Latest news with #Biosecurity
Scottish Sun
19-07-2025
- General
- Scottish Sun
Exact date millions of phones in Scotland set for emergency alert siren
The system is designed for situations where there is an imminent danger to life, such as extreme weather or a terror attack BE AWARE Exact date millions of phones in Scotland set for emergency alert siren Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MILLIONS of mobile phones across Scotland will receive another emergency alert this year. The previous national emergency alert test took place on April 23, 2023. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 There will be a second national emergency alert sent to mobiles in the coming months Credit: Alamy The system is designed for situations where there is an imminent danger to life, such as extreme weather or a terror attack. It will sound for the second time on mobile phones around 3pm on September 7. The UK-wide alert is intended to "strengthen the country's preparedness". The largest ever use of the system saw around 4.5 million people in Scotland and Northern Ireland receive an alert during Storm Éowyn in January. At the time, a red weather warning was in place, meaning there was a risk to life. The next test has been planned after the UK Government published a resilience action plan. During the test, mobile phones will vibrate and make a loud siren-like sound for roughly ten seconds, even if they are set to silent. A message will also appear on phone screens, making it clear the alert is only a test. There are estimated to be 87 million mobile phones in the UK. Before the national test, the UK Government will be running a public information campaign to inform people, including vulnerable groups. Amazon's Ring Battery Video Doorbell Plus watches your front door & doesn't need any wires Pat McFadden, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, said: "Emergency Alerts have the potential to save lives, allowing us to share essential information rapidly in emergency situations including extreme storms. "Just like the fire alarm in your house, it's important we test the system so that we know it will work if we need it. "This test is part of our action plan to build resilience across the whole country and secure the nation under the Plan for Change - from the £1 billion we're investing in a new network of National Biosecurity Centres to the £4.2billion we're investing to build a new generation of flood defences to protect local communities." Since the first national test of the Emergency Alerts system in April 2023, five alerts have been sent, including during major storms when lives were at risk. Around 3.5 million people across Wales and the South West of England received an alert in December last year during Storm Darragh, which led to two deaths. Other activations have included when an unexploded World War II bomb was discovered in Plymouth, as well as during localised flash flooding in Cumbria and Leicestershire.
Scoop
07-07-2025
- General
- Scoop
Have You Seen A Rook? What About Mediterranean Fanworm?
Have You Seen A Rook? What About Mediterranean Fanworm? The Otago Regional Council wants you to report these and other priority pests, should you see them in our region - and now there's a new way to do it that makes sure all the right information lands directly in the ORC biosecurity team's inbox. The new online 'report pests' form is a quick way to alert our biosecurity team topriority pests or any potential biosecurity threats in the Otago region. 'This form has been designed to capture information about priority pests in Otago,' says Robert Win, ORC's Biosecurity team leader. 'Priority pests are a significant environmental concern that have either not yet established, or not widely established and have the potential to cause substantial harm, such as Moth plant or the Freshwater Gold Clam.' The form, which can be found on the ORC website: - as well as on the priority pest pages, works on laptop and mobile, collects pest sighting details, precise location data, and other information for the biosecurity team to investigate. People can still use ORC's 0800 number (0800 474 082) to report pests, but emphasis will be on promoting citizen science and for the public to use the form. The benefits of using the form directly, rather than going through the ORC customer service team include: Information can be passed on in a timelier manner, More accurate pest descriptions and location data can be provided with the forms, Less double handling of information by ORC staff. 'Citizen science is a valuable way the public can help protect Otago's environment,' says Mr Win. 'Otago is home to many threatened and taonga species. We can help to protect these and the region's wider indigenous biodiversity if we all work together, especially if Biosecurity staff have timely information on pest sightings and exact locations.' The easy-to-use online form lets people upload photos and pin the exact location of the sighting. You can leave your contact details or choose to remain anonymous. The form doesn't replace councils 0800 number but its handier as people can pinpoint exactly where they saw the pest. What are some examples of priority pests? Common Name Priority Pest in Otago African feather grass Yes African love grass Yes Asian Paddle Crab Yes Chilean needle grass Yes Horsetail Reed Yes Lagarosiphon Yes Spartina Yes Toxic algae Yes Wild Ginger yes Wilding conifers Yes Yellow Flag Iris yes Cape Tulip Yes Egeria Yes Giant hogweed Yes Hornwort Yes Japanese/Indian Knotweed Yes Mediterranean fanworm Yes Moth plant Yes Nassella tussock Yes Purple Loosestrife Yes Rooks Yes Rough horsetail Yes Spiny broom Yes Bennett's wallaby Yes (MPI) Caulerpa Yes (MPI) False tamarisk Yes (MPI) Freshwater gold clam Yes (MPI) Great Willowherb Yes (MPI)
Globe and Mail
02-07-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Animal Disinfectants Market Growth Drivers, Trends, Top Companies, Key Segments, and Forecast (2024-2029)
"MarketsandMarkets™" Animal Disinfectants Market by Type (Iodine, Lactic Acid, Hydrogen Peroxide), Application (Dairy Cleaning, Swine, Poultry, Equine, Ruminants, Pets, And Aquaculture), Animal Type, End-User, Form, and Region - Global Forecast to 2029 The global animal disinfectants market is estimated to be valued at USD 3.9 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 5.7 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 7.9% during the forecast period. The sharp rise in demand is primarily driven by growing awareness of biosecurity practices, especially in livestock and poultry farming. With increasing concerns over the spread of infectious animal diseases and zoonotic threats, the importance of effective disinfection protocols has surged—pushing the market forward. Why Animal Disinfectants Are in High Demand? Biosecurity is no longer optional—it's essential. With growing awareness of diseases such as avian influenza, swine fever, and foot-and-mouth disease, farmers and animal healthcare providers are investing in proper disinfection protocols. Disinfectants help eliminate pathogens from animal housing, equipment, and surroundings, reducing the risk of outbreaks. Animal Disinfectants Market Growth Drivers Rising Biosecurity Awareness: Frequent outbreaks of diseases such as African Swine Fever (ASF), Avian Influenza, and Foot-and-Mouth Disease have highlighted the importance of disinfecting livestock environments. Governments and industry bodies are enforcing stricter biosecurity norms, compelling farmers to adopt advanced disinfectants. Intensification of Livestock Farming: As animal agriculture becomes more intensive, hygiene management becomes a top priority to avoid mass outbreaks that can severely affect productivity and economic returns. Disinfectants are vital for maintaining clean housing, equipment, and animal-contact surfaces. Surge in Zoonotic Disease Risks: With increasing human-animal interactions, especially in developing countries, the risk of zoonotic disease transmission has escalated. Disinfectants play a preventive role in minimizing such risks on farms, in slaughterhouses, and during transportation. Expansion of Poultry and Dairy Industries: The rapid growth of the poultry and dairy sectors is further supporting market expansion. These sectors are particularly vulnerable to disease outbreaks and thus rely heavily on routine cleaning and disinfection protocols. Technological Advancements and New Formulations: The introduction of eco-friendly, non-toxic, and fast-acting disinfectants has enhanced product appeal. Innovations such as misting systems and automated sprayers have also improved the efficiency and ease of application. Download PDF Brochure: Poultry Segment to Witness Significant Growth Among the various applications, the poultry segment is anticipated to record the fastest growth during the forecast period. Maintaining a disease-free environment is critical in poultry farming, where hygiene directly impacts animal health and product quality. According to a 2021 OECD study, global meat protein consumption is expected to rise by 14% by 2030, with poultry meat comprising nearly 40% of total protein intake. This surge in demand is driving expansion in poultry farming, thereby increasing the need for reliable disinfectants to maintain hygienic conditions. Commonly used disinfectants in poultry facilities include phenolic compounds, iodine, chlorine-based agents, quaternary ammonium compounds, and oxidizing agents. These are typically applied as fumigants, foam sprays, or liquid concentrates, following thorough equipment cleaning to eliminate residual pathogens. With avian influenza and other viral outbreaks becoming more prevalent, terminal disinfection has become a vital practice. For instance, Neogen Corporation (US), through its Quat-Chem division, offers virucidal disinfectants tailored to combat poultry diseases. In the EU, Germany stands out as the leading exporter of poultry products, contributing 24% of total regional exports—further highlighting the need for robust disinfection in high-output markets. Powdered Disinfectants Gaining Popularity Powdered animal disinfectants are projected to command a significant market share through 2029. Their popularity stems from advantages such as ease of application, safer handling, better shelf stability, and lower risk of spillage compared to liquid forms. Powders are especially effective in controlling biofilms, disinfecting hard-to-reach surfaces, and preventing cross-contamination. An example of innovation in this space is Neogen's launch of Viroxide Super in March 2023—a peroxygen-based powdered disinfectant with approved virucidal claims in both the U.S. and Canada. This product is effective against a wide range of viruses, including avian influenza, PRRS, bovine viral diarrhea virus, and African swine fever. The combination of convenience and broad-spectrum efficacy makes powdered disinfectants a preferred choice in many farm settings. Request Sample Pages: Asia Pacific Leads the Global Market The Asia Pacific region holds the largest share of the animal disinfectants market, fueled by the growing need to manage disease outbreaks—particularly African Swine Fever (ASF). The region has experienced a wave of ASF cases, with recent outbreaks reported in countries such as India, Malaysia, and Singapore. In India alone, over 10,300 pigs were culled in Mizoram between February and July 2024, and an additional 310 in Kerala in early July. These outbreaks underscore the urgent need for disease control and prevention, accelerating the adoption of animal disinfectants across the region. Governments and producers are increasingly investing in biosecurity solutions to curb the spread of ASF and other animal diseases, placing disinfectants at the center of disease management strategies. As a result, the Asia Pacific market is expected to continue driving global growth. Leading Animal Disinfectants Companies: Key market players in this include Neogen Corporation (US), GEA Group Aktiengesellschaftv (Germany), Lanxess (Germany), Zoetis (US), Solvay (Belgium), Stockmeier Group (Germany), Kersia Group (France), Ecolab (US), Albert Kerbl GmbH (Germany), PCC Group (Germany), DeLaval Inc. (Sweden), Diversey Holdings Ltd. (US), Virbac (France), Kemin Industries Inc. (US), and Fink Tec GmbH (Germany). Key Questions Addressed by the Animal Disinfectants Market Report: What is the animal disinfectants market? What is the current size and projected growth of the animal disinfectants market? What are the main drivers of growth in this market? Which types of disinfectants are most commonly used in animal care? What are the main application areas for animal disinfectants? Which regions are leading in market adoption? What challenges does the animal disinfectants market face? What trends are shaping the future of the animal disinfectants market? Why is the use of animal disinfectants important? About MarketsandMarkets™ MarketsandMarkets™ has been recognized as one of America's Best Management Consulting Firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. MarketsandMarkets™ is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. With the widest lens on emerging technologies, we are proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients across the globe. Today, 80% of Fortune 2000 companies rely on MarketsandMarkets, and 90 of the top 100 companies in each sector trust us to accelerate their revenue growth. With a global clientele of over 13,000 organizations, we help businesses thrive in a disruptive ecosystem. The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion in new revenue streams that are replacing existing ones within this decade. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines – TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing. Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we collaborate with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies to keep them future-ready. Our insights and strategies are powered by industry experts, cutting-edge AI, and our Market Intelligence Cloud, KnowledgeStore™, which integrates research and provides ecosystem-wide visibility into revenue shifts.
The Citizen
28-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Bird flu ban: Brazil suspension takes chicken and polony off South African tables — prices set to rise
Some meat producer in SA use mechanically deboned meat from Brazil to make polony, viennas, russians and braaiwors. Most South African households, particularly those with low incomes, rely heavily on chicken, as it is cheaper than other meat options like beef, lamb, and pork, making it one of the most accessible protein sources. Brazil plays a significant role in ensuring that South Africans have enough chicken, as the country accounts for more than 84% of South Africa's poultry imports. However, Brazil has recently experienced an outbreak of avian influenza, also known as the bird flu, which led to the South African government imposing a ban on imports from the country. Chicken shortage Department of Agriculture Deputy Director General of Agricultural Production, Biosecurity, and Natural Resources, Dipepeneneng Serage told The Citizen that the Department will monitor outbreak management and general disease management and control in Brazil, assessing reports from Brazil until the outbreak is closed before lifting the suspension. Imameleng Mothebe, CEO of the Association of Meat Importers and Exporters (AMIE), said local producers cannot, and will not be able to meet the gap in supply of poultry offal (feet, gizzards, and skins) and mechanically deboned meat (MDM), driving up prices and threatening the affordability and accessibility of basic protein for millions. 'Chicken offal and MDM are not luxuries. They are foundational to school feeding programmes and the production of processed meats, which are the most affordable proteins for low-income households. Ultimately, Brazilian MDM is the source of more than 400 million poultry-based meals per month for South Africa.' She added that, even though SA poultry producers have committed to increasing their production by four million birds per month, local producers alone cannot fill the gap created by the ban. And another challenge is that SA does not produce MDM at a commercial scale. ALSO READ: Here are the economic and social impacts of bird flu How much have chicken prices increased Mothebe added that if there is no regionalisation agreement put in place with Brazil, which will allow for the import of products from areas not affected by the outbreak, there will be many devastating impacts. The blanket ban on Brazilian imports can lead to price increases, food shortages, and job losses for local manufacturers of processed meats who employ more than 125 000 workers. 'With the current shortage of MDM, processed meat producers are facing cost surges as inventory levels are thinning, and shelf prices are starting to reflect this reality,' she said. MDM prices have increased from R13 to R31/kg, while offal, such as gizzards and skins, have seen double-digit increases. Higher costs She stresses that these price increases will be met by rising input costs, especially with the recently announced fuel levy hike in the national budget, which adds inflationary pressure across the value chain. 'We support government continuing engagements with Brazil towards regionalisation, a concept that demarcates affected areas whilst the rest of the country remains open. Regionalisation is widely accepted and supported by the World Organisation of Animal Health (WOAH), especially considering the ongoing global diseases phenomenon.' No polony for lunchboxes Arnold Prinsloo, CEO of meat producer Eskort said they use the MDM from Brazil to make polony, viennas, russians and braaiwors. The blanket ban on Brazil will put production lines to a standstill before the end of June. 'This will deprive South Africa's most vulnerable citizens of more than 400 million low-cost meals per month. 'Vulnerable families and thousands of school feeding schemes rely heavily on polony, and there is a real danger of widespread hunger and malnutrition if Eskort and its competitors cannot sustain supplies.' Prinsloo is calling on the Department of Agriculture to lift the blanket ban on Brazil and allow imports from parts of the country that have not experienced the outbreak. 'Brazil has indicated that it has submitted the necessary documentation and information to the department, but formal recognition and implementation remain outstanding,' he said. ALSO READ: Here's why chicken prices might increase soon Job losses looming Prinsloo added that the four- to six-week gap in supply due to the ban will also mean that many processors will face standing idle for more than 60 days, risking heavy job losses and instability in the lower LSM consumer segment. 'This is not only a supply chain crisis, but also a pending socio-economic and political disaster.' Can local poultry producers cover the gap? The South African Poultry Association (Sapa) seems to believe that local producers can make up for the gap created by the ban. 'We are currently producing about 21.5 million chickens per week, and the industry has the capacity to increase this by about another million birds per week. 'The impact of a ban on Brazilian chicken imports will not be felt immediately. Chicken imports from Brazil can take about six weeks to reach South Africa, and products dispatched before the ban is implemented will not be affected,' said Izaak Breitenbach, CEO of Sapa's Broiler Organisation. He added that winter months are a period of lower demand for chicken. Therefore, the additional supply of chicken should be sufficient to prevent shortages or price increases. However, Prinsloo disputed claims that local producers can make up for the chicken shortfall. 'It may be true when it comes to fresh or frozen chicken, but the local market doesn't produce mechanically deboned meat in any significant quantity,' he said. 'We rely on Brazil for 92% of our needs, which is why this is such a serious challenge.' NOW READ: Godongwana cuts zero-rated food basket in Budget 3.0
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Tackling Wilding Pines To Boost Resilience
Hon Todd McClay Minister of Agriculture Minister of Forestry Hon Andrew Hoggard Minister for Biosecurity The Government is tackling the spread of wilding pines and backing rural resilience with a 20 per cent increase in funding this year – taking the total direct investment this coming year to $12 million. Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay, and Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says the Government is focused on protecting the productive heart of New Zealand's economy. 'Wilding pines cost the rural community significantly and are often the bane of farmers lives, we have an obligation to work with them to control their spread, and reduce on farm burden,' Mr McClay says. 'This additional $2 million funding ensures those working to contain wildings over the next year can stay ahead of the spread. It's a smart investment in rural productivity, land management, and our long-term rural resilience.' More than two million hectares are affected by wilding infestations, with untreated areas expanding by an estimated five per cent each year. Left unchecked, the economic impact could reach $3.6 billion over 50 years. Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says wilding pines threaten our farmland, water catchments, native biodiversity, and increase the risk of wildfires. They take over productive land, drain vital groundwater, and choke out native species. 'Since 2016, the Government has invested more than $150 million into the National Wilding Conifer Control Programme, alongside more than $33 million contributed by partners and communities,' Mr Hoggard says. 'This year's investment continues to support the people doing the work – regional councils, iwi, farmers, researchers, and volunteers – who are making a real difference across ten priority regions. 'We've pushed back some of the worst infestations and protected key landscapes. This funding keeps that momentum going and gives landowners the tools to protect and restore productive land.' The programme is led by Biosecurity New Zealand and delivered in partnership with councils, landowners, iwi, industry, and community groups.
