South Carolina

[c4eater]

Hey everyone! Just started our flock here in the Lake Bowen area! Hoping to get insights and meet folk with similar interests

 

[annachevalier]

Hello, we just starred ours too not to long ago. What breed of chickens did you decide to go with? We went with a pair of buff and lavender Orpingtons we also have one silverlace Wyandotte hen.

 

[c4eater]

We went with welsummers, black stars and barred rocks. Got them from egg well farms. Good luck with yours!

 

[annachevalier]

Thank you. We hatched out buffs from egg well farm they are great people.

 

[Glenda Heywoodo]

You all better get what chicks you want as there is now:
AVIAN FLU FOUND MARCH 2017
IN TENNESEE.
BIRD FLU: WHAT IT MEANS TO YOU
MARCH 5,2017 AVIAN INFLUENZA IN LINCOLN COUNTY TENNESSEE.
APHIS IS FOLLOWING THE OUTBREAK
The highly contagious, fast-moving and über-deadly H5N2 avian influenza virus annihilated poultry flocks in Canada, Kansas, Washington, Oregon, California, Minnesota, Missouri, Idaho, Arkansas and Wisconsin in 2015. While Bird Flu has primarily affected commercial poultry populations in the US in recent years, this following information is intended to arm you with the tools you need to help protect your flock from Avian Influenza and the many other diseases that could affect your pet chickens.
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/…/backyard-chickens-avian-…
The United States has the strongest AI surveillance program in the world, and USDA is working with its partners to actively look for the disease in commercial poultry operations, live bird markets and in migratory wild bird populations.
Anyone involved with poultry production, from the small backyard to the large commercial producer, should review their biosecurity activities to assure the health of their birds. To facilitate such a review, a biosecurity self-assessment and educational materials can be found at http://www.uspoultry.org/animal_husbandry/intro.cfm
In addition to practicing good biosecurity, all bird owners should prevent contact between their birds and wild birds and report sick birds or unusual bird deaths to State/Federal officials, either through their state veterinarian or through USDA’s toll-free number at 1-866-536-7593. Additional information on biosecurity for backyard flocks can be found at http://healthybirds.aphis.usda.gov.
Additional background
Avian influenza (AI) is caused by an influenza type A virus which can infect poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, domestic ducks, geese and guinea fowl) and is carried by free flying waterfowl such as ducks, geese and shorebirds. AI viruses are classified by a combination of two groups of proteins: hemagglutinin or “H” proteins, of which there are 16 (H1–H16), and neuraminidase or “N” proteins, of which there are 9 (N1–N9). Many different combinations of “H” and “N” proteins are possible. Each combination is considered a different subtype, and can be further broken down into different strains. AI viruses are further classified by their pathogenicity (low or high)— the ability of a particular virus strain to produce disease in domestic chickens.
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USDA Confirms Highly Pathogenic H7 Avian Influenza in a Commercial Flock in Lincoln County, Tennessee
Last Modified: Mar 6, 2017
Print
Contacts:
Donna Karlsons, 301-851-4107
[email protected]
Lyndsay Cole, 970-494-7410
[email protected]
March 5, 2017, Washington – The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic H7 avian influenza (HPAI) of North American wild bird lineage in a commercial chicken breeder flock in Lincoln County, Tennessee. This is the first confirmed case of HPAI in commercial poultry in the United States this year. The flock of 73,500 is located within the Mississippi flyway. Samples from the affected flock, which experienced increased mortality, were tested at Tennessee’s Kord Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory and confirmed at the APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) in Ames, Iowa. Virus isolation is ongoing, and NVSL expects to characterize the neuraminidase protein, or “N-type”, of the virus within 48 hours.
APHIS is working closely with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture on a joint incident response. State officials quarantined the affected premises and birds on the property will be depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease. Birds from the flock will not enter the food system.
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture is working directly with poultry workers at the affected facility to ensure that they are taking the proper precautions to prevent illness and contain disease spread. As a reminder, the proper handling and cooking of poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 ˚F kills bacteria and viruses.
As part of existing avian influenza response plans, Federal and State partners are working jointly on additional surveillance and testing in the nearby area. The United States has the strongest AI surveillance program in the world, and USDA is working with its partners to actively look for the disease in commercial poultry operations, live bird markets and in migratory wild bird populations.
USDA will be informing the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) as well as international trading partners of this finding. USDA also continues to communicate with trading partners to encourage adherence to OIE standards and minimize trade impacts. OIE trade guidelines call on countries to base trade restrictions on sound science and, whenever possible, limit restrictions to those animals and animal products within a defined region that pose a risk of spreading disease of concern.
These virus strains can travel in wild birds without them appearing sick. People should avoid contact with sick/dead poultry or wildlife. If contact occurs, wash your hands with soap and water and change clothing before having any contact with healthy domestic poultry and birds.
All bird owners, whether commercial producers or backyard enthusiasts, should continue to practice good biosecurity, prevent contact between their birds and wild birds, and report sick birds or unusual bird deaths to State/Federal officials, either through their state veterinarian or through USDA’s toll-free number at 1-866-536-7593. Additional information on biosecurity for can be found at www.aphis.usda.gov/animalhealth/defendtheflock
Additional background
Avian influenza (AI) is caused by an influenza type A virus which can infect poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, domestic ducks, geese and guinea fowl) and is carried by free flying waterfowl such as ducks, geese and shorebirds. AI viruses are classified by a combination of two groups of proteins: hemagglutinin or “H” proteins, of which there are 16 (H1–H16), and neuraminidase or “N” proteins, of which there are 9 (N1–N9). Many different combinations of “H” and “N” proteins are possible. Each combination is considered a different subtype, and can be further broken down into different strains. AI viruses are further classified by their pathogenicity (low or high)— the ability of a particular virus strain to produce disease in domestic chickens.
#
USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users).
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/…/news/sa_by_date/sa-2017/hpai-tn
MARCH 5,2017 AVIAN INFLUENZA IN LINCOLN COUNTY TENNESSEE.
APHIS IS FOLLOWING THE OUTBREAK

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Backyard chicken-keeping information, tips, photos & DIY projects with a splash of creativity. The Chicken Chick

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[Glenda Heywoodo]

Well, my goodness you all live in Greenville.
I worked in Greenville for several years.

I lived in Easley SC for almost 19 yrs.
I published the NATIONAL POULTRY NEWS DOWN THERE.
due to health reasons I had to move to South Dakota.
AND THEN IN 12-2005 HAD TO PUT THE NPN TO BED.

I have lots of chicken articles on my two facebook sites, you all come and read them, join and go to
National Poultry News or Glenda Heywood on facebook.
Different articles on both sites.
I hope to see some of you there.

I am on BYC as Glenda Heywood

 

[johanssonmel]

It would be helpful to have a list of signs/symptoms to look out for.

 

[Glenda Heywoodo]

THIS IS HAPPENING NOW.
What do I need to know about Avian Flu?

What is Avian Influenza?

Just like humans, birds can get the flu. “Avian influenza,” “avian flu” or simply “bird flu” is a disease that affects birds, including poultry like chickens, turkeys and ducks. It is caused by a virus that is passed from bird to bird through their saliva, nasal secretions and/or feces. Other susceptible birds pick up the virus by directly touching the infected bird’s fluids or by touching a surface that has been contaminated by the fluids. There are two classifications of bird flu – low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Birds who contract LPAI sometimes don’t show any symptoms or show mild ones, like ruffled feathers or lower egg production. Birds with HPAI suffer more severe symptoms similar to symptoms of human flu like lack of energy or appetite, lack of coordination, coughing, sneezing or nasal secretions, and can cause rapid death.
Can people catch avian influenza?

The risk of humans contracting avian flu is very low, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Scientists say bird flu is not easily transmitted from birds to humans.
What is the status of HPAI incidents in the United States?

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) on March 5, 2017 confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic H7 avian influenza (HPAI) in one commercial broiler breeder flock in Lincoln County, Tennessee, along the Mississippi flyway. The virus was detected on a single farm after experiencing increased mortality, and depopulation of the birds on the farm is complete. All flocks located within a six-mile radius of the farm will be tested and will not be transported unless they test negative for the virus. (A broiler breeder farm contains roosters and hens – known as “parent stock” – which produce fertilized eggs, which hatch into the broiler chickens we raise for meat.)
The strain of bird flu detected at the Tennessee broiler breeder farm is of North American wild bird lineage, and it is not the same strain of bird flu that is currently circulating in Europe and Asia.
APHIS on March 16 confirmed a second case of highly pathogenic H7N9 avian influenza in a commercial breeder flock in Lincoln County, Tennessee. The flock displayed signs of illness and experienced increased mortality. This H7N9 strain is of North American wild bird lineage and is the same strain of avian influenza that was previously confirmed in Tennessee. It is NOT the same as the China H7N9 virus that has impacted poultry and infected humans in Asia. The flock of 55,000 chickens is located in the Mississippi flyway, within three kilometers of the first Tennessee case, within the original surveillance zone that was established. USDA is working with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture on the joint incident response. State officials quarantined the affected premises, and depopulation has begun. Federal and State partners will conduct surveillance and testing of commercial and backyard poultry within a 10 kilometer (6.2 mile) radius of the site.
What are chicken producers doing to prevent avian influenza?

Avian flu is a serious issue that chicken farmers closely monitor together with the USDA and poultry industry. The U.S. has the most robust monitoring and surveillance programs in the world – and detailed plans in place to control spreading among flocks and eliminate the virus completely. All U.S. flocks are tested year-round for avian influenza, and if a single bird in a flock were to test positive for avian flu, then none of those birds would be allowed to enter the food supply.
Farmers, the USDA and the poultry industry as a whole continue to monitor for the virus closely, and have increased surveillance and biosecurity measures to keep flocks protected. Good biosecurity practices on the farm are key to preventing avian influenza from infecting the birds.
The following biosecurity measures are the most important to prevent disease spread and promote flock health:

• Limiting visitors on the farm and minimizing foot traffic;
• Avoiding contact with wild and domestic fowl;
• Avoiding the sharing of farm equipment;
• Having a clean and functioning footbath at each entrance to the broiler house;
• Ensuring that all visitors or personnel have disinfected or new footwear before entering a house or facility;
• Making sure feed and water sources are covered and free of contaminants, limiting the attraction of wild fowl and pests;
• Having official signage clearly stating the farm is a biosecure zone and any unauthorized entry is strictly prohibited;
• Employing effective pest and wild bird management practices; and
• Adequately training farmers, farm and company personnel in biosecurity and disease prevention.

See biosecurity practices in action and learn how farmers monitor the health of the chicken flock.​

 

[Glenda Heywoodo]

Glenda Heywood THAT AND NOT GOING TO OTHER CHICKEN PEOPLES PLACES AND NOT ALLOWING ANY VISITORS TO YOUR PLACE

 

[Glenda Heywoodo]

THIS JUST HAPPENED 3 DAYS AGO

By Tom Polansek | CHICAGO
CHICAGO Aviagen [EWESJA.UL], the world's leading poultry breeding company, has euthanized chickens at a farm in Alabama over concerns about bird flu, the company said on Tuesday, as likely cases of the disease emerged in a top chicken-producing state.
Alabama officials said they suspected that poultry at three sites in the state were infected with the virus, about a week after some 90,500 chickens were culled over infections at two commercial operations across the border in Tennessee.
Aviagen detected the presence of antibodies for the flu virus in a flock in Alabama that showed "no evidence of clinical disease," company spokeswoman Marla Robinson said in an email. The company is based in Alabama.

The company euthanized the flock and "all eggs which were collected from that farm in the production system were traced and removed," she said. Aviagen did not respond to a question about how many birds were killed.
Tony Frazier, Alabama's state veterinarian, said the company chose to cull about 15,000 birds. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) said the farm had 153,000 birds.

A national USDA lab is testing samples from poultry in Alabama to identify the strain of the virus and how lethal it is for birds, after another agency-approved lab identified the H7 subtype of the disease in samples, USDA spokeswoman Lyndsay Cole said.
The birds in Alabama did not show clinical signs of sickness, which indicates they did not have a highly lethal, or pathogenic, form of the virus, Cole said.

In Tennessee, both cases were identified as H7N9. The USDA on March 5 confirmed that one was the United States' first infection of highly pathogenic flu in commercial poultry in a year. Days later, the state said it had found the other case nearby and it was low pathogenic.
Highly pathogenic bird flu led to the deaths of about 50 million birds, mostly egg-laying hens, in the United States in 2014 and 2015.
Another highly pathogenic outbreak would likely represent a financial blow for poultry operators such as Tyson Foods Inc and Pilgrim's Pride Corp because it would kill more birds or require flocks to be culled.
It also would likely trigger more import bans from trading partners, after South Korea, Japan and other countries limited imports after the highly pathogenic case in Tennessee.

Health officials have said the risk of bird flu spreading to people from poultry or making food unsafe was low.
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Separately, Frazier said the owner of a backyard flock suspected of having the virus chose to cull about 70 birds. No poultry linked to the third suspected case, which involved birds at a flea market, have been culled, he said.
Frazier said the cases were still only suspected flu infections and needed to be confirmed by the USDA. Earlier, the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries called a news conference to discuss what it said were three findings of avian influenza.
Alabama raised more than 1 billion chickens for meat in 2015, making it the country's third largest producer, according to the USDA.
The national USDA laboratory, to which samples from the state were sent, is the only one in the United States that officially confirms cases.
The World Organization for Animal Health requires that all confirmed low-pathogenic H5 and H7 bird flu subtypes be reported because of their potential to mutate into highly pathogenic strains. Highly pathogenic cases also must be reported.

(Reporting by Tom Polansek; Editing by Frances Kerry, Toni Reinhold)