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By Category: Policy & Initiatives

Senators recognize importance of biosecurity and agro-defense

(Feedstuffs) U.S. Senators Pat Roberts (R., Kan.), Jerry Moran (R., Kan.), Roy Blunt (R., Mo.) and Claire McCaskill (D., Mo.) introduced a resolution Feb. 28 to recognize the importance of biosecurity and agro-defense to America’s national and economic security. “This resolution will remind my colleagues in Washington that addressing critical vulnerabilities to our food supply Read More »

March 1, 2013
| Filed under North America, Agriculture, and Policy & Initiatives
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MPI defends biosecurity capability

(RadioNewZealand) An Auditor-General’s report released on Thursday identifies weaknesses in readiness to deal with a biosecurity outbreak such as foot and mouth disease. The report says the ministry’s planning is unrealistic and undeliverable. A biosecurity consultant for the World Bank, Roger Morris, believes the ministry has shifted its emphasis from protecting New Zealand against threats Read More »

March 1, 2013
| Filed under Asia/Pacific, Biosafety, and Policy & Initiatives
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Sequestration a Blow to Life Sciences

(MarketWire) A total of $85 billion in across-the-board U.S. government spending cuts will be triggered today in the absence of a last-minute Congressional deal to delay or end the threat of sequestration. While the cuts are meant to spread the pain of austerity, they threaten to slow scientific research, the development of innovative drugs and Read More »

March 1, 2013
| Filed under North America and Policy & Initiatives
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Biodefense Grant Initiatives Face Spending Ax

(NTI) Immediate targets for mandatory federal spending curbs due to begin on Friday would include two initiatives aimed at improving medical preparations around the country for unconventional-weapon attacks and other disasters, the Health and Human Services Department said on Thursday.

March 1, 2013
| Filed under North America and Policy & Initiatives
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Most Nations Still Lack Required Disease Outbreak Response Capacity

(NTI) A majority of nations have yet to fulfill a 6-year-old U.N. mandate to develop certain critical public health capacities to respond to naturally occurring or man-made disease outbreaks, according to a senior U.S. State Department official.