Concern about rising prices and unstable sources of petroleum fuels is driving the search for U.S. domestically produced, renewable transportation fuels, such as biodiesel, which is developing into a widely accepted alternative fuel.

Native North American wild sheep species are very susceptible to pneumonia and particularly to pasteurellosis. Although the current understanding about pasteurellosis in wild and domestic sheep is incomplete, respiratory disease clearly is a serious problem in both.

This new Commentary provides a scientific assessment of the production potential and regional impacts of large-scale cellulosic ethanol production. It discusses the need for national investments and policy changes to address challenges limiting the production and efficient use of cellulosic biomass as a fuel feedstock to meet U.S. needs.

In an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, expand domestic energy production, and maintain economic growth, public and private investments are being used to pursue dedicated feedstock crops for biofuel production.

The correct use of efficacious poultry vaccines is a critical component of overall control and eradication of avian influenza. Speculation about potential problems of vaccine use must be balanced with the real problem of outbreaks in susceptible poultry.

Recent dramatic increases in energy costs are having a direct bearing on all agricultural activities within the United States. This Commentary discusses the use of energy in agriculture and the food industry in light of current federal and state policies.

Although much of the concern about a possible pandemic outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza revolves around human health outcomes, the potential repercussions on trade issues will also be significant.

The reported number of bird deaths and subsequent human deaths resulting from exposure to influenza A-infected birds has increased steadily, making front-page news worldwide. Although human viruses do not generally infect birds and bird viruses do not generally infect humans, certain influenza A viruses have historically exhibited an unusual ability to mutate and infect more than one host species.

This CAST Commentary provides an up-to-date evaluation of the use of biotechnology in crop production. The concise, fact-based document addresses the science behind the issues. Chair: Bruce Chassy, University of Illinois, Urbana. QTA2005-2, 6 pp., October 2005.

Las variedades transgénicas de cultivos han sido consumidas por hombres y animales en muchos países, por lo que se dispone de una gran cantidad de datos y observaciones con el fin de juzgar su seguridad y utilidad.