Missouri folks- regarding avian influenza, are we a test out state?

[It_is_I_Rae]

I was going to call the state poultry health program about this but I wanted to know if someone else has already called and got the information first because I'd rather not make a phone call if I don't have to. I know avian flu has not been found here yet but I'm trying to learn all I can in advance to keep my girls safe. I know in some states if you are in a cull zone the state will come in and cull your flock even if they are locked down and uninfected and I'm terrified of that so I need to know what my options are. Are we a test out state? If it comes to this and I end up being in a cull zone, can I demand testing first so that if it comes back negative they leave my birds alone? They're locked down and have not been anywhere near any other birds, wild or domesticated since early december (they hadn't been out of the coop before the bird flu outbreak anyway because of weather and hawks) and they will not be going anywhere outside of their coop until I completely bird proof and disinfect their run. I have coop only shoes and clothes that I do not wear outside of the property. There is no way they could infect or be infected by other birds. I'd be devastated if after all I've done to protect them from this virus the state comes in and destroys them anyway.

 

[It_is_I_Rae]

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[Iluveggers]

 

[cavemanrich]

This is a touchy delicate situation. I know that in California, and surrounding areas, The Newcastle disease was rampant, I think that it is currently under control. Many peeps lost their flocks to the Dept, Of Agriculture actions. Keep a low profile, and don't announce that you have chickens. What They don't know,, they don't act upon. If your flock does contract the avian flu,,, my understanding is,,,,, they will die. You calling to the state with questions,,, I suggest you use someone else's phone,, so they don't register you as a chicken owner.

WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

 

[It_is_I_Rae]

This is a touchy delicate situation. I know that in California, and surrounding areas, The Newcastle disease was rampant, I think that it is currently under control. Many peeps lost their flocks to the Dept, Of Agriculture actions. Keep a low profile, and don't announce that you have chickens. What They don't know,, they don't act upon. If your flock does contract the avian flu,,, my understanding is,,,,, they will die. You calling to the state with questions,,, I suggest you use someone else's phone,, so they don't register you as a chicken owner.

WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Crap. They already have my email address because I emailed them first but I guess I won't be giving them my number

 

[It_is_I_Rae]

This is a touchy delicate situation. I know that in California, and surrounding areas, The Newcastle disease was rampant, I think that it is currently under control. Many peeps lost their flocks to the Dept, Of Agriculture actions. Keep a low profile, and don't announce that you have chickens What They don't know,, they don't act upon. If your flock does contract the avian flu,,, my understanding is,,,,, they will die. You calling to the state with questions,,, I suggest you use someone else's phone,, so they don't register you as a chicken owner.

WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

So I'm guessing you don't know what the Missouri laws are either?

 

[cavemanrich]

Email is more searching for general location, although it can be done,,, I don't think the authorities will go to these extremes. This is not a murder investigation. A phone number pops address in no time easily

 

[cavemanrich]

So I'm guessing you don't know what the Missouri laws are either?

No I don't,, Just responded with general precautions to take.

 

[It_is_I_Rae]

No I don't,, Just responded with general precautions to take.

Fair enough. Thank you. Any tips on not making it obvious that I have chickens? My neighbors know I have chickens.

 

[cavemanrich]

Fair enough. Thank you. Any tips on not making it obvious that I have chickens? My neighbors know I have chickens.

They are not likely to snitch on you. Most are not aware of the avian flu,, and don't have concerns about it if flu does arrive. In short order terminology, "they don't have a dog in it"