Avian Flu in the news?

[3bird]

The current outbreak in Maine is in our county, and one of the farms (backyard hobby farm) is quite close. There have been two confirmed cases (both in our county) and two flocks euthanized. We're pretty worried. Because the ground is frozen, we can't really do much in terms of building an expanded run or aviary or some other bird free spot larger than their current covered run (we only have five ducks at present, and their run is 16x8' with an attached 4x8' duckhouse).

One question I do have: Does anyone know how long an area needs to be fallow before ducks can be turned out on it without risk of infection? I'm wondering about a movable run (e.g., chicken tractor).

 

[Andrea PNW]

I've only had my ducks for about a year now. Saw snippets of news about avian flu in the US now? Do I need to be concerned? I'm in Indiana.

Had thought about ordering ducklings (don't need them, just wanted them) but now am thinking maybe just keep the birds I have and don't add more for a while until we see how this plays out?

I'm concerned too. Just read a couple of flocks were euthanized on the east coast of ducks and chickens. I'm in Washington state and according to the USDA there isn't any reports here but there has been in Indiana.

 

[indianaducks]

I'm concerned too. Just read a couple of flocks were euthanized on the east coast of ducks and chickens. I'm in Washington state and according to the USDA there isn't any reports here but there has been in Indiana.

There's another avian flu thread on here where I've been posting Indiana updates. I need to find it and I'll post the link for you.

 

[indianaducks]

I'm concerned too. Just read a couple of flocks were euthanized on the east coast of ducks and chickens. I'm in Washington state and according to the USDA there isn't any reports here but there has been in Indiana.

Here you go.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/avian-influenza-east-coast.1510358/

 

[Andrea PNW]

The current outbreak in Maine is in our county, and one of the farms (backyard hobby farm) is quite close. There have been two confirmed cases (both in our county) and two flocks euthanized. We're pretty worried. Because the ground is frozen, we can't really do much in terms of building an expanded run or aviary or some other bird free spot larger than their current covered run (we only have five ducks at present, and their run is 16x8' with an attached 4x8' duckhouse).

One question I do have: Does anyone know how long an area needs to be fallow before ducks can be turned out on it without risk of infection? I'm wondering about a movable run (e.g., chicken tractor).

Ditto. Following

 

[Miss Lydia]

@3bird why can't you just keep them safe in the run you have It's very nice. and looked pretty good size last I remember.

 

[3bird]

@3bird why can't you just keep them safe in the run you have It's very nice. and looked pretty good size last I remember.

The run is descent size. It's 16x8, and we only have five large breed ducks at the moment, but they are so eager to go out and forage. This is going to become increasingly the case as the snow melts and it gets warmer. My vision was to build them a movable run, so I could put them onto good forage, but I'm clueless as to how long an area must remain fallow to make it safe. Does that make sense?

 

[Miss Lydia]

Yes and sorry I have no idea. What do you mean make it safe. Do you have wild waterfowl that land and forage on your property? Maybe I am clueless becasue unless you are visiting other hobby farms in your area or they you why would you have to leave the property fallow?

 

[Iluveggers]

I think because they could be grazing where a wild bird pooped if the tractor was moved. It’s a good question.

 

[3bird]

Yes and sorry I have no idea. What do you mean make it safe. Do you have wild waterfowl that land and forage on your property? Maybe I am clueless becasue unless you are visiting other hobby farms in your area or they you why would you have to leave the property fallow?

Thanks for the response. My understanding is that wild birds are a common vector. It's also my understanding, after doing some more research since I posted, that the manure of an infected bird can be pathogenic for 3+ months. So if the birds are foraging in a movable covered run (i.e., chicken tractor), they are not protected from any bird feces from an infected wild bird that was in the same area during the previous 3+ months. In other words, a moveable run is not really a viable solution. :-(