Reading Time: 4 minutes H5N1 influenza has now been detected in pigs. This was something virologists had been worrying about ever since this highly pathogenic strain of bird flu started its rapid global spread in 2020. But why were we worrying specifically about pigs? And does this case – detected on a farm in Oregon on October 29 – change anything?
Bird flu detected in pigs – here’s why virologists are concerned
Opinion: BRICS summit shows determination for a new world order – but internal rifts will buy the West some time
Reading Time: 4 minutes There's an internal battle in BRICS over its future direction. This, in turn, creates space and time for the West to exercise more positive and constructive influence in the ongoing process of reshaping the international order.
How farmers can use solar power without damaging the rest of their operation
Agrivoltaics can mitigate a main criticism of solar power - that it wastes farmland
Reading Time: 3 minutes One approach to decarbonizing the agricultural sector is agrivoltaics. It involves integrating solar panels; or photovoltaics (PVs); into fields of crops, greenhouses and livestock areas, which can help farmers reduce their carbon footprint while continuing to produce food.
Canada’s agricultural policies are falling short of health and sustainability goals
Reading Time: 4 minutes Canada's current agricultural policies are not serving the well-being of the public. Canada's agricultural program payments and subsidies are not aligned with the government's dietary guidelines and health goals.
‘Awful reality’: Australian government spends $95 million to fight deadly bird flu
Reading Time: 4 minutes The Australian government has committed A$95 million (C$87.2 million) to fight a virulent strain of bird flu wreaking havoc globally. With the arrival of millions of migratory birds this spring, there is an increased risk of a deadly strain arriving in Australia, known as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1.
Study indicates methane emissions from dairy farms higher than previously thought
Reading Time: 3 minutes To reach net zero by 2050, the UK must reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture and methane emissions from farm livestock pose a thorny problem. Ruminants such as cattle and sheep emit methane from their digestive systems and their manure. Scientists are trying to find ways to reduce these methane emissions without wiping out large parts of […] Read more
A message from April Stewart, Country Guide's Associate Editor
