Pitt's Poultry was named as the battery-hen farm where animal-rights campaigners allegedly filmed horrific images of hundreds of dead and dying hens in April. The release of the company name came as the State Government and RSPCA spoke out against battery-hen farming and announced the launch of random animal welfare checks. RSPCA chief executive Rick Butler said random checks on battery-hen farms, piggeries, dairy farms and pet shops would begin. Mr Butler said the RSPCA supported a...

agency warned that there was a good possibility of another major scourge like AIDS, SARS or Ebola fever with the potential of killing millions appearing in the coming years. It was therefore vital for countries to share information on outbreaks so risks can be assessed and mitigated, Chan said. The report called for renewed efforts to monitor, prevent and control epidemic-prone illnesses such as cholera, yellow fever and meningococcal diseases. International assistance may be required to...

By recreating an extinct virus that killed as many as 50 million people, scientists race to defeat avian flu before it evolves into a deadlier form. Three vials of saline solution, each about the size of a ballpoint pen cap, held the genes of the virus responsible for the Spanish Flu of 1918--the deadliest influenza pandemic ever to hit mankind. By inserting the genes into human kidney cells, Tumpey soon would make a stunning biomedical breakthrough: bringing an extinct virus back to life....

The community aims to use Wallmannsthal for crop farming, poultry farming and grazing as well as develop a high quality residential area. Settlement planning grants valued at more than R7-million and restitution development grants valued at more than R3-million will be used to establish skills development and upliftment projects in the area. Xingwana praised the community for the establishment of a communal property association (CPA), but warned that in the past these had been plagued with...

As a quarter of Britons are described as binge drinkers, we look at the health risks involved and how to identify the signs of addiction and alcohol abuse. Click on the links below for our story archives on key health issues such as allergies, breast cancer, nutrition, obesity, smoking, stress, binge drinking and bird flu. From the latest bird flu outbreaks in Britain to how avian influenza is spreading around the world. Discover breast cancer symptoms, how to check your breasts, learn...

They hope it will never happen, but Westport officials are refining their plans for an Avian influenza or bird flu pandemic. The framework of today s long-term care environment is comprised of advanced rehabilitation techniques and accompanying equipment in addition to evolved systems of caring for and making comfortable prototypical age-related illness and disease, said a document from the center filed in the Planning and Zoning Department. There is ample evidence that these fields...