CDC: Pet frogs behind illnesses in national salmonella outbreak that sickened nearly 50

CDC: Pet frogs source of salmonella outbreak

Idaho quarantines eastern Idaho cattle herd after cow tests positive for livestock disease

Livestock disease found in eastern Idaho cow

ASPCA puts down abused NY dog after saying rehab failed and despite pleas from dog lovers

NY dog euthanized despite pleas from dog lovers

Yellowstone bison could go to Ted Turner’s Montana ranch after other options fall through

Yellowstone bison could go to Turner’s Mont. ranch

Brownback says USDA animal disease lab will attract entrepreneurs to Kansas, help create jobs

Brownback: USDA lab will bring companies to Kansas

Taiwan’s Ma seeks to ease storm over lifting US beef ban amid ongoing mad cow scares

Taiwan’s Ma seeks to calm uproar over US beef

Researchers reintroduce healthy bats at 2 Vermont caves hit hard by mysterious fungus

Bats reintroduced into Vermont caves hit by fungus

EU approves proposed Merck, Schering-Plough tie-up, no competition worries in Europe

EU approves Merck, Schering-Plough tie-up

BRUSSELS — The European Union on Friday approved the proposed tie-up of U.S. drug makers Merck & Co. and Schering-Plough Corp. which would create the second-biggest global producer of prescription medicines.

Kansas, Oklahoma conduct first 2-state drill testing response to foot-and-mouth disease

Kan., Okla. conduct joint livestock disease drill

TOPEKA, Kan. — Trucks that could be hauling livestock along the Kansas and Oklahoma border were detained and their drivers questioned Thursday, during a drill aimed at protecting the nation’s food supply from foot-and-mouth disease.

Virginia officials to study impact of increasing elk population; cattlemen worry about disease

Va. to size up impact of increasing elk population

RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia game officials will study the consequences of increasing the number of Rocky Mountain elk in the state’s remote southwest corner, a move opposed by cattle farmers fearful of the spread of disease.

Drugmaker Merck posts slight rise in 3Q sales, but big profit jump due to animal health sale

Merck posts big profit jump, slight rise in sales

TRENTON, N.J. — Drugmaker Merck & Co. on Thursday posted a bigger profit in the third quarter due to slightly higher sales and a huge gain from selling a business.

Inspired by Kentucky’s success, Va. weighs plan to bring back elk to its southeastern hills

Va. may fill its own hills with Rocky Mountain elk

RICHMOND, Va. — More than 150 years after Virginia’s last native elk was killed, game officials may try to populate the state’s southwest corner with its bigger, buff-colored cousin — the Rocky Mountain elk.

USDA says Minn. pigs may have tested positive for swine flu, 1st potential cases in US pigs

Minn. pigs may have tested positive for swine flu

MINNEAPOLIS — Preliminary tests show three pigs in Minnesota may have contracted the swine flu virus making them the first potential U.S. cases in swine, agricultural officials said Friday. They stressed the finding does not threaten food safety.

Govt says 1 swine flu shot enough to protect kids 10 and older, but younger may need 2

Govt: 1 swine flu shot enough for older kids

WASHINGTON — Studies of the new swine flu vaccine show children 10 and older will need just one shot for protection — but younger kids almost certainly will need two.

Paris rooftops, gardens become hives of activity for an unlikely pastime: beekeeping

Paris rooftops abuzz with beekeeping

PARIS — In the romantic city of lights, the bees are downright busy.

Drugmaker Sanofi-Aventis buys Merck’s half of Merial; step needed for Merck to buy Schering

Sanofi buys Merck’s half of animal health business

TRENTON, N.J. — French drugmaker Sanofi-Aventis SA has completed its $4 billion purchase of Merck & Co.’s half interest in their veterinary medicine business, Merial Ltd., the companies said Friday.

Botulism blamed for tens of thousands of dead birds found along shore of Great Salt Lake

Botulism blamed for dead birds at Great Salt Lake

SALT LAKE CITY — Tens of thousands of dead birds are showing up along the shore of the Great Salt Lake.

Swine flu returns, small businesses deal again with absences, worker concerns about illness

Small businesses deal again with swine flu issues

NEW YORK — Small business owners who weathered the first wave of swine flu last spring are dealing with the illness all over again, including issues like employee absences and staffers who are afraid of getting sick.

Australian veterinarian dies of rare virus after contracting it from sick horse

Australian vet dies of rare virus from horse

BRISBANE, Australia — An Australian veterinarian has died from a rare viral disease after treating an infected horse, becoming the fourth known fatality from the illness since it was discovered in 1994, a health official said Wednesday.

Merck to structure itself into 5 units following close of $41.1 billion Schering-Plough deal

Merck to form 5 divisions after Schering buyout

NEW YORK — Richard T. Clark, current president and CEO of Merck, said Monday the company will restructure into five divisions after it completes its buyout of rival Schering-Plough for $41.1 billion.