COVID-19 updates: Scientists study virus in pigs; states cut back on reporting

Study looks at COVID-19 spread in pigs

New research from Kansas State University indicates pigs can’t be infected by or transmit the new coronavirus. The results were published in bioRxiv, which shares preliminary results that haven’t been peer-reviewed. That said, similar studies in China and Germany have had similar results, Farm Journal’s Pork reports. In the Kansas State study, researcher Juergen A. Richt inoculated nine piglets with the virus, then put them in pens with new pigs that hadn’t been inoculated. “None of our animals were positive for SARS-CoV-2,” Richt said.

States roll back measures for COVID reporting in ag sector

State-led efforts to increase public reporting of COVID-19 outbreaks in the agriculture sector have been stalled, rolled back, or rely on outdated information, Successful Farming reports. Public health experts and labor advocates say these rollbacks hinder communities’ and workers’ ability to stop the spread of the virus.

In early September, for example, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly announced the state would begin releasing weekly reports with the names of businesses that had active COVID-19 outbreaks, leading to the disclosure of hundreds of previously unreported cases and two unreported outbreaks at meatpacking facilities. But after just one week, Kansas walked back the new reporting approach, with the state’s Department of Health and Environment saying on its website that due to “lots of feedback, both positive and negative,” the agency was “assess[ing] our process.”

Similar concerns have been raised in other states.

American ag can emerge stronger after COVID-19, Elanco’s CEO says

Elanco Animal Health CEO Jeff Simmons said recently that despite challenges during the pandemic, the agriculture industry still has opportunities to capitalize on. At a policy discussion hosted by Agri-Pulse, Simmons said a new normal requires collaboration around the world to reduce global food insecurity. “COVID must be a catalyst, a once-in-a-century opportunity,” he said. He added that effective communication with consumers will be key: “If we can’t influence and tell our story with science, economics, what consumers want, environment and animal well-being, we’re in trouble.” Feedstuffs reports.