Well here we are again; another holiday season upon us, another year gone. This is the landmark tenth edition of the Stirling Connection.

I for one feel quite proud of having been able to keep this going and because we have had relatively few people tell us that they want to unsubscribe, I am proud of all the readers who have kept supporting the newsletter. Of course I would still love to hear from anyone with suggestions as to how we could improve the Newsletter. Until then we will keep doing what we have done.

I want to wish everyone a very happy and safe holiday season. For the first time since Stirling began in 2004, we are actually taking a compulsory break this year. (Everyone thinks it is because they worked so hard, but actually it is because the building we are in is closing and there is no way to get in!!)

We will be back next year with more great news, topical discussion and because I can’t help myself, more of those great toys and treats for “Fluffy” and “Fido”.

Do you ever get the feeling that you are being told something? This year, perhaps more than ever, we should all reflect on what’s happening in the cosmos. In terms of the meat and animal health industry, it has been the ‘year of the microbe’. As a microbiologist by trade, this is not altogether surprising - these little critters are very sneaky! One of the first projects I ever supervised at University level was to get students to go out the supermarket and buy six frozen chickens and screen the ‘thaw juice' (that’s the liquid that sits in the bottom of the bag until you spread it all over the kitchen!). It was always particularly enlightening to see the percentage of the bugs in the thaw juice that were resistant to multiple antibiotics. This year seems to have been the rebirth of nasties from the bug world!

Early in the year we saw the continued development of bird flu, not only as reoccurrences in already hard hit regions, but also in areas where the disease had not been previously found. The H5N1 strain of avian influenza became recognised by the World Health Organisation as the single biggest disease threat to the world. Since its first detection in Hong Kong in 1997 it has spread to flocks across Asia and Western Europe and although the virus has not yet found a way to spread easily to humans (yet!), some believe it is only a matter of time. Thus far, 117 people in Asia have been infected and 60 have died and a case in Indonesia has recently demonstrated that the virus can be transmitted through two generations of the same family. Not only does it appear that transmission from animals to humans is possible, but also from humans to fellow humans.

In April, the pet food industry was rocked by the largest recall in history. Products from more than 100 brands were recalled this year in North America. Many consumers were left very unclear as to which brands and products were safe. In an industry that was not used to the pleasures of a regulated way of life and the fine art of recall behaviour, the recall left them with ‘their pants down around their ankles'. Some companies that had not recalled products distanced themselves from those that did. Others took a 'less is more' approach and simply said their products had not been recalled. The majority left one company, Menu Foods, to wear the brunt of the recall, both in the market and in future legal battles.

While this was not directly due to microbes, it focused on pet food safety and inevitably as the Menu food recall unfolded and Chinese raw materials became a focus, incidences of contaminated products soon appeared. Pigs ears were targeted for salmonella poisoning and many people started to make their own food as a result of a lack of confidence in commercial brands. What we are likely to see in the next couple of years, is the introduction of much tighter controls over an industry that has largely avoided regulation thus far.

Several outbreaks of E. coli O157:H7 in bagged spinach which sickened over 200 and killed four was also a significant tipping point. Farmers dealing with collapsed markets, retailers who say they are now going to get serious about questioning their suppliers, and consumers now realising that fresh produce is a significant source of food borne illness, were all affected. Consumers once again lobbied government bodies to introduce higher levels of assurance. Those more inclined to sit down to a bowl of rabbit food needed to know the green leaves were safe. Many voting with their wallets and their forks, pushed the point further. What about the tomatoes, or cantaloupes, carrots and any other fresh produce?

The puritan life of the vegetarian would never be the same. Fresh fruits and vegetables are good for us; we should eat more. Yet fresh fruits and vegetables are one of, if not the most, significant source of food borne illness today. Because fresh produce is just that - fresh, and not cooked - anything that comes into contact is a possible source of contamination (and where do you really think all those millions of tons of cow manure or chicken manure or pig’s droppings actually go?)

More recently (and not to be outdone), we witnessed the recall of 21.7 million pounds of frozen hamburger because of potential E. coli contamination. Observers now say E. coli outbreaks may be on the rise in the USA’s meat industry for the first time this decade. The ground beef recall by Topps Meat is second in size only to Hudson Foods’ 1997 recall of 25 million pounds of ground beef. It comes only a few months after a recall of 5.7 million pounds of ground beef tied to E. coli. The Topps recall has been linked to 27 reported illnesses; three confirmed by the US Department of Agriculture.

Cargill Inc., one of the biggest meat suppliers in the US, also recalled more than 1 million pounds of ground beef that it suspected was contaminated with E. coli bacteria.

E. coli is one of the most commonly found bacteria in our world and is harboured in the intestines of cattle. Improper butchering and processing can cause the E. coli to get onto meat. Thorough cooking, to at least 160 degrees internal temperature, can destroy the bacteria. E. coli 0157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhoea and dehydration. The very young, seniors and people with compromised immune systems are the most susceptible to E. coli.

In August this year, farmers in the UK also feared the worst as the prospect of a new foot and mouth epidemic loomed. In the initial outbreak, 60 cattle tested positive and were culled. Farmers feared that this would be a recurrence of the 2001 outbreak that saw the death of around 10 million animals.

As a final example, how can we ignore the 47 horses in NSW infected with equine influenza type A, or unofficially the additional 150 horses that have clinical signs of flu? The equine flu outbreak in Australia saw a ban on moving horses in New South Wales and with suspected flu cases in Queensland, racing at Brisbane’s Eagle Farm racecourse was cancelled (August 29, 2007).

The equine influenza outbreak in Japan caused racing to be cancelled for a week starting the weekend of August 17th a move that was estimated to have cost US$8.7 million. The 2006 Japan Derby winner Meisho Samson was declared out of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in France because he had been stricken with flu. More than 100 horses had the flu during the outbreak and we are still concerned about whether this has been effectively contained and how do we prevent a recurrence?

An estimated 76 million illnesses and 5,000 deaths occur in the US every year from food borne illness. For the 380 people who were sickened by spinach, lettuce and maybe tomatoes in three separate outbreaks since August, we have to ask the question - what are we doing wrong?

The concept of a healthy fresh produce business, the farm, now more than ever, must be the first line of defence against these opportunistic gremlins that we have taken for granted. Their effects are spreading and their momentum is gathering force. We need to address it now if we have a hope of preventing catastrophes with the food we eat, transmission of disease from animals (called zoonoses for those non-microbiologists out there) and our general well-being. Everybody has a part to play. We cannot sit back and blame the farmer or the regulators or the people that eat meat or the vegetarians; we all have to work together.

The equation has become imbalanced. We have pushed production to its absolute limits, we have abused the earth beyond repair and as a society we are still not satisfied - more food, more choice, make it cheaper. We have diminished the effects of the only defences that we had (antibiotics and antimicrobials) and decided it is not economical to develop and produce new ones. No wonder contamination is increasing. No wonder viral infections are once again becoming a serious economic concern. Stop the world I want to get off!!! (Enjoy your Christmas dinner!)

A New Mega Milk Drinking Market ……

Here’s a market Big M would love to get their hands on.  A Japanese dairy has announced the release of a premium milk for stressed-out adults. Look out Red Bull and Pepsi Max, this milk is taken from cows once a week at the break of dawn as they discharge a lot of stress-relieving hormones called melatonin during the night. The milk bottled within six hours (and I am sure is never pasteurized) contains three to four times as much melatonin as normal milk.

Just as well really, because the milk is nearly 30 times more expensive than normal milk. That means a 900ml bottle sells for the low, low price of US$43 or 5,000 Yen. (So a bottle a day works out at US$300/week....Good job it relieves stress!)

I’ll Tell You What You Will Eat – Say Pet Owners……

Following the chaos caused by the recall of pet food products earlier this year, a recent survey has shown that pet owners very clearly were not impressed. Consumers have become much more discerning about what their cats and dogs will eat, thanks very much. The effect of the recall saw 62% of owners change their brand of pet food. Of these 28% turned to making their own food and 16% went organic.

Populations of cats and dogs have grown in the US. There are now 88 million pet cats, 14 million more than there are dogs. However the dogs are catching up, growing in numbers by 1.2% while the cats declined by 2.4%. 15% of all dogs and 17% of all cats are now over 11 years of age and it seems that pet owners are addressing obesity in their pets much more than they are themselves.

Let’s See You Worm Your Way Out of This……

Research with a particular type of worm (Caenorhabditis elegans) has provided a new potential target for the fight against obesity. Interference with a group of proteins where these worms store fat, have shown that the worms can be made to decrease the fat storage without affecting eating patterns. It is estimated that obese Americans now top more than 100 million and many other nations around the world are not that far behind.

Researchers hasten to add that the work is still in its early stages and was after all performed in a worm.

Stirling’s Press Releases in 50 Words or Less:

11 October, Agreement with Merial Extended: Material Transfer Agreement for R-salbutamol in place with Merial has been extended until the end of the first quarter 2008 to allow Merial time to conduct additional trials. Successful execution could lead to a global licence agreement for cattle and sheep.

15 October, Audio Broadcast - Third Quarter Update: CEO of Stirling Products discusses the progress of the company through the third quarter, with a special emphasis on the Progressive BioActives Inc. acquisition and future directions.

16 October, Improved Biological Activity of R-salbutamol confirmed: Studies performed on the new raw material sourced from Stirling’s contract manufacturer in Germany confirm the biological activity of the material.

12 November, SPNA signs Distribution Agreement for sale of ProValeTM: Stirling Products North America signs an agreement with a United States feed manufacturing company for distribution of products containing ProVale™. The agreement will generate additional sales of ProVale™ in areas of feed mixes related to poultry and swine.

20 November, SPNA expects rapid increase in sales of Omega-3 product: Stirling Products North America announces double the sales of the Omega-3 product that it supplies to its Canadian partners Co-op Atlantic and the Natural Organic Food Group. Stirling expects the sales volume to double over the next six months.

23 November, Managing Director’s AGM Update: CEO of Stirling provides a valuable insight into the progress made by the company in 2007 and where the company is heading in 2008 and beyond. Of principle focus are those areas of Stirling’s portfolio that can generate short to medium-term revenue.

5 December, SPNA Completes First Phase of Manufacturing Scale-up: Stirling Products North America doubles its manufacturing capacity with the completion of its Phase I scale-up. Additional scale-up phases are expected in the coming year that will add further capacity in expectation of increased sales in the second half of 2008.

12 December, SPNA initiates second Material Transfer Agreement: Stirling Products North America initiates a Material Transfer Agreement with a Korean pharmaceutical company. The Agreement covers the use of material for trial and registration feasibility studies in Korea and could lead to a distribution agreement in the second half of 2008.

About Town

Innovet Conference in October: Stirling was invited to present at the Innovet conference. The conference, hosted on Prince Edward Island, was well attended with representatives from companies such as Novartis, Elanco, Pfizer, Bayer, Fort Dodge (what a shopping list!)

Parliamentary Standing Committee: Stirling was used as a success story by Biotech Canada as part of a presentation made to the Canadian Parliamentary Standing Committee on Agriculture and Food in Ottawa this month. This re-emphasises the fantastic support we are getting from not only the Provincial Government on Prince Edward Island but also Federal Government bodies.

The Wake Up Call: Calvin London has appeared as a guest interview on Steve Flanagan’s new CD “The Wake Up Call”. The interview discusses our attitudes to foods and obesity. Log onto Steve’s website (www.fitaustralia.com ) and do something to help your fitness levels.

A Pig without R-salbutamol: Over the year the Stirling staff has been putting away those fiddly little five cent pieces. I am proud to say that we collected enough during the year to buy a pig for an African family through the CARE Australia program. (I have promised that I will not send a free bag of R-salbtuamol with it!).

I was having one of my runs down at the local oval. I try to be a very friendly dog and run up to say hello to any other dog that happens to be there at the same time. In fact my Dad says for a little bundle of fluff, I’m quite brave and seem to 'like the big boys' a little too much.

As I was running around, I came across Jock a strapping Rhodesian Ridgeback. “Hi there cutey,” says Jock in a very suggestive voice. “Hi yourself big boy!” I said back in my flirty little voice as I fluttered my eyelids. “What big ey-ee-s you have,” looking directly at his private parts which luckily I could not reach because they were a good foot above my head.

“I see you’ve noticed my Christmas presents,” said Jock all prim and proud, “I’ve got a pair of neuticals!”

“What on earth are neuticals?” I asked in my most innocent little voice, “I thought you were just, well, well endowed and that’s why they called you Jock!”

“No honey; girls, what do you know!” said Jock as he cocked his leg on the goal post. “I had an operation which I would rather not go into and well, things didn’t turn out. I have never been so embarrassed. All my mates laughed at me and called me names, it made me so depressed. My Dad (he’s the greatest), he understood and said that he knew just what to do and next thing you know I am back to normal."

“Not cheap mind you,” said Jock, “I heard my Dad paid out over a $1000 for these little beauties,” added Jock very proudly.

“Good for you, got to go.” I said as I ran off thinking to myself, what a lot of fuss about nothing. "Tink, tink, tink, tink," I heard as Jock got into full stride back to his Dad.   I had a quiet chuckle to myself as I ran along – “Jungle balls, jungle balls.....”

Tia’s Top Ten Indulgences for Christmas:

1	A K&H Cool Bed: absorbs heat from your pet and redistributes it back into the air.
2	Thirst Alert: flashes a red light when the water level is low. The deluxe version to be released next year sendsyou an E mail or SMS to let you know the bowl is empty (you just need really long arms to fill it up!).
3	Pearly White N-Bones: Just as people bleach their teeth you can now get teeth whitening bones for your dog.
4	Petrodex Finger Toothbrush Glove: provides a gentle method of removing plaque and debris from your pet’s teeth (while they happily chew your finger to pieces!).
5	Easy Ride Paw Perch: an enlarged platform that mounts on the car window allowing your dog a place to put his front paws in comfort.
6	Doggles Wearable Ionizer: reduces allergens, helps eliminate bad odours, airborne germs and creates a healthier “space” for your pet. The ionizer can be personalized with built-in scents.
7	Seargent’s Vetscription People Vitamins: chewable dog vitamins in fun people shapes like a postman, milkman and dog catcher (it’s the shapes that get me!).
8	Cat Fisher Rod & Reel: allows you to play with your pet from the comfort of the couch. Casts up to 40 feet so you can entice your pet from afar (isn’t the idea to get off the couch and who has a 40 foot lounge room?)
9	Hidden Litter Box: hides the litter box in a stylish planter and comes in a variety of planter textures and plant choices. (Rose bush and cactus shrub, not recommended!)
10	And finally a weekend stay at the Wag Hotel: a 239-room hotel exclusively for dogs and cats (separate floors I guess just like smoking and non- smoking levels!) in San Francisco that offers an indoor swimming pool, roof-top 'business walking track' and full spa service with house specials like a blueberry facial or a paw-dicure.

See ya next time, I'm tired!


A Little Bit of Humour To Finish Off:

Bad Jokes for Christmas Lunch (preferably before lunch)......

I went to buy some camouflage trousers the other day but couldn’t find any. (I told you they were bad!)

A man woke up in hospital after a serious accident. He shouted out "I can’t feel my legs, Doctor, Doctor, I can’t feel my legs!” I know replied the doctor "I’ve cut your arms off."

Two antennas met on a roof, fell in love and got married. The ceremony wasn’t much but the reception was excellent.

A group of chess enthusiasts check into a hotel and are standing around in the lobby discussing their recent tournament victories. After an hour the Manager asks them to leave. “But why?” they ask. (Brace yourself !!!!) “Because I don’t like chess-nuts boasting in an open foyer.”

Fish Bait:

A women goes into a sports shop to buy a rod and reel for her husband for Christmas. She doesn’t know which one to get so she grabs the first one in the rack. “Excuse me, can you tell me anything about this rod and reel?” she asks.

"Ma’am, I'm completely blind but if you drop it, I can tell you everything from the sound it makes.” She does not believe him but drops it anyway. “That’s a six-foot Shakespeare graphite with a Zeco 340 reel and about 10lb line,” he says. “It’s a great combination and on special this week for $200.”

That’s amazing she says, “I’ll take it.” and pulls out a card. As she pulls out her card it drops on the ground. “Oh that sounds like a Mastercard,” says the attendant.

As she bends down to pick it up, she breaks wind. At first glance she is really embarrassed, but then remembers he is blind and there is no way he will know it was her that tooted.

The attendant rings up the sale “That’ll be $254.00.” he says. “$254.00," she says, “you told me it was on special!” “It was," he said, "but it is an extra $30 for the duck caller and $24.00 for the fish bait!”

And Finally a Word On Teamwork ….. (thanks Dad!)

Quality comes from teamwork. Pat Williams, Senior Vice President of Orlando Magic, was giving an interview on teamwork. He relayed the story of his loyal gardener, who risked his life to kill a group of highly poisonous water moccasins on his property in the US. When Williams asked the gardener why he did not fear the snakes, the gardener replied that water moccasins think like a team. They would never leave each other if they thought one was in trouble.

So there you go, stick together like a team and you can all get whacked across the back of your head together!!!