Synthetic Genomics, Ceva partner to develop livestock vaccinesNovember 1, 2017 Synthetic Genomics Inc. announced that it has partnered with Ceva Santé Animale to utilize Synthetic Genomics' next-generation synthetic RNA replicon platform to develop vaccines for livestock. Synthetic Genomics' RNA replicons are programed to deliver genetic instructions to a body's own cells to unleash a powerful immune response against a specific disease, the company said. These RNA replicons carry the genetic code for a self-replication engine as well as antigens that signal for an immune response. The self-amplifying, RNA-based vaccine triggers rapid and immediate antigen expression within host cells, which induces strong T cell and B cell responses. These fully synthetic vaccines have lower dose requirements and simplified manufacturing compared to traditional vaccine approaches, according to the announcement. "We have made tremendous progress to date in programming RNA to develop next-generation vaccines that are multigenic, tunable and, most importantly, scalable for commercially competitive markets such as animal health," said Synthetic Genomics CEO Dr. Oliver Fetzer. "This partnership with Ceva, a leader in animal health, highlights the promise in deploying our synthetic biology capabilities to build RNA systems capable of improving global health in a variety of ways." Financial terms of the agreement were not …
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New AVMA emergency info helps safeguard large animalsSeptember 18, 2017September is National Disaster Preparedness Month, and the importance of animal disaster planning has been made clear by recent hurricanes and wildfires. Livestock evacuations have been all too common, both on large and small scales. A new American Veterinary Medical Association website resource provides critical information that veterinarians can share with owners of horses, poultry, cattle, and other livestock to help them plan in advance to safeguard animals in the event of emergency. The new page, Large Animals and Livestock in Disasters, includes: Steps to prepare for quick action in emergencies Evacuation supply lists for horses, poultry and other livestock Information on proper identification of animals Suggestions to pre-arrange possible evacuation sites The AVMA also offers a range of other emergency planning resources for veterinarians and their clients: Emergency Planning Resources for Veterinary Practices Wildfire Smoke and Animals Pets and Disasters Emergency Contact Cards for Animal Owners
UC Davis to push for advanced disaster preparedness for pets, livestockFebruary 22, 2017The recent storms throughout California have stretched dams and levees to capacity and caused flooding throughout the state. This has led to declarations of emergency in 50 of California's 58 counties, and brought to light a big problem that has been answered yet: When there’s a natural disaster, what happens to pets and livestock?
What livestock vets need to know about new VFD rulesDecember 7, 2016The Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD), which kicks in January 1, 2017, regulates the use of medically important antibiotics in the feed and drinking water of U.S. livestock.
Ohio State vet team discover CRE in livestockDecember 6, 2016Ohio State University is reporting the first discovery of transmissible carbapenem-resistant enterobactericeae (CRE) in U.S. livestock. Normally, these multidrug-resistant bacteria can produce serious life-threatening disease and are found primarily in hospitalized patients, so they are considered an "urgent" public health threat by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To find the bacteria is livestock presents a serious threat both to animal and human health through fresh meat products. "Finding CRE at a livestock farm in the U.S. is definitely a concern, and represents another escalation of the antibiotic resistance threat", said Thomas Wittum, MS, Ph.D, professor and chair of Veterinary Preventive Medicine at Ohio State University (OSU). He led the research team that discovered the CRE in a swine farrow-to-finish operation. Specifically, the CRE were discovered in the farrowing and nursery barns at a 1,500 sow, farrow-to-finish swine farm. Several species of bacteria with the same resistance gene known as IMP-27 were repeatedly found by researchers during regular visits to the farm. Carbapenems are never used in animals intended for food, but other types of beta-lactam antibiotics, such as ceftiofur, are commonly used on farms to treat sick animals. …
Study: Yeast fermentate may prevent heat stress-related complications in livestockAugust 2, 2016Complications related to heat stress in livestock may be prevented by yeast fermentate, according to a study by Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine researchers. Specifically, the results indicate that the yeast fermentate may reduce harmful changes in gut structure that can lead to leaky gut syndrome.
