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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuron Expositor, 2014-02-05, Page 44 Huron Expositor • Wednesday, February 5, 2014 www.seaforthhuronexpositorcom Seaforth ron Expositor PUBLISHED WEEKLY — EST. 1860 P.O. Box 69, 8 Main Street Seaforth Ontario NOK 1 WO phone: 519-527-0240 fax: 519-527-2858 www.seaforthhuronexpositor SUN MEDIA A Quebecor Media Company NEIL CLIFFORD Publisher neil.clifford@sunmedia.ca MAXWELL BICKFORD Advertising Rep. max.bickford@sunmedia.ca DIANNE MCGRATH Front Office seaforth.classifieds@sunmedia.ca WHITNEY SOUTH Multimedia Joumalist seaforth.news@sunnnedia.ca Publications Mail Agreement No. 40064683 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO CIRCULATION DEPARTMENT RO. Box 69 Seaforth ON NOK 1 WO For any non -deliveries or delivery concerns: phone: 519-527-0240 Advertising is accepted on condition that in the event of a typographical error, the advertising space occupied by the erroneous item, together with a reasonable allowance for signature, will not be charged, but the balance of the advertisement will be paid for at the applicable rate. In the event of a typographical error, advertising goods or services at a wrong price, goods or services may not be sold. Advertising is merely an offer to sell and may be withdrawn at any time. The Huron Expositor is not responsible for the loss or damage of unsolicited manuscripts, photos or other materials used for reproduction purposes. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canadian Periodical Fund (CPF) for our publishing activities. Canada. editorial Pig virus impact could be huge QM! Agency The fact that a piglet -killing virus has been found on a Chatham -Kent farm is troubling, especially when one considers the economic devastation that has followed porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) in the United States. The highly contagious virus was first identified in Iowa in May 2013 and has since spread to 22 states, killing three million young pigs on 2,000 different farms. Last week it was identified on a Middlesex County farm, and on Monday was found on a farm in Chatham -Kent. At the Middlesex location, almost all of the newborn pigs have died. Should PED have as much impact in Ontario and Canada as it has had in the U.S., the economic impact could amount to $45 million, say industry insiders. For consumers, the onset of the virus will surely mean higher pork prices. Adult pigs are apparently not affected by the virus, but the industry's foundation - its piglets - are being decimated, placing the industry's future in jeopardy. Pork producers in Ontario and elsewhere abide by strict bio -security measures, ensuring their animals are constantly protected from disease. Such measures are followed even when the provincial herd is relatively healthy. For some time now, the Ontario Pork Producers Marketing Board has been working closely with its sup- pliers, producers and other business partners to ensure that PED wouldn't get a foothold in this province. As recently as last week, a veterinarian told Lambton pork producers at their annual meeting that fighting PED has become a full-time job for the industry's part- ners, who have been well aware of the consequences should the virus find a home in Ontario. PED has its origins in fecal and oral matter, and is spread mostly through contaminated trucks, trailers and on human boots. The Lambton producers were assured that best management practices for producers and suppliers have been in place and are being followed. But PED is tenacious. To think that the virus has breached these intense bio -security measures is fright- ening, and speaks to the contagion's devastating qualities. Right now, it's a threat to an industry that's worth approximately $5.6 billion in Canada. Infamy, the new celebrity I've never been one to really fol- low celebrity. Don't get me wrong, I'm defi- nitely a movie lover and I often jones for the sea- son return of my favourite TV shows. But as for making sure I'm caught up on the personal life of stars? No thanks. The spotlight used to be reserved for those with unques- tionable talent like Fred Astaire, Clark Gable and Doris Day. They could sing, dance and act. Back then, pure talent was the only way for them to really make a name for them- selves. Of course there were scandals, but most were con- sidered a professional death sentence. Nowadays, being infamous seems to be a quicker, easier way of reaching that brass ring. With examples too numer- ous to count, celebrities con- tinue to gain notoriety, not for their talent for entertaining, but for their talent for making a scene. The question of whether stars are loved because they're famous, or famous because they're loved remains a mystery. Just look at Stratford's native son, Justin Bieber. Col umn Whitne Huron E y South xpositor In just over two weeks, the teen popstar has been investigated for vandalism of his neighbour's home in Califor- nia, arrested for drag racing in Florida and even turned himself in to Toronto police in connection with an assault on a limo driver back in December. And let's not forget numerous run-ins with inter- national law, due to his need to spray paint random buildings and even spit on fans from a balcony. The amount of disrespect for not only the law, but also his loyal "Bielibers" is nothing short of staggering. Yet the girls keep screaming. I'm not even going to bother mentioning Toronto's mayor, we've all had enough of him. Well, except maybe those peo- ple that keep buying his T-shirts and bobbleheads. So what makes people look the other way when it comes to celebrities and their bad behav- iour? Would they be as forgiv- ing if the culprit was their friend or neighbour? I hope that one day we'll be able to get back to appreciating stars for their talent, rather than their extracurricular activities. Have an opinion? The Huron Expositor welcomes letters to the editor. They must be signed and accompanied by a phone number for information clarification. It is important to note, letters will not be able to be printed without the author's name attached. All letters are subject to editing due to possible space restriction. Letters can be dropped off at the office, mailed or emailed: The Huron Expositor 8 Main St. P.O. Box 69, Seaforth, Ont. NOK IWO seaforth.news@sunmedia.ca SEAFORTH HURON EXPOSITOR — HOURS OF OPERATION MONDAY: 9:00 - 5:00 • TUESDAY: - CLOSED • WEDNESDAY: - 9:00 - 5:00 • THURSDAY: - 9:00 - 5:00 • FRIDAY: - 9:00 - 5:00 • SATURDAY & SUNDAY: - CLOSED ADVERTISING DEADLINE: FRIDAY AT 2:00 • PHONE 519-527-0240 • FAX: 519-527-2858 www.seaforthhuronexpositoncom