas, Nevada, Virginia; and Long Beach, California just to mention a few. "We also expanded into a new Reno market this year, where it was very successful," said David Lucero, Marketing and Development division director. Click here for more.
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KY: Commisioner Farmer Applauds KY. Producers
Published: September 07, 2010
Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer today congratulated Kentucky farmers on surpassing the $4 billion mark in farm cash receipts in 2009. It was the fourth year in a row and the fifth time in the past six years that Kentucky's agricultural producers achieved the feat.
"I am constantly amazed but never surprised by Kentucky's resourceful and determined farmers," Commissioner Farmer said. "To surpass $4 billion in such a challenging economy is a remarkable achievement. It also shows that Kentucky's efforts at diversification are working and the Kentucky Proud program is helping producers find markets for their products."
Click here for more.
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