In 2014 and 2015, 26 nuisance lawsuits representing over 500 North Carolina residents were brought against Murphy-Brown, a subsidiary of Smithfield Foods, in North Carolina federal court. The lawsuits involve 89 hog farms or “CAFOs” (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations) in Eastern North Carolina. Although Murphy-Brown owns some of the farms itself, in most instances, Murphy-Brown
Animal Agriculture
Highly Pathogenic Poultry and Swine Diseases Continue to Spread Affecting National and International Markets
By Nancy E. Halpern, D.V.M. on
Virulent Newcastle disease (VND), formerly known as Exotic Newcastle Disease, and African Swine Fever outbreaks continue to impact poultry in California and hogs in China, respectively. Notably, these diseases are largely not infectious to humans, but nevertheless are impacting farmers, ranchers, hobbyists, national and internal markets.
California has been trying to stamp out VND since…
USDA amends the national list of allowed and prohibited substances for livestock in the National Organic Program.
By Nancy E. Halpern, D.V.M. on
In addition to other activities, AMS manages the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances used on certified organic premises, which it recently amended. …
A potpourri of updates about USDA and FDA
By Nancy E. Halpern, D.V.M. on
Some happenings at USDA and FDA that may impact your business are noteworthy.
On November 16, 2018 FDA released for public comment “proposed research to validate an alternative approach for bioequivalence studies for certain animal drugs.”
Bioequivalence studies are required before drugs are approved by FDA (for humans or animals) as safe and efficacious.
The
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The Care of Small Ruminants in the Absence of FDA-Approved Medications
By Nancy E. Halpern, D.V.M. on
The Food Animal Residue Avoidance Databank (FARAD) recently provided guidance to small ruminant producers and their veterinarians in an article titled “Extralabel drug use (ELDU) in small ruminants” in JAVMA, Vol 253, No. 8, Oct. 15, 2018, pp 1001-1009.
“FARAD is a university-based national program that serves as the primary source for scientifically-based recommendations…
USDA announces plans to enhance its ability to trace animal diseases
By Nancy E. Halpern, D.V.M. on
In a bulletin published on September 25, 2018, USDA announced “four overarching goals for advancing animal disease traceability to protect the long-term health, marketability and economic viability of the U.S. livestock industry.”
Advance the electronic sharing of data among federal and state animal health officials, veterinarians and industry; including sharing basic animal disease
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Help for animal owners and businesses affected by recent hurricanes
By Nancy E. Halpern, D.V.M. on
State Departments of Emergency Management prepare and respond to natural disasters by implementing the orchestrated emergency response plans, which state, federal and non-profit partners help develop over the years. These plans, that also include responses to the intentional or accidental introduction of highly pathogenic zoonotic or strictly animal diseases, are considered ever-green and updated based…
Animal Health Threatened Here and Abroad
By Nancy E. Halpern, D.V.M. on
Typically, animal diseases have a seasonal presence. For example, avian influenza, like other influenza viruses prefer cold damp conditions. On the other hand, viruses transmitted by mosquitoes (arboviruses), including Equine Encephalitis virus and West Nile virus , are diagnosed when the mosquito population has peaked, often in in mid-late summer and early fall.
In addition…
New Jersey Department of Agriculture’s Division of Animal Health Proposed Laboratory Fee Regulation Amendments
By Nancy E. Halpern, D.V.M. on
The Division of Animal Health has proposed amendments to the regulation governing laboratory services provided by the State Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory, available on its website as published in the New Jersey Register on September 4, 2018 (50 N.J.R. 1919).
The amendments would increase fees charged for animal disease diagnostic and testing services…
Food animal veterinarians, producers and feed mills should prepare for enhanced FDA enforcement.
By Nancy E. Halpern, D.V.M. on
As part of its Five-Year Plan for Supporting Antimicrobial Stewardship in Veterinary Settings—just released—FDA announced that it plans to shift from “educating” food animal veterinarians and producers about the 2016 Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) to “ensuring compliance with the . . . regulation to further ensure the safety of animal and human health.” In…