Causes and Symptoms of Foodborne Illness. Foodborne illness is caused by consuming contaminated foods or beverages. Many different disease-causing microbes or pathogens can contaminate foods, so there are many different types of foodborne illnesses. Most foodborne diseases are infections caused by a variety of bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Other diseases are poisonings caused by harmful toxins or chemicals that have contaminated food. Of note many foodborne pathogens also can be acquired through recreational or drinking water, from contact with animals or their environment, or through person-to-person spread. SYMPTOMS OF FOODBORNE ILLNESS •Common symptoms of foodborne illness are diarrhea and/or vomiting, typically lasting 1 to 7 days. Other symptoms might include abdominal cramps, nausea, fever, joint/back aches, and fatigue. •What some people call the “stomach flu” may actually be a foodborne illness caused by a pathogen (i.e., virus, bacteria, or parasite) in contaminated food or drink. •The incubation period (the time between exposure to the pathogen and onset of symptoms) can range from several hours to 1 week. CAUSES OF FOODBORNE ILLNESSES Commonly recognized foodborne infections are: 1)Campylobacteriosis (Campylobacter) 2)Cryptosporidiosis (Cryptosporidium) 3)Cyclosporiasis (Cyclospora spp.) 4)Escherichia coli O157:H7 Infection (E. coli O157) and Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) 5)Giardiasis (Giardia) 6)Listeriosis (Listeria monocytogenes) 7)Norovirus Infection (aka Norwalk virus, calicivirus, viral gastroenteritis) 8)Salmonellosis (Salmonella) 9)Scombroid Fish Poisoning 10)Shigellosis (Shigella) 11)Toxoplasmosis (Toxoplasma gondii) 12)Vibrio Infection (Vibrio parahaemolyticus) 13)Yersiniosis (Yersinia species) FOODS ASSOCIATED WITH FOODBORNE ILLNESS 1)Raw foods of animal origin, that is, raw meat and poultry, raw eggs, unpasteurized milk, and raw shellfish are the most likely to be contaminated. 2)Fruits and vegetables can also be contaminated with animal waste when manure is used to fertilize produce in the field, or unclean water is used for washing the produce. 3)Raw sprouts are particularly concerning because the conditions under which they are sprouted are ideal for growing microbes. 4)Unpasteurized fruit juices or cider can also be contaminated if there are pathogens on the fruit that is used to make it. 5)Any food item that is touched by a person who is ill with vomiting or diarrhea, or who has recently had such an illness, can become contaminated. When these food items are not subsequently cooked (e.g., salads, cut fruit) they can pass the illness to other people.

BENEFITS OF RABBIT FARMING! 🐇 🐇 🐇 Are you looking for a new venture in the agricultural world? Consider rabbit farming, also known as cuniculture, which offers numerous advantages: 1️⃣ High Reproduction Rate: A female rabbit, or doe, can have up to 12 babies per litter, with the average litter size being five to eight. Plus, rabbits can have multiple litters in a year, making them highly profitable! 2️⃣ Low Capital Investment: Start your rabbit farming journey without breaking the bank! Compared to other livestock farming, rabbit farming requires relatively low capital investment, making it an attractive option for small-scale farmers. 3️⃣ Low Feed Cost: Rabbits are herbivores and can thrive on a diet of hay, grass, and vegetation, which is easily accessible in most areas. This makes feeding rabbits cost-effective and budget-friendly. 4️⃣ High Nutritional Value: Looking for a healthy alternative to other meats? Rabbit meat is a rich source of protein, low in fat, and packed with vitamins and minerals, including iron and vitamin B12. 5️⃣ High Market Demand: Rabbit meat is gaining popularity worldwide due to its nutritional value, low-fat content, and delicious taste. As a rabbit farmer, you can tap into a growing market, both locally and internationally. 6️⃣ Environmentally Friendly: Join the movement towards sustainable farming! Rabbit farming is an environmentally friendly practice, as rabbits produce less waste and require less space and resources compared to other livestock. 7️⃣ Fertilizer Bonus: Get more out of rabbit farming! Rabbit manure is an excellent organic fertilizer, rich in nitrogen and phosphorus. It's a valuable byproduct that can enhance soil quality and boost crop yields. Ready to hop into the world of rabbit farming to start your journey of reaping these incredible benefits today?🐇 🌿🐇🌿🐇🌿🐇🌿🐇🌿🐇🌿🐇🌿🐇🌿

For your broiler chicken business, you should keep records of: 1. Inventory: Track the number of chicks purchased, their breed, and arrival date. 2. Feed Consumption: Record the amount of feed given to each batch of chickens and track any changes in feed formulation. 3. Health Records: Document vaccinations, treatments, and any illnesses observed in the flock. 4. Growth Progress: Monitor the weight gain and growth rate of the chickens regularly. 5. Mortality Rates: Keep track of any chicken deaths and reasons for mortality. 6. Sales and Expenses: Record all income from chicken sales and expenses related to feed, medication, housing, etc. 7. Environmental Conditions: Note any changes in temperature, humidity, and ventilation in the chicken house. 8. Market Trends: Keep an eye on market prices for broiler chickens to make informed decisions about when to sell. 9. Customer Information: Maintain a record of customer orders and feedback to improve your business. Keeping detailed records will help you make informed decisions and improve the efficiency and profitability of your broiler chicken business. #agriculture #Newgenerationfarms

The Challenges of Knowledge Despite its many benefits, knowledge also presents challenges: I want you to this 1. Misinformation and Disinformation: The digital age has made it easier to access information, but it has also led to the spread of misinformation and disinformation. Critical thinking and media literacy are essential skills for navigating the vast amount of information available online. 2. Knowledge Gaps: Disparities in access to education and information create knowledge gaps within and between communities. These gaps can perpetuate cycles of poverty and inequality, highlighting the need for inclusive educational policies. 3. Overload and Complexity: The sheer volume of available information can lead to knowledge overload, making it difficult for individuals to discern what is relevant or accurate. Strategies for effective knowledge management are crucial in today’s information-rich environment.

Cultivating Knowledge To harness the power of knowledge, individuals and societies must actively engage in its cultivation: 1. Lifelong Learning: Embracing a mindset of lifelong learning encourages individuals to seek knowledge continuously. This can be achieved through formal education, self-directed study, or experiential learning opportunities. 2. Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: Creating platforms for collaboration and knowledge-sharing can enhance collective intelligence. Communities, businesses, and educational institutions should foster environments where knowledge is freely exchanged and built upon. 3. Critical Thinking: Encouraging critical thinking skills enables individuals to evaluate information thoughtfully. This includes questioning sources, analyzing arguments, and understanding biases.

Strong mind, good thoughts and peaceful environment brings about successful achievement.

A'IBOM GOVT TO ENACT LAW AGAINST INDESCRIMANTE WASTE DISPOSAL ...launches waste management equipment Akwa Ibom State Governor has announced plans to issue an Executive Order providing legal backing for the prosecution of anyone caught in the act of indiscriminate waste disposal in the state. The State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, announced this at the official launch of newly-acquired equipment for the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency (AKSEPWMA) in Itu LGA. Unveiling the waste management equipment, the Governor frowned at the practice of indiscriminate waste disposal experienced in some parts of the state, noting that Akwa Ibom people are known for their cleanliness and it must remain so. He called for concerted effort in ensuring a clean state and charged local government councils to align with the Agency in the discharge of their duties, saying that awards will be given to the cleanest LGA by May 29, 2025. Speaking on the 2024 Christmas unplugged, the Governor observed that intelligence report has indicted people involved in illegal sale of kiosks at prices above the N100,000 pegged by the state government at the soon -to -be-opened Christmas village, and warned those involved in the sharp practices to refrain from it as law enforcement agents have been alerted on their mission. "I have credible intelligence that some people went and bought some shops at the Christmas village and are now re-selling for as much as N300,000. “If anybody tells you to pay N300,000, please report the person immediately. Anybody who sells a shop to you, just take the shop, pay the person N100,000, if he asks you for any balance tell them to meet Umo Eno.” Governor Eno announced the prohibition of masquerades and other weird displays at the Christmas village, directing the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Sir Charles Udoh to enforce the order. He assured the people of uninterrupted job execution at various project sites and urged the youths to embrace the trend by availing themselves of various jobs that will be executed during and after the festivities season. Earlier, the Chairman of Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency, Prince Ikim commended the vision of the governor in maintaining a clean state through the purchase of the equipment, and pledged his commitment to driving the vision of the Governorto fruition. In a goodwill message, the Chairman of Itu Local Government Area, Mr. Ubong Nkut thanked the Governor for bringing development to the area and mentioned the flag off of the Nnung Ukot Itam - Ikot Ekwere Road projects as testaments to his promise kept in the area, assuring the Governor of the support of the people beyond his first tenure. The National Coordinator, Clean Up Nigeria Limited, Mr Ene Baba-Owo, commended the vision of the Governor in maintaining a clean environment and urged the agency not to relent in driving the vision of the Governor. On her part, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources, Mrs Ikwo Abia, appreciated the Governor for the lofty programmes of his administration especially as it concerns the environment. The new equipment purchased included: 5 units of waste compacting trucks, 4 units of waste swing arm trucks, 1 unit of pull-up waste truck with crane mechanism, 50 units 6,000 litres dumpsters and 6 units of 12, 000 litres dumpsters.

"Weaknesses are just strengths in the wrong environment." — Marianne Cantwell

Common Mistakes in Poultry Farming and How to Avoid Them: Poultry farming can be highly rewarding, but avoiding certain mistakes is key to maintaining healthy birds and ensuring a successful operation. Below are some of the most common errors farmers make and how to prevent them. 1. Neglecting to Identify Sick Birds Early Observing your birds daily is essential to catching health issues before they spread. Healthy birds are active, have bright red or pink combs, and keep their feathers clean and shiny. Signs of sickness include sluggish behavior, loss of appetite, swollen legs, discolored combs, heavy breathing, and reduced egg production. If a bird shows these symptoms, isolate it immediately for treatment and check for injuries or infections before returning it to the flock. 2. Providing Inadequate Housing Proper housing is vital for ensuring the health and productivity of your birds. Poultry houses should maintain a consistent temperature, as chickens cannot regulate their body heat effectively. Insulated roofs and walls help with this. Additionally, ensure proper airflow by using adjustable curtains that prevent direct drafts while allowing fresh air to circulate. Overcrowding should be avoided, as it leads to stress, feather pecking, and other issues. 3. Using Harmful Chemicals Near Poultry Chemicals such as insecticides, herbicides, and rodenticides can pose serious risks to your birds. Avoid using these substances near the poultry house or areas where your birds roam. If chemicals must be used, apply them sparingly and ensure the area is free of residues before allowing birds access. 4. Poor Sanitation and Ventilation Keeping the poultry house clean and well-ventilated is crucial. Dirty, poorly lit, and poorly ventilated coops can lead to respiratory problems, infestations, and reduced egg production. Regularly clean the bedding, sanitize the area, and ensure sufficient airflow. Rotating the coop to face east or west can help optimize natural light exposure. 5. Providing Impure Water Clean water is essential for your birds’ health. Contaminated water can lead to various illnesses and lower productivity. Always ensure that drinking water is free of impurities and refreshed regularly. 6. Feeding Low-Quality Diets The feed you provide significantly impacts your birds’ growth, egg production, and overall health. Ensure that you use high-quality, nutrient-rich feed suitable for the specific needs of your birds. Feeding schedules should be consistent to maximize productivity. 7. Choosing the Wrong Breed Selecting a breed that aligns with your farming goals is crucial. Some breeds are better suited for meat production, while others excel in egg production. Research and choose a breed that meets your specific objectives and is suitable for your local environment. 8. Ignoring Biosecurity Measures Preventing diseases is easier than treating them. Implement biosecurity measures such as limiting access to the farm, controlling vehicle entry, and sanitizing equipment. Avoid allowing buyers or visitors unrestricted access to chicken houses, as this can introduce diseases. By paying attention to these critical aspects, poultry farmers can avoid common pitfalls, improve productivity, and maintain a healthy flock. Regular observation, proper housing, and maintaining a clean environment are just some of the simple but effective steps to achieve success in poultry farming. SELL YOUR FARM PRODUCE ON www.myshambaexpress.com FOR FREE #MyShambaExpress #sustainablefarming #poultryfarming #agribusiness

Learn how to make your chicken big CHRISTMAS IS ALMOST HERE! HOW TO MAKE YOUR CHICKENS GROW BIG ENOUGH FOR CHRISTMAS SALES Every poultry farmer knows that Buyers want BIG chickens for Christmas. If you are rearing chickens for this xmas, you should be working towards getting them ready by 20th December when sales begin to peak. But then, how big should your chicken be to attract customers? What size does the Christmas Chicken buyer actually want? Let me attempt answers to these. The Christmas buyer wants big chicken. But then, the Nigerian poultry market does not have a uniform standard for dividing chicken into big and small sizes. There are customers who consider 3.5kg chicken as big while there are others who consider any chicken less than 5kg as small. The size of chicken considered as “BIG” therefore depends on your type of customers. Now, most buyers of live chicken are sensory based buyers. They gauge size by what their eyes see and what their hands feel. They do not usually rely on any weighing scale for measurement. It is therefore important that your birds are both big to the eyes and heavy to the hands. Big birds that do not have weight will not sell. From my personal experience, I categorize Xmas buyers into regular and premium customers. The regular customer buys chicken weighing between 3kg to 4.5kg. With the right care, these Broilers should be between 6 weeks to 10 weeks of age. The premium customer however buys Broilers weighing above 5kg and aged 12 weeks above. Now, if you have chickens on ground, you should by their age, already know the type of customers you are targeting. Is it regular or premium? No matter your target customers, it is important your birds add weight quickly so that you can meet up with the Xmas deadline. I will briefly itemize a few things you should do to achieve the desired weight gain quickly. 1. Buy and use only high quality feeds. This is not the time to economize on feed cost. We are battling against time and against growth. Low quality feed take a longer time to give result. Since we don’t have all the time, I advice you use the highest quality feed you can find. 2. Feed your birds ad libitum. By this I mean you should stop measuring feed for your Broilers. Give them as much as they can eat. The more they eat, the more weight they gain. 3. Don’t waste your nights. Give your birds light in the night so that they can eat for a few more hours everyday. At the minimum, your birds should have constant light at night for the first 4 weeks of their life. 4. Give vitamins in their water. Vitamins are necessary to complement the feed and increase appetite. Make sure they have it in their water as required. 5. Keep their pen clean. Dirty environment reduces appetite and supports the spread of diseases. You do not want your birds falling sick at this critical time. 6. Give all necessary vaccines and medication. 7. As the birds begin to grow, sort them into different groups according to size. The big birds should be separated from the smaller ones so that each has access to food and water without bullying. I do hope these tips help you meet up with sales this Xmas