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New Issue of Healthy Animals Now Online
By Sandra AvantJuly 19, 2012
The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) today posted a new issue of Healthy Animals. This quarterly online newsletter compiles ARS news and expert resources on the health and well-being of agricultural livestock, poultry and fish.
Each quarter, one article in Healthy Animals focuses on a particular element of ARS animal research. The current issue takes a look at some of the alternatives to antibiotics that scientists are using to enhance animal health and production.
Other research highlighted in this issue includes:
- Taking a bite out of bacteria: Antimicrobials that kill bacteria by chewing up their cell walls are being developed to fight disease-causing pathogens.
- A treasure trove of poultry viruses: A powerful new molecular tool called metagenomics can help uncover unknown viruses in poultry.
- Detecting viruses with light: Scientists are using technology called "surface-enhanced Raman scattering" to identify viruses that cause West Nile virus and Rift Valley fever.
Professionals interested in animal health issues might want to bookmark the site as a resource for locating animal health experts. An index lists ARS research locations covering 70 animal health topics. These range from specific diseases, such as Lyme disease, to broad subjects such as nutrition or parasites.
The site also provides complete contact information for the 25 ARS research groups that conduct studies aimed at protecting and improving farm animal health.
To receive an e-mail alert about each issue's online posting, contact Sandra Avant, ARS Information Staff, or sign up online.
ARS is the principal intramural scientific research agency for the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
