Getting Accurate Scientific Information on the Current H1N1 Influenza Outbreak
Only three letters need to be removed from the word “PANDEMIC” to create “PANIC,” but those “missing pieces” profoundly impact the result. Likewise, there also are critical “missing pieces” in some of the information currently circulating on the recent outbreak of H1N1 Influenza. (Click on "News Release" for full article.)
SCIENTIFIC ASSESSMENT OF THE WELFARE OF DRY SOWS KEPT IN INDIVIDUAL ACCOMMODATIONS The use of individual gestation accommodations (IGAs) for dry sows in commercial pork production is an issue that has generated intense public debate. In an effort to provide objective, scientific information on the subject, CAST is releasing this new Issue Paper, Scientific Assessment of the Welfare of Dry Sows Kept in Individual Accommodations. The international Task Force provides an authoritative review of the available scientific literature as well as expert opinion on the topic of overall humaneness of IGAs. (March 2009)
News Release
RUMINANTS FEATURED IN NEWEST CARCASS DISPOSAL ISSUE PAPER
The final paper in a series of three, Ruminant Carcass Disposal Options for Routine and Catastrophic Mortality provides a critical, scientific assessment of the predominant methods for carcass disposal in commercial ruminant production. The authors discuss the strengths and limitations of each of the established disposal methods. The paper includes an Appendix that addresses special considerations for disposal of carcasses potentially infected with neurodegenerative diseases. (January 2009)
News Release
CAST and NATIONAL PORK BOARD PARTNER TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ON ZOONOTIC PATHOGENS This Special Publication is a collaborative effort of CAST and the National Pork Board to provide a comprehensive literature review on the Fate and Transport of Zoonotic Bacterial, Viral, and Parasitic Pathogens During Swine Manure Treatment, Storage, and Land Application. This publication provides an overview of swine manure management systems and addresses concerns about the potential for pork production facilities to disseminate pathogenic microorganisms into the surrounding environment. (December 2008)
News Release
BIODIESEL DEVELOPING INTO ACCEPTED ALTERNATIVE FUEL
The Renewable Fuel Standard in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 requires the domestic use of 1 billion gallons of biomass-based diesel fuel by 2012, most of which likely will be biodiesel. Biodiesel production in the United States is primarily from soybean oil, but recent high prices have forced many producers to use lower-cost feedstocks such as animal fats and used frying oils. This new CAST Commentary, Convergence of Agriculture and Energy: III. Considerations in Biodiesel Production,reviews the technology of biodiesel production and the issues and policy implications associated with its expanded use and production. (October 2008)
News Release
SECOND CARCASS DISPOSAL PAPER HIGHLIGHTS POULTRY
Carcass disposal is a major problem facing poultry meat and egg producers. Each of the current and emerging methods provides a means of disposal, but each offers different advantages to make it the preferred method under specific circumstances. CAST's newest Issue Paper, Poultry Carcass Disposal Options for Routine and Catastrophic Mortality, evaluates the methods, practices, and strategies for safe and environmentally sound disposal of poultry carcasses. (October 2008)
News Release
The use of individual gestation accommodations (IGAs) for dry sows in commercial pork production is an issue that has generated intense public debate. In an effort to provide objective, scientific information on the subject, CAST is releasing this new Issue Paper,
This Special Publication is a collaborative effort of CAST and the National Pork Board to provide a comprehensive literature review on the 
