For the Educator

Update on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza January 20th, 2022

Last week USDA APHIS issued updates that included multiple cases of High Path Avian Influenza in the Carolinas(waterfowl), which would put them on a path towards Ohio following the migratory waterfowl pathways.  Attached is a PDF technical report with a bunch of helpful links embedded to assist your clients who are hunters, backyard poultry keepers, or members of the 4-H community as they prepare for chick season.  Biosecurity will be critical to avoid an outbreak this season.

Click here to view, print, or download the PDF —> High Path Avian Influenza Update 01 19 22

Backyard Poultry Production Resources

There has been a resurgence of people who wish to raise their own food for personal and family food security, both with produce and with poultry.  I am increasingly getting asked about backyard poultry keeping so I wanted to put a resource together to assist you in getting the knowledge you need for safe, healthy and productive backyard poultry keeping.

FIRST THING:  Find out the regulations in your city or municipality that governs the keeping of backyard poultry and follow those rules carefully. 

 

We also have a number of Fact Sheets hosted on Ohioline to support poultry keeping:

There is also a fact sheet on Selling Eggs in Ohio: Marketing and Regulations that details safe handling, washing and storage of eggs.

If you need help finding a Veterinarian that sees poultry,  we have a list plus a map to assist you with that.

 

If you have questions regarding the keeping of poultry after watching the webinar then feel free to contact me at mcdermott.15@osu.edu

New APHIS/USDA Biosecurity for Backyard Poultry Website and Information

USDA/APHIS has increased the amount of materials for use for increasing outreach and awareness regarding Biosecurity for Backyard Poultry with the Defend The Flock program.

 

 

Materials that can be used for outreach and awareness include webinars, fact sheets and website links

CLICK HERE for a link to the DEFEND The FLOCK resource page

 

 

 

Chicken Breed Selection has been posted on Ohioline

CHICKEN BREED SELECTION

Sabrina Schirtzinger, Extension Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Knox County
Tim McDermott, Extension Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Hocking County

There are various reasons people raise chickens: for eggs, meat, show and exhibition or simply to enjoy caring for and watching chicks grow. For some, raising chickens is a hobby while others see it as a sustainable part of living. This fact sheet will explore characteristics of chicken breeds to help select the right breed for you.

Click to read or print full factsheet

APHIS Social Media Toolkit – Biosecurity and High Path Avian Influenza

When it comes to disease threats, you are your flock’s best protection. Biosecurity – practiced carefully and regularly — is key to protecting backyard birds from infectious disease carried to and from farms, backyards or aviaries, by people, animals, equipment or vehicles.

Wild birds, particularly waterfowl like ducks and geese, can carry diseases such as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), among others. With spring migration underway, bird owners should be aware of the increased threats and take steps to limit spread of germs and disease by following good biosecurity practices at all times.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) “Biosecurity for Birds” campaign includes social media resources on biosecurity and practices. We hope you will take part in promoting biosecurity during migratory season by sharing these resources on your channels and with your readers. Here are a few ways you can help:

FOLLOW #Biosecurity

 

 

POST

 

Use or customize these sample Facebook posts to increase awareness of the importance of biosecurity practices during migratory season.

 

With migratory season underway, disease threat for bird owners is increased. It’s important to include

#biosecurity practices in your daily routine to protect your birds’ safety. We are the best protection our birds have. Learn how to practice good #biosecurity at: http://1.usa.gov/1UrqXqC

Spring migration is underway, which means ducks, geese and other birds traveling for the spring have the potential to spread disease. Keep your flock disease-free this spring by incorporating biosecurity basics into your daily routines! http://1.usa.gov/1UrqXqC

Keeping flocks healthy should be a top priority for all backyard bird owners. As part of good biosecurity, you should prevent contact between your birds and wild birds. Check out this video on keeping flocks healthy: http://bit.ly/1TKUUD1

Don’t be chicken! Aim to protect your flock by practicing #biosecurity. Disease can spread from exposure to wild animals, contaminated water and equipment and much more. Learn how you can keep your flock disease-free at: http://1.usa.gov/1UrqXqC

Birds are migrating! Did you know migration increases the possibility of disease and virus harming your flock? Protect your birds by taking preventative measures, like keeping them in a screened-in area. Here are tips you can use: http://bit.ly/2d24UI3

 

TWEET

 

Share the sample tweets on Twitter to get your followers involved with #biosecurity.

Spring migration is here. Keep birds disease-free by screening in their coop to prevent contact with wild animals http://1.usa.gov/1UrqXqC

Just 6 simple steps can keep your flock healthy during migratory season. Practicing #biosecurity prevents disease. http://1.usa.gov/1NQpx3W

#Biosecurity decreases risk of diseases with your flock, even during migratory season. Your flock counts on YOU! http://1.usa.gov/1QFtJrL

Migratory birds have potential to spread disease in US. #Biosecurity is crucial. Monitor 2017 fall patterns here: http://bit.ly/2dqHiz3

For poultry owners, #biosecurity can spell the difference between health and disease. Protect your flock this fall: http://bit.ly/2cQlgaG

#Biosecurity in migratory season is important because wild birds are likely to carry AI & other diseases. More here: http://bit.ly/2d24UI3

 

Full PDF with graphics ->Social Toolkit for APHIS-B4B Migratory Season (1)-1nacezp