TURKEY CONFERENCE: Strong Scientific Programme Ahead
UK - Today, 11 March, is the opening day of the two-day annual Turkey Science and Production Conference in Macclesfield. The record number of delegates can look forward to a packed scientific programme, writes Jackie Linden, editor of ThePoultrySite.

Merial To Merge With Intervet/Schering-Plough
GLOBAL - A global leader in animal health will be created as Merial announces it will merge with Intervet/Schering-Plough.

Russians Positive about Poultry Trade Talks
RUSSIA - Talks between Russian and the US over trade are continuing.

Commission Says Members Can Choose over GM Crop Cultivation
EU - The European Commission has announced its upcoming proposal on choice for Member States to cultivate or not genetically modified (GM) organisms, and approved five GM crops for cultivation in the EU.

NFU CONFERENCE - Call for Fairer Farm Gate Prices
UK - The greed of the supermarkets is leading to the exodus of many farming families from the industry, writes ThePoultrySite senior editor Chris Harris.

NFU CONFERENCE - Opposition Launches New Agenda for Agriculture
UK - A shake up of the food and agriculture industries has been promised following the forthcoming general election in the UK if the opposition Conservative party wins control, writes ThePoultrySite senior editor Chris Harris.

Ag Council Rejects Call to Extend Battery Cage Deadline
EU - The Agriculture and Fisheries Council has turned down Poland's request to postpone the date banning the use of conventional battery cages for a further five years.

Towards a More Sustainable Livestock Sector
GLOBAL - Urgent investments, major agricultural research efforts and robust governance are required to ensure that the world's livestock sector responds to a growing demand for animal products and at the same time contributes to poverty reduction, food...

FSA Study Supports EFSA Findings on Campylobacter
UK - The Food Safety Agency (FSA) has told ThePoultrySite that the recent EFSA report confirms its own findings about the levels of campylobacter on chicken.

USAPEEC States its Case in China-US Chicken Trade War
US - A statement from Jim Sumner, president of the USA Poultry and Egg Export Council (USAPEEC) says that the Council is disappointed in China's decision to impose a duty on imports of chicken from the US, adding that China's complaints are groundless....

USDA Announces Framework for Disease Traceability
US - Agriculture Secretary Vilsack has announced that USDA will develop a new, flexible framework for animal disease traceability in the United States, and undertake several other actions to further strengthen its disease prevention and response capabilities....

EFSA Reports on Causes of Campylobacteriosis
EU - A European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) report confirms that poultry meat is a major source of human cases of campylobacteriosis.

Russia's President Sets out Goal of Self-Sufficiency
RUSSIA - A plan to raise self-sufficiency in food production was approved by President Medvedev yesterday (1 February).

IPE REPORT: Countering the Activists
US - In the Education Program at the International Poultry Expo (IPE) in Atlanta yesterday (28 January), two speakers shared their experiences of dealing with those who unfairly oppose agricultural practices, writes ThePoultrySite editor, Jackie Lind...

France Confirms H1N1 Flu Outbreak in Turkeys
PARIS, FRANCE - Turkeys in a farm for Turkey Breeder Hens in northwestern France were infected with the A(H1N1) flu virus, authorities in Cote d'Armor department announced Thursday.

Perfect Storm Forms for Global Food, Agriculture
US - A new paper from Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) assesses the current readings and charts the critical course under the title Agricultural Productivity Strategies for the Future: Addressing US and Global Challenges....

Poultry Import Talks Start in Moscow Today
RUSSIA - Talks between senior representatives of the US and Russia take place in Moscow today to and tomorrow to address the poultry meat trade issues between the two countries.

Brazilian Producers Look to Open New Markets
BRAZIL - Local poultry producers are seeking new targets for their products including Indonesia, Malaysia, Nigeria, Sudan, Mexico, the US and Senegal.

Poultry Meat Companies Support Chlorine Ban
RUSSIA - Poultry meat producers and processors want an end to the dispute over imports of US poultry meat but seem to be in no mood to back down over the ban. High-level talks will take place between Russian and US officials later this week.

US Pushes WTO to End EU Ban on US Poultry Meat
US - The poultry industry is urging the US Trade Representative at the World Trade Organization (WTO) to pursue action 'resolutely' against the EU ban on imports of US poultry.

Russians Optimistic over End to Trade Dispute with US
RUSSIA - US officials are to visit Moscow for talks on 17 January to discuss future poultry exports to Russia. A top official, Mr Onishchenko, is optimistic about compromises being reached over chlorine treatment and the water content of frozen poultry...

Council Discusses Animal Welfare Labelling Scheme
EU - At the 2986th Council meeting on Agriculture and Fisheries earlier this week, progress was discussed in the development of a labelling scheme describing animal welfare.

Viet Nam Reports HPAI Case
VIET NAM - There has been a new case of H1N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

State Prosecutors Rest in Poultry Litter Case
US - The state has finished presenting its case in the the trial alleging that poultry companies caused pollution of the Illinois River. The defence is now arguing for a dismissal.

H1N1 Flu Hits Virginia Turkey Flock
US - The USDA Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has reported a new outbreak of influenza A H1N1 in a turkey flock in the state of Virginia.