Swine fever sweeps Italy’s north, threatening production of prized prosciutto and livelihoods

Swine fever sweeps Italy’s north, threatening production of prized prosciutto and livelihoods

CORTELEONA E GENZONE, Italy — One of Giovanni Airoli’s sows tested positive for African swine fever in late August. Within a week, all 6,200 sows, piglets and fattening pigs on his farm south of Milan were slaughtered under strict protocols to halt the disease threatening Italy’s 20 billion euro prosciutto, cured sausage and pork industry. … Read more

Denmark reports cases of bluetongue disease that can be fatal to sheep but is harmless to humans

Denmark reports cases of bluetongue disease that can be fatal to sheep but is harmless to humans

Denmark has reported cases of bluetongue in the country’s east, a non-contagious, insect-borne viral disease that is harmless to humans but can be fatal for so-called ruminant animals — mainly sheep but also cows and goats COPENHAGEN, Denmark — Denmark reported Tuesday cases of bluetongue in the country’s east, a non-contagious, insect-borne viral disease that … Read more

With 100M birds dead, poultry industry could serve as example as dairy farmers confront bird flu

With 100M birds dead, poultry industry could serve as example as dairy farmers confront bird flu

DES MOINES, Iowa — As the U.S. dairy industry confronts a bird flu outbreak, with cases reported at dozens of farms and the disease spreading to people, the egg industry could serve as an example of how to slow the disease but also shows how difficult it can be to eradicate the virus. There have … Read more

Thailand steps up border control of livestock after anthrax outbreak is reported in neighboring Laos

Thailand steps up border control of livestock after anthrax outbreak is reported in neighboring Laos

BANGKOK — Thailand’s government has ordered officials to closely monitor livestock along the border with Laos after more than 50 people were reported to have contracted anthrax in the neighboring country. Thai authorities have been working closely with those in Laos after receiving reports of the outbreak and have prepared vaccines in case of infections … Read more