The Rising Trend of Cow Cuddling and its Uncertain Future Amid Bird Flu Outbreak
Farmers like Luz and Dan Klotz from Monee, Illinois, have found a unique way to keep their small farm running: offering cow cuddling sessions to visitors. These sessions have become increasingly popular in the United States, attracting animal-loving individuals seeking therapeutic experiences or a taste of country fun.
However, this cherished practice of opening the barn doors to the public has recently faced a new challenge. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has confirmed cases of bird flu in dairy herds across nine states. Scientists warn that the outbreak is likely more widespread than initially believed, with H5N1 particles present in approximately 20% of milk samples tested nationwide.
While government officials assure the public that there is currently a low risk of human infection, they are urging cattle and dairy farmers to limit outside visitors as much as possible to prevent potential spread. In response to this cautionary call for action, Michigan’s agriculture department has implemented emergency measures beginning May 8th, including new sanitation protocols and access limitations for dairy and poultry farms.
Economic Implications & Agro-Tourism
For small family farms dependent on agro-tourism practices like cow cuddling as a significant source of income, these restrictions could lead to economic hardships. Farms such as De Vor Dairy Farm and Creamery in Michigan already rely on these practices not only to cover operational costs but also their insurance expenses.
“I’m not worried about bird flu because the farm is already open to the public, and we already have safety measures in place,” said farmer Henk De Vor.
Farmers like Henk De Vor remain confident in their existing safety measures, emphasizing the importance of protecting both visitors and animals during these uncertain times. However, it is evident that a delicate balance must be struck between maintaining public access and ensuring necessary precautions against potential disease outbreaks.
The Growing Significance of Agro-Tourism
The rise of agro-tourism practices provides a substantial income stream for many U.S. farmers, particularly as traditional farm incomes decline due to falling crop prices. According to USDA data, over 28,600 farms across America offered various recreational or agro-tourism services in 2022, generating $1.26 billion in income—a remarkable increase of 32% compared to five years prior.
- Yoga classes with baby goats
- Feeding baby piglets
- Corn mazes
- You-pick sunflower fields
This surge in revenue from agro-tourism has provided a much-needed lifeline for small farmers who have found their niche through these unique offerings.
“Agro-tourism is a real economic driver for small farmers who have found a niche,” said Curt Covington, senior director of institution credit at AgAmerica Lending.
New Perspectives on Disease Prevention & Innovation
The current bird flu outbreak serves as an opportunity for cattle and dairy farmers nationwide to revisit their biosecurity efforts and reassess disease control measures within their herds. The implementation of more stringent protocols can help mitigate the risk posed by such outbreaks while allowing cherished activities like cow cuddling sessions to continue safely.
Cow Cuddling: A Heartwarming Tradition Amid Uncertainty
Despite the challenges posed by bird flu and its potential impact on agro-tourism practices, stories of memorable cow cuddling moments like Joey Pachl’s prom invitation to girlfriend Emma at Luz Farms showcase the positives of this cherished tradition. These heartwarming experiences can enrich lives, providing solace and joy in times of uncertainty.
“Well?” he asked.
“I love cows!” squealed Emma, 16. Pachl grinned. Not exactly the answer he was expecting, but he figured she meant ‘yes’.
As regulations adapt to prioritize visitor and animal safety amidst disease concerns, innovative solutions must emerge to ensure that cow cuddling and other agro-tourism practices continue to flourish without compromising public health or damaging small farms economically.
From Cow Cuddling to Bird Flu: The Risks and Rewards of Agro-Tourism in the Face of an Outbreak
Professor Heo Ji-hye Receives Young Investigator Award for Diabetes Research Excellence
Recognized for contributing to the development of national diabetes research through active research activities
Research on the mechanism of action that can prevent the loss of insulin secretion capacity, which is the cornerstone of diabetes treatment
[이데일리 이순용 기자] Professor Heo Ji-hye (photo), Department of Endocrinology, Hallym University College of Medicine, was selected as the winner of the 20th Young Investigator Award (Handok Academic Award), hosted by the Korea Diabetes Association (President Cha Bong-su) and sponsored by Handok (CEO Young-jin Kim and Jin-ki Baek). The “Young Investigator Award” is an academic award given to medical personnel who have contributed to the development of diabetes research in Korea. Korea Diabetes Association members under the age of 45 have been screened and selected for research articles published as first or responsible author in internationally authoritative journals (SCI journals) within the past three years. Professor Heo Ji-hye is an active member of the Korean Diabetes Association. Lui was selected as the winner of the award in recognition of his contribution to the development of research. A representative paper is a study that investigated the relationship between residual cholesterol and the development of type 2 diabetes in Korean adults using a nationwide cohort. The study confirmed that, regardless of existing lipid parameters, the residual cholesterol profile provides additional information in predicting the progression of type 2 diabetes. This study was recognized for its excellence and was published in the journal Diabetes Care, a renowned international academic journal, in February 2023.
The award ceremony of “Young Researcher Award (Korean-German Academic Award)” was held at the 37th Spring Conference of the Korean Diabetes Association, held at Changwon Convention Center on the 4th, and Professor Heo Ji-hye received the Pharmacy Award and a prize of 10 million won.
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#Professor #Heo #Jihye #Sacred #Heart #Hospital #Hallym #University #selected #KoreanGerman #Academic #Award
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Professor Heo Ji-hye Receives Young Investigator Award for Diabetes Research Excellence
Chronic sinusitis – new treatment methods increase quality of life
ENT about sinusitis: Often the result of superinfection – how to get rid of chronic sinusitis
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Sunday, May 5, 2024, 7:00 a.m
Colds are one of the most common causes of doctor visits. Sinus infections are particularly common. ENT specialist Markus Suckfüll explains how this widespread disease can be effectively treated and what innovations can be expected in the near future.
Diseases of the paranasal sinuses – a common disease that can be easily treated.
Colds are one of the most common reasons for a visit to the family doctor or ENT doctor. Acute rhinosinusitis is usually caused by viruses and ends within 1 to 2 weeks. If the symptoms last longer than 12 weeks, it is referred to as chronic sinusitis, also known as sinusitis. The chronic course is usually caused by a superinfection with bacteria. An estimated 5 to 12 percent of adults are affected and it is a truly widespread disease.
About the guest author
Prof. Dr. med. Markus Suckfüll studied human medicine at the University of Lübeck, was a DFG scholarship holder at the Institute for Surgical Research at the LMU Munich and worked as a research assistant at the ENT clinic at Klinikum Großhadern. Markus Suckfüll completed his habilitation on the pathogenesis of sudden hearing loss and is a specialist in ENT, additionally qualified in allergology, plastic surgery and special ENT surgery. Suckfüll is currently the chief physician at the Martha-Maria Hospital in Munich, an academic teaching hospital at the LMU.
How is chronic sinusitis treated?
The long-term use of cortisone nasal spray is crucial. Inhalations, nasal rinses and expectorants can be used additionally to relieve the symptoms. If the pain is severe, it may be necessary to prescribe painkillers, cortisone tablets and antibiotics.
After months of unsuccessful treatment attempts or recurring sinus infections, surgical treatment can make sense.
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How does sinus surgery work?
The aim of the procedure is to expand the natural openings of the paranasal sinuses in order to improve ventilation and the drainage of secretions. This is carried out under endoscopic control in a minimally invasive manner using long, fine instruments directly through the nostrils. The operation time is approximately one hour. The dreaded nasal packing is usually not necessary if you proceed carefully. It is more comfortable for the patient to carry out the procedure under general anesthesia.
The patient is often monitored in the hospital the first night after the operation, but an outpatient procedure is also possible. Painkillers are not absolutely necessary after the operation, but ibuprofen, for example, is almost always sufficient. Several short outpatient appointments are necessary in the two to three weeks after the operation. The nose is cleaned of crusts and secretions and ointments are administered. You should avoid exercise for one to two weeks after the operation.
What advances and innovations can we expect in ENT medicine and surgery in the near future?
The success of the operation on the paranasal sinuses depends crucially on reaching the diseased structures. On the one hand, these are very small and, on the other hand, they are in close proximity to the eyes and brain.
With the help of the data set from the computer tomography carried out before the operation, navigation systems can be used that guide the surgeon precisely to the diseased locations in the sinus system. This improves the result and prevents complications. Stents coated with cortisone can prevent scarring and thus further improve surgical results.
For the special case where polyps in the paranasal sinuses keep recurring despite cortisone treatment and operations, an antibody against interleukins (mediators of inflammation) is now available. The antibodies are administered by injection under the skin every two to four weeks. The patient can do this themselves. Patients who also suffer from asthma or atypical dermatitis particularly benefit from this treatment.
This text comes from an expert from the FOCUS online EXPERTS Circle. Our experts have a high level of specialist knowledge in their subject area and are not part of the editorial team. Learn more.
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Chronic sinusitis – new treatment methods increase quality of life