Canadian researchers tout live animal BSE test Wednesday, February 4, 2009 © AgMedia Inc.by TREENA HEINUniversity of Calgary scientists say they have found a way to test for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in live animals using a simple blood test.Lianne Appleby, a spokesperson with the Ontario Cattlemen’s Association says the test might increase access to some foreign markets and reduce processing costs, if it were eventually developed and approved. “But, a live test without the resulting reduction in packing plant costs and age discounts would not be of benefit to our producers.”Appleby also points out that, “While at OCA we do believe in the merits of exploring new technologies, we have to be mindful that this live test is neither proven nor approved right now.”The researchers say their live test could detect BSE in cattle and chronic wasting disease in elk at least six months before clinical signs of disease are displayed, a development which could potentially lead to revolutionary changes in beef inspection protocols worldwide.Once marketed, this test would provide an alternative to the current method of post-mortem diagnosis, which uses brain tissue samples from dead animals.Canadian Cattlemen's Association spokesperson Rob McNabb says the cattle industry is "cautiously optimistic" about the test. “The concept of a live animal test for prion disease is certainly not new. Some of them have been halted because false positives were a concern.”He says the undertaking has potential. But unless it’s “extremely accurate” in terms of false positives or negatives, “we won’t have really achieved our ultimate objective – demonstrating the eradication of the disease and lifting the current regulatory requirements, such as the enhanced feed ban and removal and disposal of specified risk materials.”This new live-animal blood test builds on studies conducted by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, the Federal Research Institute for Animal Health and the University of Gottinghen, Germany. BF Behind the Lines - February 2009 Gap looms between Bank of Canada rate and what you pay at the bank
Ontario farmers get boost for energy upgrades Friday, July 11, 2025 The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $3 million in the third round of the Agricultural Stewardship Initiative (ASI). This funding will help farmers improve the energy efficiency of their operations and support the long-term sustainability of the agriculture... Read this article online
Swede midge and cabbageworm found in Ontario canola Thursday, July 10, 2025 As reported on the OMAFA website fieldcropnews.com, Ontario canola crops are at various growth stages, ranging from seedling to full bloom depending on planting time and region. Winter canola is now fully podded, and harvest is expected to begin soon in Essex and other southern... Read this article online
Early Career Research Award supports two Guelph research initiatives Friday, July 4, 2025 The was presented to two University of Guelph researchers at the recently held Livestock Research Innovation Corporation (LRIC) symposium. Dr. Kelsey Spence received $40,000 towards her work in on-farm biosecurity research, and Dr. Sam Workenhe was awarded $60,000 to further his... Read this article online
Grape Growers 40th Annual Celebrity Luncheon has Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser Friday, July 4, 2025 The Grape Growers of Ontario’s marks the opening of the by showcasing Canadian personalities and celebrating the annual grape harvest. This year, in partnership with Meridian Credit Union, Ontario’s largest credit union and the third largest in Canada, the Grape Growers of Ontario... Read this article online
Ontario crops respond to summer heat Wednesday, July 2, 2025 According to the OMAFA Field Crop News team, Ontario field crops are showing rapid development as summer-like temperatures have dominated late June early July. The warm spell has accelerated growth and helped reduce the heat unit deficit from a cool spring. Corn fields have seen a burst... Read this article online