Inside this issue

• Unfettered Dog Importation Starting up Again
• CO Governor's "Baffling" Approach to Agriculture
• New Research on Pets Contracting COVID-19
• Two Western U.S. Livestock Auctions Permanently Close
• The Surprising Evolution of Elephants
• Also in the News...

	Unfettered Dog Importation Starting up Again
	International travel seems to be opening up again, at least for the folks engaged in the international dog import business. Sadly, dogs from developing countries often carry pathogens that can be transmitted to our animals and people. Some are lethal. That is why the Healthy Dog Importation Act must be passed this year: so that dogs imported in future years will undergo proper vetting before hopping on a plane to the USA. Dogs Rescued From Illegal Meat Trade, Trafficking Arrive At JFK Airport To Meet Forever Families Resources ★ Report on the Importation of Live Dogs into the United States ★ Want to rescue a dog from overseas? It might carry a new strain of disease, researchers say
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	CO Governor's "Baffling" Approach to Agriculture
	In this opinion piece, the author is "baffled" by his governor's inability or unwillingness to surround himself with subject matter experts when it comes to production agriculture. Hands-on experience in a hobby or industry is not a prerequisite to holding opinions, making suggestions, or offering criticism. A fresh set of eyes may, in fact, catch long-missed opportunities. However, when setting effective policy is the goal, working with and receiving input from experts who have skin in the game is essential. Regardless of a legislator's final vote, it is impossible to make a well-informed, good-faith decision with only half the facts. We see "half stories" far too often in animal issues: whether agriculture, sportsmen, dog breeders, or exotic pet owners, working with the real experts is vital. Guv's approach to Colorado agriculture - baffling Resources ★ NAIA's Discover Animals: Careers with Animals
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	New Research on Pets Contracting COVID-19
	Brazos county residents who have tested positive for COVID have graciously allowed veterinary researchers from Texas A&M to come into their homes and collect samples from their pets. So far the researchers have found that even if infected, the animals very rarely show any symptoms but will carry a viral load comparable to an active infection. Cats seem to be the most susceptible in this group - an interesting reminder of the big cats that have caught the virus in several zoos across the US. Research on pets contracting COVID-19 moves forward at Texas A&M's veterinary school Resources ★ NAIA's Discover Animals: The Benefits of Studying Animals ★ Two gorillas at San Diego Zoo test positive for COVID-19
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	Two Western U.S. Livestock Auctions Permanently Close
	Two livestock auctions, Woodburn Livestock Auction and Shasta Livestock Auction Yard, have announced that they will be closing permanently. Of interest is how the increased focus on video sales (as opposed to in-person) and the younger generation's lack of interest in continuing the work factored into the decision making process. This speaks to changes in the technological and cultural landscape. NAIA Board Member and Cindy Schonholtz calls these closures "sad" and "an end to an era in both communities." Two Western U.S. livestock auctions permanently close (note: only one free read; subscription required after) Resources ★ NAIA's Discover Animals: Animals in Agriculture ★ 16 Animal AgTech Innovators Transforming the Livestock Industry
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	The Surprising Evolution of Elephants
	Going simply by the numbers, the more cells you have and the longer you live, the more chances you have to get cancer. So one might expect elephants, having lifespans of over five decades, and often weighing more than three tons, to be highly susceptible to the disease. But that is not so: a new study shows that elephants are blessed with extra copies of several genes that aid in suppressing tumors. This research is more than just fascinating, it has implications for improvements in cancer treatment that could affect both humans and other animals. Side note: not to toot our own horn, but folks who are regular attendees of NAIA conferences were probably already aware of this information. Study suggests how elephants became big and cancer-resistant Resources ★ Pervasive duplication of tumor suppressors in Afrotherians during the evolution of large bodies and reduced cancer risk ★ Lightning Evolution: African elephants are being born without tusks due to poaching, researchers say
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	Also in the News...
	★ Say it ain't so: Rodeo Houston canceled for 2021 ★ Churchill Downs sues Thoroughbred Owners of California over ADW fees ★ Wild Adventures elephant dies at 78 ★ Biden Nominates Virginia's Jewel Bronaugh for USDA Deputy Secretary Click here to see what is happening legislatively Donate to NAIA Today!
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