H5N2

[mg15]

this link from the USDA shows signs and symptoms of the Bird Flu in the flock.

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/birdbiosecurity/biosecurity/basicssigns.htm

 

[mg15]

I have been in a commercial chicken facility. A few years ago. I stopped eating chicken and store bought eggs that day.

It was very traumatic. Those birds suffer, and in my opinion, needlessly. Movies such as "Resistance" bring this to the forefront.

I wholeheartedly agree with your findings. We now raise our own flock for the eggs alone. I just could no longer give my money to that kind of business.
Also, in grade school our "field trip" to the slaughter house, the kill floor, sausage making and the feed lots was a nightmare. I had a dear little friend who put her hand over my eyes the whole time. Bless her.
By the way these national meat packing houses and feed lots were 2 miles from my house. I passed them daily on the bus while in high school.
Traumatic.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

Can I ask how the H5N2 is transmitted. Does the flock have to be all destroyed or is there medication?

I guess if were me I would keep my flock away from the wind coming from that direction, and not let them when it rains.

There is no real medication to treat any contagious chicken ailment, and because H5N2 bird flue is a viral disease there likely won't ever be a cure. The only treatment that I am aware of is total depopulation.

 

[EggheadWI]

I found this stat from a recent article interesting: 


I wonder if there is something about a backyard flock vs. a commercial flock that makes the former less susceptible than the latter: namely, stocking density and sanitation. Think about it. When are you most likely to catch a respiratory illness from another person? When you are constantly crowded next to them and your overall health is being strained by stress and other pathogens. I am not saying that we should be blase about bio-security, but I don't think there is cause for panic; I think we have superior management on our side.

Very well said.

 

[catsandchickens]

Quote: MG15: You saw this in grade school??? Ouch. That's frightening. I saw the facility while working for the New York Humane. We went there on a regular inspection. All that I saw was considered "within normal limits". We at the Humane didn't think it was within normal limits but poultry and other meat process animals are not covered under the laws of humane treatment of animals.

 

[mg15]

MG15: You saw this in grade school??? Ouch. That's frightening. I saw the facility while working for the New York Humane. We went there on a regular inspection. All that I saw was considered "within normal limits". We at the Humane didn't think it was within normal limits but poultry and other meat process animals are not covered under the laws of humane treatment of animals.

Just saw this now.
Yes it was in the fifth grade. In the nations largest meat packing plants at the time. Long time ago.

Yes, "within normal limits " for meat animals there is no justice of all. So sad considering how they have to live in deplorable conditions.
For crying out loud animal hoarders get fined for cruelty.

The feedlot industry is also one of the cruelest way to treat cattle. I have seen them knee deep in manure> really? is that a way to treat the animal you are going to eat.

 

[catsandchickens]

Just saw this now.
Yes it was in the fifth grade. In the nations largest meat packing plants at the time. Long time ago.

Yes, "within normal limits " for meat animals there is no justice of all. So sad considering how they have to live in deplorable conditions.
For crying out loud animal hoarders get fined for cruelty.

The feedlot industry is also one of the cruelest way to treat cattle. I have seen them knee deep in manure> really? is that a way to treat the animal you are going to eat.

That's so cruel. Cattle, as individuals, are very clean animals. Such a horrible way to treat them. And there's no reason for it.