Animal health and welfare: an EU priority
Given the devastating impact that serious disease outbreaks can have on farmers, society and the economy, the European Commission has based its new Animal Health Strategy on the principle that "prevention is better than cure".
Recent outbreaks of animal diseases and zoonoses in Europe and worldwide have highlighted the importance of outbreak prevention and the difficulties in safekeeping animals from infectious diseases.
According to FAO Animal Production and Health Manual, the regular cleaning and disinfection of all surface areas of animal houses and their surroundings are crucial to prevent diseases like avian flu.
Lime is a well known disinfectant and treatment with lime is suggested in many national regulations or guidelines.
News
The minerals sector: Together for a sustainable future
IMA-Europe published a 6-minute video giving a comprehensive overview of the efforts made by the minerals sector for the conservation of biodiversity. The film can be viewed on-line in English, French and German (link).
EuLA publishes a litterature overview on hydrated lime in asphalt mixtures
The European Lime Association(EuLA) prepared an objective overview of the available scientific literature about the different functionalities and effects of using hydrated lime in asphalt mixtures. It contains results coming from all over the world, and highlights in particular the most recent experiments, particularly in Europe. Download overview.
Hydrated lime is an additive known for its ability to improve the bitumen-aggregate adhesion in asphalt mixes. Studies based on laboratory tests supported by full-scale applications have also demonstrated other beneficial effects of lime, such as an increased durability of pavements.
EuLA publishes a Bibliography Lime in Mortars
EuLA commissioned the Danish Technological Institute (DTI) to study in detail the internationally available scientific publications devoted to mortars containing lime. The aim of the study was to make an overview of the available scientific knowledge on how using lime in mortars influences different functionalities. The DTI study is based on more than 200 articles.
- Download bibliography
- Download the executive summary
- Download a presentation of the conclusions
EuLA Science-Industry Roundtable on the Use of Lime in Mortars, July 2010
EuLA organised in July 2010 a Science-Industry Roundtable on the use of lime in mortars. Apart from exchanging knowledge on the latest research in the field, participants had the opportunity to exchange knowledge and opinions during the breakout sessions. The Roundtable Conclusions are summarised in an article, co-signed by the Chairmen of the Sessions and published on the occasion of a conference of the International Lime Association. Download article or follow link.
European Conference on the Raw Materials Initiative, Madrid, June 2010
EuLA participated in the European Minerals Conference 2010 under the Spanish EU Presidency, "The EU Raw Materials Initiative: Sustainable access to resources in Europe", Madrid, 17 June 2010.
Further reading: ZKG Article or www.ima-europe.eu/news.html
EuLA launches Practical Guidelines for disinfection with lime
Lime is a well known, cheap and widely available disinfectant, used in agricultural applications for many centuries for the prevention (of the spreading) of diseases, and more recently to control avian influenza outbreaks (lime treatment can deactivate the H5N1 virus within 5 minutes). However, applications vary from country to country with different dosages and methods.
In an attempt to provide reliable information (best practices) to all stakeholders, the European Lime Association initiated the creation of comprehensive "Practical Guidelines on the use of lime for the prevention and control of avian influenza, foot and mouth disease and other infectious diseases." It is available in different language versions (Click here to download the brochure). It was launched at the occasion of a stakeholder conference in Brussels on 12 February 2009 (read more).
EuLA asks all stakeholders concerned in animal health and welfare for their support in circulating and implementing the lime practical guidelines, so that the objectives of the Animal Health Strategy of the EU-Commission can be actively supported. This will help to facilitate a fast and effective reaction in the event of an epidemic outbreak. EuLA Practical Guidelines for disinfection with lime are available in the following languages: English, German, Danish, French, Spanish, Italian, Swedish. (click here to download the brochure)