Additional stories...
New training module from the USDA
The USDA has launched a new
training module, "The Role of Veterinarians in Honey Bee
Health." It's part of ongoing training efforts from the National Veterinary Accreditation Program.
Did you know honey bees (Apis mellifera) are considered food producing animals? These little pollinators play a big part in the U.S. agricultural industry. Not only do they produce delicious honey for people to enjoy, they also do a lot of work for farmers. From almond groves to apple orchards, honey bees pollinate plants to yield a steady food supply for our country and export markets.
According to the USDA, this
module is intended to provide accredited veterinarians with basic knowledge of
honey bee biology and beekeeping, as well as information about relevant honey
bee diseases and conditions, to foster communication with beekeepers and ensure
stewardship of antimicrobial use in honey bees. Judicious use of antimicrobials
is critical to slow the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance.
Veterinarians who complete the module will be able to:
- Describe the U.S. honey bee
industry and the importance of honey bee pollination to the U.S. food
supply.
- Understand current pollinator
threats and mitigation strategies.
- Communicate effectively with
beekeepers regarding honey bee biology and beekeeping basics.
- Recognize, diagnose, and authorize
appropriate treatments for relevant honey bee diseases.
- Oversee the judicious use of antimicrobials in honey bees
through the issuance of prescriptions and VFDs.
Don't forget biosecurity on your travel checklist
Whether you're about to take that summer family vacation, or head abroad with a trade mission to promote Minnesota's bountiful agricultural commodities, please remember biosecurity. Even if you don't plan to visit a farm, production plant or market, you should take some simple steps to protect your livestock back home.
The American
Association of Swine
Veterinarians, National Pork Board and the Center for Food Security
and Public Health
College of
Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University prepared a handy handout covering those basic biosecurity tips to keep in mind while traveling. Click this link to read the flyer.
Poultry disease continues in California
New virulent Newcastle disease cases are being reported out of California this week. The USDA is responding to the disease and working with state and local officials to control the outbreak. Click here for the latest updates from the USDA.
Minnesota's livestock owners should keep anthrax in mind mid to late summer
Did you hear about the latest news release from the Board of Animal Health? Here's a sneak peak of what one of our veterinarians had to say about keeping your ruminants safe from anthrax.
“Producers who want to take proactive measures to protect their livestock should contact their herd veterinarian to talk about annual anthrax vaccinations,” said Dr. Stacey Schwabenlander, who oversees the Board’s cattle programs. “Something to also keep in mind is that this disease is an environmental threat and is not spread via animal to animal contact.”
Click here to read the full release.
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