CALF_News_October_November_2020

21 CALF News • October | November 2020 • www.calfnews.net RUMBLINGS Continued from page 10 States to determine the extent kobuvi- rus has spread. Wang believes the virus has “likely become endemic across the country, although its prevalence remains a mystery,” according to the Hoard’s Dairyman article. The reality of the U.S. discovery, voiced by Dr. Kuhn,“should not have come as a surprise to those in the infec- tious disease world, but more of an inevi- tability.” Reportedly, a Wisconsin lab had found genetic traces in a calf in 2017 but could not confirm its infection. Because we are on the beginning edge of discovery, there are no treatments or vaccinations available for bovine kobu- virus. We do know that a virus is often able to jump to humans. Therefore, personnel should always use appropri- ate hygiene and sanitation when work- ing around livestock. It is also unclear whether kobuvirus causes other clinical diseases besides gastroenteritis. Some folks refer to space as the “next frontier.” Some say the oceans are the next. Those entities may be easier to see and explore than what lies under a microscope. It may, however, be more important to turn our studies inward, to the microscopic.What good may come of the study of a new virus? Animal health research will always eventually benefit humans and the human condition.  whenever domestic prices rise too high or shortages develop. China, as the world has discovered, uses disease and parasite regulation restrictions whenever a coun- try dares to challenge Chinese foreign or domestic policy. At least the United States has the power of a giant world trading entity to confront Chinese trade bullying tactics. Canada is only a moder- ate trade player highly dependent on the goodwill of importing countries. The point of these examples is that many international regulations that involve disease transmission and health have been nefariously manipulated to address trade and marketing issues that favor the importer and their domestic industry. An international agency actu- ally exists that is involved with global regulations and disease. It’s the World Organization for Animal Health, a 92-year-old WTO-connected organiza- tion that has 75 member countries. Its mandate is international animal health, and that includes science-based disease regulations that impact trade. One might hope such an agency could help discourage the use of disease regu- lations being abused in trade issues. But alas, as with so many old international agencies, they are hindered with obscure goals and constrained mandates in order not to offend its members. That byzantine approach has neutered its ability to deal with the manipulation of international animal health regula- tions. It would seem that when it comes to international disease regulations, all the livestock industry can hope for is the occasional outbreak of common sense.  E-mail comments to willverboven@hotmail.com INTRODUCING MAGNIVA ® FORAGE INOCULANTS THE POWER OF PERFORMANCE IS IN YOUR HANDS Drive herd health and performance to the next level with plentiful, high-quality, clean feed and magnify the value of your silage quality. www.lallemandanimalnutrition.com www.lallemandani malnutrition.com Take control at MAGNIVA.COM/NORTHAMERICA POW!