Highly Pathogenic Strain Of Avian Flu Hits The United States

Apr 21, 2015

Two strains of highly pathogenic avian influenza have been identified in the U.S., with a number of cases being reported in the Pacific Northwest and the northern Midwest regions of the country.

While it’s important to note that there are no cases reported in the northeastern part of the country, an outbreak could have a severe impact on New Hampshire’s poultry industry, and UNH Cooperative Extension field specialists are encouraging flock owners to be on the lookout for signs of the disease.

In the meantime, following good biosecurity practices will prevent the spread of disease and result in better flock health. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has a fact sheet with some effective, common-sense recommendations.

Signs of avian influenza include respiratory symptoms (e.g. coughing, wheezing), loss of appetite, unexplained drops in egg production, swollen combs, red, runny eyes, and sudden death. Flock owners are urged to report any unusual or unexpected illness or death to the New Hampshire State Veterinarian’s office at (603) 271-2404.

Source:unh.edu

Video: Sweetener Effects on Gut Health - Dr. Kwangwook Kim

In this episode of The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Kwangwook Kim, Assistant Professor at Michigan State University, discusses the use of non-nutritive sweeteners in nursery pig diets. He explains how sucralose and neotame influence feed intake, gut health, metabolism, and the frequency of diarrhea compared to antibiotics. The conversation highlights mechanisms beyond palatability, including hormone signaling and nutrient transport. Listen now on all major platforms!

“Receptors responsible for sweet taste are present not only in the mouth but also along the intestinal tract.”

Meet the guest: Dr. Kwangwook Kim / kwangwook-kim is an Assistant Professor at Michigan State University, specializing in swine nutrition and feed additives under disease challenge models. He earned his M.S. and Ph.D. in Animal Sciences from the University of California, Davis, where he focused on intestinal health and metabolic responses in pigs. His research evaluates alternatives to antibiotics, targeting gut health and performance in nursery pigs.