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.

PART 3, “ANIMAL AGRICULTURE’S FUTURE THROUGH BIOTECHNOLOGY.”This paper provides a discussion of metabolic modifiers–a group of compounds that alter the physiology and metabolism of animals in specific ways to improve efficiency of meat and milk production and, in certain instances, to improve yield and composition of animal-derived products.

La presencia adventicia se refiere a la mezcla no intencional de cantidades mínimas de un tipo de semilla o producto, con otro. Aunque este proceso puede ocurrir con los cultivos obtenidos en forma tradicional, la presencia adventicia normalmente contempla las semillas y productos de ingeniería genética en un material que no la ha experimentado.

Adventitious presence refers to the unintended commingling of trace amounts of one type of seed, or product, with another. Although this process can occur with conventionally bred crops, adventitious presence is more commonly regarded as the presence of genetically engineered (GE) seed and product in non-GE material.

This paper provides background on some ways in which ethics is applied productively to the food and agriculture system. Ethics may be a component in food safety and security, international trade, land-use policies, and animal welfare

Animal diseases impact food supplies, trade and commerce, and human health worldwide. Some outbreaks have had severe consequences on the economies and social well-being of the population in affected countries.

Los brotes recientes de encefalopatía espongiforme bovina (enfermedad de la vaca loca), el virus del oeste del Nilo, la fiebre aftosa en porcinos y la fiebre aviar, encabezaron los titulares, inquietando no sólo por el significativo costo económico, sino también por la posibilidad de contagiar a los seres humanos.