Mel Luymes's Page

Proposed changes to “Product of USA” labeling regulations would create barriers to North American food security

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) proposed changes to its voluntary “Product of the USA” labeling regulations would cause supply chain challenges and risk increased food disruptions at a difficult time in the North American supply chain, and pork producers will once again bear the brunt of the pain. The new regulations would limit claims so only products made from livestock born, raised, harvested, and processed in America could be labeled “Product of the USA.” While voluntary, the proposed “Product of USA” rule would impose the same standard as the mandatory Country of Origin Labeling statute repealed by Congress in late 2015 as a result of a WTO ruling against those original provisions.

Intrauterine Vaccination of Sows and Gilts Offers Piglets Up-Front Disease Protection

An Associate Professor with the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Pharmacy and Nutrition says administration of vaccines to sows and gilts during artificial insemination offers their piglets earlier disease protection. Researchers with the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization and the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition at the University of Saskatchewan are evaluating the effectiveness of administering vaccines to sows and gilts along with sperm during artificial insemination to protect them and their offspring from diseases, focusing initially on Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea. Dr. Azita Haddadi, an Associate Professor with the Division of Pharmacy in the College of Pharmacy & Nutrition, says this approach offers a host of advantages.

Strengthening resiliency at the Animal Nutrition Conference of Canada 2023

Dynamic event features the latest science, trends, networking and more. Bringing together researchers and feed industry specialists for an exceptional learning and networking opportunity is the focus as the Animal Nutrition Conference of Canada (ANCC) welcomes participants May 9-11 in Montreal, Quebec. The 7th annual conference is hosted by the Animal Nutrition Association of Canada (ANAC), the national trade association for Canada’s feed industry.

ASF Virus Persists in Recovered Pigs, By Marty Misener from South West Ontario Veterinary Services

African swine fever (ASF) continues to be high on the list of transboundary diseases that can result in devastating damage to pork production. This devastating nature of ASF has sparked an unprecedented level of international collaboration. One example of this collaboration is the research partnership between the USA and Viet Nam. This collaboration benefits Viet Nam because it provides access to additional technical expertise and other resource in battling ASF. The USA benefits by gaining real world access to the disease control efforts in Viet Nam. Having “boots on the ground” allows for an accelerated learning curve involving diagnostics, vaccines and other control measures. Unfortunately ASF is persisting in Viet Nam. The number of pigs that recover from ASF infection depends on the strain of ASF that is involved. Although the percentage of infected pigs that recover is small it is not zero. These researchers wanted to evaluate the viral antigen distribution and lesions in recovere

B.C. protects farms from animal disease

The Province is investing $5 million to help protect B.C. farms from animal diseases, including avian influenza, swine fever, and foot-and-mouth disease, to help support a resilient food supply for British Columbians. “This investment will provide B.C. farmers and ranchers with the support to plan and respond quicker and better to disease outbreaks,” said Pam Alexis, Minister of Agriculture and Food. “It is important that we continue to work together and stay vigilant to protect farmers and their animals, which protects B.C.’s economy and our food security.”