Dr. Simon M. Shane's Page

Dr. Alastair Hay of Bristol University has recently published an article in the British Medical Journal drawing attention to the extensive misuse of antibiotics by the medical profession. Although the intensive livestock industry has been blamed for the emergence of drug-resistant organism in human medicine, the Hay analysis shifts attention to current policy on presc

Senators John McCain (R-AZ), Pat Roberts (R-KS) and Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) have requested a list of awards made under the KYF2 (Know Your Farmers Know Your Foods) program including the names of organizations receiving funds and amounts distributed.

The letter from the senators questioned the desirability of expending funds on “locavore” projects and “feel-good” measures. In the opinion of the three senators these grants are “completely detached from the realities of production agricult

If I were Wayne Pacelle (which I am glad I am not), I would be concerned about the adage that “those who live by the media are destroyed by the media.” The latest blow to the organization is the downgrade (aptly characterized since HSUS is more business than a non-profit) by Charity Navigator based on evidence that the organization is not adequately fulfilling its stated purpose.

In addition the American Institute of Philanthropy assigned an overall “C-minus” grade to HSUS. Given the r

The FDA in a surprise move indicated that surplus broiler hatching eggs could not be sold to breakers. The National Chicken Council (NCC), the industry body representing 95% of U.S. broiler producers, has petitioned the FDA to rescind the intended provision of the Final Rule preventing integrators selling surplus or non-settable hatching eggs into the breaker market.

According to the NCC, 367 million surplus hatching eggs worth $5 million were sold to breakers in 200

The February 18th edition of United Voices, the communications medium of United Egg Producers incorporates a projection of the costs associated with diversion of eggs during the cycle of four successive tests of 1,000 eggs at two-week intervals. The UEP estimates a cost of $70,000 for a 100,000 hen flock with diversion of eggs to pasteurization during the mandated period during which sampling using conventional microbiology is carried out. (A separate Egg Industry