Help-Code Enforcement came by

[HannaLee]

Here's the CDC page about hantavirus: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hanta/hps/index.htm


http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hanta/hps/noframes/epislides/episls.htm is an interesting map of US cases. California, a state with a population of 36,961,664 (2009 estimate) had 44 cases.

Here's a chart showing the testing they did for Hantavirus positive animals in in a 20 year timespan, 1975-1995: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/eid/vol3no2/jay.htm

Our county had no human cases in that time period.

 

[freelancer79d]

WHAT 44 Cases....Call the National Gaurd....Call the ARMY....HELP!!!!......lol

 

[freelancer79d]

hows your fight going Hanna?

 

[HeatherLynn]

Quote:
Holy Crap I am supposed to wear protective clothing, why do you people not tell me these things. Dang it my hazmat suit is out at the cleaners too. sigh

 

[PineappleMama]

If they're going to bring up salmonella then I'd fight fire with fire.

Thanks to your backyard flock YOUR family was not at ANY risk in the newest FAILURE on the part of commercial growers to keep healthy plants/animals. YOUR family was 100% safe because your small backyard flock is well cared for and cared for as individuals, not assets that are expendable. Your family's health is the most important thing and having your own hens has protected you 100% from this latest, actually there's been a lunchmeat recall since, scare.

Shall we also bring up toxoplasmosis and the fact that people's cats are allowed to run loose (no leash laws) and poo in other people's gardens... including expectant mothers who could easily become exposed to harmful things due to other people's animals?

Oh yeah, they wanna talk disease we can talk disease. Bring it on.

As to attracting vermin... if your food source is secured, be sure and explain HOW... with pics? and that it's to lower your costs and decrease risk to your flock so it's in YOUR best interests (not just following a law) to keep it secure from rodents. Besides which, you have two cats, and your neighbors have cats, etc partly because they are great mousers. N'mind the snakes, raptors, etc that help.

Perhaps call the local pest control businesses and ask them if, since 'date you got flock' there have been an increase in calls for rodent help... show FACTS, right there from your own town... the ACTUAL, not hypothetical, effect your flock has had on your neighborhood.

Speaking of pests... did you mention that chickens are omnivores that LOVE eating bugs?

Just off the top of my head... please keep us posted.

 

[freelancer79d]

Don't Want Salmonella? Switch to Cage-Free Eggs
News by Toni Brayer MD
(4 Hours Ago) in Health

More than a thousand Americans are ill from eggs contaminated with Salmonella, and it has forced a recall of 1/2 billion eggs and increased scrutiny of the safety of eggs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have tracked the contaminated eggs to two Iowa facilities, one with over 1 million chickens. It turns out that less than 200 big companies supply 95% of the eggs in the United States. Wholesalers and distributors routinely repackage the eggs for sale under other names, like Albertsons or Wholesome Farms.
According to National Public Radio, the Iowa egg producer is part of the DeCoster family business, who has run large hog and chicken operations. They have faced a number of complaints and charges, including employment discrimination, environmental violations, federal immigration charges and animal cruelty charges against their chickens. They paid millions in fines to settle the charges.

There have been nine studies published in the last five years that show higher rates of Salmonella in chickens who are kept in forced confinement compared to a cage-free environment. A caged hen is given only 67 square inches of cage space to live her life. That is less space than a single sheet of paper. The hen cannot nest, perch, spread her wings or walk. Even cage free animals aren't outside pecking on the ground, but they can at least walk and lay their eggs in nests, which is a natural behavior and reduces levels of stress and frustration.

A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology reported that by switching to cage-free systems, the egg industry may be able to cut the risk of Salmonella for the American public by half.

California passed a law requiring that all whole eggs sold statewide be cage-free by 2015. Michigan has also passed laws to phase out the use of cages to confine hens. With 95% of egg-laying hens confined to cages, this is a small start and more legislation is needed to protect food safety. You can do your part by buying only cage free eggs at the market.
http://www.opposingviews.com/i/don-t-want-salmonella-switch-to-cage-free-eggs

 

[HannaLee]

One of the TV news stations in Fresno has picked up the story! We are arranging an interview for this afternoon!!! WOOHOO! I'll post a link if/when I get it.

 

[HannaLee]

The interview was supposed to be 8-29-10, but breaking news took precedence. I live near where the LDS bishop Clay Sannar was shot after services last Sunday.

The reporter and cameraman came this afternoon and did the interview. They filmed in my sad, empty backyard and at my friend Tammy's house, where the chickens are staying. It should show at 6 PM tonight. I will link it when I can.

The next city council meeting will be on Tuesday night at 7 PM. I have quite a few people coming (probably between 25-35 all together) and we are all wearing yellow. I invited the news crew to come and film during the meeting.

 

[HannaLee]

Here's the link to the news clip: http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=news/local&id=7649409 I wish he would have let me wear sunglasses. I look squinty! Overall, except for the fact that there was ONE complaint, not several, it's good!

 

[HannaLee]

Three tv interviews in three days, then tonight the council meeting. Three people spoke, many more attended. The council was still considering the idea, discussing back and forth zoning issues, variances, planning commissions, etc, then suddenly one member said that chickens were livestock, and livestock doesn't belong in the city. He make a proposal to continuing the disallowance of hens and they all voted 5-0 to NOT allow hens. It was going well enough, then changed in 30 seconds.

What do I do next???