oklahoma chickenstock-- SUCCESS!!!AWESOME!!!THANKS TO ALL!!
- Thread starter Mawchickkidie
- Start date
here is an article. you can also GOOGLE
avain flu in Bentonville AR
http://nwarealestatenews.wordpress.com/2008/06/04/tyson-breeder-farm-exposed-to-avian-flu/
it looks to be a weak strain, but they are cautious about mutation of the virus.
here is alink about USDA Biosecurity to protect small backyard producers
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/lpa/pubs/fsheet_faq_notice/faq_ahbiosecbirds.html
avain flu in Bentonville AR
http://nwarealestatenews.wordpress.com/2008/06/04/tyson-breeder-farm-exposed-to-avian-flu/
it looks to be a weak strain, but they are cautious about mutation of the virus.
here is alink about USDA Biosecurity to protect small backyard producers
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/lpa/pubs/fsheet_faq_notice/faq_ahbiosecbirds.html
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Man I had a business sending out the info in their customer newsletter too. I just wonder about all the people who heard about it from word of mouth etc that will have no clue it may get cancelled. Esp. those that get Backyard Poultry magazine, since we were in that this month. And then show up...and no one is there.
Plus I have all this stuff here! LoL
Plus I have all this stuff here! LoL
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- Thread starter
- #214
Oklahome ChickenStock Has Been Canceled and will be rescheduled for sometime in early October. We have been asked to cancel it do to public safety and which would only be wise at this point to protect our own flocks, I would hate for BYC to get a bad rap if we had the show and then something were to happen, so in the best interest for everyone I am canceling the show. But I would like all the BYC members who where planning on coming or who wanted to come and couldn't to post and let me know on what dates in october everybody would like to have it, and then I will get with the fair board and see what we have open. I know that it has been one thing right after another on planning this but it will happen come heck or High water and the creek don't flood. It also gives us a lot more time to find more sponsers and raffle donations and better prizes to give away. Plus it will be alot cooler on our bird and us if we wait and do it then anyway. So this is just a bump and as mom always tells me better things come to those who wait
So this just means that all of those who couldn't make it might just be able to now. Let me know what dates everyone wants and we will get the ball rollin once again. Mawchickkidie
Ok so we are really bummed about Chickenstock being canceled but I truly understand and respect the reason for postponing the festivities. Plus my cochin rooster will be even fluffier then and he is quite the handsome roo.
I do want to point out something about the Tyson outbreak that I think everyone should be aware of. Tyson birds are raised in hugh metal buildings and never go outside or even see the sun until they are stuffed in cages and sent to slaughter. I watched a documentary on PBS about this not more then a few months ago. So knowing this, how did their birds get exposed to the Avian Flu?
Any insight to this would be appreciated. I have only been raising poultry for a little over a year and am still learning. Quite honestly the Avian Flu scares me not only because the threat to my health and families health but the thought of having my entire flock destroyed breaks my heart. Each bird I have hand picked or hatched from specifically chosen breds of eggs. My first flock was slaughtered (all 25 chickens and 5 turkeys) in one night by a band of raccoons. Everyone here on this forum probably feels the same, I am sure. If there are any suggestions on ways I can protect my flock I would be grateful to hear them.
I do want to point out something about the Tyson outbreak that I think everyone should be aware of. Tyson birds are raised in hugh metal buildings and never go outside or even see the sun until they are stuffed in cages and sent to slaughter. I watched a documentary on PBS about this not more then a few months ago. So knowing this, how did their birds get exposed to the Avian Flu?
Any insight to this would be appreciated. I have only been raising poultry for a little over a year and am still learning. Quite honestly the Avian Flu scares me not only because the threat to my health and families health but the thought of having my entire flock destroyed breaks my heart. Each bird I have hand picked or hatched from specifically chosen breds of eggs. My first flock was slaughtered (all 25 chickens and 5 turkeys) in one night by a band of raccoons. Everyone here on this forum probably feels the same, I am sure. If there are any suggestions on ways I can protect my flock I would be grateful to hear them.
- Thread starter
- #219
well folks it will be either the 4th or the 11th of october let me do a little area research as to all the events that will be going on around those times and I will get back to ya'll on that.
Muesky I totally agree with you on the how in the heck did they get the flu when all the bird are raised in barns unless one of the growers or hands owns a flock or has a pond nearby that wild geese would have access to. I thought that commerical growers could't have backyard flocks just for that reason of the potental damage that it may cause for the company flocks. Oh well someone messed up big time somewhere!
hooligan tell bob I'm sorry and not to be too mad at me I was only thinking of him and his mommy
as for the food I had start out at sams club this morning and had bought all the paper stuff and cheese and chilli and I was at the hostess bread company standing in line with about 20 packages of hot dog buns when I got the call to cancel boy was that a close call!
I don't know what I would have done with all that bread as of at this point I'm afraid to go near any wild geese at the parks
and my chickens would be sick of bread after about 2 days of it.
Well make sure you all spread the word about the stock being rescheduled and maybe we can get even more people to come in October. well night ya'll Mawchickkidie
Muesky I totally agree with you on the how in the heck did they get the flu when all the bird are raised in barns unless one of the growers or hands owns a flock or has a pond nearby that wild geese would have access to. I thought that commerical growers could't have backyard flocks just for that reason of the potental damage that it may cause for the company flocks. Oh well someone messed up big time somewhere!
hooligan tell bob I'm sorry and not to be too mad at me I was only thinking of him and his mommy
Well make sure you all spread the word about the stock being rescheduled and maybe we can get even more people to come in October. well night ya'll Mawchickkidie
Okie dokie, for those who are not link clickers, this is the story:
Tyson Breeder Farm Exposed to Avian Flu
A 65-week-old breeder flock on a West Fork poultry farm under contact by Tyson Foods Inc. tested positive Friday for exposure to a low-strain bird flu virus known as H7N3.
The low pathogen strain poses no human health risk. It is not the highly pathogenic H5N1 virus that has previously affected birds in Asia, Europe and Africa and resulted in human death, health experts said.
The flock of 15,000 was routinely tested prior to leaving the farm for processing last weekend as required by federal and state protocol. Old breeder hens grown in this region are typically slaughtered in Jay, Okla. and processed into soup meat, but these hens never left the farm, according Jon Fitch, director for the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission in Little Rock.
Fitch said the USDA protocol in place to eradicate H5 and H7 strains of bird flu was tested and passed with flying colors in recent days, as the affected flock has been identified and destroyed. The incredible speed at which the outbreak was contained is essential to keep virus pathogens from mutating into more virulent strains, he said.
The Tyson Foods breeder flock tested positive for the H7N3 antibodies found in the blood stream, but tested negative for actually having avian flu, Fitch said.
Tyson Foods said that local testing and further testing at the USDA lab in Ames, Iowa found no indication the birds had the virus, and the breeder hens displayed no signs of illness prior to testing.
Frank Jones, a poultry expert with the University of Arkansas, said the state usually sees up to 10 such occurrences each year, particularly in the spring and fall as migratory geese and ducks frequent ponds located on farms like the West Fork site.
He said the wet spring weather likely aided in the longer presence of migratory geese, but temperatures consistently above 80 degrees help to kill keep most of the virus down through the summer months until the fall.
"It is believed that migratory geese could have shed the virus, which was picked up on the boot of a poultry worker and carried into the poultry house," Fitch said.
Once detected, the farm was put on quarantine and all farms within a 10-mile radius are being tested as precaution in compliance with the protocol. Tyson Foods said as a preventative measure, Tyson is also stepping up its surveillance of avian influenza in the area testing all breeder farms that serve the local poultry complex.
The breeder flock has been depopulated. The remains are being buried as another precaution although it is not required by the USDA, Fitch said.
Since the virus does not spread through eggs, chicks born from these breeders are not at risk for infection, experts said.
Litter from the breeder house will require special attention, Jones said. He expects that Tyson Foods will ensure the litter is properly treated.
The breeder flock is a small financial loss to Tyson Foods, but Jones said the loss was minimized by the birds being at the end of their life cycle. Breeder hens are an expensive item to poultry companies, costing them about $7 to $8 per hen at the time they start laying at 20 weeks.
He said Tyson Foods would have about $115,000 in the hens at 20 weeks and substantially more during their peak laying period. Near the end of the life cycle, the spent hens are worth less to the company.
He estimates the West Fork farmer will be back up and operational after the scheduled clean out and routine downtime associated with getting a new flock.
And how to protect your flock:
Q. What is backyard biosecurity?A. Backyard biosecurity means doing everything you can to protect your birds from disease. There are six basic steps you can take to protect your flocks and to promote Biosecurity for the Birds:
1. Limit unwanted traffic to your property and your birds.
2. Keep it clean. Use bleach or other disinfectant on your shoes, clothes, egg trays, flats, and tools. Wash your hands thoroughly.
3. Dont haul disease home on your truck or car. Clean and disinfect car and truck tires, cages, and equipment before going home if youve been near other birds.
4. Dont borrow diseases from other farms by using your neighbors equipment, cages, tools, or supplies.
5. Know the warning signs of infectious bird diseases.
6. Report any sick birds to your local cooperative extension agent, local veterinarian, the State veterinarian, or the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) office at 18665367593.
Q. Why should I care about biosecurity?
A. Outbreaks of bird diseases, such as exotic Newcastle disease (END) or avian influenza (AI), can spread and kill flocks quickly. An outbreak can
happen anywhere and these diseases can spread to surrounding birds if not immediately reported and contained. Early detection and reporting are the most important steps in eradicating a disease outbreak.
Q. What is END?
A. END, or exotic Newcastle disease, is a contagious and fatal poultry disease that affects chickens, turkeys, and many other species of birds. An outbreak of END in California and other western States in 2002/2003 cost Federal and State Governments more than $170 million. Pet and poultry owners not only lost birds, but in some cases their livelihoods. For more information go to http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/birdbiosecurity.
Q. What is AI or bird flu?
A. Avian influenza or bird flu is a highly contagious viral disease that can infect many types of birds. For more information go to http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/birdbiosecurity
Q. Can pet birds get these diseases?
A. Virtually all birds, including pet varieties, are susceptible to END and AI.
Q. What are the warning signs of infectious bird diseases?
A. 1. Sudden increase in bird deaths in your flock.
2. Sneezing, gasping for air, coughing, nasal discharge.
3. Watery and green diarrhea.
4. Lack of energy and poor appetite.
5. Drop in egg production or thinshelled misshapen eggs.
6. Swelling around the eyes and neck and head.
7. Purple discoloration of the wattles, combs, and legs (AI).
8. Tremors, drooping wings, circling, twisting of head and neck, or lack of movement (END)
Q. Who should you call?
A. Dont wait. If your birds are sick or dying, call your local cooperative extension office, local veterinarian, the State veterinarian or the USDAs Veterinary Services office to report it. USDA operates a tollfree hotline (18665367593) with veterinarians who can help you. There is no charge to conduct a disease investigation.
Q. Should I report a sick bird even if I am not sure it is END or AI?
A. Yes. Let the experts make the determination. It is better for people to be cautious than to let one of these highly contagious diseases go unreported.
Q. How can I get more information on backyard biosecurity?
A. You can find out more information by visiting USDAs Biosecurity for the Birds Web site at www.aphis.usda.gov/vs.
Q. What is APHIS?
A. APHIS stands for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of USDA. The agency has the responsibility for protecting American agriculture from foreign animal diseases, and for eradicating those diseases should they enter the country.
This is just taken from the links Pudge posted
Tyson Breeder Farm Exposed to Avian Flu
A 65-week-old breeder flock on a West Fork poultry farm under contact by Tyson Foods Inc. tested positive Friday for exposure to a low-strain bird flu virus known as H7N3.
The low pathogen strain poses no human health risk. It is not the highly pathogenic H5N1 virus that has previously affected birds in Asia, Europe and Africa and resulted in human death, health experts said.
The flock of 15,000 was routinely tested prior to leaving the farm for processing last weekend as required by federal and state protocol. Old breeder hens grown in this region are typically slaughtered in Jay, Okla. and processed into soup meat, but these hens never left the farm, according Jon Fitch, director for the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission in Little Rock.
Fitch said the USDA protocol in place to eradicate H5 and H7 strains of bird flu was tested and passed with flying colors in recent days, as the affected flock has been identified and destroyed. The incredible speed at which the outbreak was contained is essential to keep virus pathogens from mutating into more virulent strains, he said.
The Tyson Foods breeder flock tested positive for the H7N3 antibodies found in the blood stream, but tested negative for actually having avian flu, Fitch said.
Tyson Foods said that local testing and further testing at the USDA lab in Ames, Iowa found no indication the birds had the virus, and the breeder hens displayed no signs of illness prior to testing.
Frank Jones, a poultry expert with the University of Arkansas, said the state usually sees up to 10 such occurrences each year, particularly in the spring and fall as migratory geese and ducks frequent ponds located on farms like the West Fork site.
He said the wet spring weather likely aided in the longer presence of migratory geese, but temperatures consistently above 80 degrees help to kill keep most of the virus down through the summer months until the fall.
"It is believed that migratory geese could have shed the virus, which was picked up on the boot of a poultry worker and carried into the poultry house," Fitch said.
Once detected, the farm was put on quarantine and all farms within a 10-mile radius are being tested as precaution in compliance with the protocol. Tyson Foods said as a preventative measure, Tyson is also stepping up its surveillance of avian influenza in the area testing all breeder farms that serve the local poultry complex.
The breeder flock has been depopulated. The remains are being buried as another precaution although it is not required by the USDA, Fitch said.
Since the virus does not spread through eggs, chicks born from these breeders are not at risk for infection, experts said.
Litter from the breeder house will require special attention, Jones said. He expects that Tyson Foods will ensure the litter is properly treated.
The breeder flock is a small financial loss to Tyson Foods, but Jones said the loss was minimized by the birds being at the end of their life cycle. Breeder hens are an expensive item to poultry companies, costing them about $7 to $8 per hen at the time they start laying at 20 weeks.
He said Tyson Foods would have about $115,000 in the hens at 20 weeks and substantially more during their peak laying period. Near the end of the life cycle, the spent hens are worth less to the company.
He estimates the West Fork farmer will be back up and operational after the scheduled clean out and routine downtime associated with getting a new flock.
And how to protect your flock:
Q. What is backyard biosecurity?A. Backyard biosecurity means doing everything you can to protect your birds from disease. There are six basic steps you can take to protect your flocks and to promote Biosecurity for the Birds:
1. Limit unwanted traffic to your property and your birds.
2. Keep it clean. Use bleach or other disinfectant on your shoes, clothes, egg trays, flats, and tools. Wash your hands thoroughly.
3. Dont haul disease home on your truck or car. Clean and disinfect car and truck tires, cages, and equipment before going home if youve been near other birds.
4. Dont borrow diseases from other farms by using your neighbors equipment, cages, tools, or supplies.
5. Know the warning signs of infectious bird diseases.
6. Report any sick birds to your local cooperative extension agent, local veterinarian, the State veterinarian, or the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) office at 18665367593.
Q. Why should I care about biosecurity?
A. Outbreaks of bird diseases, such as exotic Newcastle disease (END) or avian influenza (AI), can spread and kill flocks quickly. An outbreak can
happen anywhere and these diseases can spread to surrounding birds if not immediately reported and contained. Early detection and reporting are the most important steps in eradicating a disease outbreak.
Q. What is END?
A. END, or exotic Newcastle disease, is a contagious and fatal poultry disease that affects chickens, turkeys, and many other species of birds. An outbreak of END in California and other western States in 2002/2003 cost Federal and State Governments more than $170 million. Pet and poultry owners not only lost birds, but in some cases their livelihoods. For more information go to http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/birdbiosecurity.
Q. What is AI or bird flu?
A. Avian influenza or bird flu is a highly contagious viral disease that can infect many types of birds. For more information go to http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/birdbiosecurity
Q. Can pet birds get these diseases?
A. Virtually all birds, including pet varieties, are susceptible to END and AI.
Q. What are the warning signs of infectious bird diseases?
A. 1. Sudden increase in bird deaths in your flock.
2. Sneezing, gasping for air, coughing, nasal discharge.
3. Watery and green diarrhea.
4. Lack of energy and poor appetite.
5. Drop in egg production or thinshelled misshapen eggs.
6. Swelling around the eyes and neck and head.
7. Purple discoloration of the wattles, combs, and legs (AI).
8. Tremors, drooping wings, circling, twisting of head and neck, or lack of movement (END)
Q. Who should you call?
A. Dont wait. If your birds are sick or dying, call your local cooperative extension office, local veterinarian, the State veterinarian or the USDAs Veterinary Services office to report it. USDA operates a tollfree hotline (18665367593) with veterinarians who can help you. There is no charge to conduct a disease investigation.
Q. Should I report a sick bird even if I am not sure it is END or AI?
A. Yes. Let the experts make the determination. It is better for people to be cautious than to let one of these highly contagious diseases go unreported.
Q. How can I get more information on backyard biosecurity?
A. You can find out more information by visiting USDAs Biosecurity for the Birds Web site at www.aphis.usda.gov/vs.
Q. What is APHIS?
A. APHIS stands for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of USDA. The agency has the responsibility for protecting American agriculture from foreign animal diseases, and for eradicating those diseases should they enter the country.
This is just taken from the links Pudge posted
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