pigs on the farm

PED vaccine could aid in disease fight

Developers are waiting for approval to begin clinical trials

Pork producers may soon have a powerful new tool in the fight against porcine epidemic diarrhea or PED. The Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization’s International Vaccine Centre at the University of Saskatchewan, better known as VIDO-InterVac, is waiting for final approvals from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to begin clinical trials of a vaccine

Horses are prone to allergic reactions

Horses are prone to allergic reactions

Horse Health: There are multiple triggers that can cause either skin or respiratory reaction

Horses, just like humans, can and do get allergies. Although allergies in horses are not fully understood, we do know that the root cause lies in the immune system. The body becomes hypersensitive and appears to “overreact” to seemingly innocuous substances called allergens. Histamine, a naturally occurring hormone in the body, reaches overly high levels,


two men standing in front of brick building

Practising medicine outside the city limits

University of Manitoba medical students say early exposure to rural life draws some into rural practice

First-year medical students from the University of Manitoba got a dose of country life last week as part of an event showcasing the benefits of working and living in rural Manitoba communities. Thirty-three students from the University of Manitoba’s faculty of medicine were placed in 13 communities, including Brandon, Dauphin, Glenboro, Grandview, Hamiota, Neepawa, Rivers,

calf laying in the grass

Beef 911: How can you improve your calf processing?

There are always ways to improve and it’s worthwhile reviewing how things went this year

Since the traditional time for getting calves ready for grass is close to over, it is good to review your protocols, methods, and any issues you had this year and introduce ways to improve next year. There are two main ways ranchers process calves. The first is the traditional way we call ‘branding,’ where calves


rhubarb

Harvesting rhubarb after recent cold temps on the Prairies poses a health risk

University of Illinois warns of the dangers of oxalic acid descending into the stalk when the mercury takes a dive

University of Illinois Extension – After a spring frost University of Illinois Extension often gets questions about rhubarb and asparagus – are they safe to eat. Growing rhubarb is fairly easy as long as Mother Nature keeps temperatures above freezing once the leaves have emerged. Rhubarb should not be harvested when the leaves are wilted

chalkboard promoting restaurant items

Eat better, live longer and reduce greenhouse gas

British study says ‘minor’ adjustments would include fewer animal products, especially red meat, fewer savoury snacks and more fruit, vegetables and cereals


Eating a more healthy diet could extend the British lifespan, lower health-care costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, according to new research led by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM). The findings are based on two papers. The first, published in Climatic Change, estimates the greenhouse gas emissions associated with current U.K.


cattle in a feedlot

Auditor general slams federal inaction on antimicrobial drugs for livestock

Little progress has been made after more than a decade of discussions

The federal government has failed to take effective measures to contain the proliferation of drug-resistant bugs that threaten human health and to prevent the overuse of antimicrobial drugs in livestock production, says Auditor General Michael Ferguson. The Public Health Agency and Health Canada “have not fulfilled key responsibilities to mitigate the public health risks posed

doctor holding apples and medicinal pills

An apple a day keeps the (pharmacist) away

Apple eaters make just as many visits to the doctor, but take fewer pills

Turns out, an apple a day won’t keep the doctor away but it may mean you will use fewer prescription medications, according to an article published online by JAMA Internal Medicine. The apple has come to symbolize health and healthy habits. But can apple consumption be associated with reduced health-care use because patients who eat


tuna steak on a plate

Mediterranean diet cuts heart disease risk

You don’t have to live in Greece — a Prairie version is available

Greeks might be in debt, but their hearts are in good shape, according to a study released at American College of Cardiology’s 64th Annual Scientific Session in San Diego. Ekavi Georgousopoulou and Demosthenes B. Panagiotakos of Harokopio University in Athens studied a group of more than 2,500 Greek adults, ages 18 to 89, who closely

Vegetable soup

Mind your portions this winter

Try this warm and hearty Vegetable Soup recipe to curb your appetite

Did you know your breed has a tendency to become overweight?” I asked our dachshunds. If they had replied verbally, I might have fainted. Instead, they looked at me with pleading eyes, and then they turned their attention to the plates I was carrying. Their sharp noses could detect the traces of food on the