Naturally-infected, captive white-tailed deer in Texas have persistent anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies

In a recent study posted to the bioRxiv* pre-print server, researchers performed a longitudinal study to examine the neutralizing antibody kinetics of a naturally-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infected white-tailed deer (WTD) population for around 16 months.

The wild WTD, Odocoileus virginianus, has the potential to be a natural SARS-CoV-2 reservoir. However, it is unknown how long natural infection persists in WTD, and the precise duration of the persistence of neutralizing antibodies in this species is also unknown. In the WTD species found across Midwestern states and Texas in the United States (US), studies have documented ~30-40% SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence. Experimental studies have also shown that WTD lung cells are permissive to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Therefore, they transmit the virus vertically and through contact.

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When will U.S. beef herd sell-off end?

The July cattle report from USDA largely met analyst expectations, confirming further liquidation in the U.S. beef cow herd.

Beef cow numbers for July 1 came in at 30.35 million head, 2.4% below one year ago and down 6.3% versus the recent July inventory peak in 2018.

How is exposure to wildfire smoke affecting the health of livestock?

Scientists understand the devastating impact of wildfires on humans, as well as the landscapes they ravage. But less is known about the effects of large fires – or the smoke associated with them – on animals, many of whom survive blazes.

U.S. hog producers should keep a close eye on Australian pig virus outbreak

Health experts are encouraging U.S. producers to keep a close eye on Australia's hog herd as a virus has wiped out anywhere from 3 to 10 percent of the commonwealth's herd.

"That's about the magnitude that we had in 2013 and 2014 when we had the outbreak of PED. .

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DATCP to Provide Tuition Reimbursement for UW-Madison HACCP Training

The Basic HACCP Short Course will discuss the principles of HACCP, development of HACCP plans and programs, and implementation including new USDA, FSIS regulations for meat and poultry establishments. This program is consistent with the intent and scope of the USDA, FSIS regulation.

WLIC Members

Being a small non-profit, WLIC relies on memberships and sponsorships to further academic programs and events to educate on livestock traceability, identification, and premises ID. We sincerely thank our Industry and Individual partners for their continuous support of WLIC.

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