Protecting Animals and People - Understanding Zoonotic Disease

Nov 03, 2021

It is a well-known fact that most people do not know where their food comes from or how it is raised or grown. In fact, while there are over two million farms in the U.S., farmers and ranchers make up less than 2% of the U.S. population. This means that most people do not have experience with or a connection to a farm or an understanding of what it takes to produce food. This is where our county fairs, animal exhibitions, and agri-tourism operations help educate people on what farming really is and connect them to agriculture. However, providing people with access to animals does come with some risks.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, zoonotic diseases are diseases caused by germs that spread between people and animals. These diseases are quite common but with proper prevention and hygiene, the risk of transmission is low. Michigan State University Extension has partnered with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to create multiple resources designed to help prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases. Anyone who works with events or locations that have a people (public) and animal interface will benefit from the developed resources and will be able to utilize them at their operations or exhibitions.

These resources will be highlighted on an informational Zoom webinar on Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021 from 1 to 2 p.m. The Zoom platform does not require any additional software or equipment and while there is no cost to participate, attendees must register in order to receive access to the necessary connection link. This educational event will feature speakers from MSU Extension and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, it will include information on planning materials and signage that can be used to prevent zoonotic disease outbreaks, social media materials that promote healthy interaction with animals, and educational materials to educate youth in strategies that can be used to bring awareness around the issue of the spread of zoonotic diseases.

Source : msu.edu

Video: Assessing Welfare Resources During Late Finish - Dr. Anna Johnson & Emma Coursey

In this episode of The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Anna Johnson from Iowa State University and Emma Coursey from the University of Illinois discuss research evaluating welfare resources during the late finishing stage on commercial swine farms. They explain how feeder management, water use, space allocation, and pig health influence welfare outcomes and practical on-farm management. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Small resource issues can become larger welfare problems when multiple stressors interact across finishing barns."

Meet the guests: Dr. Anna Johnson / anna-johnson-05028a14 is the Morrill Professor of Animal Behavior and Welfare at Iowa State University. She earned her Ph.D. in Animal Sciences from Texas Tech University and completed her master's degree in Applied Animal Behaviour and Welfare at the University of Edinburgh. Her research focuses on practical solutions that improve farm animal welfare, including sow productive lifetime, animal-human interaction, environmental enrichment, and Precision Livestock Farming.

Emma Coursey / emma-coursey-183810241 is pursuing a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine after earning a bachelor's degree in Animal Science from Iowa State University. Her academic interests include swine health, production, and animal welfare, with research experience evaluating welfare resources in commercial finishing pigs.