Tag: Biosecurity
-
O Strain FMD Vaccines Confirmed in Smuggled Shipment
New findings confirm O strain in smuggled FMD vaccines Laboratory analysis has confirmed the presence of the O field strain of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in a shipment of vaccines intercepted by authorities. Although the O strain has never been officially recorded in South Africa, the inactivated material detected within the smuggled vaccines represents a potential…
-
AI-Designed Virus: How Lab-Grown Life Is Pushing Boundaries
Overview: A Breakthrough that Sparks Debate The new era of lab-grown life is under intense scrutiny as researchers report the creation of a virus dubbed Evo-Φ2147, engineered with artificial intelligence and from-scratch design. Proponents say the approach could accelerate understanding of viral behavior, inform vaccine development, and reveal new biological principles. Critics warn that such…
-
Lab-Grown Life Milestone: AI Helps Create a Novel Virus Evo-Φ2147
Introduction: A Breakthrough with Caution In a development that has stirred excitement and concern in equal measure, researchers working with lab-grown life report using artificial intelligence to design a virus that has not existed before. Dubbed Evo-Φ2147, the creation is described by its scientists as a proof-of-concept that could transform how researchers approach viral design,…
-
North Otago ducks help frontline against bird flu through surveillance testing
Overview of the surveillance effort In the wake of a bird flu outbreak tied to a Moeraki poultry farm at the end of 2024, New Zealand is ramping up surveillance to safeguard its borders against the virus. Scientists and authorities have turned to a practical line of defense: field testing involving mallard ducks in North…
-
Laboratory Analysis Isolates O Strain In Smuggled FMD Vaccines
Overview: O Strain Identified in Smuggled Vaccines Authorities in South Africa have confirmed that an inactivated O field strain of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) was detected in a shipment of smuggled vaccines. This finding comes after laboratory analyses were conducted on samples intercepted during routine border controls and subsequent inspections. While the O strain has never…
-
O Strain Detected in Smuggled FMD Vaccines: SA Lab Confirms Inactivated O Strain
Introduction: A Concerning Find in the Fight Against FMD Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) remains one of the world’s most disruptive livestock diseases, affecting cattle, sheep, goats, and other cloven-hoofed animals. While the O field strain has never been officially recorded in South Africa, recent laboratory analysis has identified inactivated O strain material in a shipment of…
-
Lab Analysis Confirms O Strain in Smuggled FMD Vaccines in South Africa
Overview: A New Biosecurity Challenge for South Africa The latest interception of smuggled animal-health supplies has brought a surprising and troubling finding to light. Laboratory analysis confirms that an inactivated O field strain of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is present in a shipment of vaccines that were clandestinely trafficked and intercepted by authorities. This development marks…
-
Nanosilver and FMD in SA: Caution for Farmers Today
Warning over nanosilver products used against Foot-and-Mouth Disease in South Africa Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) poses serious economic and animal health risks for farmers. In recent months, some producers in South Africa have turned to nanosilver products marketed as solutions for FMD. While nanotechnology can offer benefits in certain contexts, the core issue is governance and…
-
Nanosilver Claims Mislead Farmers on Foot-and-Mouth Disease Treatment in SA
Overview: Nanosilver and FMD in South Africa Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) remains a critical concern for cattle farmers in South Africa, where livestock producers rely on trusted veterinary medicines and vaccines to manage outbreaks. In recent years, some suppliers have marketed nanosilver products as a quick, low-cost solution for FMD prevention and treatment. However, these products…
-
Nanosilver Prods for FMD: Caution for South African Farmers
Overview: Nanosilver and Foot-and-Mouth Disease in South Africa Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) poses a persistent threat to livestock health and agricultural livelihoods in South Africa. Recently, some nanosilver products have been marketed as potential aids in managing FMD. However, veterinary and regulatory authorities warn that these products are not registered as livestock medicines in South Africa.…