West Nile case
Alberta has confirmed its first human case of West Nile virus for 2008.
The victim is a male in his 30s from the Chinook region in the southwest.
The infection, which resulted in WNv non-neurological syndrome, was acquired while the man was travelling in Saskatchewan.
Dr. Gerry Predy, acting chief medical officer of health, reminded Albertans to wear mosquito repellent with DEET, as well as long sleeves, long pants and socks.
The flu-like symptoms of WNv non-neurological syndrome, which occur within two to 14 days of infection, include headache, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, a possible skin rash and swollen glands.
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More serious symptoms associated with WNv neurological syndrome include neck stiffness, severe headaches, disorientation, tremors or convulsions, muscle weakness, difficulty moving, and paralysis or coma.
Culex tarsalis mosquitoes are known carriers of the virus. These mosquitoes are usually most active in July and August.
For more information on WNv and statistics, visit www.fightthebite.info.
New name for egg farmers
The Canadian Egg Marketing Agency has a new name.
The agency is now known as Egg Farmers of Canada. The name change took effect Aug. 25.
The organization also has a new website located at www.eggs.ca and has moved into a new building located at 21 Florence Street, Ottawa, Ont., 
K2P OW6.
Pork distributed
Hundreds of low-income families in Saskatchewan are receiving free pork, thanks to a donation from the provincial government.
Earlier this year, Saskatchewan premier Brad Wall announced $440,000 in funding to process sows into pork for Saskatchewan Food Banks. The sows were culled as a result of the National Cull Breeding Swine Program.
The processed pork is being distributed to Saskatchewan families through food banks and other charitable organizations.
Sask Pork co-ordinated the processing, delivery and distribution.
To date, more than 225,000 kilograms of processed pork has been delivered to Saskatchewan food banks and their partner organizations.
The National Cull Breeding Swine Program began April 14. It is a $50 million federal initiative to reduce the size of Canada’s pig herd due to high feed costs and low market prices.
Certificate needed
Pulse producers hoping to import Reglone desiccant through the Pest Management Regulatory Agency’s (PMRA) Grower Requested Own Use (GROU) program are reminded they must first obtain an import certificate from the PMRA.
To obtain a certificate, growers must fill out an application form, provide a copy of the import container label and provide proof of participation in an acceptable container disposal program.
Once producers receive a certificate, they can purchase and import the product for their own use from an American retailer of their choice.
Growers should make sure they have located and guaranteed a supply of the herbicide with a U.S. supplier before filling out the GROU application form and paying the container disposal fee.
Producers are urged to act quickly if considering this option because American supplies are in high demand.
Other products are available for desiccation or harvest management.
Liberty can be used for lentils and glyphosate can be used on peas, beans, lentils and chickpeas, however the dry-down may not be as rapid.
Glyphosate cannot be used on pulse crops that will be used for seed production.
For information about using Liberty or glyphosate on pulses, contact the Agriculture Knowledge Center at 866-457-2377.
For more information about the GROU program, call 800-267-6315.
