AERIAL SPRAYING FOR WEST NILE in DALLAS! Are our chickens safe?

[2mefarm]

I am really concerned because friday night in dallas they are doing an aerial spray for west nile. Are our chicken's safe in coop at night? They have open ventilation I thought we would cover with sheets but what I am worried about the next morning and the yard they roam around in, mostly gravel and dirt...what do we do? should we spray with water? will that help? How long should we NOT eat the eggs? Any advice welcome, we are clueless. I just know this is a serious chemical.

 

[PDXcluck]

Call the national pesticide information center, they will know of the spraying event and if anyone has data on how it might effect your chickens they will.

http://npic.orst.edu/

1.800.858.7378

 

[DalWild]

Checked City of Dallas website - http://www.dallascityhall.com/code_compliance/pdf/WestNile/DuetFAQ.pdf and spoke with National Pesticide Center at the # in the other reply. The spray appears to be harmless to birds, but they recommend copping them and shutting coop (reducing ventilation). Also, take away open food that's out, if possible. Also suggested you run sprinkler in morning to help wash away anything around where they may peck/scratch.

But overall they said the birds should be fine, any absorption into the body would be minimal (less than 1 part per 1,000) from casual contact Minimize risk of ingestion by covering/removing open food/scratch and water their pecking/eating areas.

 

[TXchickmum]

Thanks for the info. We are one county north of Dallas, and likewise, having issues with West Nile. I, too, was wondering about the effects on chickens.

 

[2mefarm]

thank you so much! that was very helpful.

 

[007sChickRanch]

Just got a auto made recorded call that said that they where spraying here in Dallas, Tx. tonight, Thursday from 10 pm to 1 am. On-Chicks, 007sChickRanch

 

[2mefarm]

yes. I just stapled sheets to ventilation areas of coop so that they will be safe tonight. Also spoke to a chicken farmer who said to keep them in coop until noon tomorrow...the chemical should burn off by then from sun. I won't eat eggs for a week just to be safe. I am sure it is fine but I lean on the safe side.