10/12/06 Animal Health & WTO Update

Animal Health & WTO Update. I'm Greg Martin with today's Northwest Report. USDA has released the 2005 U.S. Animal Health Report. The report - updated and refined each year - provides a national overview of domestic animal health in the nation. The report addresses the U.S. animal health infrastructure - animal population demographics - approaches to foreign animal disease surveillance and new initiatives. According to USDA - the annual Animal Health Report provides a valuable method of communication with stakeholders and the public regarding the status of U.S. animal health. Initiatives highlighted in this latest report include the National Aquatic Animal Health Plan as well as revisions to the national veterinary accreditation program. World Trade Organization Director-General Pascal Lamy says his top priority is meeting with participants at every level to facilitate the resumption of the Doha Round of global trade negotiations. Speaking to the General Council on Tuesday - Lamy talked about Aid for Trade. LAMY: It is important to move forward on aid for trade, building on the progress and momentum that clearly exists despite the current temporary setback in the negotiations. Although Aid for Trade is not part of the single undertaking, there are obvious synergies with the Doha Round and it is clear that its benefits would be diminished without new trade opportunities that will flow from a successful Round. Now with today's Food Forethought, here's Susan Allen. My son's border collie, Dally sent a group of picnickers scurrying recently when the black and white pup burst unexpectedly out of the bushes looking for all the world like a rambunctious skunk. With the skunk population blossoming they are becoming more of a nuisance for both rural and suburban dwellers So if your fido happens to run a foul of a skunk, listen up, I have a new recipe for odor removal. Now I am not big on bathing a dog in tomato juice, it never seems to cut the smell, and one good shake and red is everywhere& so while I can't say I am excited about this new remedy, it is about time someone has come up with a good alternative. A chemist has developed a skunk rinse using 1 quart of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide, ¼ cup baking soda and 1 teaspoon liquid detergent. Let it sit for five minutes and if necessary reapply. Keep it out of your dogs eyes and never store this combustible mixture. It also has a tendency to bleach, so instead of hunting with a black lab beware the partner at your feet might be a golden. Thanks Susan. That's today's Northwest Report. I'm Greg Martin on the Northwest Ag Information Network.