ONE Health Live

"Forever chemicals" are not just a headline, they are a supply chain problem. We sit down with Dr Jerry Shurson from the University of Minnesota to trace how PFAS contamination can start in everyday products and industrial uses, then travel through air and drinking water into soil, crops, livestock feed, and the food we rely on.We break down what PFAS are, why they persist for so long, and why scientists struggle to answer the question everyone asks: “What, if any, level is safe?” With more than 15,000 PFAS compounds in circulation and limited toxicity data for many of them, setting clear dietary guidelines and food safety thresholds becomes incredibly hard. We also explore the One Health stakes, including the links to neurological issues, reproductive harm, and cancers that researchers have associated with PFAS exposure.A major theme is the circular bioeconomy. Recycling nutrients through manure, compost, and sewage biosolids can be good for sustainability, but it can also recirculate PFAS back into soils where chemicals can accumulate and enter plants and animal-derived foods like meat, milk, and eggs. We talk through what can actually be done today, from water sampling and filtration options like reverse osmosis and activated carbon to asking manufacturers about PFAS use, and why meaningful progress requires coordinated global action plus stronger research funding and regulation.If this helped you see PFAS differently, subscribe, share the episode with a friend, and leave a review so more people can find the conversation.

Anemia, food security, sustainability, trade, and the future of protein are not separate conversations. They collide at the dinner plate, especially in countries where nutrition is not guaranteed and where families buy what is affordable, not what is trendy. We sit down with Dan Halstrom, President and CEO of the U.S. Meat Export Federation, to get specific about what beef, pork, and lamb contribute to human health and why education around nutrient density still matters.We talk about complete protein and the real-world role of iron and zinc, then move into a concrete example from developing markets: using affordable beef liver as a “center of the plate” option to help fight iron deficiency and anemia. From there, we unpack the trade mechanics that shape availability and price. Dan explains why imports and exports work as a single system, including how lean trim imports support America’s huge ground beef demand while exports create value by moving a wider range of cuts and variety meats to the markets that want them.Global population growth toward 10 billion and the rise of a global middle class raise the stakes. Dan shares how market diversification reduces risk, why long-term relationship building turned Mexico into a powerhouse market, and how newer bets like Colombia and Central America grew through deliberate investment. We also look at sustainability through the lens of productivity, quality assurance programs like PQA Plus and BQA, and the US track record on food safety as the foundation for global trust.If you care about global nutrition, meat exports, sustainable beef and pork production, and science-based food policy, hit subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review. What part of the nutrition and trade link surprised you most?

The ground beneath global poultry is shifting, and not just inside the barn. Fresh from the International Poultry Council meeting in Atlanta, we unpack how geopolitical tension, a fragmenting trade order, and transboundary diseases like avian influenza are rewriting the playbook for a sector that feeds billions. Joined by Richard Griffiths, CEO of the British Poultry Council and new IPC president, we explore what leadership looks like when the old rules no longer guarantee market access, predictability, or policy certainty.We dig into the realities behind food security, antimicrobial resistance, and biosecurity, connecting them through the One Health lens that links animal health, human well-being, and environmental stewardship. Richard explains why consistency and standardization made poultry a global success story—and how the next chapter will require a stronger, more credible industry voice with institutions like FAO and WOAH. We talk candidly about trade risk, confidence, and how to keep buyers and regulators aligned around science-based solutions that protect safety and keep protein affordable.AI takes center stage as both opportunity and responsibility. From barn-level data that improves welfare and efficiency to scenario modeling that helps policymakers stress-test decisions, we frame AI as a tool to inform human judgment, not replace it. The conversation hits on data quality, governance, and the big goal: use technology to reduce bad decisions while preserving accountability. With IPC's Belfast 2027 meeting on the horizon, we outline a practical 15‑month agenda focused on trade resilience, avian influenza preparedness, and collaborative frameworks that turn uncertainty into progress. If you care about resilient supply chains, smart policy, and a secure protein future, you’ll find clear insights and next steps here. Subscribe, share with a colleague, and leave a review to join the conversation.

Winter arrives, coats thicken, and lice populations tend to explode—quietly cutting gains, damaging hides, and even causing anemia. We sit down with Thach Winslow DVM, a veteran beef cattle veterinarian and technical consultant, to map out a clear, workable plan for winter lice control that protects herd health and the bottom line.We start by breaking down how lice survive summer heat in protected areas and why they surge as cattle “hair up.” Dr. Winslow explains the difference between chewing lice that irritate skin and sucking lice that draw blood and can debilitate animals, and he quantifies the real costs: lost weight, facility damage from rubbing, and downgraded hides. From there, we tackle strategy. You’ll hear why early treatment sets you up for a rebound, what the old two-pass system got right and wrong, and how modern options that target both adults and eggs can deliver season-long control—if you hit the window when winter truly settles in.Application makes or breaks success. We share the exact placement from forehead to tailhead, why a stream nozzle beats a shower pattern, and how to get product onto the hide where lice live. Miss one animal and you risk reseeding your entire herd, so we cover simple checks to avoid costly do-overs. We also address real-world constraints: using temporary knockdowns when processing comes early, planning a return visit for the definitive treatment, and troubleshooting re-emergence without jumping to resistance.If winter lice have ever blindsided your herd, this conversation gives you a plan to act with confidence. Treat late, treat right, and treat every head. If you find this helpful, follow the show, share it with a neighbor, and leave a quick review so more producers can dial in their winter health protocols.

Hunger rises fastest when good intentions collide with bad rules. We sit down with Brazil’s poultry leader, Ricardo Santin, to unpack how a country at the heart of global protein supplies is navigating animal diseases, as avian influenza; biosecurity; vaccination, and fair trade—without pricing families out of a meal. Ricardo shares data on Brazil’s production scale in chicken, pork, and eggs, then walks us through the real-world costs of blanket trade bans. The science is clear: properly handled and cooked meat doesn’t spread avian influenza, yet many markets still shut their doors, driving up prices for the poorest consumers.We dig into One Health thinking—protecting animals, people, and the environment together—and why biosecurity remains the first line of defense. When diseases become endemic, vaccination matters, but markets have to recognize it. Ricardo makes the case for extending regionalization, zoning, and compartmentalization to vaccinated areas just as we do for outbreak zones. That shift protects flocks while keeping protein affordable, and it secures access to genetic material that low-income countries rely on to sustain their poultry sectors. Along the way, we explore the roles of WOAH, FAO, and national authorities in turning science-based standards into consistent, fair trade practices.If you care about global food security, this conversation offers a pragmatic playbook: align policy with evidence, reward prevention, and design rules that keep safe food moving. We close with a simple principle that doubles as a challenge to policymakers and industry alike: There should be no borders for food. If this resonated, share it with a friend, leave a review, and subscribe so you never miss a candid look at where animal health meets our dinner tables.Your co-hosts for ONE Health Live are Sarah Muirhead of Feedstuffs and Dennis Erpelding of Global Farm View.

Calves don’t read the playbook, so we wrote one that actually works on the ground. We brought in Dr. Jeremi Wurtz, a beef cattle technical consultant and veterinarian with Elanco, to map out a clean, science-first path from the first sip of colostrum to a calm, productive post‑weaning period. The focus is simple: reduce stress, build immunity, and protect gains with choices that pay back in healthier calves and better margins.We start where lifetime health really begins—colostrum. You’ll hear why poor passive transfer can multiply BRD risk and how that early immunity shapes everything that follows. From there, we get practical with low-stress weaning: fence-line or two-step approaches, gentle handling that keeps cattle thinking instead of reacting, and the small facility tweaks that make processing days smooth. Then we stack a smart vaccine plan on top, dialing in timing so calves get a priming dose before separation and a booster after they settle. Nutrition and preconditioning take center stage as we talk bunk training, water access, and the role of ionophores like Rumensin in boosting average daily gain, feed efficiency, and coccidia control. If you’re developing heifers, you’ll learn how small efficiency gains bring more heifers into puberty earlier, improving conception rates and lifetime productivity. If you’re shipping steers to a feedlot, we outline how to hit intake fast and hold health steady to lower cost of gain. Finally, we dig into parasite control with real numbers.

Disease keeps moving faster than our systems, but prevention can win if we line up science, policy, and delivery. We sit down with HealthforAnimals’ executive director Carel du Marchie Sarvaas to unpack what the global animal health industry is seeing on the front lines—from avian influenza behaving like an annual wrecking ball to the quiet progress of antimicrobial stewardship that rarely makes headlines. The throughline is simple and urgent: healthier herds and flocks mean steadier food supplies, lower emissions, and less pressure on hospitals, yet animal health receives a tiny sliver of funding compared to its impact.We pull back the curtain on why vaccines for HPAI remain underused despite proven options: fears of export bans, uneven regulation across borders, cold-chain gaps, and the hard math faced by smallholders. Then we dig into what would actually change outcomes—harmonized trade rules that recognize vaccination, targeted financing and delivery support, and agile regulation that keeps pace with new biologics and diagnostics. Along the way, we explore the AMR Roadmap’s 25 commitments, the data behind falling antibiotic use in many countries, and how new vaccines and diagnostics are helping shift from blanket use to precision stewardship.Zooming out, we examine how the quadripartite (FAO, WHO, WOAH, UNEP) is raising the One Health bar while national silos still slow real-world coordination. We talk practical steps: shared metrics across ministries, reliance and data-sharing among regulators to cut duplication, and sector-wide principles that unify producers, vets, and industry around sustainable livestock. If you care about food security, climate-smart agriculture, trade resilience, and public health, this conversation lays out a path where prevention is the strategy, not the afterthought.If this resonates, follow the show, share it with someone in your network who works in food or health, and leave a quick review with your top takeaway. Co-hosts of ONE Health Live are Sarah Muirhead of Feedstuffs and Dennis Erpelding of Global Farm View.

Dr. Abhijit Mitra, Vice Chancellor at DUVASU, Mathura, and former Animal Husbandry Commissioner of India, brings decades of experience at the intersection of government policy and academic research to this fascinating conversation about One Health implementation in the world's most populous nation.The discussion reveals how India—home to 1.4 billion people and 300 million bovine —approaches the critical connection between animal, human, and environmental health. Dr. Mitra shares his success story of securing a $25 million grant from the G20 pandemic fund to strengthen animal health security, demonstrating how strategic government investment can protect global health.A recurring theme emerges throughout the conversation: the necessity of collaboration across sectors. "Nobody is safe if my neighbor is not safe," Dr. Mitra emphasizes, highlighting how COVID-19 reinforced this fundamental principle. He outlines how international organizations, national ministries, local governments, and communities must coordinate their efforts, with academia serving as "the bridge between government policies and field realities."Perhaps most fascinating is Dr. Mitra's description of India's unique food production landscape, where traditional and modern systems coexist. Small-scale farmers with just one or two animals collectively produce 26% of the world's milk, while high-tech operations employ artificial intelligence to manage millions of birds. This diversity creates both challenges and resilience in the face of disease threats.The conversation concludes with Dr. Mitra's five-point call to action: investment, collaboration, deliberation, sustainability, and awareness. These principles provide a roadmap for strengthening One Health approaches globally, ensuring we're better prepared for future health challenges that cross species boundaries.Subscribe to One Health Live for more thought-provoking conversations at the intersection of animal, human, and environmental health. Your ONE Health Live co-hosts are Sarah Muirhead and Dennis Erpelding of Global Farm View.

Ever wonder why calves struggle a bit after vaccination? The culprit might be hidden in plain sight: endotoxin load.Dr. Brett Terhaar, Beef Technical Consultant with Elanco Animal Health, dives deep into this often-overlooked aspect of cattle vaccination protocols. He explains that gram-negative bacterial vaccines—those used for respiratory diseases, pinkeye, and other common cattle ailments—naturally contain endotoxins that signal the immune system. While some immune stimulation is necessary, the cumulative effect of multiple vaccines administered simultaneously can overwhelm calves, especially during already stressful periods like weaning.The discussion takes a fascinating turn when Dr. Terhaar introduces his "basketball analogy" to explain breakthrough vaccine technology. Traditional vaccines deliver the entire "basketball" (bacteria with endotoxin-containing cell walls) to the calf. The innovative approach shaves off just the "dimples" (surface antigens) while leaving behind most of the endotoxin-containing material. This revolutionary manufacturing process reduces endotoxin levels from the typical 50,000-120,000 units found in conventional vaccines to approximately 1,500 units—a dramatic decrease that allows producers to maintain protective immunity without the negative side effects.Listen now to discover how the science of endotoxin management could transform your herd health outcomes, and subscribe to One Health Live for more insights on the intersection of animal health, human wellbeing, and environmental sustainability.

Have you ever wondered why it takes so long to bring a new animal health product to market? Dr. Ron Tessman, Beef Cattle Technical Consultant with Elanco Animal Health, pulls back the curtain on the extensive research and development process that ensures the medications your livestock receive are both safe and effective.What appears on the surface as a straightforward product development cycle actually represents an intensive scientific journey spanning over a decade. Dr. Tessman reveals that while the industry standard suggests 8-10 years for FDA-regulated food animal products, his personal experience shows most take 12+ years before reaching producers. This timeline reflects the meticulous process of screening countless potential compounds for safety and efficacy before narrowing down to those worthy of further development.The regulatory approval process encompasses multiple parallel workstreams, including target animal safety, effectiveness studies, manufacturing controls, and increasingly important environmental assessments. For food animal products, human food safety considerations add additional layers of scrutiny through residue chemistry, toxicology assessment, and antimicrobial resistance evaluation. Dr. Tessman emphasizes that these regulations aren't simply bureaucratic hurdles but essential safeguards protecting our food supply and ensuring producers receive consistent, dependable products. Unlike many approval processes, animal health products require submission of all raw study data for FDA review, creating unparalleled transparency and thoroughness.Join us for this exploration of how animal health companies like Elanco navigate complex development pathways while addressing emerging resistance concerns and meeting evolving sustainability expectations. Whether you're a producer, veterinarian, or simply curious about food safety, this episode offers valuable insights into the science behind the products that protect animal health and our food supply. Subscribe to One Health Live for more thought-provoking conversations at the intersection of animal, human, and environmental health.

Avian influenza has become endemic worldwide, threatening poultry production, food security, and potentially human health. While biosecurity remains essential, vaccination offers a powerful complementary tool that deserves serious consideration.Birthe Steenberg, CEO of AVEC (European Poultry Association), brings remarkable insights from Europe's pioneering vaccination efforts. She highlights France's groundbreaking program that vaccinated over 60 million ducks and achieved a stunning 90% reduction in outbreaks. This success story demonstrates that targeted vaccination, properly implemented with robust surveillance, can dramatically reduce disease spread without compromising safety.The conversation delves into practical considerations like species-specific approaches (why ducks and layers may warrant vaccination while broilers might not), the critical importance of DIVA strategies to differentiate vaccinated from infected birds, and the necessary veterinary infrastructure to support implementation. Steenberg emphasizes that vaccination requires significant investment in monitoring and surveillance but compares favorably to depopulation when considering not just financial costs but also protein loss, consumer confidence, and ethical concerns.Perhaps most compelling is her perspective on trade barriers—often the biggest obstacle to vaccination adoption. By engaging early with trade partners, sharing transparent data, and allowing science rather than myths to guide policy, the poultry industry can work toward a more sustainable approach to managing avian influenza. With global population rapidly increasing, we cannot afford to let misconceptions limit our ability to protect both animal health and food security. The question isn't whether we can afford to vaccinate—it's whether we can afford not to.Your ONE Health Live podcast co-hosts are Sarah Muirhead and Dennis Erpelding, founder of Globabl Farm View.

Untangling the mysterious transmission of avian influenza between dairy cattle and poultry stands as one of today's most pressing One Health challenges. Two researchers from The Ohio State University, Dr. Scott Kenney and PhD candidate Carolyn Lee, take us deep into their research in this area.Their research reveals that just 10 viral particles can establish an infection in dairy cattle, multiplying to 700 billion particles in milk within mere days. As Dr. Kenney explains, a single infected dairy herd could theoretically produce enough virus "to kill every chicken in the world 17 million times." These astronomical quantities help explain why containing spread has proven so difficult.What makes this outbreak particularly unusual is how the virus behaves differently in cattle than in birds. While avian influenza typically causes severe respiratory disease in poultry, in cattle it primarily targets the mammary gland. Infected cows don't cough or show traditional flu symptoms – instead, they experience dramatic drops in milk production while continuing to shed massive viral loads. Surprisingly, when the researchers housed chickens and infected cattle together, transmission didn't occur, suggesting farm-to-farm spread likely happens through contaminated objects rather than air.The conversation takes a critical turn toward biosecurity practices on dairy and poultry farms. As we face the unprecedented reality of two separate avian influenza introductions into U.S. dairy herds in a single year, the researchers emphasize the urgent need for enhanced surveillance, strict biosecurity measures, and continued research into potential vaccines.  Your hosts for this episode of ONE Health Live are Sarah Muirhead and Dennis Erpelding of Global Farm View.

What happens when the world's most traded meat faces a potential unprecedented global health crisis? The International Poultry Council's Secretary General Nicolo Cinotti joins hosts Sarah Muirhead and Dennis Erpelding to tackle the complex intersection of avian influenza, international trade, and food security. The conversation delves deep into the critical role of the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) in establishing science-based standards that enable safe global trade while protecting animal health. Founded in 1924—predating even the World Health Organization—WOAH provides the regulatory framework that underpins international poultry commerce and disease control efforts worldwide.Vaccination emerges as the most hotly debated topic in global poultry health today. As Cinotti explains, "How, where, when, with what expectation and, above all, in which way the strategy should be implemented is still a set of questions that await univocal answers." This highlights the tension between necessary disease control and maintaining vital food supply chains. The discussion explores how an effective response requires both rigorous prevention through enhanced biosecurity and thoughtful preparedness through scenario planning.Perhaps most compelling is the call for a fundamental shift in how we approach global health challenges: "Infectious diseases do not recognize border nor political administrations." This reality demands unprecedented cooperation between public and private sectors. The International Poultry Council exemplifies this collaborative approach by working directly with WOAH to develop practical solutions that balance health protection with food security concerns. As climate change and globalization intensify disease pressures, these partnerships will be increasingly essential for protecting both animal welfare and human nutrition worldwide.Want to explore more critical intersections of animal health, human well=being, and environmental sustainability? Subscribe to One Health Live on your favorite podcast platform and join the science-based conversation about our interconnected global health systems.

Veterinarians are finding themselves at a fascinating crossroads where animal health meets nutrition science. Dr. Sara Linneen, Beef Technical Consultant with Elanco, dives into this evolving landscape where veterinarians are increasingly becoming trusted advisors on cattle nutrition, especially in cow-calf operations where dedicated nutritionists may be scarce.The conversation reveals practical approaches to answering common nutritional questions that veterinarians face. Dr. Linneen walks through the step-by-step process of determining cattle nutrient requirements using cooperative extension resources, then calculating actual nutrient delivery by analyzing feed composition and intake. Her mathematical approach transforms complex nutritional concepts into actionable insights that veterinarians can immediately apply.Perhaps most illuminating is the discussion around selecting the "best" feed or mineral options. Dr. Linneen dispels the myth of a one-size-fits-all solution, emphasizing instead how each operation's unique resources, labor constraints, and production goals must shape recommendations. She provides a framework for evaluating supplements on a pound-per-nutrient basis to ensure true cost-effectiveness. The episode also tackles the often-confusing world of medicated feed labels, offering guidance on finding, interpreting, and applying this critical information correctly.The data point that 20% of cow-calf operations are consulting veterinarians with nutrition questions underscores the significance of this trend. While encouraging veterinarians to expand their nutritional knowledge, Dr. Lineen advocates for continued collaboration with formally trained nutritionists, creating partnerships that benefit the entire production system. This holistic approach represents the future of cattle care – where health, nutrition, and management converge to enhance efficiency and sustainability across the beef industry. Ready to expand your veterinary toolbox? Subscribe to One Health Live for more insights at the intersection of science and livestock production.

The specter of H5N1 virus hangs over U.S. agriculture, but the pork industry isn't waiting to take action. Following a recent detection in pigs on a small Oregon homestead farm, livestock organizations are mobilizing to prepare for potential spread through a collaborative, science-driven approach.Dr. Heather Fowler and Dr. Marisa Rotolo from the National Pork Board reveal how the industry is developing a comprehensive H5N1 response plan through collaboration. Their work bridges the National Pork Producers Council, Swine Health Information Center, American Association of Swine Veterinarians, and the Meat Institute to create unified protocols that protect both animal and human health.At the heart of this preparation is the One Health philosophy—a framework recognizing the inseparable connections between human health, animal health, and environmental conditions. As Dr. Fowler explains, "We can't just live in our silos... we have to look at it simultaneously." This approach proves especially relevant for influenza, where transmission can occur between species sharing environments. For producers, this means evaluating biosecurity measures with fresh eyes—repairing bird netting, addressing structural vulnerabilities, and carefully managing movements between facilities. Even with the swine industry's already stringent protocols, experts emphasize that pathogens evolve rapidly, necessitating continuous learning and adaptation.Whether you're a commercial producer, small farm operator, or concerned consumer, this episode offers clear guidance on preventing disease spread while maintaining a safe food supply. Join us for an illuminating discussion on how agriculture is leading the way in preparing for potential pandemic threats. Want to stay informed about agricultural health issues? Subscribe to One Health Live on your favorite podcast platform.

Avian influenza has transformed from a periodic poultry concern into a persistent global health threat that crosses species barriers with alarming versatility. In this illuminating conversation, veterinary pathologist Dr. David Swayne draws upon his 38 years of experience to reveal how the current H5N1 virus has fundamentally changed since emerging in 1996.The virus we face today is unlike its predecessors. Where once avian influenza would disappear seasonally, this lineage maintains year-round transmission cycles in wild bird populations before spilling over into poultry and even some mammals. Dr. Swayne walks ONE Health Live hosts Sarah Muirhead and Dennis Erpelding through the science behind these adaptations and explains why the recent jump into U.S. dairy herds represents a concerning new development rather than just another isolated event.Perhaps most compelling is Dr. Swayne's exploration of how human health outcomes directly improve when we address disease at the animal source. He points to dramatic reductions in human infections following poultry vaccination programs in Asia, demonstrating the tangible benefits of a One Health approach. Yet challenges remain, particularly in establishing effective communication channels between public health authorities, agricultural sectors, and environmental agencies – gaps that became painfully apparent when the virus suddenly emerged in Latin American countries unprepared for cross-sectoral collaboration.The conversation also tackles complex questions about virus nomenclature, zoonotic risk assessment, and the essential role of international organizations in coordinating global responses. Throughout, Dr. Swayne emphasizes that solving these multifaceted challenges requires breaking down traditional silos between environmental, animal, and human health sectors to develop integrated solutions that protect all species.Curious about how avian influenza affects your food systems, wildlife conservation efforts, or public health? Subscribe to One Health Live for more expert insights that bridge the gaps between science, policy, and practical solutions to our most pressing health challenges.