Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[Sally PB]

Be careful if you have to be on the roads or have to walk to the mailbox.

I wear my cleats. ESPECIALLY when walking the dog. Even so, I can slide on the really icy spots.

AI has hit Michigan! Today USDA news; a flock in Kalamazoo county.

Oh no.... Do you have a link?

 

[saysfaa]

https://www.detroitnews.com/story/l...-backyard-flocks-well-large-farms/6891535001/

 

[Sally PB]

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/newsroom/stakeholder-info/sa_by_date/sa-2022/hpai-michigan

"...non-commercial backyard flock (non-poultry) in Kalamazoo County, Michigan."... "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."

"(non-poultry)" does not mean it's not chickens, I've read, here on BYC. It has to do with import/export and commercial food chain terminology or laws. I think. My head is swimming today.

 

[aart]

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/newsroom/stakeholder-info/sa_by_date/sa-2022/hpai-michigan

"...non-commercial backyard flock (non-poultry) in Kalamazoo County, Michigan."... "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."

"(non-poultry)" does not mean it's not chickens, I've read, here on BYC. It has to do with import/export and commercial food chain terminology or laws. I think. My head is swimming today.

Well, that's confusing.
I wonder what quarantine consists of?

 

[RaZ]

MDARD release about the AI.
https://www.michigan.gov/mdard/abou...BPcmZLjWv1NP8SO_3N4xLi8TQYAZOHhpaE5jbVncIYHEY

Follow the link in the report to sign up for e-mail updates.

 

[aart]

Also wondering what if any restrictions on wild bird feeding there might be,
since they seem to be a vector in spreading this disease.
Another reason I am glad I stopped feeding wild birds once I got chickens.

Answers might be in one of the numerous links on this page:
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ou...vian-influenza/defend-the-flock-ai-wild-birds

 

[RaZ]

I wear my cleats. ESPECIALLY when walking the dog. Even so, I can slide on the really icy spots.

Oh no.... Do you have a link?

I need to get some cleats. Meijer had something but I forgot to check them out.

I salted the neighbor's drive today. He is a landscaper and plows in the winter. So the salt he had was the really good commercial stuff. It works even in below zero temps. He also said that I could have some if I wanted it. I might take a coffee can-full and use it around the porch and steps. I usually throw down bird seed or scratch for traction but with this AI thing, I'm going to rethink that plan.

Radio says there is a winter storm watch beginning at 6:00. The live DJ says 2 - 4 inches and the recorded weather man says 1-2. Snow predictions are like playing the lottery: you never get the numbers right.

 

[RaZ]

Also wondering what if any restrictions on wild bird feeding there might be,
since they seem to be a vector in spreading this disease.
Another reason I am glad I stopped feeding wild birds once I got chickens.

The DNR does have restrictions in place but they are buried within the deer-baiting regulations.

It would break my heart to stop feeding the wild birds. I would probably give up my chickens if bird feeders became illegal.

 

[aart]

It would break my heart to stop feeding the wild birds.

You and a million other people.

 

[saysfaa]

I get stopping feeding wild birds to have less around the chickens. But, that aside, if everyone stopped feeding the birds two things would happen to make the AI worse for the wild birds. They would suddenly lose major food supplies; even if they found alternatives, they would use time and energy waiting for the feeders to be refilled before looking for the other sources which would leave them hungry and weakened. The other thing is there would be many fewer food sources total which could mean more birds at each of those.