1) Hormone Use in Meat Production is a Health Concern. The hormones used in meat production, such as estrogen, are the same as, or synthetic versions of, those occurring naturally in animals.

Insect development has been delayed in Nebraska due to below average temperatures; however, with temperatures climbing and alfalfa greening up, it is time to begin scouting for alfalfa weevils and the accompanying feeding damage. Temperatures and conditions in southern Nebraska indicate that some feeding may be visible as tiny pinholes on the leaves of the upper part of the stem.

Pfizer Animal Health is increasing the expertise and services available to its customers by adding three professionals to its Cattle Veterinary Operations Team — Lance Fox, DVM; Mark Branine, Ph.D.; and Brad Morgan, Ph.D.

Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1) infection in horses can cause respiratory disease, abortion in mares, neonatal foal death, and/or neurologic disease. The neurologic form of EHV-1 is called Equine Herpes Virus Myeloencephalopathy (EHM). The virus can spread through the air, contaminated equipment, clothing and hands. EHV-1 is endemic to the United States and is usually handled by the States involved; USDA becomes involved in cases involving multiple States or movement of horses across State lines.

I reported recently on stunted and yellow alfalfa plants that were being reported in Berks, Dauphin and Lancaster counties (see pictures). Samples were sent to Dr. Deborah Samac, USDA-ARS alfalfa pathologist, in St Paul, Minnesota, and I received back a report that the culprit is "Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris" or more commonly known as “Witches-broom phytoplasma.”

Groups of displaced Japanese citizens ranging from several hundred to more than 10,000 were served meals of U.S. beef and pork in recent weeks through the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Japan Relief and Recovery Effort.