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Original article published as USDA Press Release
WASHINGTON, August 28, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today the availability of an updated guideline that makes recommendations to strengthen the documentation that supports animal-raising or environment-related claims on meat or poultry product labeling. Today’s action builds on the significant work USDA has already undertaken to protect consumers from false and misleading labels and to implement President Biden’s Executive Order on Promoting Competition in the American economy.  Photo: Janice Neitzel Original article written by Frank Fuhrig
A $3.34 million research project by a consortium of institutions is underway to improve the microbial safety, production efficiency, product quality and cost dynamics of organic chicken.  Photo: Janice Neitzel Original article by Ann Reus
A federal judge has ruled the Massachusetts’ animal welfare law, known as Question 3, is not pre-empted by the Federal Meat Inspection Act and allowed the law to stand in a defeat for pork producers.  Photo: Jakob Kapusnak on Unsplash Original article written by Treena Hein
The adoption of in-ovo sexing is growing in countries within the EU, with expectations by some analysts that in countries that have bans on chick culling close to 100% adoption or even full adoption will be reached within a few years. “For countries like Norway and the US, where adoption is market-driven and there are no chick cull bans, the rollout is still early, but we anticipate fast growth,” notes Robert Yaman, CEO of Innovate Animal Ag, a US-based think tank with a core mission to improve animal welfare through advancing cutting-edge technologies. “For example, after only a few months in the market, in-ovo sexing now has 5% market penetration in Norway,” says Yaman.  Photo: Janice Neitzel Original article written by Tony Mcdougal
A poultry breeding company has received RSPCA approval for its Rustic Gold breed, aligning with the European Chicken Commitment (ECC) and US Better Chicken Commitment standards. The BCC / ECC require slower-growing breeds, lower stocking densities, and enriched environments across the poultry supply chain by 2026, aiming to improve animal welfare. Aviagen’s Rustic Gold bird follows the Rowan Range of slower-growing and coloured breed options to be awarded the accreditation, alongside the previously approved Ranger Gold and Ranger Classic. The company offers various breeds to give customers choice in the markets in which they serve.  Photo: Janice Neitzel Original article written by Chris Moore
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals blocked another attempt to roll back California’s Proposition 12, according to court filings. The Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) appealed the district court's decisions that denied their motion for a preliminary injunction and dismissed the case. The IPPA challenged Prop. 12, arguing it discriminates against interstate commerce in violation of the dormant Commerce Clause. The district court ruled against IPPA, and the appeal was reviewed by the Ninth Circuit.  A European egg company now having a U.S. presence does not see animal-friendly commercial farming as a contradiction in terms. Its approach includes raising roosters, where efforts are made to provide a good life for the egg-laying hens' brothers, instead of the common practice of culling them after hatching. Its strategy involves closing cycles within the system, as the birds serve multiple functions by acting as waste processors and suppliers of eggs and meat.
The company’s egg farms are designed to closely align with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Their diet includes upcycled feed derived from leftovers, such as those from large bakeries, contributing to a more environmentally friendly and waste-preventing approach. This holistic perspective not only promotes ethical treatment of animals but also aligns with sustainability goals, showcasing how the egg production process can be carbon neutral Photo: Janice Neitzel Original article by Lisa Feld
In this week’s Field Report, USDA data reveals that some farmers give pigs antibiotics for “growth promotion,” a practice banned since 2017. Plus: PFAS in pesticides, new rules for contract farmers, and just-published research showing a healthy diet is also better for the planet. Because scientists have identified antibiotic-resistant infections as a serious public health threat that kills more than 35,000 Americans annually, regulators at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have been working to reign in the misuse and overuse of antibiotics in animal agriculture—which contributes to the problem—for more than a decade. Seven years ago, the agency announced the most significant step to date: ending the use of antibiotics also important in human medicine solely for “growth promotion.” Photo: Janice Neitzel Original article by office of Congresswoman Dina Titus
Washington, DC—Today Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-01) introduced the Humane Transport of Farmed Animals Act, legislation to improve enforcement of existing animal welfare laws to protect farm animals transported domestically in the United States. “Not only do lax federal regulations on farm animal transportation create inhumane and cruel conditions, but these inefficiencies in the law are also causing many animals to succumb to disease and injury during these long journeys which can be passed on to humans,” said Congresswoman Titus. “By raising fit-for-travel standards in addition to creating mechanisms to actively enforce the Twenty-Eight Hour Law, we can tackle this persistent issue in our food chain while protecting the lives of these animals.”  Photo: Janice Neitzel Original article written by Norbert van der Werff
2 bird flu vaccines are effective against avian influenza in chickens. This is the conclusion after processing the first results of the field trial at 2 Dutch poultry farms. Meanwhile, the Dutch government is considering taking the next step with a different vaccine. The third vaccine has not been tested in the current field trial, but is expected to be approved for the European market in the short term. |
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