Join fellow flu fighters on 4/17 at 2:30 p.m. EDT to hear APHIS Poultry HPAI Incident Lead Dr. Melissa Yates present “From Backyard to Barnyard: Biosecurity for Poultry on a Multi-Species Farm.”

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is in all 50 states. With wild birds migrating this spring, your flock – and susceptible livestock – are at increased risk for HPAI.

Boost your biosecurity know-how now to protect all your animals. Download the Spring 2025 edition of our newsletter to get answers to questions like:

• Why are poultry and susceptible livestock at increased risk this spring?
• Why is biosecurity so important for your farm or backyard?
• What can you do to protect your livestock?

Download the PDF here >>>

Pick your day: March 8 or 15

Register Here: https://osu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9zWqazff8sBCywe

SCHEDULE
8:00-8:40 – Registration/Refreshments. Equipment and Housing Exhibits Open.
8:50-9:00 – Introduction, Schedule Overview.
9:10-11:20 – Morning Information Sessions.
11:30-12:10 – Lunch.
12:20-2:30 – Afternoon Information Sessions.
2:40-2:50 – Closing Remarks. Collect Program Evaluations.
3:00-4:00 – Quality Assurance Training (optional).

Rising HPAI Cases in Ohio: A Critical Reminder of Biosecurity Measures

As cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) continue to rise in Ohio, the poultry industry faces increasing challenges in protecting flocks from this highly contagious and deadly virus. In recent weeks/days, several commercial poultry farms have reported confirmed HPAI detections, underscoring the urgent need for heightened vigilance across the state.

HPAI poses a serious threat to both poultry health and the economy, with the potential to cause devastating losses in infected flocks. The virus spreads rapidly through direct contact with infected birds or contaminated materials, such as feed, equipment, and even personnel.

Biosecurity Remains Key to Protection

The importance of robust biosecurity protocols cannot be overstated. These measures, designed to prevent the introduction and spread of disease, are the first line of defense in safeguarding poultry populations. Poultry owners must be proactive in enforcing strict biosecurity practices on their farms, including:

1. Access Control: Restricting visitors to your poultry areas and limiting contact with other animals and birds.
2. Personal Hygiene: Ensuring clean clothing and disinfect footwear before entering poultry access areas.
3. Environmental Sanitation: Regular cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, vehicles, and poultry housing, particularly after contact with potentially contaminated animals or materials.
4. Wild Bird Control: Preventing wild birds from entering poultry facilities or coming into contact with your flock.
5. Surveillance and Monitoring: Regular health checks and early detection of symptoms can prevent outbreaks from spreading further.

As Ohio’s poultry industry continues to battle the spread of HPAI, it is crucial that all poultry producers, large and small, review their efforts in maintaining these essential biosecurity measures. The risks associated with HPAI are significant, but through vigilance, preparedness, and collaboration, we can work to protect Ohio’s poultry industry and mitigate the broader impact of this disease.

Stay informed, stay prepared, and prioritize biosecurity on your farm. Every step taken today can help prevent the spread of HPAI tomorrow.

A recent webinar on Backyard Flock Biosecurity was presented and is now available. OPA partnered with Ohio Department of Agriculture and Ohio state University Extension to go over an HPAI update, signs and symptoms of AI and biosecurity tips for your flock. If you missed the webinar, you may watch the recording at the link below.

Recording Link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/FSbbJWROqvLE845lyQYCVa-2bpIVbfpxi8xWn_g77oceOn2k5-7DGZtdoFUNCmrm.PNKcUUWIpdmvA9Ua

Passcode: V!8BYZ=H

OSU Extension offers a Backyard Poultry Online Certificate Course at the super cheep price of $25.  This satisfies multiple city requirements plus is a great way for new poultry keepers to learn the basics.  There is a flyer with a QR code plus it has a go link at go.osu.edu/chicken

Backyard Poultry Marketing Flyer

Also, Tim McDermott will be co-hosting a webinar on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza with Dr. Kristy Shaw DVM from the Ohio Department of Agriculture and Jenna Gregorich from the Ohio Poultry Association. We have had our first identified HPAI in Ohio in the last few weeks in both commercial poultry and wildlife and this is a great chance to get your questions asked.

Jan 15 Biosecurity Webinar Invite Final (2)

The webinar will be at Noon on Wednesday January 15^th and is free and open to the public.  We will discuss biosecurity, signs and symptoms of HPAI, and a state update on HPAI, including a little on the effects in dairy.

This webinar requires registration which you can find HERE.

January 15, 2025 at 12:00 pm – Click here to register

Join Ohio Dept. of Agriculture, Ohio Poultry Association, and Ohio State University Extension for an update on HPAI and biosecurity tips to keep your
flock safe.

Speakers

• Dr. Kristy Shaw, ODA- HPAI Update
• Dr. Tim McDermott, OSU – Signs & Symptoms of HPAI
• Jenna Gregorich, OPA- Biosecurity Tips

This is a great opportunity for poultry project members to learn about an industry problem and count it as a training for your 2025 project book.

Printable pdf: Jan 15 Biosecurity Webinar Invite Final

Pickup will be at the Heritage Coop on Third Street. Please come prepared with something to take your poultry home in.  Your housing at home should be ready to go to put your birds in. Anyone can pick up your birds. Youth do not have to be present.

We cannot hold the birds.  They must be picked up during assigned pick up.  Members needing supplies from Heritage are asked to call them ahead of time so your order will be ready.

• Tentative for Market Chickens is July 10 or 11
• Tentative for Market Ducks is July 18 or 19